The New York City Department of Sanitation is proposing to expand and extend its stationary on-street trash container pilot program for residential buildings with 10 or more units. Under the proposed rule, the existing pilot in Manhattan Community District 9 would be extended through Oct. 15, 2027, while the program would also expand into Brooklyn Community District 2. The proposal applies to both “large residential buildings” with 31 or more units and “medium residential buildings” with 10 to 30 units. Beginning Oct. 15, 2026, affected buildings would be required to either use stationary on-street containers or DSNY-approved rigid bins with tight-fitting lids. Buildings in both districts would be able to apply for the on-street container option during a July 1–31, 2026 application period. DSNY said extending the Manhattan pilot and expanding into Brooklyn would help the agency collect more data as it considers making the containerization program permanent and potentially expanding it citywide. Public Hearing Details The public hearing on the proposed rules will take place virtually via Microsoft Teams at 9:30 a.m. on June 17, 2026. Meeting ID: 291 903 956 410 421 Passcode: gN7M5EW6 Dial-in: +1 646-893-7101,,347417295# Phone Conference ID: 347 417 295# Residents can also submit comments online through the NYC Rules website, by email to nycrules@dsny.nyc.gov, or by mail to DSNY, 125 Worth Street, Room 710, New York, NY 10013. Anyone wishing to speak at the hearing must register by emailing mliguori@dsny.nyc.gov before 5 p.m. on June 16. Written comments must be submitted by June 17, 2026. Download the Public Hearing Notice DSNY Proposed Amendment of Rules Relating to Containerization Requirements  

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The DOT will present its 31st Avenue Phase 2 Safety Improvement Plan at the upcoming Community Board 1 Full Board Meeting on May 19. The proposal focuses on a bike lane and safety improvements along 31st Avenue between Steinway Street and 51st Street, continuing the city’s efforts to enhance street conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. You can view the full presentation prior to the meeting here: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/31-ave-phase-ii-steinway-st-51-st-may2026.pdf We encourage fellow Astorians to review the materials and attend the meeting to learn more about the proposed changes and provide feedback. You can read more on Qns.com or see the official announcement on NYC.gov.

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A prolific Bronx-based developer is bringing his latest project to Astoria, Queens, with plans for a new 9-story luxury residential building at 29-12 Hoyt Ave. South. Mark Stagg of the Stagg Group recently filed permits for the roughly 60,000-square-foot development, which would include 68 rental units, about 2,100 square feet of commercial space, and a 27-car parking garage. Designed by MK Architect Studio, the project is slated to replace a small 2-story building on the site, which is expected to be demolished. Stagg, who is in contract to acquire the property through a long-term land lease, says construction could begin this fall, adding another large-scale residential project to his growing portfolio across the Bronx and Queens. Learn more here.

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The The Noguchi Museum has extended the application deadline for its “Making Your Mark” summer art-making intensive for New York City public high school juniors and seniors to May 31. The paid studio program invites students to explore sculpture, creativity, identity, and interdisciplinary art-making while drawing inspiration from artist Isamu Noguchi and the museum’s current exhibition, “Noguchi’s New York.” The program will run Mondays through Thursdays from July 6–31 at the museum’s Long Island City campus and will conclude with a public student exhibition on July 31. Participants will receive all art materials, a $600 stipend for full participation, and optional transportation reimbursement. Learn more about the program here: https://www.noguchi.org/museum/education/teens/making-your-mark/

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OANA is pleased to share information from the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) and the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), including opportunities for Queens-based artists and upcoming human rights-focused performances. IHRAF Queens Submissions Now Open Submissions are now open for IHRAF Queens, the borough’s human rights art festival featuring performance, theater, dance, music, spoken word, and multidisciplinary work by Queens-based artists. Accepted participants will receive a $200 project stipend, PR and marketing support, a technical rehearsal, stage management support, and photographic documentation of their performance. The festival takes place September 18 – 20th. Tickets Available for “IHRAF: Arendt” Tickets are also available for IHRAF: Arendt, a multi-day performance series inspired by the ideas of political philosopher Hannah Arendt. The event will take place June 5–7 at the 30th Street Theater in Manhattan and will feature performances spanning theater, dance, music, puppetry, and interdisciplinary work. The weekend will also include a free public discussion presented in partnership with the Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College. Additional Programs and Artist Support IHRAM also highlighted its continued support for artists at risk around the world, including artists from Afghanistan, Gaza, Syria, Uganda, Cameroon, and Palestine. Upcoming programming will feature artist testimonials, video presentations, and online discussions focused on artistic freedom and human rights advocacy. Additional submission opportunities through IHRAM Press and other human rights arts initiatives are also currently available. For information on IHRAF please visit: https://humanrightsartmovement.org/ihraf-queens-call-2026

