Councilman Costa Constantinides Has Been Re-appointed
Council Costa Constantinides: The New term!!!! Environmental Protection Committee and Budget Negotiating Team Councilman Costa Constantinides has been re-appointed to Chair of the Council’s newly strengthened Environmental Protection Committee. Making our city greener and more environmentally-friendly will remain his priority. The newly expanded committee now has more members and a widened...
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Approved Design Plans For Whitey Ford Field
Community Board 1 in Astoria/LIC has approved design plans from the NYC Parks Department for the renovation of Whitey Ford Field! This is the culmination of extensive work done by CB1, The Friends of Whitey Ford Field, and The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association to bring this field, named after...
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Van Bramer’s City Council Appointments
The New York City Council the City Council voted on committee assignments and leadership positions for the new term. District 26 Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer continues to serve as the Chair of the Cultural Affairs and Libraries Committee. Jimmy said that “I love this committee and am so...
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Executive Director of BQX Stepped Down
The Friends of the BQX Executive Director, Ya-Ting Liu, stepped down on December 1st. Ya-Ting stepped down just after unveiling the first-ever life-size prototype of the light rail car of the BQX. Ya-Ting was able to accomplish a lot while being the Executive Director. She was able to build...
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Small Business Owners Are Catching A Break With These New Bills
Small businesses in New York State will be getting some relief because of three different bills that have been signed into law. This is all thanks to Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, the assembly member of Astoria, and Governor Andrew Cuomo. Simotas knows how important small businesses are to communities because...
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NYC Free Tax Prep Program
Are you a New Yorker who earned $66,000 or less in 2017? Good news! You may qualify for free tax preparation services. Those services could include free online filing and in-person filing with an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer. NYC Free Tax Prep sites are operated by community-based organizations in...
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Community Youth Fun Day Hosted by Saint Georges Church
Looking for something fun for your children to do next weekend? Look no further than the Community Youth Fun Day Hosted by Saint Georges Church at 14-20 27th Avenue (at 14th St) Astoria, NY. The even will be on Saturday, January 13th from 12:30 to 4 PM and is...
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The BQX Timeline May be Shattered
The Brooklyn-Queens Connector (BQX) is a proposed streetcar that would link Brooklyn and Queens along the waterfront of both boroughs. The public-review process for the BQX was supposed to start by the end of 2017. However, the start date has extended into this year. According to The Crain’s report,...
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Deadline for 2018 ArtHotel Residency is January 8
Attention artists! The deadline to apply for the Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) ArtHotel Residency program is Monday January 8th at 5 pm. Emerging artists from all disciplines may apply; you must be 18 or over and must be a Queens resident. The QCA ArtHotel Residency program offers...
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MulchFest in Astoria Park
It’s time to take the Christmas tree down and New York City wants to turn your holiday greenery into mulch. The annual MulchFest event will be held at various locations throughout the city, including Astoria Park, on Saturday January 6 and Sunday January 7 from 10 a.m. to 2...
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Astoria Wins the Curbed Cup 2017
The votes are in—and Astoria is the winner of the 2017 Curbed Cup! Astoria beat out the Manhattan finalist, Yorkville, with an impressive 60% of the vote in the final round. Curbed NY notes that that Astoria surged from its original 10th place seeding, defeating trendy newcomers like Hudson...
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Astoria Heights Park Potluck Brunch and Book Swap
On Saturday January 21st from 11 am to 2 pm, please join the Friends of Astoria Heights Park for their 5th Annual Potluck Brunch and Book Swap. Start your New Year’s resolution to de-clutter by bringing books to swap (in good condition) and bring a dish to share. This...
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Condos In Astoria Mock Storage Units
The residents of the Shore Towers condo building are concerned for their safety after discovering that 5 apartments had been converted to 150 storage cages. This is not only illegal, but it is also threatens the building’s fire safety because there are no smoke detectors or sprinklers within the...
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Curbed NY; New poll to determine NYC’s hot neighborhoods
Curbed Cup NY 2017 is pitting 2 neighborhoods against each other for supremacy in their list of the best neighborhoods of NYC. Astoria, a diverse neighborhood known for its “Village” feel in an urban environment, versus “Yorkville”, home to the new Second Avenue subway. We urge all Astorians and...
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Take 2017 Survey of LIC Businesses and Organizations
The Long Island City Partnership is calling all businesses and organizations located in Long Island City to tell them what they think about the future of the area by filling out an online survey. This will help the partnership update LIC’s data and better inform policy decisions that shape...
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Win one for Friends of Whitey Ford Field
Congratulations to Friends of Whitey Ford Field on winning the “It’s My Park Photo Contest” hosted by the Partnerships for Parks. This comes after the organization entered the contest by submitting a photo of their September 17 Clean Up at the field. They received 548 votes. 40 volunteer park...
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A New Director for a Veteran Performing Arts Center
Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) has a large presence in the Astoria community. Founded in 2001, it is APAC’s mission to the gift of high quality theater to Astoria, Queens and support its residents. That is why they were happy to announce their new Executive Director, Jesse Machesse. Machesse...
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Awards for Astoria Architectural Developments
The Graffiti House project at 11-07 Welling Court in Astoria was among those honored at the recent Queens Chamber of Commerce Annual Building Awards Gala. Graffiti House received the Interior Design, mixed use, residential/commercial/industrial award and the Best Landscape Design award. The architect is Architects Studio and the builder...
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Pesticide Bill in Queens
A bill mandating NYC parks and playgrounds be wiped down after pesticides are sprayed has passed the City Council. This bill has been sponsored by Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer of Long Island City/Sunnyside. This bill will require The Department of Parks and Recreation to wipe down the playgrounds 24...
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An End to Larger Truck Traffic on Astoria Boulevard
New York State Assemblymember Aravella Simotas announced that by the end of this year, larger trucks will be permitted to remain on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE) and will no longer be detoured onto local streets in Astoria. (Note: many people think of the roadway from the RFK Triborough...
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Cornell’s High-Tech Campus on Roosevelt Island
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, announced on Dec. 4 a $50 million investment in Cornell Tech. The development and investment is to encourage more technology-based learning for students K-12 in New York City. This will be an amazing opportunity for the companies,...
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Tragic Discovery in the East River
The City Medical Examiner’s office is performing an autopsy on the body of a woman discovered floating in the waters of the East River beside Astoria Park on Sunday December 10. The Western Queens Gazette is reporting that the body was that of a dark-haired Asian woman in her...
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Internship Program Opening to Benefit the STEM Student
The life science fields are booming industries in this century, especially in New York City. You can thank the $500 million investment that created over 16,000 jobs in the life sciences. But what about the undergraduate and graduate students that are pursuing a degree? There is a dearth of...
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A New School To Be Constructed in Dutch Kills
In 2015, the student population in Queens county was 2,301, 139. This is about one teacher to every 22 students. This seems like a decent distribution, but the suggested ratio is 1:18. That is why the new school building in Long Island City is such a great new development....
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Planes, Trains and Automobiles Cannot Match Old Astoria’s New Ferry
Check out this wonderful video from the first day the NYC ferry system arrived in Astoria by local visual artist Rafael Fondeur. Brings us back to a wonderful day last August, when transportation starved Old Astoria finally because connected to the rest of NYC! Enjoy and try the ferry...
