Renewable Energy Programs That Will Use Astoria Hubs Have Been Approved For New York City
The State Public Service Commission approved two projects concerned with bringing renewable energy to New York City. The Clean Path NY (CPNY) project and the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) will consist of transmitting solar, wind, and hydropower from upstate New York and Canada into Queens. In the process,...
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Permits Filed For Mixed-Use Building At 14-47 Broadway In Astoria, Queens
According to an article published by New York YIMBY, permits have been filed for a mixed-use building located 14-47 Broadway in Astoria, Queens. The lot for the proposed nine-story building is located between 14-47 Broadway and 21st Street and four blocks west of the Broadway subway station, which serves...
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Innovation QNS Public Hearing on May 25 To Discuss Proposed Development
Innovation Queens, a new development proposed by Kauffman Astoria Studios, Silverstein and Bedrock Developers will be the subject of a Community Board 1 public hearing on May 25 at 6:30 pm at the Museum of the Moving Image (36-01 35th Avenue,LONG ISLAND CITY, NY). The proposed development is slated...
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Large Development on Halletts Point Peninsula Has Been Approved
According to an article published by sunnysidepost, developer Astoria Owners Inc. acquired the approval of the Community Board on Tuesday, April 19th, to build 1,340 apartments on the Halletts Point peninsula. After tight voting results of 19-14, the board decided favorably on the construction of three residential towers on...
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OANA OP ED: Which path to LGA?
OANA has long been a stakeholder regarding the renovation of the LGA Airport, and we are indeed very happy with the results. This public-private partnership, using Design Build to facilitate construction in a more efficient timely manner, has created a facility we can all be proud of. One that reflects,...
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Career Open House Will Take Place on April 28th
A Career Open House will be taking place on April 28th at 10-25 41st Avenue, Long Island City. The event will focus on career opportunities in life sciences and run from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. Attendees will be able to learn about careers in healthcare, biotech, pharmaceuticals, lab...
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COVID-19 self-tests will be given out by the Family Church starting on Tuesday, April 26th
Old Astoria residents will be able to pick up COVID-19 self-tests donated by Congresswoman Ocasio Cortez starting on Tuesday, April 26th. The antigen rapid tests will be distributed at the Family Church located at 26-13 18thStreet, Astoria. A total of two tests will be given per person. Test distributions...
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Register Today For The MTA-NYC Transit Development Team’s Public Workshops
The MTA-NYC Transit’s Queens Bus Network Redesign Team has announced a series of public briefings to present the release of a New Draft Plan for the Queens Bus Network Redesign. The plan aims to revitalize the Queens Bus Network and improve travel for thousands of New Yorkers. The first briefing was...
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The Astoria Park Alliance will be hosting a Volunteer Cleanup in celebration of Earth Day
The Astoria Park Alliance will be hosting a Volunteer Cleanup on Saturday, April 23, in celebration of Earth Day. The event will take place at the Astoria Track Field House (adjacent to the tennis courts) and run from 10 am to 12 pm. Numerous events and activities are planned...
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Innovation QNS Town Hall On April 20, 2022
The Innovation QNS team invites the residents of Old Astoria for an in-person town hall on April 20th, from 4 pm to 7 pm. The event will take place at the Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave, and serve to better inform residents about the Innovation QNS...
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Champlain Hudson Power Express Support and Petition
OANA supports the Champlain Hudson Power Express project and urges everyone to sign the following petition. Click here to sign the petition to approve the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) Green Energy Project. This project is asking for New York State approval to build transmission lines to bring green...
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Participatory Budgeting Vote Week Runs Until April 10th
Participatory Budgeting vote week is here! You’ll have the opportunity to vote between April 2nd and 10th to decide how the Office of Council Member Tiffany Cabán spends over $1 million of its discretionary funding. Our community, our choice! For anyone unfamiliar with Participatory Budgeting (PB), it is a...
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BUILD THE BLOCK REMINDER- March 31, 2022
OANA would like to let everyone know that the NYPD 114th Precinct Sector David “Build the Block”, presented by the NCO (Neighborhood Coordination Officers), will take place on Thursday March 31st virtually on zoom. Please join them to discover local community issues and concerns. Thank you and be safe....
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The NYC Ferry 2022 Spring Schedule Is Here
The NYC Ferry 2022 Spring Schedule will go into effect Monday, April 4, 2022. Please plan your commute before you go. Access all schedules here.
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MTA-NYC Transit’s Queens Bus Network Redesign Public Virtual Briefing
The MTA-NYC Transit’s Queens Bus Network Redesign Team will be hosting a public virtual briefing to present participants with an overview of the New Draft Plan for the Queens Bus Network Redesign. Unlike the former proposal, the new reimagined plan takes into consideration Queens Bus Network through the lens...
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Neglected stores along Queens Plaza North to be replaced with a 26-story-residential-apartment complex
According to licpost, neglected stores along Queens Plaza North will likely be demolished with plans for a 26-story-residential-apartment complex to take their place. The block, located between 27th Street and Crescent Street, has looked unpleasant for decades. A developer plans to convert the segment into a 311-foot-tall tower with...
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Permits Filed for New Nine-story-mixed-use Development at 11-20 Broadway in Astoria
According to New York YIMBY, permits for the 11-20 Broadway building in Astoria, Queens, have been filed with affordable housing. The nine-story-mixed-use development is located between 11th and 12th Streets. The building is also a walking distance of the Broadway subway station, serving the N and W trains. The...
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NYC Free Tax Prep
Tax Day is less than one month away. We want to remind a few services available to tax payors during this tax season. Co-founded by OANA board member Bishop Mitchell Taylor, Urban Upbound is offering free tax preparation services for families making $72,000 or less. Urban Upbound is located...
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Innovation QNS Needs To Meet Councilwoman Julia Won’s Demands
Developers for the $2 billion Innovation QNS project in Astoria vowed to meet the demands put forth by Councilwoman Julie Won to do more community outreach and provide more details about the proposal before trying to get the five-block area in Astoria rezoned. The zoning change Innovation QNS is...