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Green Space will present its latest Take Root: DIG performances from May 14–17, featuring original contemporary dance works created by artists in the 2025–2026 Digging In Group (DIG) Residency. The showcase highlights eight choreographers developing new works through Green Space’s mentorship and residency program. Thursday, May 14 & Saturday, May 16 — 8:00 PM Performances will include Apogee by Will Pettigrew, Entanglement: Steven’s Stuff by Louise Heit, mother, my blood; father, my bones by Not A Dance Company, and Folly Trio by Charlotte Aucella. Friday, May 15 — 8:00 PM & Sunday, May 17 — 7:00 PM Performances will include The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far by Josephine Brunner, STAMMER HAMMER (tap tap tap tap tap) by Liiiam, Voyna Opera by Eleanor Crawford, and Stripes by Chisato Fujii. Tickets are available through Green Space here.

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Read the Op-Ed OANA supports the proposed 31st Street bike lane project in Astoria contingent on the full implementation of critical safety, enforcement, and operational measures. We believe the corridor’s unique conditions—including heavy pedestrian activity, elevated subway infrastructure, and overlapping transportation modes—require integrated traffic controls for vehicles, bicycles, micromobility, and pedestrians to improve safety and reduce conflicts. Our support also depends on meaningful enforcement, including visible NYPD presence and long-term accountability measures for bikes and micromobility devices. OANA considers this a probationary approval and recommends a formal public review after one year to evaluate safety, congestion, emergency response impacts, and overall performance. Additional concerns regarding student safety near PS 85 and FDNY emergency operations must continue to be monitored and addressed throughout implementation. The success of this project will depend not only on design, but on how effectively it is controlled, enforced, and evaluated in practice.

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OANA is excited to share information about Queens Taste, an event featuring restaurants and eateries from across Queens, NY. Join the most delicious event of the year on May 12 at Sound River Studios in LIC for an unforgettable evening featuring unlimited sips and samples from more than 50 of Queens’ best restaurants, breweries, dessert makers, and food artisans. Enjoy incredible food, skyline views along the East River, and celebrate the flavors that make Queens the food capital of the world. 📍 Sound River Studios, Long Island City 📅 Tuesday, May 12 | 6 PM – 9 PM Get your tickets before sales end at QueensTaste.org!

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We’re happy to share updates on upcoming May programming at the Noguchi Museum in Queens. This month offers a range of opportunities to engage with Isamu Noguchi’s work through exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, and community programs. Curator’s Tour: Noguchi’s New York Saturday, May 9 (11:30 am–12:30 pm) Join the museum curator for a guided tour of Noguchi’s New York, focusing on Noguchi’s relationship with the city and its influence on his practice. Socrates x Noguchi Field Guide: Green Spaces Saturday, May 16 (11 am–1 pm) An outdoor, hands-on workshop at Socrates Sculpture Park exploring experimental art-making inspired by nature. Drawing from a Distance (Virtual Program) Monday, May 18 (7:30–9 pm) A free monthly online drawing session centered on Isamu Noguchi’s work, designed for reflection and community engagement. You can view the Noguchi’s events calendar here.

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OANA is excited to share that world-renowned sculptor Chakaia Booker will be returning to Socrates Sculpture Park on May 11. This special “Homecoming” installation will feature three of her monumental works: Serendipity, Gridlock, and LIKE. The exhibition highlights Booker’s powerful use of recycled materials to create dynamic sculptural forms that explore movement, resilience, and transformation. Her return is especially meaningful in the context of Socrates’ 40-year legacy as a space for experimentation, public art, and community engagement. We encourage neighbors and visitors to experience this milestone installation beginning May 11. Learn more here.

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