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Keeping the arts alive in gentrifying neighborhoods
Chashama is a nonprofit organization that provides artists with affordable working space, living space, and presenting space throughout New York City. They reach out to local developers and solicitate primarily temporary space for artist workplaces. Historically as a neighborhood gentrifies, the artists that helped create the atmosphere that allows...
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The Noguchi Museum: New Exhibition of The Sculpture of Gonzalo Fonseca
Trying to figure out what to do this weekend? Look no further than the to the Noguchi Museum located at 9-01 33rd Road in Old Astoria and their exhibition of the Sculpture of Gonzalo Fonseca. Fonseca was a major figure for “sculpting” modern Latin American art. The sculpture...
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114th Precinct Neighborhood Policing and Safety Meeting
The NYPD 114th Precinct invite you to meet the Sector David officers who are assigned to neighborhood policing in your community. On Thursday December 14th there will be a Neighborhood Policing and Safety Meeting at 6.30 pm (doors open at 6 pm for refreshments). The location is the LIC...
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EZ Pass Holders Can Now Receive Mobile Alerts
Picture this: you are driving down the highway about to get to the toll. You have your EZ Pass so you go to the EZ Pass only toll. You are about to zip through when you realize that you do not have any more money on your card. Messy....
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Holiday Food Drive
‘Tis the season when many of us flock to our local supermarkets to stock up on holiday foods and treats. But for some in our community, even basic staples may be beyond their means some months. Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer is organizing his 8th Annual Food Drive...
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Mount Sinai Early Planning Medical Seminar
Have you been asked if you have a health care proxy or advanced directive when getting care at a hospital? What are these? Why are they important? What if I become incapacitated when seeking treatment? Mount Sinai is hosting a early planning medical seminar in Spanish on Thursday December...
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Councilman Costa Constantinides “Holiday Drive”
Councilman Constantinides is collecting unopened/unwrapped toys, toiletries, and winter coats. You can drop off your donation through December 15th at their office, 31-09 Newtown Ave., on weekdays from 9am-5pm. Coats will be donated to New York Cares, toys will be donated to Urban Upbound and Toys for Tots, and...
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Winter Snow Removal Jobs with Sanitation
DSNY is Now Hiring Emergency Snow Laborers Register Now to Help Clear Snow and Ice After Major Winter Storms The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced that starting today, people interested in working as emergency snow laborers for the upcoming snow season should register at their local...
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Women’s Power Networking With Borough President Melinda Katz
As women steadily increase their presence and influence in the economy of Queens, making contacts with individuals who can further this growth is essential. To this end, Borough President Melinda Katz is sponsoring a networking breakfast. December 14, 2017 @ 8:30 am – 10:30 am Queens Borough Hall ,Room...
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Send In Ideas For Socrates Park Seating
Are you an architect? Do you like to sit? Then send in your ideas for new ideas for single or double movable outdoor seating for Old Astoria’s Socrates Sculpture Park. The park wants an artist to construct outdoor seating for at least 25 people, have a life for...
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The Astoria Waterfront and the New Ferry Service in the Big Picture
Many Astoria residents have taken to the new ferry service from Hallets Cove like the proverbial ducks to water. After all, would you rather cram yourself into the overcrowded and delay-plagued subway system or stroll onto a boat where you can enjoy sparkling fresh air and fantastic skyline views...
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Astoria Park Alliance Fundraiser
Do you love Astoria Park? We do too! A way you can help keep our park diverse, beautiful and sustainable is by attending the Astoria Park Alliance (APA) Friendraiser Winter Social. The Friendraiser will be held on December 6th from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM at M.I.A (Made In...
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The New York Care Annual Coat Drive is Going on Now
Have a coat that is a little snug or loose? Donate it to the 2017 New York Coat Drive. The Coat Drive is held every year to ensure all New Yorkers have a warm piece of clothing to wear during these cold winter evenings. Every year, New York Cares,...
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Astoria Market Returns to Bohemian Hall
Stressed out about holiday shopping? We have good news: the artisan Astoria Market is returning to Bohemian Hall, with handmade crafts, vintage items and baked goods to fulfill all your gift needs. The dates of the Astoria Market are: Sunday, December 3rd, 2017 Sunday, December 10th, 2017 Sunday, December...
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Shakespeare Live in LIC
What a treat for the holiday season: a staged dramatic reading of one of the Bard’s best-loved plays at the Long Island City Community Library on Monday December 4. William Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, or What You Will” is believed to have been written around 1601–02 as a Twelfth...
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OANA Advocating Parking Permit Program
OANA is backing a bill calling for the establishment of a parking permit program in East Elmhurst, and is advocating for it to be expanded to parts of Astoria. This would be a one-year pilot program where residents who live within a 2-mile radius of LaGuardia Airport would be...
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Authentic Mexican restaurant Fresco’s Cantina Opens in Astoria
Fresco’s Cantina is a new addition to the Old Astoria scene located at 12-14 31st Avenue. This Mexican restaurant offers an array of modern and authentic Mexican dishes including: fajitas, salads, guacamole, and, most importantly, tacos. The owner, Brian Martinez, described the area as a “hidden gem” in an...
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Rainey Park Walking Tour and Drop-In Session
Green Shore NYC, a non-profit organization that advocates for a cleaner, greener and more accessible East River waterfront in Astoria and Long Island City, is looking for feedback on Rainey Park (Vernon Blvd and 34th Avenue). They are gathering information on how people use Rainey Park, how they feel...
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Applications Open for NYC Kindergartens
Online applications opened for NYC kindergartens on Tuesday November 28. If your child was born in the calendar year 2013, you can apply. Who Can Apply to Kindergarten? New York City residents Families with children born in 2013 Current pre-K students at public district schools, Pre-K Centers, NYC Early...
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Paper Factory Hotel Expands
The Paper Factory Hotel will add 6 stories to their facility at 37-06 36th Street for a total of 11 stories with an additional 35000 Square ft floor space. Additional Green Space will be created on the roof with great views of Manhattan. The Paper Factory has been a...
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Long Island City High School Students Receive Computers
50 Long Island City High School students struck it big and were given computers thanks to the non-profit Technologies For Families in Need. This organization started in 2013 and started distributing computers throughout communities in early 2016. So far, the nonprofit has distributed 500 computers and is planning on...
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RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS
The Old Astoria Neighborhood Assn. has been a strong advocate for the establishment for Residential Parking Permits. Our local parking issues have a strong effect on our quality of life, from the extra pollution, waste of time, and the psychological frustrations we all face from cruising the neighborhood looking...
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Property Tax Management to enter the Digital Age
OANA is supporting our Councilman Costa Constantinides’s bill to create website access for information on Property Taxes for NYC Property owners. This is an attempt to simplify a process which today is depended upon “SnailMail” in order to get timely information on property taxes. Councilman Constantinides states: “For too...
