Cosmos FM interview with OANA President Richard Khuzami
Old Astoria Neighborhood Association President Richard Khuzami was recently the subject of an hour -long interview on Cosmos FM, the Greek Radio Station (NYC: 91.5 FM). The hour was sponsored by the Eastern Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance (EMBCA), and was hosted by Louis Katsos. Following is the link to...
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District 22 Participatory Budgeting Call for Proposals
Do you have a vision for a capital improvement project in District 22? Is there a playground, library, school or street in our neighborhood you know of that needs a little TLC? Participatory Budgeting could make your great idea happen! In April 2018 District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides...
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Elevators Will Go Up at Astoria Blvd Station
One of several nice features of living in Astoria is the quick commute into Manhattan and Brooklyn via the R, N and W train lines. But for many—parents with baby carriages, tourists wielding suitcases and people using mobility assistive devices such as walkers or crutches—access to the N/W line...
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Cosmos FM Radio Interview
On Wednesday August 8, Richard Khuzami, the President/founder of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association, and the owner/founder of Dahdoo Productions, will be interviewed on Ilias S. Katsos’s East Mediterranean Business & Culture program on COSMOS FM at 7 to 8 P.M. (91.5 FM in New York, and on the internet cosmosfm.org)....
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Welcome to the New Noguchi Museum Director
Astoria groups, local officials and arts-minded community members gathered last week at the Noguchi Museum, in a courtyard housing magnificent examples of the work of the Japanese sculptor who located his studio in our neighborhood. Brett Littman, formerly Executive Director of The Drawing Center, succeeds Jenny Dixon, who led...
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NYC Ferry Update
Because of greater than expected consumer demand, NYC had purchased new high capacity ferrys for NYC Ferry. This will help alleviate some of the service disruptions caused by the over demand for certain routes at certain times. Six ferries with a capacity of 350 (Current vessels carry approx 170)...
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Historical Map of the Astoria Waterfront
A map of the Astoria waterfront from 1876 was donated to OANA by Firefighter Al Soto and Engine 262 on 21st St. We greatly appreciate their contribution. It is an interesting map, showing advertising at that time, plus name changes on the local streets. What is interesting is the...
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Free, Confidential Legal Advise
Old Astoria Neighborhood Association is happy to support BP Melinda Katz and the Legal Aid Society in providing opportunities to all residents in Queens free confidential advise! A society where the playing field is equal for all citizens is a healthy society. From the BP Office: “Borough President Melinda...
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Laguardia overpass completed
As the construction at LaGuardia advances, we are now starting to see the vision taking shape. It is indeed exciting to see what is coming, but it certainly has been a headache dealing the congestion both in and around the Airport caused by construction. However, as each step nears...
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National Night Out Against Crime
This August 7th, the National Night Out Against Crime with be celebrated in 2 locations in Old Astoria. Astoria Park, on the Great Lawn by the Hells Gate Bridge. Sponsored by the NYPD 114th Precinct, , 14th Precinct Community Affairs, 114th Precinct Auxiliary Police, 114th Community Council, 114th Civ-op...
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Aviation Job Fair
Are you job-hunting? Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, and the Council for Airport Opportunity are sponsoring an Aviation Job Fair at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center, Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd, Kew Gardens, on Thursday August 23rd from 10 am to 2 pm. Meet with companies who are...
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Free Book Bag Give-away
It may be hot and sunny out there, but back to school season is just around the calendar! St. George’s Episcopal Church wants to help your kids be organized this fall, so they are hosting a Book Bag Giveaway on Saturday, August 11, from 11 am to noon. 14-20...
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World Breastfeeding Week Event
NYS Assemblywoman Aravella Symotas is co-sponsoring an event with UP-STAND to bring attention to World Breastfeeding Week and urge passage of her bill — the Family Accommodations in Entertainment Act. The latch-on event – Sustaining Breastfeeding Together– will be on Wednesday, August 1 at 9am to 10am at Columbus...
