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Astoria Ferry Service, One Year On
It’s been a year since Astoria got its own ferry service, and it’s safe to say it remains highly popular. (If you missed this video of the first day of ferry service, it’s worth watching!...
Clare Doyle
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District 22 Participatory Budgeting Call for Proposals
Do you have a vision for a capital improvement project in District 22? Is there a playground, library, school or street in our neighborhood you know of that needs a little TLC? Participatory Budgeting could...
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Elevators Will Go Up at Astoria Blvd Station
One of several nice features of living in Astoria is the quick commute into Manhattan and Brooklyn via the R, N and W train lines. But for many—parents with baby carriages, tourists wielding suitcases and...
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Cosmos FM Radio Interview
On Wednesday August 8, Richard Khuzami, the President/founder of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association, and the owner/founder of Dahdoo Productions, will be interviewed on Ilias S. Katsos’s East Mediterranean Business & Culture program on COSMOS FM...
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Welcome to the New Noguchi Museum Director
Astoria groups, local officials and arts-minded community members gathered last week at the Noguchi Museum, in a courtyard housing magnificent examples of the work of the Japanese sculptor who located his studio in our neighborhood....
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Aviation Job Fair
Are you job-hunting? Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, and the Council for Airport Opportunity are sponsoring an Aviation Job Fair at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center, Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd, Kew Gardens, on...
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Free Book Bag Give-away
It may be hot and sunny out there, but back to school season is just around the calendar! St. George’s Episcopal Church wants to help your kids be organized this fall, so they are hosting...
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Rain Barrel Giveaway at Chappetto Square
District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides is partnering with Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas to host a rain barrel giveaway at Chappetto Square (Hoyt Avenue and 23rd Street) on Saturday, July 28th, starting...
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Mount Sinai Queens Events In July
When it comes to your health, Mount Sinai Queens believes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! So they have the community covered with a wide range of health events in...
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Pedal for Parks On July 21
The Friends of Astoria Heights Park are partnering with Community Board 1, the 114th Precinct and Make Queens Safer in a Pedal for Parks event on Saturday July 21. This family-friendly bike ride to neighborhood...
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Youth Fun Day at St. George’s Episcopal Church, June 16
On Saturday June 16, Historic St. George’s Episcopal Church is hosting a Youth Fun Day from 11.30 am to 3 pm. This fabulous free event is for kids ages 4 to 14—there will be arts...
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FDNY 4th Annual Open House
This is an event our community won’t want to miss! On Saturday, June 16th, and Sunday, June 17th, the FDNY will host its 4th annual citywide Open House program. More than 200 firehouses and EMS...
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Help Paint a Mural at the Steinway Playground
**UPDATE** Due to poor weather conditions, the event has been cancelled on Monday and delayed until Tuesday per Brittany Baldwin. The New York City Parks Department is putting in a mural at Steinway Playground by...
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Variety Boys & Girls Club Proposed Renovation
An ambitious project which will allow for the expansion and renovation of the Variety Boys and Girls Club on 21st st in Astoria has been proposed. New renderings have been unveiled for the 14-story mixed-use...
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Family Fun At Rainey Park
Central Astoria LDC invites you to an afternoon of Family Fun at Rainey Park on Sunday June 3rd from 12 noon to 3 pm. There will be face painting, cotton candy, balloon art, crafts, and...
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Together In Teal Event On Roosevelt Island
Together in Teal! On Saturday May 19, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is hosting the first New York City Run/Walk to break the silence on Ovarian Cancer. The event takes place on Firefighter’s Field, 405-425...
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Health and Wellness Block party
Please join our friends at Goodwill for their Health and Wellness Block Party outside their location at 4-21 27th Avenue, on Saturday May 12 from 10 am to 3 pm. There will be food, music,...
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NYC Organics Recycling is Coming to Astoria
Please join the Greater Astoria Historical Society on Monday May 7 at 7 pm for a presentation about NYC Organics Recycling, coming soon to our neighborhood. Whether you are a homeowner, renter or building manager,...
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International Cultural Fest 2018
Please join Central Astoria LDC for International Cultural Fest 2018 on Sunday, April 29th from 12 noon to 5 pm at the street fair on Steinway Street, between Broadway and 31st Avenue. Enjoy music and...
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Earth Day Festivities in Astoria Park
On Sunday April 22nd, from 1 to 4 pm, Astoria Park Alliance is hosting a nature-themed Earth Day event on the main lawn of Astoria Park to kick off the 2018 season of events. This...
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Jane’s Walk in Old Astoria, Saturday May 5
Once a year, “Jane’s Walks” take place in cities across the country. Jane’s Walks are free tours/walking conversations inspired by the journalist and urban planning pioneer Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories...
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Open House at Historic St. George’s Church
Historic St. George’s Church will be hosting an Open House on Saturday. May 5, from 11 am to 5pm. There will be tours of the church and cemetery. Come find out more about the history...
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A New Field House for Queensbridge Park
Good news for Queensbridge Park—the dilapidated old Field House, closed for many years, is to be demolished and ground has been broken for a new, energy-efficient park house that will serve as a community center...