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The Spring Fest and Paw-rade will take place Sunday, March 20
The Spring Fest and Paw-rade will take place Sunday, March 20, 2022, from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm at 31st Avenue, between Steinway Street and 38th Street. The event is a Steinway Astoria Partnership and is free of charge. Onsite adoptions provided by the Animal Care Centers of NYC...
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Donation Drive To Support The Families of Ukraine
The Queens Borough President’s Office is partnering with the New York Police Department to provide relief for families facing harm and violence in Ukraine. Specific items are being collected in the lobby of Queens Borough Hall, located at 20-55 Queens Blvd. If you would like to donate, please drop...
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Port Authority Stakeholder Input
In a press release posted on March 2, 2022, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking guidance from stakeholders on 14 potential mass transit options to LaGuardia Airport. They will also look at other options that may be suggested by the stakeholders. More than 70...
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The Department of Transportation has initiated the replacement of the Upper Deck of the Queensboro Bridge
On February 14, 2022, the Department of Transportation (DOT) initiated the replacement of the upper deck of the Queensboro Bridge. The repair work is expected to be completed in December 2023 and culminate in the revitalization of the bridge’s upper deck, extending its life span by 50 to 75...
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Robert De Niro’s State-Of-The-Art- Film Studio Is Set To Begin Construction
Robert De Niro’s state-of-the-art- film studio, Wildflower Studios, is set to begin construction upon getting the approval of the city’s Department of Building last month. The $600 million-mega film campus will be located at 35-15 19th Avenue around Ditmars, Astoria. The 775,000-square-foot space formerly served as a parking lot...
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Fines and Interest Reduction Enabling Recovery Program
New York City is allowing residents to pay a reduced amount for eligible Environmental Control Board judgments under a temporary city program called Fines and Interest Reduction Enabling Recovery (FAIRER). Residents are eligible if proceedings were initiated in court before June 23, 2021. The FAIRER Program is a three-month...
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New Nine Story Mixed-use Building Coming to Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City
According to New York YIMBY, the renderings of the building located at 35-01 Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, Queens, have been revealed by GKA Design Group. The development is set to have nine stories for mixed-use. The developer Agayev Holding is currently in the process of acquiring the...
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The first renderings for a new 19-story Queens Plaza North residential tower have been released
According to New York YIMBY, the first renderings for the 19-story residential tower, 24-01 Queens Plaza North, in Long Island City, Queens, have been revealed. The development is designed by ODA New York and developed by New Empire Corporation. Expected to house over 100 condominium units, the building will...
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RISE LIC has Launched an Affordable Housing Lottery
An 11-story mixed-use building, Known as RISE LIC, located at 29-17 40th Avenue in Long Island City, Queens, launched an affordable housing lottery. The project is designed by Fogarty Finger Architects and developed by SB Development. The development will consist of 103 residences. Potential renters must meet both income...
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Interborough Express Transit between Brooklyn and Queens
Transit between Brooklyn and Queens that does not go through Manhattan has long been a goal of many in Queens, including OANA. More jobs are being created in the outer boroughs, and transit times up to 90 minutes are unacceptable. While the proposed BQX trolley has, fortunately, bit the...
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NYC Ferry Alert: South Brooklyn Route
This week marks the start of NYC Ferry service to-and-from Governors Island which will begin on the South Brooklyn Route! Until the Coney Island Route launches in late 2022, Governors Island will be a stop between Sunset Park/Brooklyn Army Terminal and Red Hook/Atlantic Basin. For updated South Brooklyn route...
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The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens and Champlain Hudson Power Express team up to construct a STEM lab in Astoria
On January 10, the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ) announced a partnership with the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) to construct a state-of-the-art STEM lab at the Boys & Girls Clubhouse in Astoria. Supplied by a $1.25 million donation from CBHPE, the project is focused on...
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Jacob A. Riis Vaccine Events
OANA received the following important information about an upcoming vaccine event and we would like to share. The Astoria Houses Tenant Association will be sponsoring this event as well.
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A COMMERCIAL TENANT’S GUIDE TO LANDLORD DISPUTES
OANA received the following important information on small business issues, and we would like to share: A Commercial Tenant’s Guide To Landlord Disputes. Available In English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean https://www.legalservicesnyc.org/storage/PDFs/KYR_Commercial/commercial%20tenant%20guide.pdf https://www.legalservicesnyc.org/storage/PDFs/KYR_Commercial/commercial%20tenant%20guide%20spanish.pdf https://www.legalservicesnyc.org/storage/PDFs/KYR_Commercial/commercial%20tenant%20guide%20chinese.pdf https://www.legalservicesnyc.org/storage/PDFs/KYR_Commercial/commercial%20tenant%20guide%20korean.pdf
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208,000-square-foot Lab and Research Facility coming to Long Island City, Queens
According to New York YIMBY, 43-10 23rd Street in Long Island City, Queens, will soon be home to a 208,000-square-foot lab and research facility. Longfellow Real Estate Partners landed a partnership with Sculptor Real Estate for a ground-up redevelopment of the existing seven-story building. The renovation project is expected...
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The Durst Organization Has Refinanced It’s Completed Halletts Point Building
The Durst Organization has refinanced its completed building at 10 Halletts Point. According to reports, the amount refinanced mounted to $127.5 million in a five-year loan with Signature Bank at the multifamily complex in Astoria, Queens. Joseph Fingerman, signature managing group director, led the transaction for the bank, and...
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New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund Info
Keeping our neighbors up to date on government programs that may be of economic assistance, especially during the last few trying years, is an important goal. To this end, we received the following from the Comptrollers office: New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund Applications for the Homeowner Assistance Fund...
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The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Monument Honoring Journalist Nellie Bly
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation debuted a monument honoring journalist Nellie Bly on the island’s northern tip. The work was designed by Amanda Matthews of Prometheus Art. The monument is named after Nellie’s first work entitled Girl Puzzle and consists of five bronze faces sculpted with the image of...
