Author: Allie Griffin

Queens Legislators Split on Mayor Adams’ Plan to Combat Gun Violence

Jan. 25, 2022 By Allie Griffin Queens lawmakers are split on the mayor’s recently released plan to combat gun violence — with some applauding it while others denounce it. The 15-page plan titled “The Blueprint to End Gun Violence” was unveiled by Mayor Eric Adams Monday following a number of high-profile shootings this month, including… Read more »

Councilmember Schulman Reaches Agreement With Queens Boulevard Developer Over Affordable Housing

Jan. 21, 2022 By Allie Griffin Council Member Lynn Schulman appears to support a rezoning application that calls for a 15-story mixed-use development on Queens Boulevard—after an agreement was struck with the developer that would bring affordable housing to residents at lower incomes than what was initially proposed. Schulman said the development company, RJ Capital… Read more »

Several Queens Council Members Have Been Named Committee Chairs

Jan. 20, 2022 By Allie Griffin City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced new council committee appointments Thursday with more than a dozen committees to be chaired by Queens representatives. All but three Queens council members were named to lead committees, which focus on a vast array of issues such as land use, parks, the environment… Read more »

Flushing Shopping Center to Host Lunar New Year Celebration Later This Month

Jan. 18, 2022 By Allie Griffin A Flushing shopping center is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration later this month to ring in the Year of the Tiger. The Shops at Skyview, in partnership with the New York Chinese Cultural Center and the Queens Botanical Garden, is hosting the free celebration on Saturday, Jan. 29… Read more »

Council Member Paladino Apologizes for Comparing Vaccine Mandates to Nazi Germany

Jan. 12, 2022 By Allie Griffin Queens Council Member Vickie Paladino, who came under fire Tuesday for comparing the city’s vaccine mandates to Nazi Germany, has apologized for her remarks. Paladino made the comparison during an interview with NY1 when explaining that she wouldn’t disclose whether she had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Her statement came about… Read more »

Three Queens Council Members Join GOP-Backed Lawsuit to Block Noncitizen Voting Law

Republican Council Members Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino as well as Democrat Council Member Robert Holden have signed onto a lawsuit with leaders of the New York state Republican Party arguing that the new law is unconstitutional.

Jan. 11, 2022 By Michael Dorgan Three Queens Council Members have joined a Republican-led lawsuit that aims to block a new city law that allows legal noncitizens to vote in local elections. Republican Council Members Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino as well as Democrat Council Member Robert Holden have signed onto a lawsuit with leaders… Read more »

Four Borough Presidents Call on State Legislature to Extend Eviction Moratorium

Jan. 10, 2022 By Allie Griffin Queens Borough President Donovan Richards joined three other borough presidents in a joint call Friday demanding the state and state legislature extend the eviction moratorium. Richards together with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso issued a joint statement calling… Read more »