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OANA Boys and Girls Club Event
OANA is pleased to partner with the Variety Boys and Girls Club to present the New York Power Authority’s Weatherization Workshop. The event will be held in person at the Variety Boys and Girls Club,...
Richard Khuzami
Mr. Khuzami has been a member of Community Board 1 in Astoria, NY for the last 20 years. He sits on the Zoning and parks Committees and is on the Executive Board. Previously, he served as Parks and Culture chair of Community Board 1 for eleven years and also chaired Capital and Expense priority Committee. He is a member of the Queens General Assembly and had been a panelist for grant submissions for the Queens Council on the Arts (QCA). Richard also is an officer of The Eastern Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance (EMBCA) and President of OANA.
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Queens Community Board 1 Capital and Expense Public Hearing
Queens Community Board 1 Capital and Expense Public Hearing will take place at 6 PM, September 21, 2021 Every year each Community Board, with input from their respective communities, creates a prioritized list of capital...
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The Proposed AirTrain to Lga Airport
The FAA released a statement today regarding its Record of Decision for the proposed AirTrain to Lga Airport. The use of Willets Point as the Hub has received approval, and OANA firmly supports this decision....
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14th Street Safety Improvements
OANA would like to thank John O”Neill, our district’s DOT representative, for advocating for safety improvements on 14th street between Astoria Blvd and Broadway. We had received numerous complaints of speeding on 14th street, and...
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Greek Night In Athens Square Park Every Tuesday
Athens Square Committee is presenting Greek Night at Athens Square Park, Astoria. (30th Ave. & 30th St.) Every Tuesday at 7 – 9PM. FREE ADMISSION! The first event on the calendar is July 6th with...
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Astoria is officially opened again!!!
There is nothing more “Astoria” than the annual Fourth of July celebration in Astoria Park. And on Tuesday night: We are BACK!!! After over a year of pandemic and shut down, Astoria Park is again...
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The Astoria Park Pool Has Opened For Summer
The Astoria Park Pool has opened! For further information, please go to the NYC Parks Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/astoria-park/facilities/outdoor-pools/astoria-pool Especially with the upcoming heatwave, taking advantage of one of our areas Iconic Landmarks makes sense. And you...
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“The Blues Brothers” Radial Park Newest Feature!
Radial Park opened its latest multi-discipline entertainment experience last Thursday, May 27 at 8:00 PM with the classic film, The Blues Brothers. This is another great cultural event and venue in Astoria, as Queens in...
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Emergency Broadband Benefit
OANA received the following information on a new program to assist in internet services for qualified New Yorkers. From: The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development As we make progress in the war against...
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Speed Limit Lowered on Astoria Blvd
Today the Mayor’s office announced that speed limits will be reduced on 45 miles of major streets with some the highest rates of crashes across Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The announcement kicks...
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Dirt Bike Pack In Astoria Park
OANA would like to give a great big shout-out to the Astoria Park Alliance for their initiative in dealing with Dirt Bike and Motorcycle issues in the park… Their tweets made the entire city aware...
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New Noguchi Museum Program – Useless Architecture
Noguchi Museum Presents: NOGUCHI: Useless Architecture Using Architecture to reimagine Sculpture Exhibition dates: May 19, 2021 – May 8, 2022 Noguchi has announced their new exhibition for the coming season. “Useless Architecture” For a concise...
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David Burgoa of NHS of Queens Presentation – Jobs at the New LaGuardia Airport
During the last OANA meeting on April 14th, we were privileged to a presentation by David Burgoa of the Neighborhood Housing Service of Queens.(NHS of Queens). Many of you may have missed this important presentation...
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Real Estate Development, Affordable Housing and Finance
Nothing gets built without Financing! Whether public or private, funds to cover construction costs of projects is the most important aspect of how our communities grow. And whether a developer enlists Banks or other formal...
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Our heartfelt condolences to Costa Constantinides on the passing of his wife
All of us at the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to former Councilman Costa Constantinides on the passing of his wife, Lori. This has been the most trying year...
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Open Streets Open Restaurants – Spring in Astoria
Since the pandemic started, OANA has partnered with the 30th Avenue Business Association to try to help our small businesses, especially restaurants survive in the trying environment. One of the tools we have tried to...
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Astoria West! New Development across from Hallets Cove
OANA was invited to the topping off of a new “As of Right” development on the Astoria Waterfront! Across from Hallets Cove, these apartments should prove to be an asset to our community. From the...
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Sanitation Budget Cuts Reversed
OANA has received a press release regarding the proposed cuts to the Sanitation budget Mayor Bill de Blasio has established 3 initiatives to provide resources in hard-hit neighborhoods. Clean streets are an important public-private responsibility....
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Costa Constantinides Moves On
Councilman Costa Constantinides has accepted a position with the Variety Boys and Girls Club in Astoria. This is consistent with his desire to work for our Community, and we are lucky that he has decided...
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21st Street Transit Priority and Safety Study
Plan to create expedited bus service on 21st street The NYC DOT is beginning the process of obtaining community input on the creation of bus lanes on 21st street from Hoyt Avenue North to Queens...