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Important news for holiday travel via Laguardia Airport
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 16, 2017 CONTACT: Metropolitan Transportation Authority: 212-878-7440 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey: 212-435-7777 PORT AUTHORITY AND MTA ANNOUNCE FREE LAGUARDIA LINK Q70 SERVICE DURING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY LaGuardia Link Q70 bus provides convenient connection to New York City Subway and Long Island Rail...
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BQX Connector Mock up
Are we seeing the future of inter-borough transit? Housed in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Friends of the BQX, an advocacy group, has provided a mock up of what a streetcar might look like. This plan originally announced by Mayor DiBlasio, seeks to connect via streetcar Astoria with Sunset...
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Landlord Watchlist
It is extremely important that the public be aware of Landlords who do not meet their obligations in regards to their tenant’s quality of housing. The List of Landlords (provided by the Public Advocate) who do not meet housing standards is an important instrument in holding them accountable. It...
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Whitey Ford Field
Queens has been home to two of the NY Yankees most iconic players: Phil Rizzuto and Whitey Ford. Our Old Astoria neighborhood is home to the Whitey Ford Field, which is undergoing a renaissance, as is our entire neighborhood. NYC Parks Dept. has received 2 million dollars in funding...
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Delayed Opening for Charybdis Playground Bathrooms
NYC Parks Departments plan for renovating Charybdis Playground, phase 2 of Mayor DiBlasio’s Anchor Park Initiative, will include renovation of the Comfort Station. Because of this renovation, the facility will not reopen until 2020 (The completion of Phase 2). Initially closed because sewer lines were emptying directly into the...
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Separate Bike and Pedestrian Lanes on the Queensboro Bridge
Transportation Alternatives are asking that the Queensborough Bridge outbound lower roadway exterior lane be converted from automobiles use to Pedestrian/Bicycle use. Currently the inbound lower roadway exterior lane is reserved for pedestrian/bicycle use. Transportation Alternatives feels that combining pedestrian and bicycle use in one lane is a safety hazard....
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San Francisco Ferry Boat Visits New York
The ferry Zelinsky, which started its career San Francisco Bay 30 years ago, was providing free ferry rides in New York City this week. The Mozilla company hired the Zelinsky from Hornblower Metro Fleet LLC (who operate the ferry service from Hallets Point in Astoria) to provide a free...
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Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting in Astoria Park
On Saturday December 2nd, please join Central Astoria LDC for their 5th Annual Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration on the Great Lawn in Astoria Park from 2 to 5 pm. Join friends and neighbors for entertainment by the New York Holiday Choristers, Dave Cremins Out of This World...
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Represent Your Neighbors on Community Board 1
Are you civic-minded and interested in playing a part in New York City’s governance? Why not apply to join your local community board? Queens Borough President Melinda Katz is accepting applications for new members of the community boards. These are volunteer 2-year positions, and community board members attend monthly...
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Affordable Housing Units Open on the Astoria Waterfront
Have you always dreamed of living near the East River waterfront? Applications are now open for 21 affordable units in Vernon Tower, at 11-06 31st Drive, an 8-story luxury building that overlooks Socrates Sculpture Park. QNS.com reports that five units are studios, five are one-bedroom apartments and the remaining...
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Has NaNoWriMo Got You Down?
Every year all over the world, authors and would-be authors sign themselves up for National Novel Writing Month, otherwise known as NaNoWriMo. The goal is to write 50,000 words before November 30th—the average length of a novel. If you have started that novel you always wanted to write, but...
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Footloose at Last
Our City Council, after many years of lobbying from those who have created New York City’s famous nightlife scene, has voted to repeal the Cabaret Law. This antiquated statute had long since ceased to be relevant. The bill passed by the City Council will require nightspots to ensure that...
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Direct Public transit between Outer Boroughs
Public Transportation in NYC has always been Manhattan Centric. Travel between the outer boroughs almost always includes being diverted to Manhattan. There are very few direct options. Regional Plan Association has created “The Triboro: Transit in the Boroughs” as an overview of various options. As more and more residents...
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Big Reuse is Closing Their Astoria Store
Big Reuse is closing their Queens store, which came to the Astoria waterfront more than a decade ago. In a letter on Big Reuse’s website, director Justin Finley said that “our landlord now wants to double our rent. We have to shut down our Queens location by November 30th....
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Socrates Sculpture Park Wants You
It’s that time of the year when Socrates Sculpture Park sends out an open call artists to submit proposals for the 2018 Emerging Artist Fellowship (EAF), an annual residency program at this local treasure on the Astoria waterfront. EAF18 recipients will receive a $5,000 production grant to support their...
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Film Screening at the Noguchi Museum
On Wednesday November 15th, there will be a free film screening at the Noguchi Museum. The museum presents Membra Disjecta: Gonzalo Fonseca and the Heart of Stone, a new biographical film by Michael Gregory. The program begins at 6.30 pm and the film will be followed by a conversation...
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Celebrating the Hellgate Photo Exhibit
The Hellgate 100 Committee has been hard at work this year, organizing commemorative events such as the cleaning and painting of the Bridge’s supports and the vibrant murals “Liberty, Justice and Freedom” and “HellGate 100” that went up on Astoria Park’s Shore Blvd. Thanks are due to the artists...
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Community Input for Chappetto Square Renovation
There was considerable enthusiasm for an upcoming local renovation project amongst the community members who turned out to tell the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation what they would like to see happen at local park Chappetto Square during a recent visioning meeting at the Judge Charles F. Vallone...
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Asthma Legislation Introduced
District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides has announced the introduction of a legislative package to combat asthma. Costa was joined in support by legislation co-sponsor and Council’s Health Committee Chair Councilman Corey Johnson, St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, the Astoria Houses Tenants Association, the American Lung Association, the Asthma...
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Astoria Kayak Launch Design Session
The first visioning session for the Astoria Kayak Launch will take place on Thursday, November 2, from 7 to 8pm at the Astoria Houses Community Center. Join NYCEDC, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and Council Member Costa Constantinides in exploring ways to get Astoria residents down to the...
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Can You “Be-Leaf” It’s That Time of Year
Yes, the summer went quickly and the leaves are starting to turn color. But they won’t stay on the trees for long! The Leaf Collection Schedule for Community Board 1 is Set out after 4 pm: Saturday, November 18 Saturday, December 2 Guidelines For Leaf Collection: – Collect your...
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HALLOWEEN HARVEST FESTIVAL AT SOCRATES
It’s the spook-tacular finale to the season at Socrates Sculpture Park—the Halloween Harvest Festival on Saturday October 28th from 11AM to 3PM. This is a free event and no RSVP is required. 11AM – 2PM: Costume and art-making workshops with Socrates artists, creating collaborative ‘exo-skeletons’ sculpture with Free Style...
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NYC Ferry’s Winter Schedule
If you are enjoying taking the new Astoria ferry service to work—or for pleasure excursions—it is likely that the winter service will be somewhat reduced to match an expected decrease in ridership, AMNY reports that the City Council was told last week. While peak-hour ferry trips will not be...
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OFFICE RECYCLING 2.0
If you run a business or you are a landlord leasing space to commercial tenants, you should be aware that the regulations for office recycling in New York City have recently changed. New rules now require businesses to set up and label three-bin recycling stations throughout their offices: one...
