On our 12th anniversary, we are re-releasing a selection of OANA’s op-eds from over the years. We have covered a wide range of issues, including taxes, politics, development, transportation, and cultural issues, many of which remain relevant today. We will be re-releasing approximately 10 op-eds each month through the end of the year. Please have a look below and feel free to share any thoughts and comments with us. Thank you to all our friends and supporters over the years! Your feedback, thoughtful input, and continued engagement have helped us develop policy analysis and proposals that we hope have made a modest contribution to shaping the future of our neighborhood. If you would like to support OANA’s work, please consider making a donation by clicking here. NYC Justice Reform op ed (11/18/2022) OANA – The Administrating of Disability Exemptions (09/01/2022) Government Outreach (06/24/2022) OANA Overhead cable Op Ed (05/14/2022) OANA Port Authority Airtrain Post (04/03/2022) Community Boards Reimagined (04/11/2021) Relief For Small Property Owners (03/16/2020) OANA position on the proposed Elimination of the Q103 Bus Route (02/10/2020) OANA position Bike Lanes, Traffic Controls (11/29/2019) Proposed Old Astoria Dog Run (06/06/2018)

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The USTA will bring its new roving ice cream truck to the Astoria Park tennis courts on August 21 as part of the lead-up to the US Open. The free giveaway will take place at the Astoria Park Tennis Courts on Friday, August 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. Visitors can stop by for free soft serve, ice pops, and other surprises as the USTA builds excitement for the upcoming US Open. The Astoria Park stop is part of a week-long tour of public tennis courts across all five boroughs. The USTA describes the city’s public courts as the “heartbeat” of tennis in New York and is using the ice cream truck to bring some of the excitement surrounding the tournament directly into local neighborhoods. The tour begins in the Bronx on August 17 before continuing to Riverside Park in Manhattan on August 18, McCarren Park in Brooklyn on August 19, and Silver Lake Tennis Courts on Staten Island on August 20. Astoria Park will be the final stop. The 2026 US Open begins with Fan Week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on August 23, followed by the main draw beginning August 30. The ice cream giveaway is one of several USTA initiatives designed to bring the US Open experience beyond the tennis center. The organization will also host a free US Open Experience at Hudson Yards from August 30 through September 5, featuring tennis challenges, video games, live entertainment, and opportunities for fans to watch US Open coverage. Photo courtesy of USTA

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A new 429-unit residential development is moving forward in Astoria at 35-45, 35-33, and 35-42 41st Street, near 36th Avenue. Known as Elara, the project will consist of two residential buildings, an 18-story tower and a 12-story building, with 107 permanently affordable apartments and ground-floor retail. Designed by S9 Architecture and developed by The Domain Companies, Elara East will contain 330 apartments, while Elara West will contain 99. The development is expected to include a wide range of amenities, including fitness centers, coworking spaces, a screening room, listening lounge, gaming room with golf simulator, children’s playroom, dog wash station, outdoor courtyards, and a communal roof terrace. Construction financing for the project was recently finalized, with Domain Companies and its equity partners Canyon Partners Real Estate and BLDG Management securing $175.6 million from Wells Fargo. Elara is also notable because the property sits within an area that was rezoned as part of the Innovation Queens development proposal, a much larger project that was ultimately canceled after its original developer, Silverstein Properties, withdrew their proposal. The cancellation of Innovation Queens, however, did not erase the underlying rezoning. The development rights created through that rezoning remain in place, allowing other property owners and developers to pursue projects that take advantage of the new zoning framework. Elara is a clear example of how the effects of a major rezoning can continue long after the original development proposal disappears. While Innovation Queens itself is no longer moving forward, the zoning changes it helped establish have created opportunities for new development on properties within the rezoned area. In this case, a different developer is now moving forward with a substantial residential project that will bring hundreds of new homes to the neighborhood, including permanently affordable housing. Elara West is currently anticipated to open in February 2028,...