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Update on LaGuardia Airport Construction
Everything is moving along well at LaGuardia Airport. As we ride down the Grand Central, we actually see the form taking shape, and it is an exciting transformation from a tired old airport to the birthing of what looks like a vibrant addition to our community. The LaGuardia Gateway...
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Development recap: Old Astoria
The following developments are in the pipeline for the Old Astoria and surrounding Neighborhood! All of these are all As of Right. This means they do not require a zoning change. They are building within the existing zoning requirements. Because of this, they are not required to provide Affordable...
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Rain Barrel Giveaway at Chappetto Square
District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides is partnering with Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas to host a rain barrel giveaway at Chappetto Square (Hoyt Avenue and 23rd Street) on Saturday, July 28th, starting at 10 am. To RSVP, email mcorbett@council.nyc.gov by Monday, July 23rd. Reserved barrels will...
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Queens Midtown and Brooklyn Battery Tunnels
Gov. Cuomo address on Queens Midtown and Brooklyn Battery Tunnel reconstruction Hersh Parekh, who made a wonderful presentation at last January’s OANA Monthly meeting, has asked that we forward the following to our supporters: “Please join Governor Cuomo for an announcement to mark a major milestone in the post-Sandy...
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Mount Sinai Queens Events In July
When it comes to your health, Mount Sinai Queens believes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! So they have the community covered with a wide range of health events in July. Whether it’s vein and vascular screening, yoga, information sessions about weight loss surgery...
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Friends of Whitey Ford Field Family Day July 15th
Friends of Whitey Ford Field is holding a family day July 15th between 10 am and 6 PM at the corner of 26th Avenue and 2nd Street on Halletts Peninsula in Astoria. They would like to find volunteers to help paint the workout and children’s play areas by the...
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Pedal for Parks On July 21
The Friends of Astoria Heights Park are partnering with Community Board 1, the 114th Precinct and Make Queens Safer in a Pedal for Parks event on Saturday July 21. This family-friendly bike ride to neighborhood parks will start at 9.45 am at Astoria Heights Playground (45th St and 30th...
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General Slocum Sinking
Second worse disaster in NYC History Our Astoria Shore was witness to the worst maritime, and second worse overall disaster in NYC History: The sinking of the General Slocum Ferry in Hellsgate! In an in depth article posted in 6sqft.com by Andrew Berman of the Greenwich Village Society for...
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Fireworks in Astoria Park
This years Fireworks in Astoria Park will take place on Thursday, June 28th at 7:30 PM The event will feature a special performance by the Patriot Brass Ensemble, followed by a spectacular Gucci fireworks display over the waterfront. This event has traditionally brought all Astorians together in what is...
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Environmentally Friendly Ferry
The next step in the growth of our Ferry System: Environmentally Friendly Vessels!!!! Following is a study to address the pollution issues deriving from our current Ferry System! Here is the story of European Union-funded E-ferry offering a clean alternative to polluting diesel powerplants that power our current Ferry...
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Youth Fun Day at St. George’s Episcopal Church, June 16
On Saturday June 16, Historic St. George’s Episcopal Church is hosting a Youth Fun Day from 11.30 am to 3 pm. This fabulous free event is for kids ages 4 to 14—there will be arts and crafts, games and refreshments. Drop in at any time! Supported by a grant...
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FDNY 4th Annual Open House
This is an event our community won’t want to miss! On Saturday, June 16th, and Sunday, June 17th, the FDNY will host its 4th annual citywide Open House program. More than 200 firehouses and EMS Stations will open their doors to the public from 11 am to 1 pm...
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A Beach on the Astoria Waterfront
Trying to make the best of a bad situation, the Durst Organization has announced plans to create a temporary Cultural Center and Beach Area on the site of the stalled Hallets Point project. There will be no access to the water on the “Beach”. The site will be at...