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Tide Mill Conference
On Saturday April 7 2018, the Tide Mill Institute and Greater Astoria Historical Society present a conference particularly interesting for residents of our waterfront community: A City of Tides: The Past and Future of New...
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NYC Ferry Jobs
Last August saw the opening of the new ferry service to and from Astoria. With spring and summer bringing back full ferry service, NYC Ferry is hiring! Check out job openings that range from deckhand and mechanic...
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MTA Sued over Station Accessibility
MTA Sued over Station Accessibility by US Attorney General for the Southern District of New York. As many of our members and friends know, OANA has taken a strong position on the need to improve...
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Central Astoria LDC’s Multicultural Celebration
Many ethnic cultures contribute to the diversity for which our community is justly famous, and now Central Astoria LDC is bringing us a fabulous Multicultural Celebration on Sunday March 18th from 12.30 to 5 pm....
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Withdrawal of Hallets Point Funding Probed
The New York City Council is investigating the withdrawal of $43.5 million in financing from the affordable housing project at Hallets Point, that would also have provided money for boiler repairs at the nearby Astoria...
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Neptune Diner May Depart
The future of the much-loved Neptune Diner, at the foot of the Astoria Boulevard N/W train station, is in doubt. The Astoria Post reports that the site, 31-05 Astoria Blvd., that houses the diner and...
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OANA President Interviewed by Queens Ledger
The Queens Ledger recently published a profile of Richard Khuzami, President of OANA. The article depicts his family background, love of Astoria and community activism that goes back many years To quote the Queens Ledger,...
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Rally for Better Transit at the Ditmars Boulevard Station
Just when you thought the station renovations on the N/W line couldn’t be any more inconvenient, it’s just been announced that the Ditmars Boulevard station will be under reconstruction from April 2018 through June 2019....
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Van Bramer’s City Council Appointments
The New York City Council the City Council voted on committee assignments and leadership positions for the new term. District 26 Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer continues to serve as the Chair of the Cultural...
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NYC Free Tax Prep Program
Are you a New Yorker who earned $66,000 or less in 2017? Good news! You may qualify for free tax preparation services. Those services could include free online filing and in-person filing with an IRS certified...
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Deadline for 2018 ArtHotel Residency is January 8
Attention artists! The deadline to apply for the Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) ArtHotel Residency program is Monday January 8th at 5 pm. Emerging artists from all disciplines may apply; you must be 18...
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MulchFest in Astoria Park
It’s time to take the Christmas tree down and New York City wants to turn your holiday greenery into mulch. The annual MulchFest event will be held at various locations throughout the city, including Astoria...
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Astoria Wins the Curbed Cup 2017
The votes are in—and Astoria is the winner of the 2017 Curbed Cup! Astoria beat out the Manhattan finalist, Yorkville, with an impressive 60% of the vote in the final round. Curbed NY notes that...
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Astoria Heights Park Potluck Brunch and Book Swap
On Saturday January 21st from 11 am to 2 pm, please join the Friends of Astoria Heights Park for their 5th Annual Potluck Brunch and Book Swap. Start your New Year’s resolution to de-clutter by...
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Curbed NY; New poll to determine NYC’s hot neighborhoods
Curbed Cup NY 2017 is pitting 2 neighborhoods against each other for supremacy in their list of the best neighborhoods of NYC. Astoria, a diverse neighborhood known for its “Village” feel in an urban environment,...
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Awards for Astoria Architectural Developments
The Graffiti House project at 11-07 Welling Court in Astoria was among those honored at the recent Queens Chamber of Commerce Annual Building Awards Gala. Graffiti House received the Interior Design, mixed use, residential/commercial/industrial award...
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An End to Larger Truck Traffic on Astoria Boulevard
New York State Assemblymember Aravella Simotas announced that by the end of this year, larger trucks will be permitted to remain on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE) and will no longer be detoured onto local...
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Tragic Discovery in the East River
The City Medical Examiner’s office is performing an autopsy on the body of a woman discovered floating in the waters of the East River beside Astoria Park on Sunday December 10. The Western Queens Gazette...
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114th Precinct Neighborhood Policing and Safety Meeting
The NYPD 114th Precinct invite you to meet the Sector David officers who are assigned to neighborhood policing in your community. On Thursday December 14th there will be a Neighborhood Policing and Safety Meeting at...
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Holiday Food Drive
‘Tis the season when many of us flock to our local supermarkets to stock up on holiday foods and treats. But for some in our community, even basic staples may be beyond their means some...
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The Astoria Waterfront and the New Ferry Service in the Big Picture
Many Astoria residents have taken to the new ferry service from Hallets Cove like the proverbial ducks to water. After all, would you rather cram yourself into the overcrowded and delay-plagued subway system or stroll...
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Astoria Market Returns to Bohemian Hall
Stressed out about holiday shopping? We have good news: the artisan Astoria Market is returning to Bohemian Hall, with handmade crafts, vintage items and baked goods to fulfill all your gift needs. The dates of...
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Shakespeare Live in LIC
What a treat for the holiday season: a staged dramatic reading of one of the Bard’s best-loved plays at the Long Island City Community Library on Monday December 4. William Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, or...