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OANA’s Position on Renovations of Elevated N Subway Stations
If you ride the N/W train line in Astoria, you are likely aware that the 30th Avenue and 36th Avenue stops are about to close for months of renovation. Once these upgrades are completed, the Broadway and 39th Avenue stations will be then be closed for months of renovation...
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Chappetto Square Community Input Meeting
It was recently announced that Chappetto Square in Astoria was added to the Community Parks Initiative program and will therefore receive funding from the city for a renovation and upgrades. What will the renovation of Chappetto Square look like? The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation wants...
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Be A District 22 Participatory Budgeting Delegate
It’s time to move on the next stage of Participatory Budgeting for District 22. Capital project ideas for how to invest $1 million in our community were recently collected at in-person Neighborhood Assemblies and online. If you’d like to be involved in the next stage of the process, you...
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Central Astoria’s Halloween Party Will Be Spook-Tacular Fun
Time to get out your vampire capes and Frankenstein costumes out of mothballs—it’s almost Halloween and Central Astoria LDC is putting on their 2nd Annual “Batty Over Halloween” Celebration on Sunday, October 29th, 2017 from 12 noon to 2.30 pm. Location: on the Great Lawn in Astoria Park. Activities...
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“Astoria Character” Neil Herdan is Pitching Whitey Ford Field
Nancy Ruhling’s “Astoria Characters” series in the Huffington Post and collected on her own website, have featured a wide variety of people living in our community—a Tiffany glass curator, a hairdresser, the couple who own the Victory Sweet Shop and Victory Garden Cafe, the principal trombonist for the Astoria...
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Your Phone Can Now Help You Park
If you follow OANA on Facebook, subscribe to our newsletter or check this blog, you will have seen regular postings about some great community events in our neighborhood. But wait–you’ve left in good time and found a great parking spot—but you don’t have any quarters and you’ve left your...
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A New Production from APAC
The crew at APAC (the Astoria Performing Arts Center) is rehearsing the world premiere production of Veil’d, a play by Monet Hurst-Mendoza, and the excitement about their new production is mounting! Veil’d tells the story of Dima, a 16-year old girl with a rare skin condition who gets by...
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A New Home for Academy of American Studies
The city will build a new school in Dutch Kills to house the students at Academy of American Studies, who currently have to share space with Newcomers High School at 28-01 41st Avenue. DNAInfo is reporting that the new 4-story school will be located at 40-11 28th St and...
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Takin’ It To the Streets
It’s time for the Broadway Street Fair! On Sunday October 15th, join your neighbors from 11 am to 6 pm, stroll along Broadway and check out the many vendors and the activities for kids. The event runs the length of Broadway from Crescent St to Steinway St. and is...
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Astoria Sites Take Part in Open House NY Weekend
Every October hundreds of locations around the five boroughs offer behind-the-scenes tours to visitors. It’s called Open House New York Weekend, and this year it’s October 14 and 15. Some Open House New York tours require reservations, but three sites in Astoria are offering free tours for which no...
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Old Astoria Shop Owner Coins New Name for the Neighborhood
Natassa Contini, owner of local business the pet store/café Chateau Le Woof, has a new name for the part of Astoria west of 21st Street, between Astoria Park and Broadway—it’s “Westoria.” DNAInfo reports that Contini started to use the hashtag #Westoria on Chateau Le Woof’s Instagram posts “as a...
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NYC Ferry to Add Three New Boats
Good news for Astoria residents who are enjoying the new ferry service from Halletts Cove—and for those from other neighborhoods who want to ride the ferry out to explore the many attractions our community had to offer. AMNY is reporting that New York City’s Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is...
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Chappetto Square Joins the Community Parks Initiative
Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that Chappetto Square in Astoria will receive city funding and upgrades since it has just been added to the Community Parks Initiative. Founded in 2014, the Community Parks Initiative (CPI) focuses on improving parks in neighborhoods with dense and/or growing populations. Chappetto Square...
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QUEENS FOOD DAY RETURNS
On Saturday October 14, Socrates Sculpture Park is hosting the popular festival Queens Food Day. The day will feature fun activities and demonstrations relating to locally sourced food, gardening, urban farming nutrition and food justice. Co-hosts Queens Action Council (QuAC) will moderate a speaker’s panel featuring community representatives. Lauren...
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Notify NYC App is Live
The launch of the Notify NYC app will be a boon for those with smartphones who want to get notifications about weather emergencies like blizzards, transit problems, and suspensions of alternate side of the street parking rules. In its report, Gothamist gave some examples of the kinds of alerts...
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Cornell Tech Phase 1 Opens
Cornell Tech, a partnership between Cornell University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, opened the first phase of its new Roosevelt Island campus this week. DNAInfo reorts that Cornell Tech’s new 4-story academic center plans to be one of the country’s largest net-zero building, with all of its power being...
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Two N Trains Stations To Close for 8 Months
Bad news for commuters in Astoria who were looking forward to having full train service back after a summer of weekends with no train service—the 36th Avenue and 30th Avenue stations will be shuttered for at least 8 months starting on October 23rd, DNAINfo is reporting. Whereas Summer’s weekend...
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Whitey Ford Field Clean-Up On Sept 17
Please help Friends of Whitey Ford Field during their Volunteer Clean-Up Day on Sunday, September 17 from 10 am to 1 pm. Supplies and tools will be provided. A couple of hours of your time can make a big difference to this local park with a lot of heart!...
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Shore Fest Returns on September 16
On Saturday, September 16th, Astoria Park Alliance is once again hosting the ever-popular community event Shore Fest in the park.. The festivities will take place from 1 to 5 pm, on the Main Lawn adjacent to the Bocce Court off Shore Boulevard. Activities planned for this popular event will...
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50-Unit Condo Building Planned for 27th Avenue
An application has been filed by LIC developer Strategic Capital Metropolitan to develop a seven-story condo building at 3-11 27th Avenue. The application permit specifies 37,940 square feet of residential space, 7,991 square feet of retail and a 12,656-square-foot “community facility”, which will include space for a day care...
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Asthma Awareness Back to School Fair
Mount Sinai Hospital Queens, Council Member Costa Constantinides, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, and Asthma Coalition of Queens are sponsoring an Asthma Awareness Back to School Fair on Thursday September 28 from 5.30 to 7 pm at Variety Boys and Girls Club. Celebrate the new school year with...
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SAFE Disposal Event in Astoria Park, September 9
To help residents dispose of harmful household products safely, DSNY hosts SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics) Disposal Events throughout the year in all five boroughs. On Saturday September 9, there will be a SAFE disposal event in the parking lot of Astoria Park, from 10 am to 4...
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Here Comes CitiBike!
The popular bike sharing program CitiBike will cut the ribbon on new docking stations in Astoria, Long Island City, Harlem, Crown Heights and Prospect Heights starting next week, DNAInfo is reporting. A DOT spokesman said that building of the new stations will begin on September 12, starting first in...