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Public Art in Marine Air Terminal
We previously posted a request for artists in Queens to apply for a residency program in the Marine Terminal at LaGuardia Airport. The positions we awarded, and have been operating since May 2. We thought we would post an article by the NY Times about this project! Landing Pages,...
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Astoria Park Carnival June 6-10,2018
Central Astoria Local Development Coalition is pleased to announce this year’s Astoria Park Carnival in the Parking lot area of Astoria Park. This has evolved in to tradition our neighborhood looks forward to every year. Enjoy Rides, Games, Food, it’s Fun for the whole family! at The Astoria Park...
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Help Paint a Mural at the Steinway Playground
**UPDATE** Due to poor weather conditions, the event has been cancelled on Monday and delayed until Tuesday per Brittany Baldwin. The New York City Parks Department is putting in a mural at Steinway Playground by Brittany Baldwin, a local Queens artist. Brittany wanted to offer a day for community...
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More action on Residential Parking Permits
Councilman Francisco Moya (D_Jackson Heights) introduced a pair of parking-related bills earlier this month, with the first seeking to create a residential permit system in East Elmhurst —This seems to be related to a similar position from State Senator Jorge Peralto we have supported in the past. The Old...
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Developer Sam Chang’s New 13-story Hotel in Long Island City
A new 13-story hotel at 38-39 9th Street, in Long Island City, Queens is being constructed. Hotel Developer Sam Chang will be responsible. The hotel will be seven blocks away from the 21st Street-Queensbridge subway station, serviced by the F trains and the first stop in Queens. This will...
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New 3 story residential bldg. 12-19 31st Dr.
Permits have been filed for a three-story residential building at 12-19 31st Drive, in Astoria, Queens. The site is close to the Astoria NYC Ferry pier and is 13 blocks away from the Broadway subway station, serviced by the N and W trains. This will be a 11,440 square...
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New NYC Ferry Summer 2018 Schedule
The NYC Ferry has just released its new schedule for summer 2018. For the NYC waterfront’s premier public transit alternative summer schedule, this is effective May 21, 2018. Remember, with fares equal to those on a MetroCard, and a pleasant relaxing ride on the East River, nothing compares to the NYC...
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Fathers Day in Astoria Park
June 17th, 2018 11 am to 3 pm The Old Astoria Neighborhood Assn is pleased to partner with the Astoria Park Alliance to sponsor a Fathers Day event in Astoria Park. What can be appropriate for Fathers Day than an afternoon with Live Music, Food, and Classic cars!!! Pre...
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Variety Boys & Girls Club Proposed Renovation
An ambitious project which will allow for the expansion and renovation of the Variety Boys and Girls Club on 21st st in Astoria has been proposed. New renderings have been unveiled for the 14-story mixed-use building proposed at 21-12 30th Road, in Queens. Please note that this is just...
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Socrates Sculpture Park 2018 schedule
One of the Old Astoria Neighborhoods greatest assets is the Socrates Sculpture Park. With an attendance of over 100,000 annually, New Yorkers of all ages are exposed to a great program of the arts and performance. All Free Of Charge. And with the advent of the Astoria stop on...
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Astoria Park Tennis Courts Permits Available
It’s a good time to remember that now’s the best time to get a permit to play on the city’s public tennis courts. The tennis season lasts from April to the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so picking up one now will get you the best bang for your buck. And if,...
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New Building at 21st st and 29th ave
Permits have been filed for a seven-story mixed-use building at 28-06 21st Street, in Astoria, Queens. The 74-foot tall structure will yield 11,360 square feet, with 9,750 square feet dedicated to residential use, and 1,610 square feet for commercial use. 11 apartments will be created, averaging 886 square feet...
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MTA Funding for Accessible Transit projects
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has amended it’s capital plan to allocate at least $600 million for accessibility projects. They state this will “significantly increases the agency’s investment” in Americans With Disabilities Act accessibility projects. $300 million is allocated for station improvements, $200 million for enhancements such as elevators and...