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OANA Advocating Parking Permit Program
OANA is backing a bill calling for the establishment of a parking permit program in East Elmhurst, and is advocating for it to be expanded to parts of Astoria. This would be a one-year pilot...
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Rainey Park Walking Tour and Drop-In Session
Green Shore NYC, a non-profit organization that advocates for a cleaner, greener and more accessible East River waterfront in Astoria and Long Island City, is looking for feedback on Rainey Park (Vernon Blvd and 34th...
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Applications Open for NYC Kindergartens
Online applications opened for NYC kindergartens on Tuesday November 28. If your child was born in the calendar year 2013, you can apply. Who Can Apply to Kindergarten? New York City residents Families with children...
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San Francisco Ferry Boat Visits New York
The ferry Zelinsky, which started its career San Francisco Bay 30 years ago, was providing free ferry rides in New York City this week. The Mozilla company hired the Zelinsky from Hornblower Metro Fleet LLC...
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Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting in Astoria Park
On Saturday December 2nd, please join Central Astoria LDC for their 5th Annual Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration on the Great Lawn in Astoria Park from 2 to 5 pm. Join friends and neighbors...
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Represent Your Neighbors on Community Board 1
Are you civic-minded and interested in playing a part in New York City’s governance? Why not apply to join your local community board? Queens Borough President Melinda Katz is accepting applications for new members of...
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Affordable Housing Units Open on the Astoria Waterfront
Have you always dreamed of living near the East River waterfront? Applications are now open for 21 affordable units in Vernon Tower, at 11-06 31st Drive, an 8-story luxury building that overlooks Socrates Sculpture Park....
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Has NaNoWriMo Got You Down?
Every year all over the world, authors and would-be authors sign themselves up for National Novel Writing Month, otherwise known as NaNoWriMo. The goal is to write 50,000 words before November 30th—the average length of...
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Footloose at Last
Our City Council, after many years of lobbying from those who have created New York City’s famous nightlife scene, has voted to repeal the Cabaret Law. This antiquated statute had long since ceased to be...
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Big Reuse is Closing Their Astoria Store
Big Reuse is closing their Queens store, which came to the Astoria waterfront more than a decade ago. In a letter on Big Reuse’s website, director Justin Finley said that “our landlord now wants to...
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Socrates Sculpture Park Wants You
It’s that time of the year when Socrates Sculpture Park sends out an open call artists to submit proposals for the 2018 Emerging Artist Fellowship (EAF), an annual residency program at this local treasure on...
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Film Screening at the Noguchi Museum
On Wednesday November 15th, there will be a free film screening at the Noguchi Museum. The museum presents Membra Disjecta: Gonzalo Fonseca and the Heart of Stone, a new biographical film by Michael Gregory. The...
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Celebrating the Hellgate Photo Exhibit
The Hellgate 100 Committee has been hard at work this year, organizing commemorative events such as the cleaning and painting of the Bridge’s supports and the vibrant murals “Liberty, Justice and Freedom” and “HellGate 100”...
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Community Input for Chappetto Square Renovation
There was considerable enthusiasm for an upcoming local renovation project amongst the community members who turned out to tell the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation what they would like to see happen at local...
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Asthma Legislation Introduced
District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides has announced the introduction of a legislative package to combat asthma. Costa was joined in support by legislation co-sponsor and Council’s Health Committee Chair Councilman Corey Johnson, St. Mary’s...
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Astoria Kayak Launch Design Session
The first visioning session for the Astoria Kayak Launch will take place on Thursday, November 2, from 7 to 8pm at the Astoria Houses Community Center. Join NYCEDC, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and...
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Can You “Be-Leaf” It’s That Time of Year
Yes, the summer went quickly and the leaves are starting to turn color. But they won’t stay on the trees for long! The Leaf Collection Schedule for Community Board 1 is Set out after 4...
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HALLOWEEN HARVEST FESTIVAL AT SOCRATES
It’s the spook-tacular finale to the season at Socrates Sculpture Park—the Halloween Harvest Festival on Saturday October 28th from 11AM to 3PM. This is a free event and no RSVP is required. 11AM – 2PM:...
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NYC Ferry’s Winter Schedule
If you are enjoying taking the new Astoria ferry service to work—or for pleasure excursions—it is likely that the winter service will be somewhat reduced to match an expected decrease in ridership, AMNY reports that...
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OFFICE RECYCLING 2.0
If you run a business or you are a landlord leasing space to commercial tenants, you should be aware that the regulations for office recycling in New York City have recently changed. New rules now...
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OANA’s Position on Renovations of Elevated N Subway Stations
If you ride the N/W train line in Astoria, you are likely aware that the 30th Avenue and 36th Avenue stops are about to close for months of renovation. Once these upgrades are completed, the...
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Chappetto Square Community Input Meeting
It was recently announced that Chappetto Square in Astoria was added to the Community Parks Initiative program and will therefore receive funding from the city for a renovation and upgrades. What will the renovation of...
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Be A District 22 Participatory Budgeting Delegate
It’s time to move on the next stage of Participatory Budgeting for District 22. Capital project ideas for how to invest $1 million in our community were recently collected at in-person Neighborhood Assemblies and online....