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A New 18th Story Building On Hallets Peninsula
External renderings have been released of a new 18-story residential building located at 26-25 Fourth Street,in Astoria, Queens. The architect is J Frankl Associates. The building will contain 165 apartments and a suite of amenity spaces that...
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Whitey Ford Field Renovations Break Ground
After years of neglect, which lead to unsafe and dangerous conditions, a 2.9 Million dollar renovation is starting on Whitey Ford Field on Halletts Peninsula on the Astoria Waterfront. The ceremony included Queens Borough President...
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New Waterfront Project to include a Community Center
Old Astoria Neighborhood Association has received word of a new project on our waterfront that seems at first glance to meet so many critical needs locally according to an article from New York Yimby With...
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REVEL Updates Their Service and Products
Revel, the MOPED service provider for New York City, has continued to enhance their services and products. OANA has supported REVEL, especially since they voluntarily suspended service last year to enhance their safety procedures. To...
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Erosion and Flooding Study requested by Congresswoman Maloney
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney has reached out to the Army Corp of Engineers to commence a study on erosion and flooding on Hallets Peninsula. While work will be commencing on a NYC Parks renovation of the...
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Riccardo’s Site Has Been Sold
The Iconic Riccardo’s site has been sold for $6.4 million, according to Alexander Pereira, a real estate broker with Douglas Elliman. The new owner also purchased another adjacent site at 23-91 21st Street. This is the...
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Community Board Applications Are Now Online
Applications to serve on one of the Queens’s 14 community boards are now online. The process is now fully digitized. Criteria are “qualified and civic-minded individuals” to represent the neighborhoods where they live or work...
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Sanitation Garage Move Closer to Reality
The NYC Uniform Land Use Procedure (ULURP), which governs most land-use changes, also governs the moving of the Sanitation Facility on 21st street to 19th Avenue in LIC/Astoria. OANA is pleased to advise that the...
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New Building on 21st Street
The 21st street corridor in Old Astoria is getting a new Mixed-Use building! The lot has been purchased by “30-75 21ST Street LLC” of Darien Ct. with funding from ERG Commercial Real Estate. Permits were...
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Whitey Ford Street Renaming
The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association, The Friends of Whitey Ford Field, and especially the family of Whitey Ford want to thank Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer for facilitating the renaming of 43rd St at 34th avenue...
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Outdoor Performances Permitted
The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association applauds a recent bill passed by the City Council that will allow Artists to hold performances open streets. And they will be able to charge for these events. OANA has...
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Save our Community Compost Processing Sites
OANA supports the effort to save the Big Reuse compost site under the Queensboro Bridge new Queensbridge Baby Park. The City wants to convert it to a parking lot. See below to see how you...
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OANA Meeting Live Virtual Performance with Singer/Songwriter Virginia Marcs
At the next OANA meeting on December 16th, we will be starting a program of virtual live performances that will be a part of all of our monthly meetings. Our initial performance will be with...
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Bringing Back Performing Arts
No sector of our economy has been hit harder by the COVID 19 pandemic than the Performing Arts: Dance, Music, Theater, Poetry. Even restaurants have had some economic activity. The Arts are being treated as...
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No Questions Asked Gun Buy Back Program
OANA fully supports the initiative from the Queens District Attorneys Office for a Gun Buy Back program locally administered. No Questions Asked! December 5th, 2020 10 am to 4 pm Our Lady of Mt Carmel...
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City Waterfront Planning – Comments And Feedback Are Welcome
OANA received the following from The NYC Department of City Planning, and we would like to share this. An opportunity to provide your personal input and insights on NYC’s waterfront. Comments are being accepted until...
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Socrates Sculpture Park: The beginnings
Socrates Sculpture Park, a Cultural Pillar of Old Astoria, has an interesting origin story, evolving out of a rat-infested illegal dumpsite to today’s hybrid Park and Museum which has been such an Oasis for all...
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APAC New Venue
OANA has received the following Press release from the Astoria Performing Arts Center regarding a new space for performances. Ever since they lost their home at the Good Shepard Church on Crescent St. they have...
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Citibike Town Hall Rescheduled
There was a Citibike Town Hall sponsored by the NYC DOT October 28th that was beset by many technical issues. This town Hall discussed the expansion of Citibike in Western Queens. Therefore, another Town Hall...
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Retail Open Streets
Mayor de Blasio has announced a new Open Storefronts initiative, which began on October 30th. This program will run through December 31st, affording a boost to retail for the Holiday Season. Retailers, and services such...
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All You Need To Know About Masks
The NY Times has published an interesting article regarding masks, descriptions, how they work, what is effective. It is interesting reading for everyone. We hope it clarifies any questions you may have. Interesting information especially...
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Jamie-Faye Bean Is Making A Positive Impact On The Community
Every once in a while, we see an example of someone whose actions positively affect so many that we urge everyone to take note! Such an instance is our friend Jamie-Faye Bean. Jaime-Faye is director...