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Durst and the Astoria Waterfront
Following is an interesting interview with Helen Rose Durst on their investments in Queens. We at OANA want to acknowledge that without Durst’s commitment to the revitalization of our waterfront, the prospects of improved quality of life in our neighborhood would be much more difficult. Rendering of the first...
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Family Fun At Rainey Park
Central Astoria LDC invites you to an afternoon of Family Fun at Rainey Park on Sunday June 3rd from 12 noon to 3 pm. There will be face painting, cotton candy, balloon art, crafts, and an Interactive children’s performance. And of course beautiful views of our waterfront. Hope to...
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Together In Teal Event On Roosevelt Island
Together in Teal! On Saturday May 19, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is hosting the first New York City Run/Walk to break the silence on Ovarian Cancer. The event takes place on Firefighter’s Field, 405-425 Main Street, Roosevelt Island. Now that spring is here, you can also walk around...
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Street Cleaning in Old Astoria
We at Old Astoria Neighborhood Assn. (OANA) read with interest the op-ed in today’s Crains warning us to avoid street cleaning and Alternate Side parking (ASP). We greatly appreciate the fact that this helps keep this issue in the Public Eye. However, as far as being told by Crains...
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Street Cleaning and Parking; Short supply in Old Astoria
As a follow up to OANA’s press release asking for street cleaning once a week per side in Old Astoria, the Queens Courier has published an article on this. Even with petitions from local residents asking for twice a week cleaning, OANA have so far been unsuccessful in getting...
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Health and Wellness Block party
Please join our friends at Goodwill for their Health and Wellness Block Party outside their location at 4-21 27th Avenue, on Saturday May 12 from 10 am to 3 pm. There will be food, music, art, wellness center giveaways, blood pressure checks and yoga. Get hugs from a life-size...
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NYC Organics Recycling is Coming to Astoria
Please join the Greater Astoria Historical Society on Monday May 7 at 7 pm for a presentation about NYC Organics Recycling, coming soon to our neighborhood. Whether you are a homeowner, renter or building manager, you will need to know about this important new city program. Presenter Mara Moss...
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Speed Bumps Approved
As many may be aware, OANA has been advocating for speed bumps on 18th st for many years. During our February meeting, we invited the NYC DOT’s Samantha Dolgoff to participate. Because of the tremendous participation by neighbors requesting that these speed bumps be installed, and the support of...
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Movement on Residential Parking Permits
Some members of the NYC Council are embracing the idea of Residential Parking Permits. OANA has advocated for this for years, and we are heartened to see this idea take one more step to realization. Our last movement was the endorsement of this idea by NYS Senator Jorge Peralto...
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International Cultural Fest 2018
Please join Central Astoria LDC for International Cultural Fest 2018 on Sunday, April 29th from 12 noon to 5 pm at the street fair on Steinway Street, between Broadway and 31st Avenue. Enjoy music and dance from Bangladesh, Korea, Mexico, West Africa and other cultures. Let’s all come together...
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Target opens in Astoria
A small-format Target will open in the Ditmars-Steinway section of Astoria in 2022. The location will be Target’s third small-format store in Queens with an existing location in Forest Hills and one planned for Jackson Heights, which will open in 2019. This 47,000-square-foot location will employ 100 people. Offered...
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Earth Day Festivities in Astoria Park
On Sunday April 22nd, from 1 to 4 pm, Astoria Park Alliance is hosting a nature-themed Earth Day event on the main lawn of Astoria Park to kick off the 2018 season of events. This free and family-friendly event will feature live music, dance performances, environmental education and sustainability...
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Jane’s Walk in Old Astoria, Saturday May 5
Once a year, “Jane’s Walks” take place in cities across the country. Jane’s Walks are free tours/walking conversations inspired by the journalist and urban planning pioneer Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighborhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a...