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Central Astoria’s Halloween Party Will Be Spook-Tacular Fun
Time to get out your vampire capes and Frankenstein costumes out of mothballs—it’s almost Halloween and Central Astoria LDC is putting on their 2nd Annual “Batty Over Halloween” Celebration on Sunday, October 29th, 2017 from...
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“Astoria Character” Neil Herdan is Pitching Whitey Ford Field
Nancy Ruhling’s “Astoria Characters” series in the Huffington Post and collected on her own website, have featured a wide variety of people living in our community—a Tiffany glass curator, a hairdresser, the couple who own...
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Your Phone Can Now Help You Park
If you follow OANA on Facebook, subscribe to our newsletter or check this blog, you will have seen regular postings about some great community events in our neighborhood. But wait–you’ve left in good time and...
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A New Production from APAC
The crew at APAC (the Astoria Performing Arts Center) is rehearsing the world premiere production of Veil’d, a play by Monet Hurst-Mendoza, and the excitement about their new production is mounting! Veil’d tells the story...
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A New Home for Academy of American Studies
The city will build a new school in Dutch Kills to house the students at Academy of American Studies, who currently have to share space with Newcomers High School at 28-01 41st Avenue. DNAInfo is...
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Takin’ It To the Streets
It’s time for the Broadway Street Fair! On Sunday October 15th, join your neighbors from 11 am to 6 pm, stroll along Broadway and check out the many vendors and the activities for kids. The...
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Astoria Sites Take Part in Open House NY Weekend
Every October hundreds of locations around the five boroughs offer behind-the-scenes tours to visitors. It’s called Open House New York Weekend, and this year it’s October 14 and 15. Some Open House New York tours...
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Old Astoria Shop Owner Coins New Name for the Neighborhood
Natassa Contini, owner of local business the pet store/café Chateau Le Woof, has a new name for the part of Astoria west of 21st Street, between Astoria Park and Broadway—it’s “Westoria.” DNAInfo reports that Contini...
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NYC Ferry to Add Three New Boats
Good news for Astoria residents who are enjoying the new ferry service from Halletts Cove—and for those from other neighborhoods who want to ride the ferry out to explore the many attractions our community had...
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Chappetto Square Joins the Community Parks Initiative
Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that Chappetto Square in Astoria will receive city funding and upgrades since it has just been added to the Community Parks Initiative. Founded in 2014, the Community Parks Initiative...
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QUEENS FOOD DAY RETURNS
On Saturday October 14, Socrates Sculpture Park is hosting the popular festival Queens Food Day. The day will feature fun activities and demonstrations relating to locally sourced food, gardening, urban farming nutrition and food justice....
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Notify NYC App is Live
The launch of the Notify NYC app will be a boon for those with smartphones who want to get notifications about weather emergencies like blizzards, transit problems, and suspensions of alternate side of the street...
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Cornell Tech Phase 1 Opens
Cornell Tech, a partnership between Cornell University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, opened the first phase of its new Roosevelt Island campus this week. DNAInfo reorts that Cornell Tech’s new 4-story academic center plans to...
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Two N Trains Stations To Close for 8 Months
Bad news for commuters in Astoria who were looking forward to having full train service back after a summer of weekends with no train service—the 36th Avenue and 30th Avenue stations will be shuttered for...
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Whitey Ford Field Clean-Up On Sept 17
Please help Friends of Whitey Ford Field during their Volunteer Clean-Up Day on Sunday, September 17 from 10 am to 1 pm. Supplies and tools will be provided. A couple of hours of your time...
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Shore Fest Returns on September 16
On Saturday, September 16th, Astoria Park Alliance is once again hosting the ever-popular community event Shore Fest in the park.. The festivities will take place from 1 to 5 pm, on the Main Lawn adjacent...
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50-Unit Condo Building Planned for 27th Avenue
An application has been filed by LIC developer Strategic Capital Metropolitan to develop a seven-story condo building at 3-11 27th Avenue. The application permit specifies 37,940 square feet of residential space, 7,991 square feet of...
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Asthma Awareness Back to School Fair
Mount Sinai Hospital Queens, Council Member Costa Constantinides, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, and Asthma Coalition of Queens are sponsoring an Asthma Awareness Back to School Fair on Thursday September 28 from 5.30 to...
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SAFE Disposal Event in Astoria Park, September 9
To help residents dispose of harmful household products safely, DSNY hosts SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics) Disposal Events throughout the year in all five boroughs. On Saturday September 9, there will be a SAFE...
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Here Comes CitiBike!
The popular bike sharing program CitiBike will cut the ribbon on new docking stations in Astoria, Long Island City, Harlem, Crown Heights and Prospect Heights starting next week, DNAInfo is reporting. A DOT spokesman said...
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Friends of Whitey Ford Field Get Grant from Costa
Councilman Costa Constantinides has allocated a $5,000 grant through the City Parks Foundation on behalf of the volunteer group Friends of Whitey Ford Field. This allocation is part of the City Council’s Parks Equity Initiative,...
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Support Socrates Sculpture Park at Their Annual Benefit Gala
Socrates Sculpture Park is hosting their Annual Benefit Gala on Wednesday, September 27, 2017. The event will be hosted at Mark di Suvero’s waterfront studio in Long Island City, where guests can mingle on the pier or...
