Author: schnepsrestagent

Homeowners and renters can learn about available tax exemptions at upcoming info sessions

tax

Jan. 12, 2024 By Iryna Shkurhan With tax season here, state Sen. John Liu is hosting information sessions in partnership with the NYC Department of Finance (DOF) to help residents apply for rent and property tax relief.  New York homeowners, for instance, who meet certain criteria can save hundreds to thousands of dollars on their annual property taxes this year. Homeowners are advised, depending on their situation, to challenge the assessed value of their property, with a lower value reducing their tax bill.  Depending on their home classification, they have until March 1 or March 15 to appeal their assessed…
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QNS Weekender: Six things to do in Queens this weekend

do

Jan. 11, 2024 By Ethan Marshall Just because the holiday season has come and gone does not mean that there is any shortage of fun and entertaining things to do in Queens this weekend. From shows, to hikes, to fun classes, there is a lot to do this weekend.   Friday, Jan. 12   All…
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Gov. Hochul announces $50M to expand inpatient mental health care

Gov. Kathy Hochul, joined by the state's Office of Mental Health Commissioner Ann Sullivan, announced "sweeping investments" in mental health services, especially for youth, in a press conference on Jan. 11, 2023.

Jan. 11, 2024 By Emily Swanson Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday was joined by Bronx elected officials, city agencies, advocates and providers to announce $50 million in funding for the expansion of mental health facilities. The announcement was made Jan. 11 at the Bronx campus of the New York City Children’s Center in Westchester Square, a state-run facility with locations throughout the city. The $50 million is part of a $1 billion multi-year investment to significantly expand mental health services throughout the state. “By building a full continuum of mental health services and supports for youth, we can ensure our…
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Schools chancellor hears concerns about admissions and class sizes at Bayside town hall

schools

Jan. 11, 2024 By Iryna Shkurhan Overcrowding at schools in eastern Queens, and a competitive process of securing a seat at some of the most desired ones, were among the concerns expressed to NYC Schools Chancellor David C. Banks at a town hall meeting in Bayside on Monday night. The chancellor and several of his deputies in attendance took turns answering questions submitted in advance by parents in school district 26, which encompasses Bayside, Oakland Gardens and Douglaston,  As one of the city’s most highly-rated school districts, it is home to several top performing schools. But some say that the…
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Queens neighborhoods to lead NYC real estate resurgence in 2024: Report

neighborhood

Jan. 10, 2024 By Czarinna Andres Queens is poised to be the epicenter of New York City’s real estate resurgence in 2024, according to a report by the real estate firm Street Easy. The report, titled 10 NYC Neighborhoods to Watch in 2024, said that trendy sub-neighborhoods within Queens will be stealing much of the spotlight, noting that in 2023 many renters and potential buyers flocked to the borough in search of more affordable housing options. While Queens is expected to shine, the report also indicates that Manhattan may regain popularity among renters this year as rental prices begin to…
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Crunching the Queens crime numbers: vehicle thefts continue to increase

vehicle

Jan. 10, 2024 By Ethan Marshall The number of reported cases of vehicle thefts rose across Queens over the last month compared to the same period a year ago, according to the latest crime stats released by the NYPD on Monday. During the 28-day period from Dec. 11 to Jan. 7, the number of vehicle…
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Op-ed | New York City’s broken property tax system

property

Jan. 8, 2024 By Martha Stark For decades, it has been an open secret that New York City’s property tax system is inequitable and unfair. This regressive system, rooted in outdated and discriminatory policies, has not only exacerbated the housing crisis but also deepened the economic divide, disproportionately burdening lower-income and minority communities. Next week,…
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MTA’s Queens bus network redesign plan comes under fire by transportation advocates  

MTA

Jan. 8, 2024 By Iryna Shkurhan Advocates standing up for elderly, disabled and low-income bus riders brought up several issues with the MTA’s proposed plan to redesign the entire Queens bus network during a virtual meeting held by a transit advocacy group on Thursday.  About a dozen participants who familiarized themselves with the MTA’s $30 million bus plan, which was unveiled in December, say that its proposed removal of over a thousand bus stops will hurt riders. While the MTA hopes to give riders faster and more consistent service, while also combatting low ridership, advocates argue that it has failed…
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