Taking a dip into international relations, City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. last week met with Israeli official Shaul Goldstein at City Hall to discuss issues such as preventing attacks and creating stability in the part of the world where Goldstein serves as mayor of an Israeli city. Vallone (D-Astoria), had met Goldstein while touring Israel two summers ago and had […]
Power Authority Buys Electric Power From NJ for NYC Gov’t Customers
For thousands of Northwest Queens residents who suffered through a nightmarish power blackout this past summer, be assured that the state Power Authority is lining up new sources of electrical energy. For a change, those sources won’t include a new power facility in the already saturated Astoria/Long Island City area. The site is not in New York City or this […]
Stay Safe While Playing Santa
It’s that time of year when lights twinkle and bells jingle, and we head out to shop for holiday gifts. But remember, behind every “Ho! Ho! Ho!” there’s a thief, a rip-off artist, or a small time thug waiting to fill his stocking by emptying your pockets. It’s sad, but true. Crime and criminals don’t take a holiday, especially at […]
Ex-Hall Of Science Director Named To Assessment Board
Dr. Alan J. Friedman, who retired from the position of director and CEO of the New York Hall of Science to take up a consulting practice November 1, has been appointed by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings to the National Assessment Governing Board. The Governing Board is an independent, bipartisan group that sets policy for the National Assessment of […]
Landmarks Preservation, Sunnyside Owners Confer
The latest evidence of the movement to make Sunnyside Gardens a historic district was a meeting conducted at Sunnyside Community Services at the end of November. Members of the city Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) led a panel discussion that concluded the movement’s prospects were bright. In the words of LPC Chairman Robert B. Tierney, the commission and the Sunnyside Gardens […]
DA Brown Rejects Call To Replace His Office In Bell Shooting Case
Taking sharp exception to a call for a special prosecutor to replace him as the prosecutor in the Sean Bell alleged cop shooting case, Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown stated firmly that he would not step aside. Brown said in a prepared statement that “demands for the appointment of a special prosecutor are neither helpful nor productive- nor are […]
Council’s Proposal Creates More Affordable Housing Than Mayor’s
Abill was introduced in the City Council last week which supporters say, would lead to construction of more affordable housing units for middle and low-income families while still giving tax breaks to developers. The bill, introduced last Wednesday by 20 councilmembers, differs from a measure that has been introduced by the Bloomberg mayoral administration which scales back tax breaks for […]
Shop Locally For Unique And Special Gifts
That magical time of year when lights twinkle on tinseled trees, candles glow from glistening menorahs and bells resound to welcome the holiday is back. Along shopping strips throughout Queens, merchants welcome the sound of bells at this time of year-bells that signal crowds of shoppers plunking down cash and plastic for just the right gift for that special someone. […]
Postal Service Holiday Mailing Tips
Deadlines Deadlines for U.S. delivery by Christmas: Using regular mail and Priority Mail service, mail holiday cards, letters and packages going out-of-state by Wednesday, December. 20. Mail to in-state destinations should be sent by Thursday, December 21. After these dates, you can still use Express Mail for packages to many destinations. The holiday mailing deadline for delivery by Christmas to […]
DOB Commissioner Addresses Queens Chamber
As November came to an end, the Queens Chamber of Commerce held its 94th annual dinner at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach. The event included a building awards ceremony that lauded several rehabilitation and new construction projects all over Queens. The dinner was also the occasion to present a special lifetime achievement award to Joseph M. Mattone, attorney, […]