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Astoria Ferry Schedule
The schedule for the new Astoria Ferry Service has been released! You can find it here: https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/route/astoria/ or if you want to download a copy of the schedule, click here. It’s safe to say that...
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114th Precinct Meeting
There will be a 114th Precinct Summit Meeting this Thursday August 24 at 7 pm. This is a great chance for people in Sector David to meet the officers and air any concerns you may...
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Street Renamed for Betty Jean DiBiaso
A light post at the intersection of Ditmars Blvd and 19th now bears the name of Betty Jean DiBiaso Way that’s a tribute to a young woman who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in...
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The Muppets Take Astoria
Our neighborhood has been known for its association with the entertainment production world since the studio known today as Kaufman Astoria was opened by Adolph Zukor in 1920 and local fans hovered around the lots...
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New Astoria Ferry: Open Hours with NYC Ferry staff
The countdown is on till the start of the NYC Ferry service in Astoria on August 29th. A new route servicing the Rockaways has proved very popular. NYC Ferry staff will hold open office hours...
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Register to Get Daffodil Bulbs, Starting August 14
Daffodil Bulb Registration Opens in One Week! Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of New Yorkers for Parks’ Daffodil Project! This is the sixteenth year of the Project, which was founded...
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Check the Front Seat
The 114th Precinct is warning drivers in Astoria to remember to lock their cars and check for valuables on the front seats and in the glove compartments. Deputy Inspector Peter Fortune says that there have...
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Hollywood East River
John Turturro, the New York-born actor best known for his roles in The Big Lebowski, Barton Fink, Oh Brother Where Art Thou?, and the Transformers movies, will be at Socrates Sculpture Park on Wednesday August...
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The Floating Hospital’s Astoria Branch
With health care much in the news these days, we wanted to remind Astoria residents that we now have a branch of the Floating Hospital right here In our neighborhood. The Floating Hospital was founded...
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Aviation Job Fair on August 3rd
Job hunting? The Port Authority, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, and the Council for Aviation Opportunity are sponsoring an Aviation Job Fair at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd, Kew Gardens, on Thursday August 3rd...
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FINAL MAP OF CITIBIKE ASTORIA LOCATIONS
The final map of Citi Bike locations in Astoria has been released! After a community outreach program, the draft station siting plans were released by NYC DOT in April. Comments received from local stakeholders about...
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National Night Out Against Crime in Astoria Park on August 1
On Tuesday August 1 from 5 to 8 pm, come meet the officers from the NYPD 114th Precinct as they mingle with the neighborhood at the annual National Night Out Against Crime—held in our district...
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Changes to Grand Central Parkway Westbound at Exit 4
On July 31st the DOT is implementing changes on Exit 4 of the Grand Central Parkway, which will now be configured as two lanes. The rightmost lane will be exit only, with the adjacent lane...
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A Sailor’s Life for You?
As Astoria awaits the launch of the new ferry line from Hallets Point Peninsula to Roosevelt Island, LIC and Manhattan, job seekers in our community should check this NY1 video: NYC Ferry is looking to...
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Astoria Ferry Service Will Begin on August 29
Leaders of local Queens organizations and elected officials, including, amongst others, NYC Councilmen Costa Constantinides and Jimmy Van Bramer, CB1 District Manager Florence Koulouris, Astoria Houses Residents Association President Claudia Coger, and OANA President Richard...
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August at the Noguchi Museum
It’s a busy month at the Noguchi Museum! On Friday August 4, it’s Free First Friday. Enjoy free admission and extended summer hours from 10 am to 8 pm. Stroll around the art, take a...
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Roosevelt Island Tram Renovations
Do you take the tram from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan? As of Wednesday July 26, there will be only one tram cabin running every 15 minutes as a program of renovations to the RI tram...
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Greek Movie Night at Socrates Sculpture Park on July 26
Socrates Sculpture Park’s Wednesday Movie Night has a Greek theme on Wednesday July 26, when there will be a screening of the hilarious comedy Chevalier (Greece, 2016, directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari). The event will...
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NYC Rent Freeze Program is Under the Radar
If you are over the age of 62 and make less than $50,000 per year, you may be able to enroll in SCRIE, the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program, which can freeze seniors’ rent...
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September 5K Fun Run to Celebrate the Hellgate Bridge Centenary
Save the date for Saturday September 9: there will be a 5K run/walk along the Astoria waterfront. The run begins at 9 am at the Veterans’ Memorial on Shore Boulevard in Astoria Park, out of...
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The Wonderful Welling Court Mural Project
Photos courtesy of Richard Khuzami and Clare Doyle
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Durst Secures $1 Billion Loan Package
The Durst Organization has secured a a $1 billion financing package from a group of lenders led by Citi Private Bank. The Real Deal reports that some of the $1 billion may be used for...
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Funding for Hallets Point Peninsula
The Hallets Point Peninsula is due to get some major upgrades, courtesy of nearly $7.5 million in funding for capital projects, secured by District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides. Constantinides secured $3 million for improvements...