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Titan Theater Virtual Season
For the best in classic theater, please support Titan Theater in their upcoming virtual season. As all the performing arts wrestle with the new reality of virtual performance, let’s all do what we can to...
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Astoria Performing Arts Center Virtual Season
Astoria’s award-winning community theater, Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) is opening its virtual season. OANA has been a long-time supporter, and we urge everyone to enjoy the performances as we all get used to these...
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Exhibition: Q100
The Q100 bus line has been running through the heart of Astoria for many years, but it is also a lifeline for the families of inmates at Riker’s Island. This line is the subject of...
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Citibike Expansion
Citibike is expanding in our neighborhood, and they are looking for our input!!! Old Astoria will be participating in the “INFILL” process explained below (We already have a Citibike presence, it is just being augmented)...
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VOTE 2020: Important dates for New York State residents
The following are important dates for New York State residents to make sure they do not lose their right to vote. In this volatile year, YOUR VOTE MATTERS. Voter Registration: October 9th Applications must be...
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Covid Surcharge for Restaurants
We received the following statement from the NYC Hospitality Alliance. Some good news for restaurants! “Today, the NYC Hospitality Alliance is very happy to announce that the City Council passed the COVID surcharge bill we...
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A “Proud Astorian” turns her vision for a cleaner neighorbood into reality
Astoria is blessed with many active neighbors, whose concern for the environment and everyone’s quality of life sets examples for everyone. We at OANA are lucky to meet such an individual, who saw a problem,...
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Indoor Dining Approved for September 30th
Mayor De Blasio has released a statement advising that indoor dining will be permitted starting September 30th. Finally, with the entire industry and supporters of small business advocating for this, New York City’s small business...
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Astoria Houses Seawall Reconstruction
OANA was recently advised that the reconstruction of the Astoria Houses Seawall will begin by the end of October. This marks the fulfillment of a major issue on Hallets Peninsula. This has been an especially...
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NYC Budget Input Needed
The Budget Process for NYC for fiscal year 2022 is underway, and one of the first steps is for the public to advise what their needs are. Community Board 1 in Queens will hold their...
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REVEL Restarts Their Service Today 8/27/20
We have been notified that the REVEL Moped share service will resume services in NYC today, with new enhanced safety measures in place. Please see the Revel Safety Memo and the Press Release which is...
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OANA Open Restaurants Open Streets Initiative
During the summer, we at OANA, in partnership with the 30th Avenue Business Association, organized and applied for the city’s Open Restaurants Open Streets program on 30th Avenue. The survival of our vibrant cafes, restaurants,...
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The Upper East Side, Astoria Direct Ferry Service Approved!!!!
After 2 years of advocating for direct ferry service between Astoria and the Upper East Side, OANA was notified today that the service has been approved and is set to begin THIS SATURDAY!!! Patience can...
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As of Right Development Astoria Blvd Newtown Ave
An “As of Right” Development (No Zoning Changes Needed) will be erected in Old Astoria). The well known “Furniture Market” site at Newtown and Astoria Blvd will be home to this development, for a five-story...
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Elevators Open at the Astoria Bvd Station
We are pleased to announce that the new elevators on the Astoria Blvd station of the N/W line are now open. This is the culmination of a long-term priority of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association....
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OANA AOC COVID Recognition
OANA has received the following request from the Office of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. She has asked us to help in outreach to the community to recognize those whose lives and family suffered losses due...
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14th st 2-way conversion
We received the following from the NYC Department of Transportation: “14th Street (Broadway to 30 Ave) will be converted to a two-way roadway on Tuesday 7/14/2020. The project will entail no parking removal. The road...
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Astoria Park Pool to OPEN!!!!!!!
A great inclusion in the new city budget! The Astoria Park Pool will reopen on August 1. 15 of 53 currently closed pools will reopen, and the Astoria Pool is included! Others include Crotona, Mullaly,...
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Update on Open Restaurants
Mayor DeBlasio recently announced the Open Streets Open Restaurants program and after a long-awaited return to indoor dining, we are now learning that it is all being put on hold. THREE ASTORIA ZIP CODES RANK...
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New Development by Hallets Cove
A new development next to Hallets Cove (3077 Vernon Blvd) has begun foundation work recently. 534 rental units are being developed and will include an elective affordable component. This “as of right” development includes three...
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New Alternate Side Parking Rules
New York City is initiating new Alternate Side Parking rules starting Monday, June 29th. When alternate side starts, streets will be cleaned no more than once per week. Streets that have multiple alternate side days...
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Astoria Houses Scholarship Fund
Hope you are doing okay during this time! There is no more respected individual on Hallets peninsular, and for that matter, in Western Queens, than Astoria Houses Residents Association President Claudia Cogar. She has taken...
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Mopeds on the Queensboro Bridge
We appreciate the Queens Gazette publishing our recent op-ed on allowing electric mopeds to utilize the Queensboro Bridge to provide service between Queens and Brooklyn to Manhattan. And we thank the Queens Chronicle for writing...
