Council Unanimously Passes Constantinides’ Wind Energy Legislation



In honor of Earth Day, the New York City Council voted unanimously to pass a legislative package by Council Member Costa Constantinides, Chair of the Council’s Environmental Protection Committee, to encourage the adoption of wind energy. Using wind energy for electricity will decrease emissions and cut pollution. INT. 48 requires the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to conduct regular wind energy […]

Stringer Visits Greek Community Breakfast



Loud applause greeted City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer and fellow politicians at the Greek Community Breakfast sponsored by his office on Friday, April 27, in the Stathakion Cultural Center (22-51 29th St., Astoria). NYS Senator Michael Gianaris, Assembly Member Aravella Simotas, and Council Member Costa Constantinides, clergy, federations and societies representative of the Astoria area attended. This is the Golden […]

I On Politics



MALONEY CALLS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSED ‘JUNK INSURANCE’ RULE: Congress Member Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) wrote to US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, US Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin on April 23 urging them to withdraw a proposed rule from their departments “that will endanger Americans’ health.” The proposed […]

Crowley Endorsed By Two Dozen Labor Unions



Congress Member Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, received the endorsement of two dozen leading labor unions on April 30, including the Hotel Trades Council, New York State AFL-CIO, the Communications Workers of America, 32BJ SEIU, and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.“Our economy and country are strongest when the men and women who work hardest […]

People Have Cars To Take Them Places



Two NYC Council members announced they will soon introduce bills for permit parking in the city. Council Member Mark Levine’s bill would eliminate free parking spots for non-residents in Manhattan, from 60th Street northward, making parking possible only by permits held by residents. Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez’ bill would cover the entire city—that’s all five boroughs. This would eliminate 80 […]

Letters to the Editor



Scammed 9/11 Victims A copy of this letter was received atthe offices of the Queens Gazette.Mr. Michael E. HorowitzInspector GeneralUS Department of JusticeOffice of the Inspector General950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,Suite 4706Washington, DC 20530-0001Dear Inspector General Horowitz: We write today to ask you to open a formal investigation into the scam being perpetrated on injured and ill 9/11 responders. Responders have […]

Stronger, Better Laws Are Needed For Crime Victims



I’m proud to have voted yes on a crime victims legislative package that passed the New York State Assembly on April 23. The legislation would broaden the definition of rape to ensure justice for survivors of rape or sexual assault; help victims of human trafficking; and expand compensation for victims. This legislative package is about common sense and compassion. The […]

Demi Steals The Show At Astoria Animal Hospital



Astoria Animal Hospital (30-80 Steinway Street) joined the Astoria Street Fair on Steinway Street, Sunday, April 29. The staff was on hand in front of the animal hospital to meet and greet visitors. Many amazing pets came by to visit the new veterinarian’s office. Animal Hospital on Steinway Street has gained many fans since their opening, including Kristen Brixton and […]

Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens Youth Of The Year Dinner



More than 400 guests attended the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens “Youth of the Year” Dinner honoring First Central Savings Bank; Scott Molina, President of Resorts World Casino NYC; and D. Thomas Ruttura, President of Ruttura & Sons Construction. The dinner raised over $345,000 to directly benefit the club’s educational and recreational programs serving over 3,000 children. A […]

Queens Banker Receives Award



The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center at the Warrington College of Business honored alumnus and Quontic Bank CEO Steven Schnall, owner of Queens-based Quontic Bank. Schnall was named the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Entrepreneur by the University of Florida’s Warrington College. Schnall, 51, is an entrepreneur with a passion for business startups and a track record of successful ventures across a variety […]