While rezoning at Willets Point still hangs in the balance, one aspect of the controversial plan is set to go. Seth Bornstein, assistant dean for economic development at LaGuardia Community College, said he anticipates moving the Willets Point Workforce Assistance program forward after final approval of the plan. “We are in a holding pattern,” he said at the October meeting […]
Cop Shot In Subway Fracas Leaves Hospital
On Friday October 31, 10 days after he was wounded in a struggle with a subway fare beater Transit Unit Police Officer Shane Farina was wheeled out of Elmhurst Hospital as an Emerald Society Bagpipe Players band played and fellow police officers and hundreds of onlookers, including hospital staff, members of the community and the press, cheered. Farina’s partner, Officer […]
Cops Hunt ‘Bonnie And Clyde Robbers
Police last week released additional information on a “Bonnie and Clyde” team sought in connection with armed robberies in Flushing and Elmhurst. Cops said the gunman and his female accomplice first confronted four men at gunpoint at about 1:30 on October 13 on Roosevelt Avenue near Union Street in Flushing. The man identified himself as a police officer before taking […]
Pols Look At Mayoral Control Of Schools
With the current law on school governance due to sunset in June 2009, the issue of mayoral control over New York City schools will soon be front and center. In District 26, at the eastern end of Queens, the debate has already begun. “It’s very important that our voices get heard,” Robert Caloras, Community District Education Council 26 president, said. […]
Maloney, Sallie Mae Hold ‘Pay For College’ Workshop
On Thursday evening, October 30, Congressmember Carolyn Maloney (DQueens/ Manhattan) and representatives from the Sallie Mae Fund held a “Paying for College” workshop for students and their families at the Cretan Association of New York in Long Island City. At the workshop, experts from Sallie Mae gave students and parents information on applying to and paying for college, including accessing […]
Pay Hike, Poor Economy Boost NYPD Recruiting Drive
A recent NYPD pay hike and the nation’s poor economy has boosted the number of police applicants to a new high, NYPD officials said. The NYPD Recruitment Unit is reporting an average of 327 applicants per day since August 22, said Deputy Inspector Robert Morales, the unit’s commanding officer. “The pay hike was announced on August 21,” Morales said. “They […]
ATA Responds To DOT Airport Slot Auction Rationalization
The Air Transport Association of America (ATA, www.airlines.org), the industry trade association for the leading U.S. airlines, on October 29 issued the following statement in response to the Department of Transportation (DOT) claim that auctions will lead to more competition and lower fares at slot-controlled airports: “The DOT today attempted yet another rationale in support of its unwavering desire to […]
30th Avenue Business Assn. Holds ‘Meet & Greet’
The 30th Avenue Business Association held a “Meet and Greet” event October 30. More than 75 people attended and met the association’s newly elected officers: President George Rivera, East Hudson Realty; Vice President Gus Prentzas, Pavilion Florals; Secretary Chris Giannakas of Ovelia Restaurant, and Treasurer Chris Minadakis of Flo Café. City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. was among the many well-wishers […]
City’s Got 24 Of 62 Acres At Willets Pt. Site
As next week’s climactic vote on the controversial Willets Point development nears, the city has acquired 40 percent of the 62-acre site, or 24 acres, the city Economic Development Corporation announced Monday. Whether this will have any impact on the plan’s opponents in the 51-member council remains to be seen. The plan’s chief opponent in the council, Councilmember Hiram Monserrate, […]
Local H&R Block Offices Aid In Breast Cancer Walk
H&R Block District Managers Josephine Wright, Winston Crosswell and Daniel Clifford led their offices in extensive involvement with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Tax professionals and other associates from H&R Block’s offices of Astoria, Richmond Hill and Bellerose recently donated time, collected more than $1,100 and participated in the walk to assist in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer efforts. […]