Queens

Here’s how to find out if your neighborhood is in a COVID-19 cluster zone

Map of Brooklyn’s Covid-19 cluster; courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

October 8, 2020

Here’s how to find out if your neighborhood is in a COVID-19 cluster zone

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In an effort to contain new clusters of the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday ordered non-essential businesses to close and houses of worship to restrict capacity in parts of Brooklyn and Queens and suburbs of New York City. The new initiative divides the clusters into three categories depending on the rate of transmission, with red, orange, and yellow zones determining the level of restrictions in place. The new rules will be in effect for a minimum of 14 days starting on Thursday. To clear up confusion over the cluster zones, the city released a searchable "Find Your Zone" map that allows New Yorkers to enter their address to find what zone they live, work, and go to school in.
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37 middle-income apartments available at resort-like rental in Long Island City, from $1,990/month

Rendering by NEAT Agency

October 2, 2020

37 middle-income apartments available at resort-like rental in Long Island City, from $1,990/month

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A housing lottery launched this week for 37 middle-income apartments at a new, amenity-packed rental in Long Island City, Queens. Dubbed The Cove and located at 43-12 Hunter Street, the 18-story tower contains 123 apartments and boasts ground-floor retail, an outdoor roof terrace, a game room, a library, and a fitness center. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which include $1,990/month studios, $2,345/month one-bedrooms, and $3,072/month two-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?
New COVID-19 clusters found in South Brooklyn and Queens, where virus cases have tripled

Borough Park, Brooklyn; Photo via Wikimedia

September 23, 2020

New COVID-19 clusters found in South Brooklyn and Queens, where virus cases have tripled

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Urgent action is required in four areas across Brooklyn and Queens where there has been a serious uptick of positive coronavirus cases, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday. The city's Health Department identified a new cluster in Midwood, Borough Park, and Bensonhurst, which officials are calling the Ocean Parkway Cluster, after the avenue that connects the neighborhoods. Health officials have also found an increase in cases in Edgemere-Far Rockaway, Williamsburg, and Kew Gardens. The new cases account for 20 percent of all cases citywide as of September 19.
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Lottery launches for 185 affordable apartments at Long Island City’s Hunter’s Point South

Rendering via TF Cornerstone

September 23, 2020

Lottery launches for 185 affordable apartments at Long Island City’s Hunter’s Point South

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A year-and-a-half ago, developer TF Cornerstone broke ground on their two-building, 1,194-unit project at Hunter's Point South, located along the East River in Long Island City. Anchored by a new half-acre public park, the pair of ODA-designed towers will be 60 percent affordable. Today, a lottery launched for 185 of these low- and middle-income units, available to those earning 50, 130, and 165 percent of the area median income. The available homes range from $698/month studios to $2,704/month two-bedrooms.
See if you qualify
Art Deco P.S. 48 becomes the first historic landmark in South Jamaica, Queens

Photo courtesy of the Landmarks Preservation Commission

September 22, 2020

Art Deco P.S. 48 becomes the first historic landmark in South Jamaica, Queens

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The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission voted today to designate Public School 48 in South Jamaica, Queens as an individual landmark. Built in 1936, PS 48 was an early example of a school building serving as a "monumental civic structure" in the community. "Its Art Deco style details, which are quite striking in person, make it unique, and it is one of the first elementary schools New York City to incorporate this architectural style," said LPC Chair Sarah Carroll, who also noted that it's the neighborhood's first historic landmark.
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Inside the amenity spaces at Long Island City’s supertall Skyline Tower

Image credit: Binyan Studios, courtesy of Modern Spaces

September 15, 2020

Inside the amenity spaces at Long Island City’s supertall Skyline Tower

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New York City's tallest building outside Manhattan topped out a year ago and is set to commence closings and move-ins this December. Located in Long Island City's Court Square section, Skyline Tower is a 778-foot luxury condo tower with 800 units, with current availabilities ranging from a $739,000 studio to a $2.5 million three-bedroom. And when the new tenants move in this winter, they'll be able to enjoy amazing amenities, including a 75-foot indoor pool, a pet spa, and a fully equipped gym.
See more here
Car-free blocks with diverse outdoor dining options open in Queens