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Friends of Whitey Ford Field Get Grant from Costa
Councilman Costa Constantinides has allocated a $5,000 grant through the City Parks Foundation on behalf of the volunteer group Friends of Whitey Ford Field. This allocation is part of the City Council’s Parks Equity Initiative, which supports community programming in smaller neighborhood parks. Friends of Whitey Ford Field Chairperson...
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Support Socrates Sculpture Park at Their Annual Benefit Gala
Socrates Sculpture Park is hosting their Annual Benefit Gala on Wednesday, September 27, 2017. The event will be hosted at Mark di Suvero’s waterfront studio in Long Island City, where guests can mingle on the pier or enjoy a boat excursion on the East River. A special limited edition by artist Roxy...
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Astoria Ferry Schedule
The schedule for the new Astoria Ferry Service has been released! You can find it here: https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/route/astoria/ or if you want to download a copy of the schedule, click here. It’s safe to say that there’s much excitement in our community as Astoria gears up for the start of...
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114th Precinct Meeting
There will be a 114th Precinct Summit Meeting this Thursday August 24 at 7 pm. This is a great chance for people in Sector David to meet the officers and air any concerns you may have. Sector David runs from Astoria Park South to Queens Plaza North and from...
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Street Renamed for Betty Jean DiBiaso
A light post at the intersection of Ditmars Blvd and 19th now bears the name of Betty Jean DiBiaso Way that’s a tribute to a young woman who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in June 2015. In a street co-naming ceremony, family, friends and community leaders paid tribute...
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The Muppets Take Astoria
Our neighborhood has been known for its association with the entertainment production world since the studio known today as Kaufman Astoria was opened by Adolph Zukor in 1920 and local fans hovered around the lots in the hopes of catching a glimpse of silent-screen stars like Rudolph Valentino and...
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New Astoria Ferry: Open Hours with NYC Ferry staff
The countdown is on till the start of the NYC Ferry service in Astoria on August 29th. A new route servicing the Rockaways has proved very popular. NYC Ferry staff will hold open office hours about the new ferry service at the Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, on Thursday...
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Register to Get Daffodil Bulbs, Starting August 14
Daffodil Bulb Registration Opens in One Week! Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of New Yorkers for Parks’ Daffodil Project! This is the sixteenth year of the Project, which was founded in 2001 as a living memorial of the events of September 11. To date,...
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Check the Front Seat
The 114th Precinct is warning drivers in Astoria to remember to lock their cars and check for valuables on the front seats and in the glove compartments. Deputy Inspector Peter Fortune says that there have been more than a dozen cases of cars being broken into in the last...
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Hollywood East River
John Turturro, the New York-born actor best known for his roles in The Big Lebowski, Barton Fink, Oh Brother Where Art Thou?, and the Transformers movies, will be at Socrates Sculpture Park on Wednesday August 16 to introduce the film “Romance & Cigarettes,” DNAInfo reports. The 2005 movie, which...
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The Floating Hospital’s Astoria Branch
With health care much in the news these days, we wanted to remind Astoria residents that we now have a branch of the Floating Hospital right here In our neighborhood. The Floating Hospital was founded in the 19th century and originally ran ships that frequently New York Harbor and...
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Aviation Job Fair on August 3rd
Job hunting? The Port Authority, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, and the Council for Aviation Opportunity are sponsoring an Aviation Job Fair at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd, Kew Gardens, on Thursday August 3rd from 10 am to 2 pm. Meet with companies who are hiring! Bring multiple...
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FINAL MAP OF CITIBIKE ASTORIA LOCATIONS
The final map of Citi Bike locations in Astoria has been released! After a community outreach program, the draft station siting plans were released by NYC DOT in April. Comments received from local stakeholders about proposed locations were reviewed by DOT, and as a result nine stations were relocated...
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National Night Out Against Crime in Astoria Park on August 1
On Tuesday August 1 from 5 to 8 pm, come meet the officers from the NYPD 114th Precinct as they mingle with the neighborhood at the annual National Night Out Against Crime—held in our district once more in Astoria Park on the Great Lawn. Meet the Neighborhood Community Officers...
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Changes to Grand Central Parkway Westbound at Exit 4
On July 31st the DOT is implementing changes on Exit 4 of the Grand Central Parkway, which will now be configured as two lanes. The rightmost lane will be exit only, with the adjacent lane providing the option to exit or to continue on the GCP. Drivers approaching the...
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A Sailor’s Life for You?
As Astoria awaits the launch of the new ferry line from Hallets Point Peninsula to Roosevelt Island, LIC and Manhattan, job seekers in our community should check this NY1 video: NYC Ferry is looking to hire deckhands. Previous maritime experience is not needed, but you should have good communication...
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Astoria Ferry Service Will Begin on August 29
Leaders of local Queens organizations and elected officials, including, amongst others, NYC Councilmen Costa Constantinides and Jimmy Van Bramer, CB1 District Manager Florence Koulouris, Astoria Houses Residents Association President Claudia Coger, and OANA President Richard Khuzami, joined Mayor Bill de Blasio on the waterfront at Hallets Point at a...
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August at the Noguchi Museum
It’s a busy month at the Noguchi Museum! On Friday August 4, it’s Free First Friday. Enjoy free admission and extended summer hours from 10 am to 8 pm. Stroll around the art, take a tour and sip evening drinks in the relaxing ambience of the sculpture garden! (Cash...
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Roosevelt Island Tram Renovations
Do you take the tram from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan? As of Wednesday July 26, there will be only one tram cabin running every 15 minutes as a program of renovations to the RI tram service platforms begins, according to NY 1 News. Thanks to OANA’s own Neil Herdan...
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Greek Movie Night at Socrates Sculpture Park on July 26
Socrates Sculpture Park’s Wednesday Movie Night has a Greek theme on Wednesday July 26, when there will be a screening of the hilarious comedy Chevalier (Greece, 2016, directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari). The event will be an homage to the long history of Greek American culture in our community,...
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NYC Rent Freeze Program is Under the Radar
If you are over the age of 62 and make less than $50,000 per year, you may be able to enroll in SCRIE, the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program, which can freeze seniors’ rent at a third of their income and relieves them from future rent increases. The...
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September 5K Fun Run to Celebrate the Hellgate Bridge Centenary
Save the date for Saturday September 9: there will be a 5K run/walk along the Astoria waterfront. The run begins at 9 am at the Veterans’ Memorial on Shore Boulevard in Astoria Park, out of the park along Shore Blvd up 20th Avenue to 31stStreet, and then turning back and...
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The Wonderful Welling Court Mural Project
Photos courtesy of Richard Khuzami and Clare Doyle
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Durst Secures $1 Billion Loan Package
The Durst Organization has secured a a $1 billion financing package from a group of lenders led by Citi Private Bank. The Real Deal reports that some of the $1 billion may be used for property acquisitions. Durst has recently acquired the $175 million Clocktower development site in Long...
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Funding for Hallets Point Peninsula
The Hallets Point Peninsula is due to get some major upgrades, courtesy of nearly $7.5 million in funding for capital projects, secured by District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides. Constantinides secured $3 million for improvements at Hallets Cove Playground that will convert the current blacktop into a multi-purpose ball...