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Open House at Historic St. George’s Church
Historic St. George’s Church will be hosting an Open House on Saturday. May 5, from 11 am to 5pm. There will be tours of the church and cemetery. Come find out more about the history of the church whose connection with John Jacob Astor gave our neighborhood its name!...
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Astoria Blvd Station Renovations
The MTA will add four elevators to the Astoria Boulevard station. The MTA has announced renovation of the Astoria Blvd stop on the N line in Astoria. This 29 month renovation will include 9 months of full closure and also include traffic diversions, including some closures of the Hoyt...
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Street Cleaning and Alternate Side Parking Old Astoria
OANA has taken a position regarding street cleaning and Alternate side Parking in Old Astoria. While we support using zoning as a tool to determine street sweeping standards, we understand there are other solutions that may alleviate an untenable situation, such as eliminating in its entirety the cleaning of...
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The MTA announced that the N Train renovations stay “On Track”
While the MTA has announced they are not starting any new renovations for subway stations because they have run out of funding, the planned renovations on the Astoria Stations on the “N” line will continue. The MTA also announced they will use the 90 million in funding left over...
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A New Field House for Queensbridge Park
Good news for Queensbridge Park—the dilapidated old Field House, closed for many years, is to be demolished and ground has been broken for a new, energy-efficient park house that will serve as a community center and will also house offices for Parks staff. The construction will cost $6.25 million...
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QCA open call for Art Residency at LaGuardia Airport
The Queens Council on the Arts has an open call for a new art residency at LaGuardia Airport’s Marine Terminal A, which will come to a close next Thursday. QCA is collaborating with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey for the ArtPort Residency, which will select...
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Tide Mill Conference
On Saturday April 7 2018, the Tide Mill Institute and Greater Astoria Historical Society present a conference particularly interesting for residents of our waterfront community: A City of Tides: The Past and Future of New York. The event is from 8.30 am to 4 pm. The Program: The ABC’s...
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NYC Ferry Jobs
Last August saw the opening of the new ferry service to and from Astoria. With spring and summer bringing back full ferry service, NYC Ferry is hiring! Check out job openings that range from deckhand and mechanic to concessions and crowd control agents. Most positions start in spring or summer. The desired...
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Durst Clock Tower
The first renderings of Queensboro Plaza skyscraper developed by the Durst Organization at 29-37 41st Avenue in Queens have been revealed. The 751-foot-tall building will dwarf the clock tower at its base. The renderings show a massive concave tower, sheathed in a glass curtain wall, set back from the rear of the 90-year-old landmarked Clock...
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MTA Sued over Station Accessibility
MTA Sued over Station Accessibility by US Attorney General for the Southern District of New York. As many of our members and friends know, OANA has taken a strong position on the need to improve accessibility and ADA compliance in the stations on the N/W train line. We were...
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Halletts Point Building One
The Durst Organization has provided new renderings of Building One at 10 Halletts Point of the Halletts Point Development on the Astoria waterfront. This building has 405 units, 81 of which are “Affordable”, with rents at 60% of AMI. They also announced the launch of the lottery for the...
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NYC Free Tax Preparation
Many New Yorkers qualify to file their taxes for free. The NYC Free Tax Prep program includes more than 200 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and AARP Tax-Aide sites citywide, as well as online self-preparation at nyc.gov/taxprep. New Yorkers can take advantage of Free Tax...
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Seasonal, Part Time Positions- Aramark Citi Field
Aramark @ Citi Field is looking for energetic and self-motivated candidates with a proven track record in providing exemplary guest service in a fast paced and diverse environment, working as part of a team, to assist in the Food Service and Retail Operations at Citi Field. The ideal candidate...
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RENOVATION OF ASTORIA POOL TO COST 50 MILLION
The cost to overhaul the Astoria Pool will be in excess of $50 million, according to Council member Costa Constantinides. Constantinides, who plans to fix the rundown pool wants the pool basin, the bleachers and deck surrounding the pool to be renovated. In addition, he wants the unkempt bathrooms...