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New NYC Ferry Point Park Stop In Throgs Neck
The NYC Ferry’s Throgs Neck/Ferry Point Park landing in the Soundview Route officially opened on Tuesday, December 28th, 2021. The new stop is expected to facilitate travel for Throgs Neck residents to parts of Manhattan. The total duration time from Throgs Neck to Midtown is 40 minutes and to...
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It’s Almost Tree-cycling Time
OANA would like to share the following from the NYC Dept of sanitation. It’s Almost Tree-cycling Time – “Best Smelling Collection Trucks in the City” “Bare” Trees Only, Please – No Bags or Decorations! The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced that Christmas tree collection will begin...
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Queens General Assembly Looking For New Members For 2022
The Queens General Assembly is looking for new members for 2022. OANA President Richard Khuzami is an alum of this great organization and continues to contribute over the last 19 years. Please consider applying: “Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.’s Queens General Assembly is a borough-level intergroup dialogue project. It...
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21st Street Improvement Project Public Meetings
As many of you know, the NYC DOT is proposing putting bus lanes on 21st street between Hoyt Avenue and Queensborough Plaza. Como muchos de ustedes pueden saber, el NYC DOT propone poner carriles para autobuses en la calle 21 entre Hoyt Avenue y Queensborough Plaza. https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/21-st-bus-priority-safety-study-cab4-nov2021.pdf They proposed...
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New Eight Story Building Coming to 21-04 30th Drive in Astoria
A permit has been filed for an “As of Right” eight-story building in our neighborhood of Astoria, Queens. The project is located at 21-04 30th Drive, between 21st Street and 23rd Street. The building is also a 10-minute walk to the 30th Avenue subway station, serving the N and...
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Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Astoria
Electric Vehicle Charging stations are coming to Astoria. As an organization, OANA is a firm supporter of sustainable policies that result in controlling climate change and the burning of fossil fuels. To promote a more sustainable form of energy, Con Edison, the New York City Department of Transportation, and...
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OANA & Queens Together Virtual Town Hall With Special Guest Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
Old Astoria Neighborhood Association, working together with Queens Together, is proud to host a Town Hall with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. Congresswoman Maloney, as chair of the House Oversight Committee, is deeply involved in all negotiations regarding President Biden’s “Build Back Better” and Infrastructure proposals. This will be a great...
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District 22 City Council Debate Follow up Questions and Answers
To those of you who joined us for the recent District 22 City Council debate hosted by OANA, we advised that those of you who posted questions in our chat would have them forwarded the candidates for a response. We have received responses from Republican candidate Felicia Kalan and...
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Under the Water Cove Cleanup Event Canceled
I applaud the positive power of Communities working together for the common good. On the other hand, there is nothing more destructive than the involvement of Bureaucrats and Lawyers to tear down such initiatives. Regretfully we have fallen into this quagmire, and we are working to extricate ourselves. We...
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OANA Council District 22 Debate Video
We understand that many of us who have an interest in local politics had a hard decision last night: The Mayoral debate or the OANA Council District 22 debate. For those who watched the Mayoral debate, watch a recording of last night’s Council debate. District 22 Candidate Debate Deciding...
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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, 21-12 30th Rd, Astoria NY on Oct 26th from 6 to 8 PM. Attendance...
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Claim Advance Child Tax Credit payments by November 15, 2021
The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has shared the following information with OANA on the Child Tax Credit payments. As you know, the Child Tax Credit serves as a crucial benefit for millions of families in New York City and across the country. In NYC,...
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PS 122: NYC and State’s Best Middle School
According to a first-of-its-kind ranking released Tuesday by U.S. News and World Report schools in Astoria and Northwest Queens were named among the best in New York, U.S. News published rankings and data on more than 80,000 public elementary and middle schools across the United States — over 1,220 of which...
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Queens Residents Urged To Participate In Redistricting Commission Hearings
The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association urges every Queens resident to participate in the New York Independent Redistricting Commission Hearings, which will start on October 20th. The Queens County hearing will take place on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 3:00 pm. Sign-up for public hearings will close 48 hours before...
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Go Green Astoria Bulb Planting and Clean-up Event
Go Green Astoria, a group of volunteers aiming to keep our neighborhood of Old Astoria clean will be hosting a bulb planting and clean-up event at Ralph Demarco Park, Astoria. The event will take place on Saturday, October 30th, from 10:00 am to 12:30pm. The group will meet at...
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The Department of City Planning Looking For Input From Old Astoria Residents
The Department of City Planning launched a new website intended to strengthen the connection between residents and city planning designs. The new project will allow residents of Old Astoria to provide input to the design process principles to shape the neighborhood’s projects. The website can be found here. The...
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19-Story Building Coming To The Old Goodwill Location In Old Astoria
Scale Lending acquired a $65.9 million construction loan to finance the construction of a residential project in our neighborhood of Old Astoria. The building is located at 26-25 4th Street and is a 10-minute walk from both Hallets Point and Astoria Park. This is the site previously occupied by...
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NYC Ferry Urged To Implement New Technology
Big news for our NYC Ferry Fleet: We call upon the NYC EDC and Hornblower, operators of the NYC Ferry, to implement this new technology as soon as possible! Sustainable energy is the key to our future. Use these opportunities! Let’s ride on California’s coattails! “Incat Crowther recently announced...
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Astoria Street Renamed After NY Yankee Great Whitey Ford
One of Astoria’s favorite sons is Whitey Ford, NY Yankee great, and one of the premier pitchers in the history of the sport. Last Saturday, we had a street renaming in honor of Whitey Ford, at 43rd street and 34th avenue. He lived in that neighborhood, and played there...
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Floating Hospital New Specialty Practice For Infectious Diseases
The Floating Hospital, located at 21-01 41st Avenue, near our neighborhood of Old Astoria, has a new specialty practice for infectious diseases. The new specialty covers treatments for HIV, Hepatitis B, and C, Lyme disease, Measles, Malaria, other recurrent and progressive infections, etc. Infectious disease treatment is coordinated with...