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Mayor’s Town Hall Meeting
On Wednesday July 19, Mayor de Blasio is holding a Town Hall meeting at P.S. 70, located at 30-44-43rd St., Astoria. Doors open at 6 p.m. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Doors close at...
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City Hall Resource Fair
Have you ever wished you could talk to the top officials at City Hall? Now is your chance: on Tuesday July 18 from 9 am to I pm, there will be a City Resource Fair...
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City of Water Day at Socrates Sculpture Park
On Saturday July 15, Socrates Sculpture Park is a partner for Waterfront Alliance’s City of Water Day 2017, an annual 5-borough event that is dedicated to fostering awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of our New York...
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A Large Residential Development Planned for 30-80 12th Street
Another large project is planned for Old Astoria in the wake of Durst’s Hallet’s Point development, at 30-80 12th Street, it’s being reported by New York Yimby. With gross area totaling 483,000 square feet, the...
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Weeknight Summer Fun in Astoria Park
Almost time for Central Astoria LDC’s amazing Waterfront Concert and Movies on the Waterfront series in Astoria Park! The Waterfront Concerts will take place on Thursday evenings this summer at 7.30 pm. July 13, Strawberry...
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Durst Organization Building at 29-55 Northern Blvd
Would you love to live close to the LIC waterfront and steps away from the N and R subway lines? New York YIMBY reports that the Durst Organization has filed applications for a 63-story, 763-unnit mixed-use...
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Astoria Park Pool is Open for Summer
When the temperature rises in the months of July and August, our neighborhood is fortunate to have the Astoria Park pool in which to cool off and swim away the heat of the summer. At...
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Whitey Ford Field Cleanup
On Saturday July 8th from 10 am to 1pm, join the Friends of Whitey Ford Field in a cleanup. The Friends will be picking up garbage, painting bleachers, and helping to beautify one of Astoria’s...
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July at the Noguchi Museum
The Noguchi Museum is getting July off to a good start with a Community Day on Sunday July 2nd. Admission is free all day, from 11 am to 6 pm. Families with kids aged from...
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Weeknight Summer Fun in Astoria Park
Save the dates for Central Astoria LDC’s amazing Waterfront Concert and Movies on the Waterfront series in Astoria Park! The Waterfront Concerts will take place on Thursday evenings this summer: July 13, 20 and 27...
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New Ferry Service Feeling the Heat as Demand Surges
As warmer weather finally arrived in June, NYC Ferry found itself trying to cope with unexpectedly high demand on its new route to the Rockaways as New Yorkers tried to get to the beach. Would-be...
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Summer Solstice Party At Socrates Sculpture Park
Hard to believe that we are at the halfway point in the year, but on Wednesday June 21 it’s time to celebrate the longest day of the year at Socrates Sculpture Park from 5 pm...
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New York City Department of Small Business Services
OANA will have a speaker from the New York City Department of Small Business Services, whose mission is to help small businesses start, operate and expand in New York City. From pro bono review of...
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NYC Planning’s Flood Zone Resiliency
We have an important presentation by Nilus Klingel from the NYC Department of City Planning: he will be talking about Flood Resiliency Planning and the Flood Resiliency Zoning Text Amendment (initially adopted in 2013 following Hurricane Sandy). City Planning will...
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Lottery for Affordable Apartments Near the Astoria Waterfront
A new building at 26-27 2nd Street, between 26th and 27th Avenues on the Hallets Point Peninsula has 6 units set aside as part of the city’s 421-A program. Four one-bedroom units will rent for...
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Halletts Point Traffic Circulation Changes
At the May OANA meeting, Keith Dumanski from the Durst Organization gave us a valuable update on the traffic circulation changes that will be happening as Phase 2 of the Halletts Point Development project gets...
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2017 Independence Celebration in Astoria Park
Once again Central Astoria LDC brings us the amazing Independence Celebration in Astoria Park! On Thursday June 29 at 7.30 pm, join friends and neighbors for a performance by the Queens Symphony Orchestra on the...
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LIC Arts Stroll on June 17th
The Long Island City Cultural Alliance (LICCA) is hosting an Arts Stroll on Saturday, June 17th. The stroll features guided tours of Socrates Sculpture Park, including the special exhibition Nari Ward: G.O.A.T., again; and a...
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Mount Sinai Queens Blood Drive
On Thursday June 27 from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm, you can help to save a life by donating blood. New York Blood Center vans will be across the street from Mount Sinai Queens all...
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Astoria Greenmarket Will Not Return This Summer
Sadly, the GrowNYC farmers’ market will not return to Socrates Sculpture Park this summer. DNAInfo is reporting that the closure is due to lack of sales. It would seem to the casual observer that the...
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Kaufman Arts Festival
On June 24th and 25th, the Kaufman Arts District will host the first Backlot Arts Festival and the Astoria Post reports that there will be film screenings, art exhibits, workshops, performance art, music, and more....
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June at the Noguchi Museum
The Bang on a Can Music Series returns to the Noguchi Museum on Sunday, June 11, from 3 pm – 4 pm with Innov Gnawa. Innov Gnawa is a young musical collective dedicated to exploring...