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Op-Ed: Restaurant Open Air Seating
The city is preparing for the opening of outdoor dining for our restaurants. OANA, in partnership with the 30th Ave Business Association, is fortunate to have the NYC DOT investigate our proposals for blocks closed to...
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Application for restaurant outdoor open air seating
We have been notified by the NYC DOT that, starting tomorrow, any restaurant or café interested in outdoor seating can start the application process through the following link: https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/openrestaurants.shtml The page also includes the parameters...
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New Development on Hallets Peninsula
A six-story mixed-use building, located between 8th Street and 12th Street, at 8-29 Astoria Boulevard in Astoria, Queens has filed permits to begin construction. The lot is close to the NYC Astoria Ferry Landing and the Astoria Boulevard...
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Moped access from Queens to Manhattan
At our OANA meeting on May 27, we had a great presentation from Carol Antunez of Revel Mopeds (Starting at 1 hr 38 min), the electric scooter-share company operating in 4 boroughs. We feel that...
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Opening Restaurants and Cafes in Astoria
Yesterday was a good day in trying to establish pedestrian-only streets to allow social distancing for patrons of our cafes and restaurants. The City Council is streamlining rules for outdoor cafes! Note: Councilman Constantinides is...
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Vote from Home
Voting is both a privilege and duty for all Americans. There is no more important facet of a citizen’s responsibilities to our country. And there is no other way for us to guarantee the peaceful...
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Alternate side Parking Temporarily restored
The City of NY has announced a temporary restoration of Alternate Side Parking Regulations from May 18th to May 24th. This has been done in order to facilitate a “Clean Sweep Week”. Because of the...
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No Group Sports in Astoria Park
We have just returned from the Track at Astoria Park, and it looks like there is a new policy that does not allow any group sports on the infield. The soccer goals have been removed,...
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Protect your ZOOM meetings
We received an interesting article on how to protect against ZOOMBombing, when hackers infiltrate your Zoom meetings, causing chaos and embarrassment. Keep Zoombombing cybercriminals from dropping a load on your meetings As this platform has...
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New Vessels for NYC Ferry
During this pandemic, we want to take an opportunity to report on an investment in a positive future for NYC and it’s transit system! The NYC Ferry (operated by Hornblower), has taken delivery of its...
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Positive use of a closed Astoria Park Pool
OANA calls upon the Parks Department and Mayor Bill DeBlasio to consider doing much-needed repairs on the Astoria Pool if and when the pool is closed for the summer. This is a good example of...
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“Astoria Arts Alive” Weekend Walk Postponed
We regret that, upon discussions with the NYC Department of Transportation, our Weekend Walk program, which a street is closed to motor vehicles, and features various entertainment, tabling, and exhibitions is postponed. OANA was a...
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NYC Pools Closed
New York City’s outdoor public pools will be closed this year, and Mayor de Blasio advised that beaches could be shuttered for the summer too. All because of the COVID 19. The Mayor stated in...
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Shore Blvd Closed
Community Affairs Officer Mujibulla Mashriqi has advised that Shore Blvd is now closed to vehicular traffic until further notice. The Commanding Officer of the 114th Precinct, Deputy Inspector Osvaldo Nuñez, has taken this action for...
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New Building on Hallets Peninsula
A seven-story mixed-use building at 26-35 3rd Street (at the intersection of 27th Avenue and 3rd Street) in Astoria, Queens is coming. The closest Subway stop is the Astoria Blvd station of the N/W. It is...
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Update on Astoria Park
The City of NY has closed the skate park and adult fitness area in Astoria Park. Obviously too many people disregarded social distancing, and now EVERYONE pays the price. We hope that people act responsibly...
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Councilman Constantinides and COVID 19
OANA wants to give a great big shout out to our Councilman, Costa Constantinides during these trying days for him and his family. While we have known that Costa has been self- quarantining because of...
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Scooter Parking Study Initiated by DOT
Back in February, OANA proposed the idea of a study to see if no standing zones by intersections, (Daylighting), could be utilized to park scooters without effecting driver’s line of sight to oncoming traffic. We...
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IRS Economic Impact Payment
The IRS has issued a pamphlet regarding the Economic Impact Program, part of the 2 Trillion Dollar Recovery program recently enacted by the Federal Government. Important reading for everyone! As you know, one aspect was...
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Policing Distancing in Astoria Park
Updates: Social Distancing in Astoria Park As we discussed in a prior post, many users of the Astoria Park Track, Soccer Field, and Skate park have been ignoring the social distancing requirements for combating the...
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OANA Request On Housing Cost During Covid 19
Update: OANA request on Housing Costs during COVID 19 We appreciate the efforts of Governor Andrew Cuomo and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney to address housing issues created by COVID 19 as expressed in today’s QNS.COM article....
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Mortgage and Rent Relief Directive
We are so very pleased that the issues we expressed in our recent op-ed about relief for landlords has been addressed! We ask that rents for tenants also be deferred so that no one is...