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RFK Bridge Lighting
To all those who have reached out complaining about the lack of lighting on the RFK bridge, we received the following explanation from the MTA Bridge and Tunnels. Thanks for reaching out. Our RFK/Triborough Bridge management reports that some of the roadway lights that also help shed light on...
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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 and expense projects and services for the District.And every year they hold a Public...
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Register And Attend Upcoming Public Hearing On Redistricting
OANA urges residents to both register and attend the upcoming public hearing on redistricting on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 3 pm. The meeting will take place at York College (CUNY) Milton G. Bassin Performing Arts Center located on 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica. This meeting is one...
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Queens Chamber of Commerce Small Business Administration Webinar
The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association urges all business and non-profit entities to register for the following seminar on Financial help offered by the designation of the Hurricane Ida flooding as a Federal Disaster. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Queens Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a webinar...
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NYC FERRY FALL 2021 SCHEDULE
OANA has received the following NYC Ferry information. The NYC Ferry 2021 Fall Schedule will go into effect on Monday, September 13. View Schedules on the NYC Ferry site.
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Hearings on Congestion Pricing Coming Soon
The public will have the opportunity to voice their opinion in September on the New York state’s plan to toll drivers when entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Old Astoria Neighborhood Association urges everyone to participate to make sure their voices are heard. We stand to be greatly affected, because...
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Hurricane Ida Service Centers
The heavy rain generated by Hurricane Ida disrupted the lives of many New Yorkers, including those living in Astoria. As a result, the NYC Emergency Management and the NYC Department of Social Services announced on September 4th that service centers will be opened citywide to aid individuals and families...
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Illegal Propane Tank Storage In Astoria
A business owner was arrested on Thursday, August 26, 2021, for illegally storing more than 100 propane tanks at an Astoria warehouse located at 8-51 Astoria Blvd. Hany Arafa, the owner of a Halal Food company, was charged with reckless endangerment after a routine inspection by fire marshals was...
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Memorial Event To Mark 20th anniversary of 9/11
This month of September will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Former Mets MLB pitcher, Nelson Figueroa, will be sponsoring a memorial event on 9/10 at Katch Astoria. All the money raised will be donated to Tunnels to Towers and other organizations. Figueroa will be inviting other MLB players...
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A New Seven-Story Residential Building On Vernon Boulevard In Astoria Is Coming
A seven-story residential building is currently under construction in Astoria, Queens, as reported by YIMBY. The lot is located on 30-05 Vernon Boulevard and will consist of 67 units and a ground-floor retail space. The structure is designed by Future Expansion Architects and developed by Joint Venture LLC. The...
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TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION OPERATIONS ON MONDAY, 9/6/21
OANA received the following notice from The New York City Department of Sanitation. UPDATE: DUE TO TROPICAL STORM IDA, DSNY TO ENGAGE IN “NORMAL” TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION OPERATIONS ON MONDAY, 9/6/21 DESPITE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY Sanitation crews to work through holiday weekend in all parts of the City...
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HANAC Adult Education Program Is Accepting Registrations
HANAC is accepting registrations for their Adult Education Program, which starts on September 2021. Despite having opened on July 6th, registrations will continue throughout the school year. The educational program offers free in-person English as Second Language classes, High School Equivalency courses, and preparation for the High School General...
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Child Tax Credit Benefit Program
Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor, the senior pastor for the Center of Hope International and frequent guest during OANA monthly meetings and outreach, was featured in a recent NBC News video broadcast. The report narrates the powerful story of Melinda Williams, a resident of Queens and mother of five children,...
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New Floating Hospital Location
The Floating Hospital has moved to a new location. The new clinic has a bigger space to attend to patients, modern facilities to improve care, and expanded services. The hospital’s new location is at 21-01 41st Avenue. Free transportation is offered to Queensbridge, Ravenswood, and Astoria residents. Floating Hospital...
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25-10 42nd Road Project Post
A construction authorization has been filed for a ten-story building in Long Island City, Queens. The edifice is located at 25-10 42nd Road, intersecting Crescent Street and 42nd Road. The lot is one block away from Queensboro Plaza subway station, which serves the 7, N, W trains. The building...
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Greenspace Live Performance Event
Live performances return to Green Space. Kicking off this special evening is the Take Root series with an excerpt from Valerie Green/Dance Entropy’s “HOME” project, culminating a residency with visiting choreographer Bassam Abou Diab from Lebanon. Green Space will also be featuring Diab’s solo work “Eternal,” and a post-performance...
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Noguchi Museum’s open call for Artist Banners
In light of the increasing violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States, the Noguchi Museum is inviting AAPI artists in Queens to submit designs for the Museum’s outdoor banners in an anti-racist advocation. Having been founded by the renowned Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi,...
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Arts and Crafts event and a Bookbag giveaway at St. George Episcopal Church
The St. George Episcopal Church, located at 14-20 27th Avenue, will be hosting an Arts and Crafts event and a Bookbag giveaway in August. Sponsored by Camp Color, the Arts and Crafts activity will take place on Saturday, August 14th, from 9 am to 12 pm. The event will...
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NYC Ferry New Service On St. George Route
The NYC Ferry has announced that a St. George route will officially launch on Monday, August 23, 2021! The St. George route will connect Staten Island with the West Side of Manhattan in Battery Park City and Midtown West at W. 39th Street. Riders can access the St. George...
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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. From a logistics standpoint, this makes the most sense. From our perspective, creating a...
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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 these measures should mitigate the issue. We have received some approvals for our requests...
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Congresswoman Maloney Mobile Casework in Astoria
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is hosting Mobile Casework Hours this Sunday, July 11th in Astoria. The Congresswoman and her team will be at 34th Avenue and Steinway Street between 1:00pm – 2:00pm. She will be out in the community ready to hear the concerns of constituents and help to provide...