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Cashless Tolling Only at the Triborough/RFK Bridge
As of June 15 2017, currency will no longer be accepted at the Triborough/RFK Bridge as cashless tolling begins. Governor Cuomo’s office is encouraging commuters to get E-ZPass and save on tolls. According to the...
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Waterfront Bike Parade Returns
The popular LIC Bike Parade returns on Saturday June 10! The fun begins at Socrates Sculpture Park at 11 am, with bike decorating workshops and parade float-making, giveaways and bike repairs. The parade will leave...
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Official Opening of Nari Ward G.O.A.T., again
On Saturday June 3 from 3 to 7 pm, celebrate Socrates Sculpture Park’s first exhibition devoted to a solo artist, Nari Ward G.O.A.T., again, at the official opening.. There will be a tour of the...
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Central Astoria LDC’s Astoria Park Carnival
From June 7 to June 11, it’s the return of the highly popular Astoria Park Carnival, brought to the community by Central Astoria LDC. There will be games, rides, food vendors and fun for kids...
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Jazz Series at Socrates Sculpture Park
Last year’s popular First Thursdays jazz series returns to Socrates Sculpture Park. From 6.30 to 8 pm on the first Thursday of each month this summer, relax after work to the mellow sounds of jazz...
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La La Land in Astoria Park
On Friday June 9 from 8 to 10.30 pm, join the Astoria Park Alliance for APA Presents Movies Under the Stars: La La Land. Thanks to the generous partnership of Benedict Realty Group, there will...
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International Cultural Fest: A Stunning Success
Central Astoria Local Development Coalition’s International Cultural Fest on April 23rd St was a big hit with the crowds who flocked to Steinway Street to join in the community celebration that presented the cultures of...
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Share your ideas for Charybdis Playground
Astoria Park was one of 5 parks chosen to receive $30 million for major improvements through New York City’s Anchor Parks program. The park’s track and field area is currently in the design stage, and...
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“Wildfest” at Socrates Sculpture Park
Born to be wild? Then head on over to Socrates Sculpture Park on Saturday May 20 from 12 noon to 3 pm, for “Wildfest,” a new mini-festival that focuses on earth-based art and activities. There...
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Clean-up on Astoria Cove site
If the faces in the picture of a clean-up at Astoria Cove/9th Street are familiar they should be: NYPD 114th Precinct Sector David Neighborhood Coordinating Officers Joseph Esposito and Keith Matthes are working with the...
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“Trivia for a Cause” to Benefit APA
Do you always seem to know the answers on Jeopardy even when the contestants don’t? If you love quizzes, on May 21 at 7 pm, head over to QED, 27-16 23rd Avenue, for Trivia with...
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“Astoria Provisions” to Replace Astor Bake Shop
A new restaurant is rising on the site of the former Astor Bake Shop, which closed in January. According to the Astoria Post, the new project will be a combination coffee shop/bakery/restaurant/gourmet grocery. John Parlatore,...
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Ahoy! NYC Ferry Service Launches
The merry month of May brought some extra joy to residents of the Rockaways as the new NYC Ferry service began connecting them to other boroughs. Astoria will welcome the new ferry service in August,...
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N Train Service Weekend Repairs This Summer
IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION news for Astoria residents: “N” subway service will be suspended for several weekends this summer for much needed repairs. DNAInfo’s Jeanmarie Evelly reports that on the weekends of May 20-22, Memorial Day Weekend...
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“Old Astoria” Activist Honored by Local Lawmakers
President of the Astoria Houses Residents’ Association and OANA supporter Claudia Coger was among three Astoria women recently honored by local lawmakers. The other honorees were Ann Bruno, Community Board 1 member and President of...
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Welling Court Mural Project 2017
The date has been announced for this year’s Welling Court Mural Project: it will be on Saturday June 10. Every year since 2010, artists have created site-specific works on the walls, gates and garage doors...
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Participatory Budgeting
A record number of District 22 residents—over 3,600–voted in the Participatory Budgeting process this year. Local residents were able to select projects that would benefit from $1 million in the budget of our City Council...
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New Building at 26-19 2nd Street
According to YIMBY, an application has been filed for a six-story building at 26-19 2nd Street in Astoria. Despite its proximity to the Halletts Point development, this is a separate project, on a lot that...
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Astoria Park Alliance Spring Social
Our friends at the Astoria Park Alliance are hosting a Spring Social and Fundraiser on Monday May 8 at 6pm. The venue is Vintage, at 23-14 Ditmars Boulevard, and the event will feature a silent...
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Sanitation Garage in Ravenswood to be Replaced
At a lively Town Hall Meeting in LIC on April 27, Mayor de Blasio announced that the DSNY garage at 34-28 21st St, which has been a source of complaints from local residents, will be...
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NYC Property Tax Assessments Favor Wealthy Neighborhoods
Lawsuit Alleges that NYC Property Tax Assessments Favor Wealthy Neighborhoods OANA supports equitable property taxes. Our Board members Diane Kontzoglou and Kevin Hernandez were thanked by Tax Equity Now NY for their “civic efforts in...
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114th Precinct NCO Safety Summit
On May 25th at 7 pm, 114th Precinct Sector David invites you to join your Neighborhood Coordination Officers at a Safety Summit where you can discuss concerns you may have and contribute ideas on keeping...