DineOut opens in Jackson Heights; Photo by Kamila Harris for Rockwell Group

August 24, 2020

Car-free blocks with diverse outdoor dining options open in Queens

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Two neighborhoods in Queens hit especially hard by the coronavirus are slowly getting back on their feet thanks to a new communal dining experience. David Rockwell and his firm Rockwell Group unveiled last week two new community outdoor dining areas on car-free blocks in the Queens neighborhoods of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, part of the firm's DineOut initiative. Both communities, which are considered to be among the most diverse neighborhoods in New York City, offer a variety of cuisines, including Tibetan, Nepali, Indian, Thai, and more.
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Murray’s Cheese opens a new flagship in Long Island City

Photo by Emily Andrews for the Rockwell Group

August 20, 2020

Murray’s Cheese opens a new flagship in Long Island City

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When Murray's Cheese first opened in a small storefront on Cornelia Street 80 years ago, they primarily sold milk, eggs, and butter. After becoming a Greenwich Village institution, Murray's has since expanded, moving to a larger storefront across on Bleecker Street in 2004, and opening a location in Grand Central and cheese-aging caves in Long Island, where the business just announced they'll be opening a new shop and restaurant. According to a press release, "Murray’s Cheese Bar LIC will be the restaurant’s flagship location and its first-ever full-service bar, with an adjacent cheese shop offering more than 400 specialty items."
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Queens County Farm Museum reopens this weekend with first-ever site-specific art installation

Photo credit: Aaron Asis

July 31, 2020

Queens County Farm Museum reopens this weekend with first-ever site-specific art installation

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The Queens County Farm Museum is set to reopen its 47 acres to the public on Sunday after temporarily closing in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Along with the reopening, Queens Farm will also unveil its first-ever site-specific art installation: Cover Crop by the artist Aaron Asis. The half-acre artwork includes a "planted composition" with crisscrossing paths, letting visitors discover the farm's cover crops, including sweet peas, buckwheat, and rye.
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190-year-old Neir’s Tavern reopens for outdoor dining in Woodhaven

Photo courtesy of Neir’s Tavern

July 8, 2020

190-year-old Neir’s Tavern reopens for outdoor dining in Woodhaven

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After nearly shutting its doors earlier this year because of a rent increase and then temporarily closing in March because of the coronavirus, it's been a tough few months for Neir's Tavern, a bar in Queens founded more than 190 years ago. But, with support from regulars, the historic establishment in Woodhaven reopened this month for outdoor dining, the New York Post reported.
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$2B project in Astoria calls for massive mixed-use district with 2,700 housing units

Rendering the civic park at Innovation QNS courtesy of ODA

July 2, 2020

$2B project in Astoria calls for massive mixed-use district with 2,700 housing units

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A proposal to build a mixed-use district in Queens that would encompass five blocks and create thousands of new housing units was unveiled this week. Dubbed "Innovation QNS," the $2 billion project would bring 2,700 units of mixed-income housing, 250,000 square feet of creative office space, 200,000 square feet of retail, a new school, two acres of public open space, and new neighborhood amenities to Astoria. With ODA Architecture as the architect of the master plan, the mixed-use district is a joint private venture led by Silverstein Properties, Kaufman Astoria Studios, BedRock Real Estate Partners.
See the plan
In Ridgewood, Queens, 40 middle-income units up for grabs, from $1,797/month

Rendering courtesy of Aufgang Architects

July 1, 2020

In Ridgewood, Queens, 40 middle-income units up for grabs, from $1,797/month

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In Ridgewood--the Queens neighborhood that's right on the border of Bushwick, has lots going on, but is still somewhat under-the-radar--a middle-income housing lottery has just come online for those earning 130 percent of the area median income. The brand-new building, designed by Aufgang Architects and known as The Strand, offers tons of fun amenities (do note additional fees may apply) like onsite parking, a laundry room, bike storage, fitness center, outdoor terraces, co-working lounge, and a media/gaming lounge. The 40 apartments up for grabs range from $1,797/month studios to $3,508/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
With baseball set to return next month, Yankees and Mets will train in New York