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Position letter on DOB Violations
OANA applauds the Mayor’s initiative “Fix it, Don’t Fine It” that will provide financial relief to small businesses. The goal is to eliminate fines for many first-time violations and create grace periods to fix the...
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Elimination of the M 103…A disaster for our waterfront?
The Queens Gazette published OANA’s statement on the elimination of the M 103 bus on Vernon Blvd. We appreciate their commitment to improving our Quality of Life. We also want to thank Clare Doyle, who...
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Bike Lane Update
On February 11th, the NYC DOT hosted a Public Workshop on the Queens Bike Network. In case you missed it, here is a link to the presentation that can read here. We at OANA were...
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New Affordable Lottery Units in Old Astoria
15 affordable units are available at the Amana Astoria, located at 14-47 29th Avenue. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 70, 80, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range...
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Passenger rail Link: Bay Ridge to Astoria?
The MTA has announced a $1.3 million-dollar study on the feasibility of an elevated light rail passenger service from Bay Ridge Brooklyn to Astoria. Officials announced Wednesday. An existing freight rail would be converted. It...
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New Residential Building in Old Astoria
A seven-story residential building at 14-54 31st Avenue in Astoria, Queens, 70-foot tall having 20,729 total square feet, with 17,597 square feet designated for residential space has filed for permits. The building will have 24 residences....
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Goodwill Apartments Sold
Jonathan Rose Cos., has purchased the former Goodwill property at 27th ave and 4th st on Hallets Peninsula for 35 million. “We have come up with a program to protect current tenants,” advised Nathan D....
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Queens Bus Routes Get Redesign
A major overhaul of Queens’ bus routes calls for cutting and combining some of the borough’s major routes The MTA on Monday released a draft of its plan to redesign the network of 107 bus...
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School Bus Stop Signs
Gail Gualotuna from the Astoria Express school bus service attended our last meeting and had reached out for help. They have a problem with motorists ignoring the school bus stop signs and we requested she...
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Whitey Ford Field Comfort Station
OANA has advocated for comfort stations at Whitey Ford Field. We feel this is an important issue that must be addressed. With the upcoming renovations, we expect usage of the field to increase dramatically. Without...
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“Cool” Astoria
Insider.com has done a little research into why Astoria is the 8th Coolest neighborhood in the world. Looks like food to center stage! In Old Astoria, they discussed the Welling Court Mural project and Socrates...
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Cornell Tech Initiates Partner Violence Program
Cornell Tech has initiated a Computer Security Clinic for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence. “The Computer Security Clinic for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence will allow our talented research team to help more survivors in...
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Astoria Residents Still Hoping For Ferry Extension To The Upper East Side
Just wanted to advise everyone of a new article in QNS.com on the Ferry Extension we have been requesting. We would like to remind everyone to sign our Petition We want to thank QNS.com for...
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Noguchi at Night Fall Fundraiser
The Noguchi Museum is having their fall fundraiser on Nov. 18th, 2019 from 7-10 PM. OANA hopes that everyone who values the Arts can attend, and support one of the top Cultural Institutions in NYC!...
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Apply for Socrates Sculpture Park 2020 Fellowships
OANA is proud to support and promote Socrates Sculpture Park, one of the premier destinations for Old Astorians and those who love and support the arts! Socrates Sculpture Park is currently accepting applications for their...
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NYC’s Repair of Tree damaged Sidewalks
At our next OANA meeting on Oct. 8th, NYC Parks Forestry (Trees) will be joining us, and we look forward to an extremely interesting presentation (Note: NYS Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan will also be joining us)....
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OANA Seminars
In the coming year, we at OANA would like to expand the services we are offering. A space for classes and symposia has been offered to us by our VP Kevin Hernandez, and we want...
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PS 171 in Old Astoria gets Solar Power
PS 171 in Old Astoria is the first of six schools in Councilman Costa Constantinides District that will receive solar panels within the next two years. The installation of the green infrastructure will teach students...
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CPR Instruction with OANA and East Hudson Realty
In our mission to educate and improve the quality of life in Old Astoria, OANA has partnered with East Hudson Realty to provide training in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). We invited the Fire Dept Emergency...
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Worms on our trees
This year it seems we have a lot of caterpillars on our trees. They are consuming most of the leaves, and some of our neighbors are concerned. We reached out to Parks, and were told...
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Shore Blvd Flooding
As many of you know, the flooding on Shore Blvd reached extreme levels this summer. Cars were unable to pass, and some events had to be postponed or canceled. We were fortunate to have Mr....
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Street Cleaning Come to Old Astoria Sept 16th
The new Street Cleaning signage is up! Street Cleaning will begin Sept 16th. Please make sure you follow Alternate Side regulations. We are pleased that the local media has helped in notifying the neighborhood of...
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CPR Training
East Hudson Realty and OANA have teamed up to present a special event that everyone who has a loved one or wants to be ready to help his neighbor should attend! Training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation...