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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 Aggeliki and Friends.
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Rezoning Changes Being Proposed For Mixed-Use Developments in Astoria
An Astoria neighborhood anchored by the well-known Neptune Diner, is being proposed for a zoning change leading to new developments. Along the N/W train by the Astoria Blvd Station, this central transit hub is inviting as an area for new construction. The ULURP (Zoning Change) process will begin soon,...
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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 the scene of NYC’s best celebration of the fourth. We now know that being...
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Affordable Housing Lottery Launches In Old Astoria On Hallets Peninsula
An affordable housing lottery is being launched in Old Astoria on Hallets Peninsula. This 7-story structure is at 26-02 4th Street and is designed for mixed-use residential use. The building designed by Geraldo Caliendo Architects consists of 53,438 square feet with 46 units. It features large windows with ample...
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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 will also get a chance to check out the great improvements! From the new...
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NYC Department of Transportation Representative Speaking at the OANA June Meeting
Community Outreach by NYC Department of Transportation Representative John O’Neil featuring Enhanced Bus service on 21st street. Watch the entire presentation from NYCDOT Rep John O’Neil at the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association June 23 meeting.
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Noguchi Museum Presentation at the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association June Meeting
Upcoming Programming at the Noguchi Museum by Communications and Media Director Justin Baez. Watch the presentation from Justin Baez from the Noguchi Museum at the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association June 23 meeting.
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Variety Boys and Girls Club CEO Costa Constantinides Speaking At The OANA June Meeting
Description of upcoming renovations creating a new enlarged Variety Boys and Girls Club by CEO Costa Constantinides. Watch the entire presentation from Costa Constantinides at the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association June 23 meeting.
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Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Speaking At The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association June Meeting
Overview of the Federal Government in Washington and Community Outreach Watch Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney speaking at the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association June 23 meeting.
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Better Bus Service on 21st street in Astoria/LIC
The NYC Department of Transportation has begun the process of reaching out to the community to determine the creation of a “Better Bus” service on 21st street in Astoria/LIC. While many concerns regarding 21st street were discussed, the primary goal is to establish dedicated Bus lanes. They have provided...
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Central Astoria LDC 2021 Waterfront Music and Concert Series
Summer movies, concerts, and celebrations have returned to Astoria Park courtesy of the Central Astoria LDC. Make sure to bring a blanket or chair! Enjoy!
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Queens Public Library Time Capsule
Monday, June 7, 2021, marked a memorable moment in the history of The Queens Public Library (QPL). In celebration of the library’s 125 anniversary, Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott was joined by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., New York City Council Member Jimmy Van...
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Queens Property Tax Reform Hearing on June 9
OANA received information from the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit about an upcoming Queens hearing on June 9 in regards to the NYC Advisory Commission on Property Tax Reform’s 10 initial recommendations to reform the property tax system hosted by the Commission. The borough-based Zoom hearing will begin at 6:00pm....
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NYC Hospitality Alliance, MTA Event supporting Small Business
Old Astoria Neighborhood Association, along with Queens Together were invited to an event hosted by the NYC Hospitality Alliance, along with the MTA, Chefs, Restauranteurs, and other dignitaries. 24/7 subway service, plus the MTA’s #TakeTheTrain and #TakeTheBus Campaign to encourage people to use public transportation to explore neighborhoods and...
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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 general, and Astoria specifically, becomes a sought-after host for great cultural experiences. As the...
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Applications Accepted June 1 For The NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program
OANA has received the following from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Attention Property Owners: The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides assistance to New York City households who are behind on their rent. Low- to moderate-income households can get up to 12 months...
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The 2021 Tribeca Film Festival Screenings in Astoria Park
The 2021 Tribeca Film Festival will be bringing its diverse selection of screenings to our neighborhood in Astoria Park. The prestigious annual film festival will run for 12 days, from June 9th to June 20th. For the first time in its history, the festival will be coming to all...
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Queens Borough President Hate Crimes Forum
The Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. will be hosting a Hate Crimes Forum on Tuesday, May 25th, from 6pm until 8pm. The webinar will take place on Zoom and is open to the general public. Residents of Old Astoria interested in joining this interactive event can RSVP or...
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NYC Mobile Vaccine Bus AStoria 5/23
The Astoria Mutual Aid Network’s Team Vaccine has informed us that the NYC mobile vaccine bus will be returning to Astoria at 31st Avenue and Broadway tomorrow, Sunday 5/23 from 8am to 4pm. They’ll be offering second shots to anyone who was vaccinated there during the ROAR NY x...
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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 COVID-19, so many New Yorkers still struggle to make ends meet. Beginning today, qualified...
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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 off Streets Week!, a weeklong blitz of transportation announcements. Our neighborhood is affected. Astoria...
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BUILD THE BLOCK REMINDER
OANA would like to let everyone know that the NYPD 114th Precinct Sector David “Build the Block”, presented by the NCO (Neighborhood Coordination Officers), will take place on Tuesday May 11th virtually on zoom. Please join them to discover local community issues and concerns. Thank you and be safe....
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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 of what we are dealing with locally, especially since the Pandemic! They reach out...
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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 explanation, please see their website. Photo: Isamu Noguchi, Capital, 1939. Georgia marble. Collection of...
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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 because it was at the end of 2 hours. Therefore, we wanted to reintroduce...
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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 lending institutions, Private lenders, Capital Investors, Govt and Unions pension Funds, etc.), or public...
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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 for all of us, but especially Costa, and we stand ready to help in...
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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 apply is Open Streets Open Restaurants. This is the city program that closes streets...
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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 developer: “Astoria West sits on a prime stretch of land along Astoria’s burgeoning waterfront,...
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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. With the previously proposed cuts, our local quality of life was at risk. Now...
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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 to continue with this essential organization. In an era when most politicians, after they...
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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 Plaza North. The goal of these bus lanes will be to create expedited public...
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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 include on-site parking, a communal lounge, fitness and co-working facilities, a children’s playroom, and...