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Noguchi Museum March News
Noguchi Museum is a long-standing cultural institution in Old Astoria. We strongly support their programming, and would like to take this opportunity to forward to everyone their March News and events. They are a strong anchor for OANA’s efforts to create a Waterfront Arts District. Please support their fine...
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NYS State wants NYC to use design-build
Governor’s Cuomos office has advised the City of NY to try and institute Design /Build on its Capital Projects. This has proven to be a cost effective time saving process as proven by recent State Capital project, especially the construction of the new Tappen Zee (Mario Cuomo) and Kosciuszko...
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NYPD to crack down on ‘block-the-box’
NYPD to crack down on ‘block-the-box’ , New Commercial Loading restrictions in Jackson Heights BE AWARE Drivers who “block the box” at intersections could get a ticket for holding up traffic. Cops will be handing out tickets to drivers who pull too far into the crosswalk at 50 busy...
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NYPD Sector David Safety Summit
An important meeting will take place on March 22, 2018 at 6 PM Queens Library 37-44 21st st, Long Island City NY NYPD Precinct 114 Neighborhood Coordinating Officers Joe Esposito and Keith Matthes are hosting an meeting to discuss neighborhood safety and quality of life issues in sector David....
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More developments coming to Old Astoria
A six-story building is coming to 8-29 Astoria Boulevard, mid-block between 8th and 12th streets. Astoria Houses public housing project begins at the end of the block, and Two Coves Community Garden is across the street. The project includes 50 apartments, plus retail and medical offices. of (3,700 square...
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Increase Parking around Film Shoots
Astoria/LIC has historically been the center of movie and TC+V Film shoots in NYC. Studios such as Kauffman Astoria and Silvercup had lead to a renaissance in this industry in NYC. greatly adding to both the economic health and visibility of our neighborhood. As residents, however, we often have...
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New Lower East Side Ferry Stop
Mayor DiBlasio announces a new Ferry stop in the Lower East Side in Manhattan. While this stop is not on the Astoria Line, you can transfer free of charge in LIC to the line servicing the lower east side. The Lower East Side Route will serve nearly one million...
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New Generators for Astoria Houses
FEMA Funds secured for rehabilitation of NYCHA facilities because of Super Storm Sandy are funding new Surge protecting Generators to be installed on the roofs of some flood prone Astoria House buildings. These should help mitigate against damage and power outages from any future storms. The December 2015 FEMA...
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Mid Block Cross walks on Steinway St
Councilman Costa Constantinides and the DOT announced on Feb. 23 that three new mid-block crosswalks and traffic lights would be installed along the busy thoroughfare. Constantinides first announced his plan to add traffic mitigation measures on Steinway Street in his State of the District speech last year. Steinway Street, which...
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Central Astoria LDC’s Multicultural Celebration
Many ethnic cultures contribute to the diversity for which our community is justly famous, and now Central Astoria LDC is bringing us a fabulous Multicultural Celebration on Sunday March 18th from 12.30 to 5 pm. Enjoy performances by cultures from around the world The event is hosted by the...
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Halletts Point update
The NY City Council has found that NYCHA was deprived of needed boiler improvements at their Astoria Houses campus. However, the Mayors office disputed this. Again, we at OANA ask that all parties involved put aside their disputes, and come together for the good of our community. We have...
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Google and Goodwill Team up
Goodwill of NY/NJ and Google have teamed up to provide workforce development for those residents looking to enhance their tech skills to increase their chances of meaningful employment. Google.org designated $10M in grants for a workforce development initiative with Goodwill Industries called the Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator – including $300,000...
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Arcadia Bar & Kitchen
Arcadia is a new neighborhood bar coming to Old Astoria in the next couple of weeks. This project has been a year in the making with nothing but love and passion for what we do. Serving up craft cocktails, draft beer and a full kitchen, we are excited to...