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Hallett’s Point Alliance
Hallett’s Peninsula has seen a lot of changes, from a Supermarket, New Residential Buildings, and now a performance and event space. This performance space will not only provide a much needed public facility to the...
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New Development across from Hallets Cove
Over 500 new apartments are coming to the Astoria waterfront in the next few years. Cape Advisors has just released renderings of their new development. This development is “As of Right”, which means it is...
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New Street Cleaning Schedule in Old Astoria
A 20-year journey to establish Street Cleaning in Old Astoria has finally been realized. This Monday August 12th, new signage will be installed providing street cleaning 1 day per week per side (a total of...
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Retail Business Taxes
We read with interest an article in PATCH that shows, in addition to rents, the city’s tax on business is proving to be a real impediment to successful enterprise. We all know that rising rents...
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Tour of Hallets Point Development
The Durst Organization has provided the following “Tour” on its first building for its Hallets Point Development. The 2 buildings, which sit at 26 Ave between 1st and 2nd St, are next to Whitey Ford...
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Robert De Niro Backed Film Studio To Open in Astoria
A Bronx Tale, shot in Astoria with Robert De Niro, will be a vision for the future of our neighborhood! More information on the proposed Film Studio being backed by the De Niro family in...
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Albany Gives NYC Design Build Authority
The highlight of this years NYS Legislative session, which OANA has supported over the years, is the authorization to allow NYC capital projects to be built under “Design Build” standards. This streamlines the process, allowing...
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De Niro and Astoria: Unbeatable combination
Hollywood East Coast “Astoria” has a new film studio in the works! And an early investor is Robert De Niro. This is also an example how an investment by the city and state in an...
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The Importance of Libraries in our Community
OANA recognizes the great importance of Libraries in our community and greatly appreciated the presentation by outgoing Astoria Library Brach manager Gus Tsekelis at our last monthly meeting on May 14th. He gave a great...
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Melanie LaRocca named new NYC Department of Buildings Commissioner
It was announced that Melanie La Rocca has been named the new Commissioner of the Department of Buildings OANA congratulates Melanie. A local resident, Melanie has served on our Community Board. I have also been...
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Upper East Side to Astoria Ferry Access
OANA has strongly supported the extension of the Astoria Ferry to originate at the Upper East Side Soundview landing . Please read our statement. The NYC EDC and Hornblower, operator of the Ferry, will be...
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Permits filed for Building on Hallets Peninsula
Last year, we reported on the sale of property on 4th street on Hallets Peninsula. The new owner has been issued permits for a new 7 story building on this site. As per the Astoria...
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Street Cleaning Study Old Astoria
Last night at the Monthly OANA Meeting Councilman Costa Constantinides announced the NYC Department of Sanitation has completed a route study that would provide street cleaning throughout Old Astoria. [sanitation is studying 26 ave between...
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Sunnyside Yards Public Meeting
The NYC Economic Development Corporation is presenting Public Meeting on the proposal to deck the Sunnyside Rail yards to create a new neighborhood in Queens. They are in the process of reaching out to the...
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OANA requests Zoning Study
The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association has requested the City of NY do a Zoning Study of the area in Community District 1 that has not been rezoned since 1961. NY1 broadcast a piece on this...
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Food and Retail Opportunities for LaGuardia Airport
Queens and Astoria Business Entrepreneurs! LaGuardia Gateway Partners is looking for food and retail partners for the new LaGuardia Central Terminal B. LaGuardia Partners and the NYNJ Port Authority will be presenting at the March...
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Astoria Blvd and Hoyt Avenue Closings
We received a reminder from Howie Levine of the MTA that Astoria Blvd station will close for nine months beginning on March 17 at 10pm. While the official closure starts on March 17, the entire Astoria...
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Property tax: Reach out to the Department of Finance
Recently many property owners have received Property Tax Assessments that have greatly increased in the last few years. To those who want more information on how these are determined, plus avenues to have them reevaluated...
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Astoria Blvd N/W station renovations and closures Q and A
On January 30th, the MTA-NYC Transit presented information to OANA at a meeting at the Family Church in Old Astoria. Whenever we have a presenter who states, when a question is asked, that they will...
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21st Street Vision Zero Safety Corridor
The NYC DOT has designated 21st st from 20th ave to 50th avenue as a Vision Zero Site and will focus on additional safety precautions. The DOT says the 4.2 pedestrian deaths per mile from...
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Hallets Point Building 1 Opens
The Durst Organization’s Hallets Point Development on the Astoria Waterfront has announced the opening of Building # 1. There have been numerous delays, political, financing, construction issues. OANA has looked forward to the completion of...
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Astoria Blvd N/W subway line closure
Astoria Blvd station will close for nine months beginning on March 17 at 10pm. While the official closure starts on March 17, the entire Astoria line, including Astoria Blvd, will be closed for station work...
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Astoria/LIC Ravenswood Rezoning Study
The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association requests that the City of New York authorize and fund the NYC Department of City Planning to conduct a rezoning of the area of CD1. This neighborhood has not been...