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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 Donovan Richards, Councilmember Costa Constantinides, Community Board Chair Marie Torniali, and Queens Parks Commissioner...
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In-Home Vaccinations for Fully Homebound New York City Residents Only
OANA received the following updates on vaccination efforts in nyc. Please forward this information to anyone you think may benefit from the services described below. Please see below for information on an in-home vaccination interest form, transportation assistance options for seniors, and job opportunities to support vaccination efforts. ...
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PUBLIC HEARING: REVERSE SANITATION BUDGET CUTS
As you know, one major mission of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association is to advocate for quality of life issues. We have used advocacy, both written and physical, to meet goals. One of our most successful was to get the city to begin street cleaning in Old Astoria a...
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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 a 14-story mixed-use building near the waterfront edge of Long Island City, Node Architecture has revealed...
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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 our knowledge, these safety enhancements, including taking a picture of your helmet properly placed...
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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 seawall soon, a study is needed to make sure that these renovations last. You...
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Astoria Library Renovation
The NYC Design and Construction agency presented their designs for the upcoming renovations of the Astoria Library, at the corner of 14th street and Astoria Blvd in Old Astoria. This Carnegie Library has been an essential part of our neighborhood, and with the accessibility improvements, will become an even...
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Baby Queensbridge Park Visioning
OANA’s president Richard Khuzami attended the recent visioning for Baby Queensbridge Park. The Queens Daily Eagle recently wrote an article that mentioned him and other local residents. One note, however: An important issue regarding the BIG REUSE and their mulching facility currently in use under the Queensboro Bridge: Parks...
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Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge Gets A New Bike and Pedestrian Lane
We at OANA thank everyone who pointed out our error on our original post. This type of interaction is essential to make sure good information gets out there…Keep up the good work!!!! We checked with the Mayor’s office and got the following: On the Queensboro Bridge, we will begin...
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Mount Sinai Queens Covid19 Update
OANA has received the below update from Mount Sinai Queens in regards to the latest news about COVID-19. While numbers of patients testing positive for COVID-19 and those needing hospitalization continue to rise, Mount Sinai Queens is fully prepared to take care of all of our patients. We learned...
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NYC Ferry Contactless ticketing starting February 1, 2021
OANA received some vital information regarding ticketing on the NYC Ferry. Changes are coming: For everyone’s safety and convenience: Contactless ticketing and boarding! NYC Ferry is moving to completely contactless ticketing starting February 1, 2021. What does this mean for you? While the changes are relatively minor, here are...
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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 latest major change in the neighborhood. In 2006, the Eagle Electric Mfg building across...
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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 as a member of their local community board, according to a news release. Prospective...
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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 ULURP procedure has been successfully completed, and the move of the Sanitation Facility from...
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Eight Story Building Coming to Broadway
A new residential and Commercial building will soon begin construction in front of LIC High School. Ter lot at 14-41 Broadway is currently vacant, under the ownership of Steven Rogogiannis. The 79 ft tall project will consist of a new mixed-use (residential and commercial) building. The building will give...
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Christmas Tree-cycling
OANA would like to share the following from the NYC Dept of sanitation. “Best Smelling Collection Trucks in the City” – It’s Time for Christmas “Tree-cycling” Using Curbside Collection? – Please, “Naked” Trees Only – No Bags or Decorations! The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced its...
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Christmas Holiday Schedule For New York Waterway Ferries
NY Waterway will operate on modified weekday service on Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24). Service will not run on Christmas Day (Friday, December 25). Normal weekend service will run December 26 and 27 for passengers traveling to or from both Midtown (39th Street Terminal) and Downtown (Brookfield Place). For...
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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 pulled at the Dept of Buildings to demolish 30-75 21st St. (corner of 30th...
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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 for a favorite son of Astoria, Yankees great Edward Charles “Whitey” Ford. Whitey spent...
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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 long advocated for this, as expressed in a recent post about bringing back performing...
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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 can support the effort to keep the Compost Site alive. ============================ Information from Justin...
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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 Singer/Songwriter Virginia Marcs. “Her voice, much like Ani DiFranco and Janis Joplin, is a...
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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 third-class……the least “essential” workers in New York. From what we understand, live performances that...
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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 Church Mt Carmel Institute Building 23-20 Newtown Ave Long Island City, Astoria NY 11102...
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Donate Blood This Month and You Could Win Cool Prizes
New York City is badly in need of blood donations. The need is so severe that The New York Blood Center is launching a new campaign, “Give Blood NYC,” with the goal of 25,000 blood donations by New Year’s Eve. Those who donate blood can enter a sweepstake to...
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COVID-19 and Eye Care
On Thursday December 10 at noon, Mount Sinai Queens is hosting a free online event that will be discussing eye care as it relates to the pandemic. Dr. Varun Pawar, Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, answers questions such as: How does the...
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OANA Supports New Community Greenspace
OANA President Richard Khuzami attended a recent local event held by the new group Astoria Urban Agriculture Alliance (AUAA) who want to create a community garden and educational space on an unused lot on Hoyt Avenue North between 19th and 21st Streets. Richard told those gathered how good it...
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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 November 30th, 2020. Over the past two months, DCP hosted 12 virtual workshops to...
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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 New Yorkers, especially during the Pandemic. To view this story, please join Socrates’s Director...
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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 been searching for a stable home. During these days when so many live performance...
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Ditmars COVID Outreach
OANA Received the following from the Mayor’s office: They will be handing out literature and distributing masks………(They are not giving tests) “I hope all is well. We will be having a Get Tested Tuesday! outreach effort in Astoria next Tuesday, 11/24. We will be working to engage folks right...
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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 has been scheduled for November 19th at 6 PM. For all those who participated...
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New 4-way Stop at Astoria Blvd 12th Street
We at OANA would like to thank the NYC DOT, and especially our local planner John O’Neill for helping to expedite the creation of a 4-way stop and crosswalk at Astoria Blvd and 12th street. This is the culmination of a collaborative effort involving local organizations and elected officials...