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Auto, Pedestrian, and Parking changes – Welling Court Vernon Blvd, Main ave
The NYC Department of Transportation will be presenting their new changes for the Vernon Blvd, Main Ave, 30th Ave. intersections in Old Astoria at the upcoming OANA meeting on Feb 28th at 7 PM at St George Church. At 14th st and 27th ave, Astoria. The proposal includes adding two...
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New Look Coming to the Triborough B playground
The Big Ten Network, in celebration of this year’s Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden, will be refurbishing the surface and basketball hoops of the full court basketball court in Triborough B playground!!! It will also be painted with a large-scale mural by Mark Paul Deren (AKA MADSTEEZ), paying homage to...
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Withdrawal of Hallets Point Funding Probed
The New York City Council is investigating the withdrawal of $43.5 million in financing from the affordable housing project at Hallets Point, that would also have provided money for boiler repairs at the nearby Astoria Houses, in November 2017, shortly after a public dispute between Mayor Bill de Blasio...
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Neptune Diner May Depart
The future of the much-loved Neptune Diner, at the foot of the Astoria Boulevard N/W train station, is in doubt. The Astoria Post reports that the site, 31-05 Astoria Blvd., that houses the diner and two adjacent lots are up for sale. The listing, by Eastern Consolidated, reports that...
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CLIMATE CHANGE: Is Your Home At Risk?
Old Astoria is a waterfront community. Because of this we should all be aware of the potential risks that climate change and rising sea levels provide. A new Google Earth plug-in allows users to explore how rising sea levels would affect their neighborhoods and the tool shows that large...
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Astoria Diving Pool Project
Work has begun on creating a public space on the site of the currently closed Astoria Diving Pool. While the neighborhood has had a vibrant discussion on how to utilize this landmarked space, from renovation as a diving pool, to reconstruction as a Theater, Performance Space, and Ice Rink,...
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NEW DEVELOPMENT BY THE ASTORIA FERRY
Permits have been filed for a seven-story, 29-unit apartment building at 11-16 Main Ave. Currently, the one-story building sits on a block with mostly low-rise industrial buildings, many of which are adorned with art as part of the Welling Court Mural Project. Also, the developer is addresses 2 great neighborhood needs:...
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Halletts Point Building one is nearly completion
After 2 years of construction, Building One (At 10 Halletts Point) of the Durst Organization’s Halletts Point Development is nearing completion. Leasing is set to begin this summer! Also, a much-needed supermarket, Brooklyn Harvest Market, will occupy the first floor. A fitness Center, Recreation Rooms for Kids, and Public...
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NOGUCHI HIRES NEW DIRECTOR
The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City has appointed a new director: Brett Littman, the current director of the Drawing Center. He will take over the job in May, succeeding Jenny Dixon, who retired after 15 years at the helm. The Noguchi Museum is an important component of the...
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OANA President Interviewed by Queens Ledger
The Queens Ledger recently published a profile of Richard Khuzami, President of OANA. The article depicts his family background, love of Astoria and community activism that goes back many years To quote the Queens Ledger, “Khuzami’s latest effort is founding the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association, formed in 2014. The...
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Rally for Better Transit at the Ditmars Boulevard Station
Just when you thought the station renovations on the N/W line couldn’t be any more inconvenient, it’s just been announced that the Ditmars Boulevard station will be under reconstruction from April 2018 through June 2019. Thankfully the station won’t be completely closed, but construction materials will be stored on...
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New NYC Winter Ferry Schedule
It has been an amazing initial year for the New York City Ferry….3 million passengers!!! And new stops are on the way for 2018!! The ferry has been a catalyst in Old Astoria, leading to new development, services, a shot in the arm for our cultural institutions, and a...
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Is Design Build the Answer to NYC Capital project Woes?
Design build is an attempt to streamline the Capital project design and construction process. Currently, the process usually takes a minimum of 2 years just to reach the construction phase. This is because there are 2 separate processes: Design and permit is handled separately from construction. Also 2 separate...
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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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