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Accessibility and Luxury Housing
OANA Board Member Brett Harris is featured in today’s NY Times article. Accessibility, whether in our Transit System, housing, and any other public and private space that those with disabilities, seniors, or mothers with young...
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Property sale n 4th street in Hallets Peninsula
Lee & Associates NYC announced on Thursday that they facilitated the sale of a property at 26-24 & 26-26 Fourth St., that sits in the Hallets Cove in Astoria. It was sold for $11.5 million to...
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Senior Property Tax
Nothing destroys a community more than when a senior citizens, who has lived in a neighborhood their whole life, are forced out because of inability to pay expenses. The history and wisdom they carry makes...
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Jobs with the US Census
The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting in Queens and across the country to fill temporary paid jobs as we inch closer to the 2020 census. To be eligible for a 2020 census job, candidates must...
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OANA Appointed to Amazon Community Advisory Committee
We at the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA) are pleased to have been appointed to the Amazon Community Advisory Committee. We look forward to the opportunity to have input how the Amazon HQ2 is implemented,...
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Astoria Blvd Subway Station Stairwell Closures
OANA received the following from the MTA regarding closure for the renovation of the Astoria Blvd subway station on the N/W line “As part of the larger reconstruction of Astoria Blvd station, NYCT will be closing...
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Interested in Business Opportunities in the New LaGuardia Airport?
OANA greatly supports the inclusion of Queens Based business at the New LaGuardia, and hope everyone take advantage of the following opportunity. LaGuardia Gateway Partners are pleased to announce their next Competitive Solicitation Process has...
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New Renderings, 28-16 21st Street
Falcon Pacific Builders has released a new rendering for a 50 unit rental and retail building located at 28-16 21st Street in Astoria. The announcement was made by Robert Goodman, Chief Operating Officer of Falcon...
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Astoria Park Parking Lot “NO OVERNIGHT PARKING”
URGENT MESSAGE: We have been notified by the Parks Department that starting Friday Night, October 26th, No Parking will be allowed overnight in the Astoria Park Parking Lot at Hoyt Ave and 19th st Any...
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Making Business More Accessible
UP-STAND is launching a Community Ramp Project to ease the restraints set up by single-step store entrances here in Astoria. These colorful ramps will be FREE to businesses, built by volunteer high school students, and make...
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Old Astoria Voting: Not good
The Gothamist has created a program that lets you know how many in your neighborhood voted in 2014. Old Astoria was below the city average. We need to do better. OANA received many complaints especially...
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The 2018 DSNY Leaf Collection Program
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) conducts special collections of leaves. The schedule for setting out leaves for fall collection in Old Astoria will be after 4 p.m. on two Saturdays, November 24 and December 8....
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New Development on 31st Avenue and 11th st
A nine-story residential building will be built in Old Astoria, at 11-37 31st Avenue, between Vernon Boulevard and 12th Street. 91 feet tall when complete it will include 168 units on 110,450 sq ft. The...
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Astoria Blvd Subway Renovation Bus Stop Changes
As everyone knows, the Astoria Blvd station on the N/W line is starting renovation soon. In preparation for this, the MTA has announced the following: Temporary Bus Stop Changes Due to construction at Astoria Boulevard...
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NYC Charter Revision
This November’s ballot will include referendums on changes to the New York City Charter. These changes are designed to boost civic engagement and reform the city’s local campaign finance system and community boards. The Charter...
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Street Cleaning Event
Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA), the Family Church, Astoria Houses Residents Association, Councilman Costa Constantanides, Borough President Melinda Katz, State Senator Michael Gianaris, and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas are joining forces to try and clean up...
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NYC Ferry Update
Because of greater than expected consumer demand, NYC had purchased new high capacity ferrys for NYC Ferry. This will help alleviate some of the service disruptions caused by the over demand for certain routes at...
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Historical Map of the Astoria Waterfront
A map of the Astoria waterfront from 1876 was donated to OANA by Firefighter Al Soto and Engine 262 on 21st St. We greatly appreciate their contribution. It is an interesting map, showing advertising at...
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Free, Confidential Legal Advise
Old Astoria Neighborhood Association is happy to support BP Melinda Katz and the Legal Aid Society in providing opportunities to all residents in Queens free confidential advise! A society where the playing field is equal...
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Laguardia overpass completed
As the construction at LaGuardia advances, we are now starting to see the vision taking shape. It is indeed exciting to see what is coming, but it certainly has been a headache dealing the congestion...
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National Night Out Against Crime
This August 7th, the National Night Out Against Crime with be celebrated in 2 locations in Old Astoria. Astoria Park, on the Great Lawn by the Hells Gate Bridge. Sponsored by the NYPD 114th Precinct,...
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World Breastfeeding Week Event
NYS Assemblywoman Aravella Symotas is co-sponsoring an event with UP-STAND to bring attention to World Breastfeeding Week and urge passage of her bill — the Family Accommodations in Entertainment Act. The latch-on event – Sustaining...