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Mayor’s Town Hall Meeting
On Wednesday July 19, Mayor de Blasio is holding a Town Hall meeting at P.S. 70, located at 30-44-43rd St., Astoria. Doors open at 6 p.m. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Doors close at 7:30 p.m. Space is limited so please RSVP, email townhallrsvp@cityhall.nyc.gov or call 212-748-0281. The...
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City Hall Resource Fair
Have you ever wished you could talk to the top officials at City Hall? Now is your chance: on Tuesday July 18 from 9 am to I pm, there will be a City Resource Fair at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens. Meet with top city commissioners...
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City of Water Day at Socrates Sculpture Park
On Saturday July 15, Socrates Sculpture Park is a partner for Waterfront Alliance’s City of Water Day 2017, an annual 5-borough event that is dedicated to fostering awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of our New York City waterfronts and waterways. There will be many fun aquatic activities: a river-themed Bangla...
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A Large Residential Development Planned for 30-80 12th Street
Another large project is planned for Old Astoria in the wake of Durst’s Hallet’s Point development, at 30-80 12th Street, it’s being reported by New York Yimby. With gross area totaling 483,000 square feet, the documents for the project indicate that 711 apartments will consist of 565 market-rate and...
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Weeknight Summer Fun in Astoria Park
Almost time for Central Astoria LDC’s amazing Waterfront Concert and Movies on the Waterfront series in Astoria Park! The Waterfront Concerts will take place on Thursday evenings this summer at 7.30 pm. July 13, Strawberry Fields-The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band; July 20 New York Bee Gees July 27 STREETFIGHTER!...
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Durst Organization Building at 29-55 Northern Blvd
Would you love to live close to the LIC waterfront and steps away from the N and R subway lines? New York YIMBY reports that the Durst Organization has filed applications for a 63-story, 763-unnit mixed-use building at 29-55 Northern Boulevard. The Handel Architects project will include rental residential units from...
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Astoria Park Pool is Open for Summer
When the temperature rises in the months of July and August, our neighborhood is fortunate to have the Astoria Park pool in which to cool off and swim away the heat of the summer. At the opening of the Astoria park pool, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver said: “We’re...
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Whitey Ford Field Cleanup
On Saturday July 8th from 10 am to 1pm, join the Friends of Whitey Ford Field in a cleanup. The Friends will be picking up garbage, painting bleachers, and helping to beautify one of Astoria’s greatest green and recreation spaces. T-shirts and supplies provided by Partnerships for Parks. All...
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July at the Noguchi Museum
The Noguchi Museum is getting July off to a good start with a Community Day on Sunday July 2nd. Admission is free all day, from 11 am to 6 pm. Families with kids aged from 2 to 11 can participate in Open Studio, a drop-in program that includes gallery...
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Weeknight Summer Fun in Astoria Park
Save the dates for Central Astoria LDC’s amazing Waterfront Concert and Movies on the Waterfront series in Astoria Park! The Waterfront Concerts will take place on Thursday evenings this summer: July 13, 20 and 27 and August 3, 10, 17, all at 7.30, bands TBA. The movies will take...
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New Ferry Service Feeling the Heat as Demand Surges
As warmer weather finally arrived in June, NYC Ferry found itself trying to cope with unexpectedly high demand on its new route to the Rockaways as New Yorkers tried to get to the beach. Would-be commuters took to Twitter to complain that after long waits on line, they were...
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Summer Solstice Party At Socrates Sculpture Park
Hard to believe that we are at the halfway point in the year, but on Wednesday June 21 it’s time to celebrate the longest day of the year at Socrates Sculpture Park from 5 pm to dusk. Performances on stage will include local breakdancers curated by Muta NYC and...
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New York City Department of Small Business Services
OANA will have a speaker from the New York City Department of Small Business Services, whose mission is to help small businesses start, operate and expand in New York City. From pro bono review of legal documents and business planning assistance to training, certification and funding–if you are a...
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NYC Planning’s Flood Zone Resiliency
We have an important presentation by Nilus Klingel from the NYC Department of City Planning: he will be talking about Flood Resiliency Planning and the Flood Resiliency Zoning Text Amendment (initially adopted in 2013 following Hurricane Sandy). City Planning will be adopting a revised text amendment in 2018, and is looking for input from the...
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Lottery for Affordable Apartments Near the Astoria Waterfront
A new building at 26-27 2nd Street, between 26th and 27th Avenues on the Hallets Point Peninsula has 6 units set aside as part of the city’s 421-A program. Four one-bedroom units will rent for $899 a month and two two-bedroom units will rent for $1,001 a month. The...
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Halletts Point Traffic Circulation Changes
At the May OANA meeting, Keith Dumanski from the Durst Organization gave us a valuable update on the traffic circulation changes that will be happening as Phase 2 of the Halletts Point Development project gets under way. The traffic changes will be as follows: (Letters correspond with letters on...
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2017 Independence Celebration in Astoria Park
Once again Central Astoria LDC brings us the amazing Independence Celebration in Astoria Park! On Thursday June 29 at 7.30 pm, join friends and neighbors for a performance by the Queens Symphony Orchestra on the Great Lawn in Astoria Park, followed by the spectacular Grucci Fireworks. Hope to see...
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LIC Arts Stroll on June 17th
The Long Island City Cultural Alliance (LICCA) is hosting an Arts Stroll on Saturday, June 17th. The stroll features guided tours of Socrates Sculpture Park, including the special exhibition Nari Ward: G.O.A.T., again; and a history tour of The Noguchi Museum. The program begins at Socrates Sculpture Park at...
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Mount Sinai Queens Blood Drive
On Thursday June 27 from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm, you can help to save a life by donating blood. New York Blood Center vans will be across the street from Mount Sinai Queens all day. Remember to eat and drink plenty of fluids before you donate. 25-10 30th...
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Astoria Greenmarket Will Not Return This Summer
Sadly, the GrowNYC farmers’ market will not return to Socrates Sculpture Park this summer. DNAInfo is reporting that the closure is due to lack of sales. It would seem to the casual observer that the park is busy every Saturday during the summer months, but GrowNYC says that on...
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Kaufman Arts Festival
On June 24th and 25th, the Kaufman Arts District will host the first Backlot Arts Festival and the Astoria Post reports that there will be film screenings, art exhibits, workshops, performance art, music, and more. Expect to see book crafting at The Astoria Book Shop; a pop-up gallery at...
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June at the Noguchi Museum
The Bang on a Can Music Series returns to the Noguchi Museum on Sunday, June 11, from 3 pm – 4 pm with Innov Gnawa. Innov Gnawa is a young musical collective dedicated to exploring Morocco’s gnawa music tradition in the heart of New York City. Weather permitting, the...
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Cashless Tolling Only at the Triborough/RFK Bridge
As of June 15 2017, currency will no longer be accepted at the Triborough/RFK Bridge as cashless tolling begins. Governor Cuomo’s office is encouraging commuters to get E-ZPass and save on tolls. According to the Governor’s office, cashless tolling will reduce congestion and improve travel time for motorists, and...