Photo of Citi Field by Tomas Eidsvold on Unsplash

June 24, 2020

With baseball set to return next month, Yankees and Mets will train in New York

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Baseball is back. After the coronavirus pandemic put the sport on hold for over three months, Major League Baseball on Tuesday announced a plan to return, with "spring" training to resume on July 1 and opening day games scheduled for July 23 and 24, with no fans. The training will take place at the home stadiums for teams, meaning the Yankees and Mets will return to the Bronx and Flushing starting this week.
Get the details
118 affordable apartments up for grabs at new Far Rockaway rental, from $367/month

Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr

June 23, 2020

118 affordable apartments up for grabs at new Far Rockaway rental, from $367/month

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Applications are now being accepted for 118 apartments at a newly constructed affordable rental in the Queens neighborhood of Far Rockaway. Located at 19-15 Nameoke Avenue (also known as 14-14 Central Avenue), the eight-story building incorporates the existing Community Church--the Nazarene into the residential part of the building, which contains 142 total apartments. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, and 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $367/month studios to $1,472/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
This year’s U.S. Open will happen in Queens without fans

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

June 16, 2020

This year’s U.S. Open will happen in Queens without fans

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This year's 52nd annual U.S. Open will be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens from August 31st to September 13th without fans, Governor Cuomo announced in his press conference today. The U.S. Tennis Association will "take extraordinary precautions to protect players and staff," which will include robust testing, increased cleaning, extra space in locker rooms, and dedicated housing and transportation. Last year's event set an all-time attendance record of 737,872, bringing in $400 million in revenue, 80 percent of the USTA’s annual total.
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See inside LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B

Photos courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

June 10, 2020

See inside LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B

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The new arrivals and departures hall at LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B will officially open on Saturday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced. The 850,000-square-foot, four-level space measures roughly 50 percent bigger than the hall it replaces and comes equipped with more check-in kiosks, security lines, and new screening systems, all aimed at improving efficiency and reducing crowds. The new hall is part of the ongoing reconstruction of LaGuardia, an $8 billion project which first broke ground in 2016.
See inside
Coveted townhouse in Queens’ enchanted Forest Hills Gardens lists for $2.5M

Photo credit: Tina Gallo, courtesy The Corcoran Group

June 8, 2020

Coveted townhouse in Queens’ enchanted Forest Hills Gardens lists for $2.5M

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This magical enclave looks more like an English village than a part of Queens, but, in fact, Forest Hills Gardens was built in the early 20th century to resemble England's garden cities. The private community consists of more than 800 free-standing and attached houses, of which one of the latter has just hit the market for $2,485,000. The six-bedroom house at 34 Greenway Terrace has the neighborhood's signature Tudor style, as well as a front patio, rear private parking spot, finished basement, and plenty of preserved details.
Go on a tour here
A giant mural memorializes NYC doctor who died from COVID-19

GreenPoint Innovations / Eduardo Amorim for Gerada Art

June 3, 2020

A giant mural memorializes NYC doctor who died from COVID-19

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A massive art mural that honors a New York City doctor who died from the coronavirus has taken over a parking lot in Queens. Spray-painted by Cuban-American artist Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada, the land art, titled "Somos La Luz" depicts Dr. Ydelfonso Decoo, a Dominican immigrant who lived in Washington Heights and skipped retirement to treat patients during the pandemic. The project also aims to memorialize all front line employees in New York City, particularly Hispanic and African American workers who continue to face disproportionate rates of infection and death caused by the virus.
Get the details
A diner in Astoria has transformed into a pop-up drive-in