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Image courtesy of the Washington Post The small corner of this city we call home was recently featured in a Washington Post article, along with a quote from OANA President Richard Khuzami, exploring the political shift taking place in our neighborhood and the growing influence of democratic socialist candidates. The article, published August 7, describes Astoria as a national example of how changing demographics, rising housing costs, and a younger electorate have reshaped local Democratic politics. Astoria is now represented by democratic socialists at multiple levels of government, including City Council, the State Assembly, State Senate, Congress, and the mayor’s office. The Post also explores the divisions that accompany that shift. While many residents support candidates who campaign on housing affordability, expanded public services, transportation, and other progressive priorities, others remain concerned about taxes, public safety, small businesses, housing policy, and whether elected officials are adequately representing longtime residents. The story highlights the diversity of perspectives within Astoria itself. Longtime residents, newer arrivals, homeowners, tenants, business owners, and immigrant communities do not necessarily share the same priorities, even as they live in the same neighborhood. That diversity is part of what makes Astoria such an interesting case study in New York City politics. The neighborhood has experienced enormous demographic and cultural change over the past several decades, and its political evolution reflects those broader changes. For OANA, the article is also a reminder that Astoria is not politically or socially monolithic. As our neighborhood continues to change, maintaining opportunities for residents with different perspectives to participate in civic life remains essential. Read the full story by reporter Tim Craig here for free courtesy of The Washington Post: “Democratic socialists dominate this neighborhood. Not everyone is on board.”  

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Socrates Sculpture Park is celebrating its 40th anniversary summer with a full season of free art, performances, and community programs this summer. This month’s highlights include a new installation by artist Sanford Biggers, the Queensboro Dance Festival, free Shakespeare, family workshops, yoga, and meditation. New Artwork by Sanford Biggers Socrates welcomes back artist Sanford Biggers with Unsui (Mirror), a new installation featuring cloud-like sculptures throughout the Park. Biggers’ connection to Socrates dates back to his 2001 work Terra Mandala, created through the Park’s artist fellowship program. His latest installation reflects on the relationship between water, sky, and the changing waterfront landscape, with reflective surfaces that shift with the light and surroundings. Upcoming August Events Queensboro Dance Festival Saturday, August 8 | 5–7 PM Queens-based dance companies will perform at the waterfront, with free family-friendly workshops before and after the show. Field Guide: Built it like a bee, using mud, stems, fuzz, and more Saturday, August 15 | 11 AM–1 PM Families can join iDig2Learn and Socrates artists for a hands-on workshop exploring bees, nature, and art-making. Hip to Hip Theatre Company presents As You Like It Sunday, August 16 | 4:30 PM Enjoy a free outdoor Shakespeare performance on the waterfront, with a children’s theatre workshop before the show. Socrates also continues its weekly summer programs, including Sunset Meditation with Mindful Astoria on Tuesdays and free Vinyasa yoga with Astoria Yoga on Sundays. For more information and event details, visit Socrates Sculpture Park’s calendar here: https://socratessculpturepark.org/programs/all/

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Dear Coffee Lovers, our waterfront is getting a new Cafe. The Astoria-based :3 Coffee has signed a lease for a new café at 30 Halletts Point, becoming the first retail tenant announced for The Durst Organization’s residential tower. The café is expected to open later this year and will serve coffee, juices, and breakfast items. Founded by Astoria residents Fabian Guzman and Andrea Gomez, :3 Coffee currently operates locations on Steinway Street in Astoria and in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. The new location will bring the locally founded business back to the neighborhood where it started, which we are excited about. The new café will be located on the ground floor of 30 Halletts Point, with easy access to the waterfront walkway and public spaces along the East River. As Halletts Point continues to grow, the arrival of :3 Coffee marks another step in bringing more local businesses and everyday amenities to Astoria’s waterfront. Read the official Durst press release here or check out the write up in QNS here.

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Looking for artistic events for this August? Green Space has announced a series free performances, community events, and wellness workshops taking place throughout the month. BEAUTY at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival Green Space’s dance company, Dance Entropy, will present a free performance of BEAUTY during the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival ahead of its spring premiere. Saturday, August 8, 2026 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Flushing Meadows Corona Park The performance is free to attend. SPLASH! Returns for NYC Summer Streets Dance Entropy is bringing back the popular summertime performance, SPLASH!, as part of NYC Summer Streets in Brooklyn. Saturday, August 22, 2026 Time: To Be Announced Eastern Parkway between Grand Army Plaza and Buffalo Avenue Skimming the Surface® Movement Healing Workshop Green Space will also host Skimming the Surface®, a donation-based movement healing workshop designed for adults navigating stress, trauma, or simply seeking a restorative community experience. Tuesday, August 25, 2026 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Green Space, Long Island City Using somatic movement and expressive exercises, the workshop creates a welcoming environment for participants to reconnect with themselves through movement. Attendance is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. Artist Residency Applications Open Green Space is also accepting applications for its Digging in Group (D.I.G.) Artist Residency, with applications due August 11. The residency will support eight choreographers through collaborative work sessions, professional development workshops, artist stipends, and two culminating performances, providing an opportunity to develop and share new work with the Astoria community. For more information about these events, check out Green Space’s website here: https://www.greenspacestudio.org/