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Waterfront Bike Parade Returns
The popular LIC Bike Parade returns on Saturday June 10! The fun begins at Socrates Sculpture Park at 11 am, with bike decorating workshops and parade float-making, giveaways and bike repairs. The parade will leave the main gate of Socrates at 2 pm, proceeding southbound along Vernon Boulevard, ending...
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Official Opening of Nari Ward G.O.A.T., again
On Saturday June 3 from 3 to 7 pm, celebrate Socrates Sculpture Park’s first exhibition devoted to a solo artist, Nari Ward G.O.A.T., again, at the official opening.. There will be a tour of the artworks with the Director of Exhibitions, music and spoken-word performances and a workshop presented...
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Central Astoria LDC’s Astoria Park Carnival
From June 7 to June 11, it’s the return of the highly popular Astoria Park Carnival, brought to the community by Central Astoria LDC. There will be games, rides, food vendors and fun for kids of all ages! The hours are: Wednesday and Thursday June 7 and 8 from...
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Jazz Series at Socrates Sculpture Park
Last year’s popular First Thursdays jazz series returns to Socrates Sculpture Park. From 6.30 to 8 pm on the first Thursday of each month this summer, relax after work to the mellow sounds of jazz in the park at the summer events stage near the East River. This series...
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La La Land in Astoria Park
On Friday June 9 from 8 to 10.30 pm, join the Astoria Park Alliance for APA Presents Movies Under the Stars: La La Land. Thanks to the generous partnership of Benedict Realty Group, there will be free popcorn for all attendees and a blanket giveaway for the first 50....
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International Cultural Fest: A Stunning Success
Central Astoria Local Development Coalition’s International Cultural Fest on April 23rd St was a big hit with the crowds who flocked to Steinway Street to join in the community celebration that presented the cultures of many nations. Amazing performances by the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY, Ballet Los...
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Share your ideas for Charybdis Playground
Astoria Park was one of 5 parks chosen to receive $30 million for major improvements through New York City’s Anchor Parks program. The park’s track and field area is currently in the design stage, and the next step is community feedback for the Charybdis Playground area. Please join NYC...
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“Wildfest” at Socrates Sculpture Park
Born to be wild? Then head on over to Socrates Sculpture Park on Saturday May 20 from 12 noon to 3 pm, for “Wildfest,” a new mini-festival that focuses on earth-based art and activities. There will be a Native American cultural presentation from the First Nations People of the...
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Clean-up on Astoria Cove site
If the faces in the picture of a clean-up at Astoria Cove/9th Street are familiar they should be: NYPD 114th Precinct Sector David Neighborhood Coordinating Officers Joseph Esposito and Keith Matthes are working with the community to clean up a site whose condition has been a cause of local...
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“Trivia for a Cause” to Benefit APA
Do you always seem to know the answers on Jeopardy even when the contestants don’t? If you love quizzes, on May 21 at 7 pm, head over to QED, 27-16 23rd Avenue, for Trivia with a Cause with Trivia NYC. The event will benefit Astoria Park Alliance. There will...
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“Astoria Provisions” to Replace Astor Bake Shop
A new restaurant is rising on the site of the former Astor Bake Shop, which closed in January. According to the Astoria Post, the new project will be a combination coffee shop/bakery/restaurant/gourmet grocery. John Parlatore, who also owns Gastroteca at 33-02 34th Avenue, plans to open sometime in the...
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Ahoy! NYC Ferry Service Launches
The merry month of May brought some extra joy to residents of the Rockaways as the new NYC Ferry service began connecting them to other boroughs. Astoria will welcome the new ferry service in August, and the new boats look amazing, with comfortable seating, wi-fi and a snazzy snack...
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N Train Service Weekend Repairs This Summer
IMPORTANT TRANSPORTATION news for Astoria residents: “N” subway service will be suspended for several weekends this summer for much needed repairs. DNAInfo’s Jeanmarie Evelly reports that on the weekends of May 20-22, Memorial Day Weekend (May 27-30), June 3-5, August 12-14, August 19-21, August 26-28, Labor Day Weekend (September...
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“Old Astoria” Activist Honored by Local Lawmakers
President of the Astoria Houses Residents’ Association and OANA supporter Claudia Coger was among three Astoria women recently honored by local lawmakers. The other honorees were Ann Bruno, Community Board 1 member and President of the 114th Precinct Community Council and Mackenzie Farquer, proprietor of Lockwood Shops and Managing...
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Welling Court Mural Project 2017
The date has been announced for this year’s Welling Court Mural Project: it will be on Saturday June 10. Every year since 2010, artists have created site-specific works on the walls, gates and garage doors of the streets around Welling Court. Watch the artists at work on the day—many...
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Participatory Budgeting
A record number of District 22 residents—over 3,600–voted in the Participatory Budgeting process this year. Local residents were able to select projects that would benefit from $1 million in the budget of our City Council Member, Costa Constantinides. DNAInfo reports that the most voted-for project was a program to...
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New Building at 26-19 2nd Street
According to YIMBY, an application has been filed for a six-story building at 26-19 2nd Street in Astoria. Despite its proximity to the Halletts Point development, this is a separate project, on a lot that is currently empty. 26-19 2nd Street – Photo credit Richard Khuzami
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Astoria Park Alliance Spring Social
Our friends at the Astoria Park Alliance are hosting a Spring Social and Fundraiser on Monday May 8 at 6pm. The venue is Vintage, at 23-14 Ditmars Boulevard, and the event will feature a silent and live auction with some great prizes. Proceeds will help Astoria Park Alliance to...
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Sanitation Garage in Ravenswood to be Replaced
At a lively Town Hall Meeting in LIC on April 27, Mayor de Blasio announced that the DSNY garage at 34-28 21st St, which has been a source of complaints from local residents, will be relocated. $130 million has been allocated in the Mayor’s executive budget to pay for...
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Big News from Durst on Hallets Point Development
The Durst Organization has a couple of important announcements about the Hallets Point Development! First Durst has awarded the operation of the Supermarket in Building one (Already under Construction) to Brooklyn Harvest market. They currently operate in Brooklyn. Services include: Full Service Deli Meat Department Fresh Produce Department Dairy...
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NYC Property Tax Assessments Favor Wealthy Neighborhoods
Lawsuit Alleges that NYC Property Tax Assessments Favor Wealthy Neighborhoods OANA supports equitable property taxes. Our Board members Diane Kontzoglou and Kevin Hernandez were thanked by Tax Equity Now NY for their “civic efforts in propelling this story.” How does New York City decide how much property tax you...
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114th Precinct NCO Safety Summit
On May 25th at 7 pm, 114th Precinct Sector David invites you to join your Neighborhood Coordination Officers at a Safety Summit where you can discuss concerns you may have and contribute ideas on keeping your community safe. Sector David runs from Astoria Park South to Queens Plaza North...
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An “Astoria Character” – Dominque Perrot
In case you missed it, Nancy Ruhling, who contributes the popular “Astoria Characters’ series to the Huffington Post, featured OANA’s own Dominique Perrot, a strong supporter of OANA, back in February. In this profile, Dominique discusses growing up in Astoria, the influence of the library on 14th Street where...