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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 as repair shops, personal care and laundry can participate. Business owners can apply for...
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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 about how particles are blocked, and great graphics!
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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 of Sunnyside Smiles, a Business Improvement District (BID) in Sunnyside NY, and has been...
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NYC Ferry Winter Schedule & Changes to the East River Route
The NYC Ferry winter schedule goes into effect on Monday, November 2, 2020. View the new schedules on ferry.nyc before you commute. Also on November 2, there will be a modification to the East River route which will re-order the East River landings. This change will increase seat capacity for...
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Hallets Cove Waterfront Revitalization
In very welcome news, it was recently announced that habitat restoration in Hallets Cove will begin in early 2021. The plan is to clean up trash from the East River, which has in the past been used as a dumping ground,, restore the riverbank’s ecology, and safely remove the...
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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 make sure our cultural institutions survive and thrive in the new environment. The Titan...
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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 new virtual mediums for the performing arts! For more information on their theatrical piece,...
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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 a new photo exhibit currently on display in Astoria Park. Photographer Salvador Espinoza,...
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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) They will have a virtual public town hall next Wednesday, October 28th @ 6 PM in conjunction...
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Mural depicting Newtown Creek, a dark past and hopefully a bright future
On Wednesday, October 21, GreenPoint Innovations (GPI), Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA), and the Hunters Point Campus community hosted the unveiling of a public art mural created by artist Federico Massa aka. Iena Cruz winner of the GreenPoint EARTH 2020: Screens2Streets ‘Streets’ Award competition. Environmentally themed public art has been...
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Noguchi Newsletter
One of our cultural gems on the waterfront, Noguchi Museum, has issued their latest newsletter on upcoming programs and events. The recent reopening of our cultural institutions is another important step towards normalcy We urge everyone to enjoy the programs and exhibitions of this wonderful institution, spend a wonderful...
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Astoria’s Socrates Sculpture Park Director To Step Down
John Hatfield, executive director of Socrates Sculpture Park, will step down from his post, the nonprofit announced on Wednesday, October 14th. Executive director of the outdoor art space since 2012, Hatfield will leave the nonprofit as soon as its board of directors has chosen his successor, according to a...
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2020 Boroughwide Winter Coat Drive Announcement
In partnership with all 14 Queens Community Boards, Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee has announced the launch of a boroughwide coat drive to support families in need as the cold weather months approach. From now through Friday, November 13th, community members can drop off new adult and children’s...
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Outdoor Dining Update from Mayor & NYC Hospitality Alliance
Mayor Bill de Blasio joined the Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) today to release thorough guidance for city restaurants planning to stay open and serve customers outdoors with heating devices this fall and winter. The announcement furthers New...
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APAC Kicks Off 20th Season with Online Benefit Performance
Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) in association with Theater East is kicking off its 20th Anniversary season with American Arcana, an apocalyptic comedy by Cyndi Williams of survival and the fight for a better tomorrow. The show will feature recorded and live performances by an ensemble which includes several...
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In Memory of Whitey Ford, Astoria’s Native Son
The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association and members of Friends of Whitey Ford Field would like to express our deepest condolences to Joan Ford, Whitey Ford’s wife of 69 years, and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whitey and Joan met in Astoria and were married at St Patrick’s RC Church...
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Socrates Sculpture Park “MONUMENTS NOW – Part II: Call and Response” on Display This Saturday
MONUMENTS NOW, an exhibition examining the role of monuments in American society and championing underrepresented histories and marginalized peoples, continues at Socrates Sculpture Park this Saturday, October 10th, with the unveiling of ten new monuments projects by the Park’s 2020 Artist Fellows: Daniel Bejar, Fontaine Capel, Dionisio Cortes Ortega,...
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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 postmarked no later than October 9, 2020 and received by a board of elections...
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Radial Park Opened Theatrical Drive-In With PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Halletts Point and Stark Production Group marked the official opening of Radial Park at Hallets Point Play with Broadway’s longest-running show, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera on Thursday, October 1st. This one-of-a-kind performance showed the 25th Anniversary Gala Performance of The Phantom of the Opera recorded...
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NY Port Authority Promotes AirTrain
Days after a pair of public hearings, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey returned to making its case for an AirTrain between LaGuardia Airport and Willets Point. They made their case at Old Astoria Neighborhood Association’s last online meeting. The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing a...
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De Marco Park Clean-Up on October 11
Incanto Productions is hosting a litter clean-up at De Marco Park on Sunday, October 11, from 1-2:30 pm. The meeting location will be at 21st Ave and Shore Boulevard. NYC Parks will provide the material needed. OANA is proud to support Incanto Productions in keeping our environment clean and...
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The New Rules of Restaurants, With Permanent Outdoor Dining and the Start of Indoor Dining
Every restaurant owner has had six months of difficult decisions. Back in March, many chose to close and remain open only for takeout and delivery. The next hurdle was deciding to reopen last week in preparation for this week’s reintroduction of indoor dining at 25 percent capacity — a...
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month Events by New York-Presbyterian Queens
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To promote breast cancer information and education, New York-Presbyterian Queens is hosting free virtual events via Zoom throughout the whole month. You can join on Mondays at noon or Wednesdays at 2 pm for breast and prostate cancer information sessions. Links to each...
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BioBus to Create Permanent Site at Astoria Houses
Council Member Costa Constantinides and community leaders joined with BioBus on September 24th to announce the science education non-profit would set up a permanent installation at the NYCHA Astoria Houses. The announcement represents years of partnership between BioBus and the Astoria Houses, where it has focused on connecting young...
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Blessing of Pets Service at St. George’s Episcopal Church
On October 10 at 9 am, St. George’s Episcopal Church at 14-02 27th Ave (at 14th St) is hosting a Blessing of Pets service in honor of the feast of St. Francis. They are excited to begin in-person service this month. However, social distancing and face mask regulations still...
