Author: schnepsrestagent

Construction underway at divisive elementary school in Bay Terrace

Screenshot 2023-10-02 at 3.40.22 PM

Oct. 2, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan Pre-construction work began on the future site of P.S. 388 in Bay Terrace, which has continued to draw divided opinions from local residents since it was proposed in 2021.  The currently vacant lot on Waters Edge Drive and 24th Street is surrounded by apartment buildings and is adjacent to the waterfront Cross Island Parkway. Once construction is completed, it is expected to add 572 primary school seats to school district 25.  A representative from the School Construction Authority informed local residents that current “early package work” to prepare the site for the construction of…
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Not just history: Fun events planned at Bayside Historical Society this fall

event

Oct. 2, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan While pumpkin patches and corn mazes rank high on many fall activities lists, they’re not the only fun events you can look forward to in the upcoming months.  The Bayside Historical Society, founded in 1964, is actively preserving the history of Bayside and neighboring communities. As part of their efforts to engage visitors, they host an array of events in Fort Totten Park to cultivate an appreciation for the area.  But if you’re not a history buff, don’t worry, not all of their events have a historical undertone. If you are the type to…
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Queens Public Library launches Banned Books Week celebrating freedom to read

library

Sep. 29, 2023 By Bill Parry Queens Public Library (QPL) will defend the freedom to read during Banned Books Week, Oct. 1-7, through a series of events and activities recognizing the stories, voices and titles threatened by censorship across the nation. QPL will also raise public awareness through large graphics at the entrance of every location with the message, “All Books Are Welcome Here. Protect the Freedom to Read.” The initiative comes at a time when book bans and challenges have been rising sharply across America, putting libraries on the frontlines of protecting the freedom to read. Although such book…
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Senior woman robbed while pumping gas on Northern Boulevard in Bayside: NYPD

Bayside

Sep. 29, 2023 By Bill Parry A 68-year-old woman was pumping gas at a BP station on Northern Boulevard in Bayside when two strangers walked up to her vehicle and snatched her pocketbook in broad daylight, according to the NYPD. Police from the 111th Precinct in Bayside, just four blocks west of the station at…
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Experts say migrant woman, children are at increased risk of human trafficking during Bayside discussion

migrant

Sep. 29, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan At a virtual think tank discussion on human trafficking organized by Bayside’s Center for Women of New York, experts pointed out that migrant women and children are at risk.  More than 118,000 migrants have arrived in New York City since April 2022. And as the city struggles to provide them with adequate resources without exacerbating the existing economic strain, a growing market for sex work adds another layer to their vulnerability.  On Wednesday, Sept. 27, CWNY organized a virtual think tank panel to discuss the ongoing issue of human trafficking. The panel featured representatives…
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Heavy rain drenches Queens neighborhoods, causing extreme flash flooding throughout the borough

Medina/Rain

Sep. 29, 2023 By Anthony Medina Amid possibly the heaviest downfall of rain in the city so far this year, residents in Queens neighborhoods were subjected to the unexpected closures of highways, some public transportation services, and substantial flooding in residential areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning for neighborhoods in Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan as a result of predicted heavy rainfall on Friday, Sept. 29. The flash flood alert warned early today of heavy rain, accumulating close to 2 to 3 inches of every hour — expected to remain in effect until 2:45 p.m. As…
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After losing primary race, George Grasso back on campaign trail in third-party bid for Queens district attorney

district attorney

Sep. 29, 2023 By Bill Parry The Breezy Point Republican who nearly shocked the Queens Democratic establishment in 2022, threw his support behind a third-party candidate for Queens District Attorney. Thomas Sullivan, a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, who came within 15 votes of upsetting incumbent Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, eschewed the GOP candidate Michael Mossa of Howard Beach and endorsed retired Judge George Grasso in his bid to unseat Queens DA Melinda Katz in the Nov. 7 general election. “Our public safety crisis has now become a public health crisis. Our current politicians are responsible for a man-made…
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Nominations open for FLAG Awards honoring top NYC teachers

Flag

Sep. 28, 2023 By Rachel Butler Nominations are now open for public school teachers in Queens for the FLAG Awards, which recognize teaching excellence in the borough and across New York City. The annual program, which is in its fifth year, is adding the new category of Top Elementary School Teacher in New York City,…
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Francis Lewis Park in Whitestone receives $2.1M for upgrades to restrooms, water fountains

Francis Lewis Park in Whitestone

Sep. 27, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan Newly allocated funding will bring upgraded restrooms and a three-part water fountain for drinking, filling up bottles and hydrating pets at Francis Lewis Park in Whitestone.  Councilwoman Vickie Paladino announced the allocation of $2.1 million for improvements to the 17-acre park in partnership with City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams…
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Former Bayside student Austin Cheng launches campaign to unseat Santos in Congress

Cheng

Sep. 27, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan Queens-born Long Island native Austin Cheng declared that he is running as a Democrat for Congress in District 3 – a seat currently held by scandal-ridden Republican George Santos.  According to his team, Cheng has already secured $600,000 to fund his campaign. He was able to raise $100,000 from…
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