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An “Astoria Character” – Dominque Perrot
In case you missed it, Nancy Ruhling, who contributes the popular “Astoria Characters’ series to the Huffington Post, featured OANA’s own Dominique Perrot, a strong supporter of OANA, back in February. In this profile, Dominique...
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A Chance to Learn More About Ferries
With the new ferry service from Astoria due to start in August, now is the perfect time to learn more about ferries! The Worldwide Ferry Safety Association will hold a Ferry Safety and Technology conference,...
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“Forgotten NY” Tour of Old Astoria Village
On Saturday June 17, join legendary tour company Forgotten NY for a tour of old Astoria Village. Hear about the founding of the village by Stephen Halsey as you walk along a route that dates...
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The Evolution Of Bollywood
On Saturday May 6, the Queens Library’s Astoria branch will host the Payalia Dance Company as they present a performance of Bollywood dance, discuss various styles of dance, and invite the audience to join in...
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New Hotel in Ravenswood
A new hotel is coming to Ravenswood, on a lot at 37-10 24th Street that is currently cleared and awaiting construction. According to documents filed with the Department of Buildings, the new hotel, at 13...
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Local Theater Group’s New Production Likely to be a Hit
The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) is rehearsing for their new production, a revival of Raisin, directed by Dev Bondarin. “Raisin” is a musical adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, the first...
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People’s Climate Rally
On Friday April 28 at 6.30 pm there will be a People’s Climate Rally on the Great Lawn in Astoria Park. Hosted by District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides and co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas,...
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Queensboro Bridge Gets Funds For Repairs
New York City has allocated an rehabilitation of the East River bridges through the end of 2019, bringing the total funding for the project to $936 million. The Queensboro Bridge will get $110 million of...
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Celebrate Earth Day With The Astoria Park Alliance
Join the Astoria Park Alliance on Saturday April 22 for an Earth Day Celebration on Shore Blvd! The day will feature volunteer opportunities and fun and educational programming. The timetable for the day: 9:00 –...
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Hell Gate Bridge Meeting
The next meeting of the Hell Gate Centenary Celebration Group at Riccardos on Thursday April 27th at 6:30 PM. Get updates on the plans for celebrating the Hell Gate’s 100th birthday, as well as the...
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LINK NYC Kiosks Seen in Astoria
Some of our sharp-eyed neighbors have spotted new LINK NYC kiosks in our neighborhood. According to amNY, 150 new kiosks have recently installed, mainly in Queens and Brooklyn, and they will be activated soon. The...
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“Affordable New York” Program Approved
A replacement for New York City’s 421-a program, which gave tax abatement’s to developers who included affordable housing units, has finally been approved by Albany. According to the Queens Chronicle, in Queens Community Boards 1...
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Demoliton And Closures On 1st Street
Good news on the Halletts Point development: now that an Affordable Housing plan (replacing the old 421-a program) deal has been reached in Albany, Phase 2 of the building is moving ahead. The Durst Organization...
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Healthy Eating Habits Workshop At Mount Sinai Queens
Are you living on TV dinners and Twinkies? Would you like to improve your diet and help protect yourself against Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer? Mount Sinai Queens has you...
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“Textured Sights” Event at QCA
On Wednesday, April 19, 2017, from 6.30 to 8.30 pm, LAB at QCA presents “Textured Sights,” paintings by Shenna Vaughn. During the event, a series of works of art in progress will be shared that...
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New Location for Ride-Sharing Pick-Ups at LaGuardia
If you ever use ride-sharing app-based services like Lyft, Uber or Gett to pick you up at LaGuardia Airport, you should be aware that it just got a little more complicated. According to the Queens...
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Socrates Sculpture Park Plans for the Summer, and the Future
At our March OANA meeting, we had an exciting presentation from John Hatfield, the Executive Director of Socrates Sculpture Park. Open to the public all year around, this Astoria gem that provides the neighborhood with...
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Deal Reached in Albany to renew the 421 a tax abatement
Following are the details in The Real Deal: this could finally allow our major developments such as Hallets Point to proceed. https://therealdeal.com/2017/04/05/lawmakers-reach-deal-over-421a-by-linking-it-to-rent-regulation/. However, the language of the measure has not been created, and it has...
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Comment on the Proposed CitiBike Stations in Astoria
Citibike and NYC DOT have announced their initial selections for the placement of 59 Bike Docking Stations in Astoria/LIC north of Queensboro Plaza. They are initiating the process of receiving feedback from the community on...
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April Programs at the Noguchi Museum
On Wednesday April 5, join the Noguchi Museum for the Poems About Sculpture program, from 7 to 8 pm followed by a reception, with former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, sculptor Murray Dewart who edited...
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Astoria Cove Site on the Market
According to Crains New York, a partnership headed by Alma has put Astoria Cove, an extensive development project on the East River, up for sale. New York City allowed zoning that would permit the construction...
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Phase 1 of the Astoria Park Renovation will begin in 2018
The New York City Parks Department has given Community Board 1 details on the first phase of the renovation of Astoria Park thanks to the $30 million “Anchor Park funding from the City. The proposal...