The recent ruling ordering the removal of the 31st Street bike lanes has been described as a victory for local businesses. OANA views the judge’s decision as a chance to reset the process and ensure that any future design for 31st Street incorporates the full range of safety, visibility, and efficiency measures required for a corridor under the elevated structure. A bike lane on 31st Street is entirely achievable — but only if it is engineered with the complete set of tools needed to make it safe and functional for everyone. Read the op-ed here.

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OANA has released a new op-ed responding to the announcement extending the Roosevelt Island master lease to 2078 and launching a long-term planning process for housing, redevelopment, and infrastructure. One main theme of the op-ed is that while Roosevelt Island is politically tied to Manhattan, every emergency response, sanitation route, service vehicle, and roadway access point runs through Astoria and Long Island City. Western Queens carries the operational burden but has no representation in decisions that directly affect our streets and services. The op-ed calls for Queens to be formally included in all planning, a transparent analysis of service impacts on Astoria and LIC, and a review of Roosevelt Island’s community-district and political alignment. It also urges public meetings to be held in Queens, where the real-world effects are felt. Read the full op-ed here. This op-ed was also published in Qns.com and the Queens Gazette.

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Old Astoria Neighborhood Association has just published an op-ed urging Congress to restore full Medicare coverage for virtual doctor visits. As of October 1, 2025, Medicare stopped paying for many telehealth appointments. This change hurts seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone who relies on at-home care. OANA argues that telehealth is not a luxury but a lifeline that keeps vulnerable residents healthy, reduces clinic overcrowding, and protects healthcare access for those who need it most. Read the full op-ed: “Don’t Pull the Plug on Telehealth.” This was also published in the Queens Gazette and the National Herald. UPDATE (November 2025):Congress has temporarily resumed Medicare and Medicaid coverage for telehealth and video visits through January 30, 2026. While we welcome this positive development, this extension is not a permanent fix. OANA urges continued pressure on lawmakers to ensure telehealth remains fully covered for seniors, people with disabilities, and all those who need it.

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OANA has released a new op-ed arguing in support of the proposed rezoning at 32-07 31st Street—an important step toward building 100% affordable senior housing and increasing the housing stock near a major transit hub. The piece lays out how this project fits into a larger pattern of thoughtful development along the 31st Street corridor and makes the case for comprehensive, coordinated planning that addresses the real needs of our community. Read the full op-ed here This op-ed was published in the Queens Gazette, the Astoria Post and the National Herald.

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This op-ed delves into why property tax reform is the missing piece for making NYC’s “City of Yes” vision a reality. Zoning changes may pave the way for more housing, but without fixing the unfair tax burdens on small property owners, those efforts could collapse before they even start. You can read the full op-ed here. You can also read an abridged version here. This op-ed was published in the National Herald and Astoria Post. Property tax photo by Nick YoungsonCC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free

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Our recent op-ed was published on two news sites: The Astoria Post and The National Herald. At a time when debates surrounding the previous election cycle are ongoing, it’s crucial to take a practical look at the economic implications of the proposed deportation plan. As the new Trump administration approaches, one of the first acts they have committed to is the removal of undocumented individuals from the country. As the inauguration draws closer, it is imperative to address the potential economic trauma that could result from this process. Migrants are drawn to the United States by perceived economic opportunities. In certain occupations, there are not enough workers to fill all the positions needed. This is particularly true in the construction, food service, and agricultural industries. Reducing the pool of job seekers in these sectors could lead to significantly reduced productivity and profitability, potentially driving many businesses to bankruptcy. Read the full op-ed here.

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