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Update on LaGuardia Airport Construction
Everything is moving along well at LaGuardia Airport. As we ride down the Grand Central, we actually see the form taking shape, and it is an exciting transformation from a tired old airport to the...
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Development recap: Old Astoria
The following developments are in the pipeline for the Old Astoria and surrounding Neighborhood! All of these are all As of Right. This means they do not require a zoning change. They are building within...
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Queens Midtown and Brooklyn Battery Tunnels
Gov. Cuomo address on Queens Midtown and Brooklyn Battery Tunnel reconstruction Hersh Parekh, who made a wonderful presentation at last January’s OANA Monthly meeting, has asked that we forward the following to our supporters: “Please...
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Friends of Whitey Ford Field Family Day July 15th
Friends of Whitey Ford Field is holding a family day July 15th between 10 am and 6 PM at the corner of 26th Avenue and 2nd Street on Halletts Peninsula in Astoria. They would like...
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General Slocum Sinking
Second worse disaster in NYC History Our Astoria Shore was witness to the worst maritime, and second worse overall disaster in NYC History: The sinking of the General Slocum Ferry in Hellsgate! In an in...
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Fireworks in Astoria Park
This years Fireworks in Astoria Park will take place on Thursday, June 28th at 7:30 PM The event will feature a special performance by the Patriot Brass Ensemble, followed by a spectacular Gucci fireworks display...
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Environmentally Friendly Ferry
The next step in the growth of our Ferry System: Environmentally Friendly Vessels!!!! Following is a study to address the pollution issues deriving from our current Ferry System! Here is the story of European Union-funded...
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A Beach on the Astoria Waterfront
Trying to make the best of a bad situation, the Durst Organization has announced plans to create a temporary Cultural Center and Beach Area on the site of the stalled Hallets Point project. There will...
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Public Art in Marine Air Terminal
We previously posted a request for artists in Queens to apply for a residency program in the Marine Terminal at LaGuardia Airport. The positions we awarded, and have been operating since May 2. We thought...
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Astoria Park Carnival June 6-10,2018
Central Astoria Local Development Coalition is pleased to announce this year’s Astoria Park Carnival in the Parking lot area of Astoria Park. This has evolved in to tradition our neighborhood looks forward to every year....
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More action on Residential Parking Permits
Councilman Francisco Moya (D_Jackson Heights) introduced a pair of parking-related bills earlier this month, with the first seeking to create a residential permit system in East Elmhurst —This seems to be related to a similar...
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Developer Sam Chang’s New 13-story Hotel in Long Island City
A new 13-story hotel at 38-39 9th Street, in Long Island City, Queens is being constructed. Hotel Developer Sam Chang will be responsible. The hotel will be seven blocks away from the 21st Street-Queensbridge subway...
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New 3 story residential bldg. 12-19 31st Dr.
Permits have been filed for a three-story residential building at 12-19 31st Drive, in Astoria, Queens. The site is close to the Astoria NYC Ferry pier and is 13 blocks away from the Broadway subway...
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New NYC Ferry Summer 2018 Schedule
The NYC Ferry has just released its new schedule for summer 2018. For the NYC waterfront’s premier public transit alternative summer schedule, this is effective May 21, 2018. Remember, with fares equal to those on a MetroCard,...
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Fathers Day in Astoria Park
June 17th, 2018 11 am to 3 pm The Old Astoria Neighborhood Assn is pleased to partner with the Astoria Park Alliance to sponsor a Fathers Day event in Astoria Park. What can be appropriate...
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Socrates Sculpture Park 2018 schedule
One of the Old Astoria Neighborhoods greatest assets is the Socrates Sculpture Park. With an attendance of over 100,000 annually, New Yorkers of all ages are exposed to a great program of the arts and...
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Astoria Park Tennis Courts Permits Available
It’s a good time to remember that now’s the best time to get a permit to play on the city’s public tennis courts. The tennis season lasts from April to the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so picking...
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New Building at 21st st and 29th ave
Permits have been filed for a seven-story mixed-use building at 28-06 21st Street, in Astoria, Queens. The 74-foot tall structure will yield 11,360 square feet, with 9,750 square feet dedicated to residential use, and 1,610...
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MTA Funding for Accessible Transit projects
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has amended it’s capital plan to allocate at least $600 million for accessibility projects. They state this will “significantly increases the agency’s investment” in Americans With Disabilities Act accessibility projects. $300...
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Durst and the Astoria Waterfront
Following is an interesting interview with Helen Rose Durst on their investments in Queens. We at OANA want to acknowledge that without Durst’s commitment to the revitalization of our waterfront, the prospects of improved quality...
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Street Cleaning in Old Astoria
We at Old Astoria Neighborhood Assn. (OANA) read with interest the op-ed in today’s Crains warning us to avoid street cleaning and Alternate Side parking (ASP). We greatly appreciate the fact that this helps keep...
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Street Cleaning and Parking; Short supply in Old Astoria
As a follow up to OANA’s press release asking for street cleaning once a week per side in Old Astoria, the Queens Courier has published an article on this. Even with petitions from local residents...