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A Chance to Learn More About Ferries
With the new ferry service from Astoria due to start in August, now is the perfect time to learn more about ferries! The Worldwide Ferry Safety Association will hold a Ferry Safety and Technology conference, MarineLink reports, on May 11 and 12 in downtown Manhattan. You can find out...
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“Forgotten NY” Tour of Old Astoria Village
On Saturday June 17, join legendary tour company Forgotten NY for a tour of old Astoria Village. Hear about the founding of the village by Stephen Halsey as you walk along a route that dates back to the Revolutionary War. Meet at noon at “Astoria’s Flatiron Building,” the former...
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The Evolution Of Bollywood
On Saturday May 6, the Queens Library’s Astoria branch will host the Payalia Dance Company as they present a performance of Bollywood dance, discuss various styles of dance, and invite the audience to join in and learn some of the steps. The event is from 3 to 4 pm...
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New Hotel in Ravenswood
A new hotel is coming to Ravenswood, on a lot at 37-10 24th Street that is currently cleared and awaiting construction. According to documents filed with the Department of Buildings, the new hotel, at 13 stories, would be the tallest edifice in the immediate neighborhood apart from the Ravenswood...
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Local Theater Group’s New Production Likely to be a Hit
The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) is rehearsing for their new production, a revival of Raisin, directed by Dev Bondarin. “Raisin” is a musical adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, the first play written by a black woman to be produced on Broadway, as well as...
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People’s Climate Rally
On Friday April 28 at 6.30 pm there will be a People’s Climate Rally on the Great Lawn in Astoria Park. Hosted by District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides and co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, Astoria Park Alliance, Senator Michael Gianaris, and the National Resources Defense Council, this event...
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Queensboro Bridge Gets Funds For Repairs
New York City has allocated an rehabilitation of the East River bridges through the end of 2019, bringing the total funding for the project to $936 million. The Queensboro Bridge will get $110 million of the additional funds, making the total funding for the repair work on the bridge...
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Celebrate Earth Day With The Astoria Park Alliance
Join the Astoria Park Alliance on Saturday April 22 for an Earth Day Celebration on Shore Blvd! The day will feature volunteer opportunities and fun and educational programming. The timetable for the day: 9:00 – 1:00 Volunteer Planting, Raking & Gardening 1:00 – 2:30 Shoreline Cleanup: meet at the...
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Hell Gate Bridge Meeting
The next meeting of the Hell Gate Centenary Celebration Group at Riccardos on Thursday April 27th at 6:30 PM. Get updates on the plans for celebrating the Hell Gate’s 100th birthday, as well as the mural created by artists (in conjunction with the New York Anti-Crime Agency) on the...
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LINK NYC Kiosks Seen in Astoria
Some of our sharp-eyed neighbors have spotted new LINK NYC kiosks in our neighborhood. According to amNY, 150 new kiosks have recently installed, mainly in Queens and Brooklyn, and they will be activated soon. The LINK NYC stations offer free phone service, WiFi, and cellphone charging ports and have...
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“Affordable New York” Program Approved
A replacement for New York City’s 421-a program, which gave tax abatement’s to developers who included affordable housing units, has finally been approved by Albany. According to the Queens Chronicle, in Queens Community Boards 1 and 2, the new “Affordable New York” program will apply to developments with 300...
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Demoliton And Closures On 1st Street
Good news on the Halletts Point development: now that an Affordable Housing plan (replacing the old 421-a program) deal has been reached in Albany, Phase 2 of the building is moving ahead. The Durst Organization has informed OANA that several buildings on 1st Street will be demolished and the...
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Healthy Eating Habits Workshop At Mount Sinai Queens
Are you living on TV dinners and Twinkies? Would you like to improve your diet and help protect yourself against Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer? Mount Sinai Queens has you covered with a workshop, Easy Ways to Make Healthy Eating Habits a Habit on...
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“Textured Sights” Event at QCA
On Wednesday, April 19, 2017, from 6.30 to 8.30 pm, LAB at QCA presents “Textured Sights,” paintings by Shenna Vaughn. During the event, a series of works of art in progress will be shared that consists of paintings depicting social and cultural differences rather than biological with regards to...
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New Location for Ride-Sharing Pick-Ups at LaGuardia
If you ever use ride-sharing app-based services like Lyft, Uber or Gett to pick you up at LaGuardia Airport, you should be aware that it just got a little more complicated. According to the Queens Courier, the Port Authority has announced that there will be a new location for...
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Socrates Sculpture Park Plans for the Summer, and the Future
At our March OANA meeting, we had an exciting presentation from John Hatfield, the Executive Director of Socrates Sculpture Park. Open to the public all year around, this Astoria gem that provides the neighborhood with amazing art as well as community events, free cultural programming and children’s educational workshops,...
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Deal Reached in Albany to renew the 421 a tax abatement
Following are the details in The Real Deal: this could finally allow our major developments such as Hallets Point to proceed. https://therealdeal.com/2017/04/05/lawmakers-reach-deal-over-421a-by-linking-it-to-rent-regulation/. However, the language of the measure has not been created, and it has not been voted on by the Legislature. And, as far as we know at...
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Comment on the Proposed CitiBike Stations in Astoria
Citibike and NYC DOT have announced their initial selections for the placement of 59 Bike Docking Stations in Astoria/LIC north of Queensboro Plaza. They are initiating the process of receiving feedback from the community on these locations, and they welcome ideas on how they may be improved. This process...
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April Programs at the Noguchi Museum
On Wednesday April 5, join the Noguchi Museum for the Poems About Sculpture program, from 7 to 8 pm followed by a reception, with former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, sculptor Murray Dewart who edited the Poems About Sculpture anthology, poet Rachel Hadas, and the Executive Director of the...
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Astoria Cove Site on the Market
According to Crains New York, a partnership headed by Alma has put Astoria Cove, an extensive development project on the East River, up for sale. New York City allowed zoning that would permit the construction of up to 1.7 million square feet of housing on the site, in return...
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Phase 1 of the Astoria Park Renovation will begin in 2018
The New York City Parks Department has given Community Board 1 details on the first phase of the renovation of Astoria Park thanks to the $30 million “Anchor Park funding from the City. The proposal includes a reconstructions of the running track, at the center of which will be...
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Whitey Ford Field, A Great American Diamond
There is a gem on Hallets Peninsula on the waterfront in Astoria. Next to the Durst Organization’s new Hallets Point development is a Great American Diamond, with a view of the Hell Gate: Whitey Ford Field. Named after Astoria Houses Native and Yankees star Whitey Ford, this baseball field...
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DOT: 27th Ave Speed Hump
We are pleased to announce that the NYC Department of Transportation, Queens Borough Commissioner has informed us that they’ve approved installation of a speed hump on 27th Avenue between 8th and 21st Streets. You can read the letter the from Department of Transportation here.
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DOT: 18th Street Speed Hump
We are pleased to announce that the NYC Department of Transportation, Queens Borough Commissioner has informed us that they’ve approved installation of a speed hump on 18th Street between Hoyt Avenue and Astoria Boulevard. You can read the letter from the Department of Transportation here.
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