Author: schnepsrestagent

After decades working for NYC Parks, two retirees carry on as park volunteers

Parks

Dec. 7, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan Following decades-long careers in the NYC Parks Dept., two retirees are continuing to express their love for the city’s nature enclaves by getting their hands dirty as volunteers.  Michael Feller, a chief naturalist for NYC Parks for over 30 years, says he knew he wanted to work in nature…
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QNS Weekender: Six things to do in Queens this weekend

weekend

Dec. 7, 2023 By Nevine Salameh This weekend in Queens is packed with jolly workshops, markets, concerts, shows and more family friendly activities.    Check out this week’s curated holiday list that ensures there is something for every friend, date and family member.   Friday, Dec. 8   New York Croons For Christmas: Colm Reilly…
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Housing needs and concerns of residents in lower-density districts of NYC highlighted in effort to get zoning regulations changed

housing

Dec. 7, 2023 By Ethan Marshall Lower-density neighborhoods in New York City are becoming more common and more diverse, according a study released by the independent research and education nonprofit Citizens Housing and Planning Council, which is dedicated to addressing the housing and planning needs in New York City. Other key findings include a desire for…
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“New York’s Funniest Stand-Up” with Matt Koff

Matt Koff Banner (1)

Dec. 6, 2023 by Jill Carvajal The “New York’s Funniest Stand-Up” competition recently celebrated its 15th year as part of the annual New York Comedy Festival both founded by Caroline Hirsch of Caroline’s on Broadway. New York’s Funniest and previous winners have gone on to become some of the biggest names in comedy. Matt Koff, […]

Crunching the Queens crime numbers: burglaries trending down across most of borough

burglaries

Dec. 5, 2023 By Ethan Marshall The number of burglaries across Queens has dropped year-to-date through Dec. 3 compared to 2022, according to the latest crime stats from the NYPD. While the degree of change varies between northern and southern Queens, both areas have experienced fewer burglaries. In northern Queens, burglary cases dropped 3.5% year-to-date, from 1,878 in 2022 to 1,813 this year. In southern Queens, the number of burglaries fell 7.8%, from 1,149 to 1,059. The decrease in burglary cases across northern Queens is also evident when comparing the 28-day period from Nov. 5 to Dec. 3 this year…
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New $28 million Alley Pond Environmental Center unveiled after 17 years in the making

Environmental

Dec. 4, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan After 17 years and a $28 million investment, Alley Pond Park cut the ribbon on its brand new environmental center in Douglaston on Monday, Dec. 4.  The grand opening at the new building on Northern Boulevard drew more than a dozen elected officials, as well as NYC Parks Department employees and local residents. After a three-song performance from the chorus group at Marie Curie Middle School and a slew of remarks from those who cherish the nature preserve, officials cut a piece of biodegradable green tape with mini scissors to officially mark the completion…
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Real estate firm predicts slowing of rent growth in NYC in 2024

real estate

Dec. 4, 2023 By Ethan Marshall There is an expectation that the growth of rent in New York City will be much slower in 2024, according to the housing market predictions made by the real estate firm StreetEasy. At the same time, the report predicts that there will continue to be more demand for homes in the city than the amount of units available and thus preventing rents from falling. While the expectation is that inventory in New York City will further grow in 2024, it will still be smaller than the pre-pandemic levels. As a result, the rent growth…
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Cops seek crook who attempted to steal man’s Rolex watch at gunpoint in Fresh Meadows: NYPD

Fresh Meadows

Dec. 4, 2023 By Bill Parry A man was robbed at gunpoint in front of a commercial strip in Fresh Meadows last month and police are continuing their search for the gunman, who remains at large. Police from the 107th Precinct in Fresh Meadows reported that the 38-year-old victim was attempting to enter his vehicle in front of 188-16 Union Tpke. just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, when he was approached by a stranger who pulled out a firearm and demanded his Rolex watch. The victim refused to comply, according to an NYPD spokeswoman, and the suspect ran…
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