July 6, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Congresswoman Grace Meng has announced that $1.6 million in federal funds has been allocated to 16 Jewish facilities in Queens to help with security. Meng said that the federal funds would help improve security at synagogues and educational institutions following an uptick in hate crimes and anti-Semitic incidents. Each… Read more »
July 6, 2020 By Allie Griffin Nail salons, tattoo and piercing parlors, spas and outdoor sports courts reopen today as New York City begins Phase III of the state’s reopening plan. Personal care services can reopen under the third phase but at a limited capacity and employees and customers must wear face coverings. Nail salons,… Read more »
July 2, 2020 By Allie Griffin A stretch of Bell Boulevard will close and be converted into an outdoor dining corridor on Friday nights and weekends, beginning July 4, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Member Paul Vallone announced today. The Bayside street will be closed to car traffic and filled with tables and chairs… Read more »
July 2, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York City public schools will reopen for the new school year in September, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. City schools have been closed since March and instruction was moved online given the coronavirus pandemic. School buildings will reopen for in-person classes on the first day of school…. Read more »
July 2, 2020 By Allie Griffin The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has completed a $5.6 million traffic redesign to the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge that it says improves traffic flow and safety. The finished work improves access to the Whitestone Expressway and Cross Island Parkway, creating easier connections for drivers. The agency constructed an additional entry lane… Read more »
July 1, 2020 By Christian Murray A development team plans to rezone five city blocks on the border of Long Island City and Astoria in order to erect more than a dozen buildings that would consist of 2,700 apartments, a school, as well as retail and office space. The real estate team—comprised of Silverstein Properties,… Read more »
July 1, 2020 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers will have to wait a little longer to grab a bite to eat indoors. The reopening of indoor dining at New York City restaurants has been postponed indefinitely, both Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today. New York City was poised to reopen indoor… Read more »
July 1, 2020 By Allie Griffin The City Council passed the mayor’s executive budget that included deep cuts to the NYPD last night, as protesters cried to “defund the NYPD” outside City Hall. The council passed the $88.1 billion budget with a 32-to-17 vote around midnight, just before the July 1, 2021 fiscal year began…. Read more »
July 1, 2020 By Michael Dorgan The MTA has rolled out vending machines across select city subway stations that dispense COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE). The new machines offers face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes. There are 10 machines in Manhattan and just one machine in both Queens and Brooklyn. The agency wants… Read more »
June 30, 2020 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a municipal budget deal that would cut NYPD funding by $1 billion and redistribute much of it to support youth services and public housing residents. The City Council will vote on the new $88.1 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2021 — which begins July… Read more »