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Calling All Residents to Complete 2020 Census and Vote
With the October 5th deadline to complete the 2020 Census looming, don’t wait until it’s too late to help ensure Queens is fully and accurately counted. Your response to this 10-minute survey will help determine our next 10 years, from representation to resources for our schools, hospitals, infrastructure and...
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Restaurant Owners and Customers Excited that Outdoor Dining is Here to Stay
In Queens and across NYC, many will be able to enjoy outdoor dining for the foreseeable future, after Mayor Bill de Blasio made the decision to keep open restaurants and open streets programs permanently. According to Spectrum News NY1, the announcement was a relief for Katherine Fuchs, the owner...
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Rep. Maloney, Climate Advocate, and Community Leaders Release Climate Change Report
On Saturday, September 26, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform (COR), stood with climate experts and community leaders in Hunters Point South Park to mark the end of Climate Week NYC. The Congresswoman released a new House Committee on Oversight and Reform...
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New Drive-In Movie Theater, Radial Park, Opens in Queens
New York City has seen a resurgence in drive-in and outdoor movies during these socially distanced times. The latest drive-in, Radial Park, will be located at Hallets Point Play, a 50,000 square foot open-air cultural venue on the Astoria, Queens waterfront. Radial Park will specifically focus on Broadway theater...
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The Noguchi Museum Reopens To The Public
The Noguchi Museum reopened to the general public on Wednesday, September 23rd. Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowed indoor cultural institutions to welcome back visitors as of Aug. 24th, as long as they observe strict capacity limits and require face coverings. Similar to other New York City museums that have reopened,...
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Outdoor Dining is Here to Stay, Mayor Bill de Blasio Announces
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday the permanent extension to the city’s Open Restaurant initiative, which sprang up amid restrictions to indoor dining during the COVID-19 outbreak. Now that outdoor dining will be a permanent, yearlong feature of New York City, de Blasio hopes it will help keep...
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Rep. Maloney and Climate Advocates Release Climate Change Health Effects Reform
On Saturday, September 26th at 11 AM at the Overlook at Hunters Point South Park, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) will stand with climate experts and community advocates to mark the end of Climate Week NYC and to release a House Committee on Oversight and Reform staff report on...
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Socrates Sculpture Park Reveals New Monument Series in October
Socrates Sculpture Park will expand its ongoing exhibition of monuments with 10 new works by artists. Entitled “MONUMENTS NOW: Call and Response,” the new collection of sculptures goes on view October 10th alongside a series of commissioned monuments by acclaimed artists Jeffrey Gibson, Paul Ramírez Jonas, and Xaviera Simmons...
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Mt. Sinai Virtual Event for National Cholesterol Awareness Month
In honor of National Cholesterol Awareness Month, Mount Sinai Queens is hosting a free virtual event on Monday, September 21st to share important health information about reducing your risk factors for cholesterol and how to create an easy, healthy snack. The event will take place via Zoom from 12-12:30...
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Friends of Whitey Ford Field In Full Support of Proud Astorian’s BIG CLEANUP
Members and Supporters of Friends of Whitey Ford Field were proud to support Proud Astorian’s BIG CLEANUP effort of public spaces on the waterfront south of Astoria Park. Two teams of volunteers split up to remove litter and empty garbage cans along Vernon Boulevard. Whitey Ford Field, Rainey Park,...
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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 have been advocating for. Believe it or not, NYC is the only jurisdiction in...
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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, and instead of just complaining has done something about it. A local resident, Kate...
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Annual Museum Benefit & 2020 Isamu Noguchi Award Virtual Presentation
The Noguchi Museum will present the 2020 Isamu Noguchi Award and host the Museum’s annual benefit in a virtual celebration on Monday, November 16, 2020, at 8 pm EST. Previously planned for May 19, 2020, the event was postponed due to the pandemic. In its seventh year, the Isamu...
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New 18-Story Apartment Building Development in Astoria
An 18-story apartment building is set to be developed in the Hallets Point section of Astoria, according to plans filed this week with the NYC Department of Buildings. Developer Solomon Feder filed permits with the agency on Tuesday for a 165-unit residential building at 26-25 4th St after filing...
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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 is on an equal footing with the rest of New York State. We congratulate...
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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 important priority for Claudia Cogar, President of the Astoria Houses Residents Association, and we...
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Xaviera Simmons on View at Socrates Sculpture Park
Artist Xaviera Simmons’ powerful three-part monument, The structure the labor the foundation the escape the pause, is now on view at the Park as part of Socrates Sculpture Park’s MONUMENTS NOW exhibition. Simmons’ installation considers, among many layers of conceptual and formal intent, the history and future of reparations...
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Riccardo’s By The Bridge Announces Closure due to COVID-19
Riccardo’s by the Bridge, founded in 1951 at 21-01 24th Ave. in Astoria, announced on September 1st that it is permanently closing. Anthony Corbisiero, whose family owns the venue, announced the closure on its website. The establishment was a popular wedding venue for the community and where reunions and...
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Citi Bike Expansion in Queens
New York City’s Department of Transportation’s Bike Share Unit has informed OANA of the upcoming bike share expansion in Queens’ Community Board (CB) 1, which includes neighborhoods such as Ditmars-Steinway and Astoria Heights. This is a part of a five-year growth of New York City’s successful Citi Bike program....
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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 public hearing where you can submit your proposals on September 10th at 6 PM....
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NYC Ferry Press Conference
Our President Richard Khuzami was pleased to be invited to participate in a Press Conference with Mayor Bill DeBlasio to celebrate the new direct ferry service between Astoria and the Upper East Side. Other speakers included Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, NYC Councilman Ben Kallos, EDC Ferry Director James Wong, and...
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NYC Gyms Set to Reopen September 2nd
After hopes that gyms would reopen in August, Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed that they’d be allowed to reopen in New York City on September 2nd. On WNYC, de Blasio clarified that while Governor Andrew Cuomo had announced that fitness centers would finally be able to reopen on August...
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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 in English and Spanish. OANA was asked to give input on the newly implemented...
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