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We are excited to have read the news that Kaufman Studios is entering a new chapter: Shadowbox Studios is the official new manager of Kaufman Astoria Studios as of week, taking over operations at this historic film and television production campus that has been part of the neighborhood for more than a century. Originally built in the 1920s as the home of Paramount Pictures, Kaufman Astoria Studios has become one of New York City’s premier production facilities. The 500,000-square-foot campus now includes 11 soundstages and more than 325,000 square feet of office and production support space. The studio has hosted countless iconic productions over the years, including Goodfellas, Sesame Street, Succession, And Just Like That…, and the upcoming The Devil Wears Prada 2. The management change follows financial challenges earlier this year that resulted in court-appointed order. Shadowbox Studios has now been selected to oversee the day-to-day management of the Astoria campus. “We want to welcome producers to this incredible studio to be enriched by its history and the storytellers that have come before them, while offering the highest level of service for today’s production needs,” said Mike Mosallam, Chief Operating Officer of Shadowbox Studios. Shadowbox operates studio campuses across the United States and internationally, including facilities in Atlanta and the United Kingdom, with another major studio currently under development in Australia. For Astoria, the announcement marks another milestone in the long history of one of Queens’ most important cultural and economic institutions. Kaufman Astoria Studios continues to attract major film and television productions, supporting local jobs, businesses, and the neighborhood’s reputation as a hub for the entertainment industry. Read more here: https://deadline.com/2026/08/shadowbox-to-manage-new-york-kaufman-astoria-studios-1237015654/

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The Noguchi Museum has announced additional August programming featuring artist talks, free admission days, community activities, and opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore Isamu Noguchi’s work. For family-friendly workshops and activities, see our previous post: Family-Friendly August Programs Coming to The Noguchi Museum. Artists Talk & Screening: Eastend Western Saturday, August 1 | 3–4 p.m. Join artists Nicolas Ménard and Jack Cunningham of Eastend Western for a screening and discussion about the hand-painted animated films created for the exhibition Noguchi’s New York. The artists will share their creative process and explore how their work brings Isamu Noguchi’s unrealized playground designs to life. The talk will be moderated by Curator Kate Wiener and is free with museum admission. Free First Friday: Chess, Music & Art-Making Friday, August 7 | 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Enjoy free admission all day along with special programming throughout the museum. Activities include chess games in the garden with Pawn Chess Club, bilingual art-making with Arte en el Noguchi, and music from DJ collective Discolocas. The museum will remain open with extended hours until 8 p.m. Community Day Saturday, August 8 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free admission during the museum’s summer Community Day. The event includes drop-in art-making activities and public tours featuring works from Noguchi’s New York. Drawing from a Distance Monday, August 10 | 7:30–9 p.m. This free virtual drawing program invites participants to learn about Isamu Noguchi’s work while connecting with a community of artists and art lovers from home. Draw Together Thursday, August 13 | 10–11:30 a.m. Designed for tweens and teens ages 11–15 and their adult companions, this program explores Noguchi’s sculptures through conversation, observation, and drawing in the museum galleries. Some programs require advance registration. For more information and to register, visit noguchi.org.

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You may be aware that the Noguchi Museum hosts family-friendly activities every month: This August you can expect hands-on workshops, free admission days, and interactive activities for children, teens, and adults. Family Workshop: Animation with Eastend Western Saturday, August 1 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Families with children ages 7 and older are invited to create an animated short film alongside artists Nicolas Ménard and Jack Cunningham of Eastend Western. Participants will color individual animation frames on transparent celluloid, inspired by films created for the museum’s Noguchi’s New York exhibition. Advance registration is required. Free First Friday Friday, August 7 | 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Enjoy free admission for the day along with a variety of activities for all ages, including chess in the garden with Pawn Chess Club, bilingual art-making with Arte en el Noguchi, and music from DJ collective Discolocas. Community Day Saturday, August 8 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. The museum will once again offer free admission during its summer Community Day. Visitors can take part in drop-in art activities and public tours exploring Isamu Noguchi’s enduring connection to New York City through the exhibition Noguchi’s New York. Draw Together Thursday, August 13 | 10–11:30 a.m. Designed for tweens and teens ages 11–15 and their adult companions, this new program encourages participants to explore Noguchi’s sculptures through conversation, drawing, and a collaborative discussion in the museum’s Education Studio. Some programs require advance registration, while the museum’s free admission days are open to everyone. For more information and to register, visit noguchi.org.  

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