Photo courtesy of The Bel Aire Diner

May 15, 2020

A diner in Astoria has transformed into a pop-up drive-in

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A retro diner in Queens has transformed its parking lot into a drive-in movie theater, giving New Yorkers a way to be entertained safely during the coronavirus pandemic. The Bel Aire Diner, located at Broadway and 21st Street, set up a 25-foot outdoor projection screen in its lot that has enough space for 40 cars. After successful first showings of "Grease" and "Dirty Dancing," the diner plans to keep the movie nights going, possibly with multiple showings per week.
More here
110 affordable apartments for seniors available at new South Jamaica rental

Photo of nearby Baisley Pond Park by Rich Mitchell via Flickr cc

April 23, 2020

110 affordable apartments for seniors available at new South Jamaica rental

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A lottery launched on Thursday for 110 affordable senior apartments in the Queens neighborhood of Jamaica. The 10-story building located at 161-11 132nd Avenue sits next to existing low-income senior apartments and contains 100 one-bedrooms and 58 studios. To apply, New Yorkers must be–or have at least one household member who is– 62 years of age or older, qualify for Section 8 benefits, and earn $51, 200 or less, annually.
Find out if you qualify
31 apartments up for grabs at amenity-rich rental in Flushing, from $1,750/month

Photo by Chris Hamby on Flickr

April 13, 2020

31 apartments up for grabs at amenity-rich rental in Flushing, from $1,750/month

By
A housing lottery kicked off on Monday for 31 new, middle-income apartments in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing. The rental at 144-74 Northern Boulevard contains 100 units and ground-floor retail, including the Korean supermarket H Mart and a Burger King. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $1,750/month studios to $2,400/month two-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?
Middle-income housing lottery launches at luxury Long Island City rental, from $2,241/month

Photo courtesy of Modern Spaces

April 9, 2020

Middle-income housing lottery launches at luxury Long Island City rental, from $2,241/month

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Prices for high-end rentals in Long Island City have been steadily increasing in recent years, but here's a chance to live in one of these new, luxury buildings for less. ONE LIC, located at 42-10 27th Street in Court Square, just launched a middle-income housing lottery for New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the median income. The units range from $2,241/month studios to $3,283/month three-bedrooms. Normally, units in this building rent from about $3,000 to $5,500. The apartments all have luxe finishes, and the amenities include a barbecue deck with skyline views and a 20th-floor fitness center.
Find out if you qualify
Queens’ US Open tennis complex will become a 350-bed hospital to relieve Elmhurst Hospital

Photo by Michael Vadon on Flickr

April 1, 2020

Queens’ US Open tennis complex will become a 350-bed hospital to relieve Elmhurst Hospital

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A 350-bed medical facility will be built at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens to ease the pressure the Elmhurst Hospital has been facing amidst the coronavirus outbreak. Construction began at the site in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which hosts the US Open tournament, yesterday. The city's Emergency Management selected the site to serve as a temporary facility, which will begin treating COVID non-ICU patients beginning next Tuesday, April 7th. The center's indoor courts will be converted into the medical facility, with its Louis Armstrong Stadium set to become a place for volunteers to assemble 25,000 meal packages per day for patients, workers, and students.
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Lottery opens for 16 affordable apartments near historic King Manor in Jamaica, from $1,500/month

Photo by Dan TD on Wikimedia

March 31, 2020

Lottery opens for 16 affordable apartments near historic King Manor in Jamaica, from $1,500/month

By
Applications are now being accepted for 16 middle-income new apartments in Jamaica, Queens. The seven-story residential building at 88-56 162nd Street contains 51 units. Located between busy Parsons Boulevard and Archer Avenue, the rental sits near a number of restaurants and retail spaces, as well as the Rufus King Park, home to the historic King Manor Museum. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $1,500/month one-bedrooms to $1,980/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
Behind the scenes at 95-year-old Woodhaven chocolate maker Schmidt’s Candy
March 30, 2020

Behind the scenes at 95-year-old Woodhaven chocolate maker Schmidt’s Candy

By
We may not be able to gather together for Easter this year, but we can certainly still place a chocolate order to lift our spirits. And if the Easter Bunny is choosing where to get the best homemade chocolates and candies to fill his basket, Schmidt’s Candy in Woodhaven, Queens would certainly be a top choice. German immigrant Frank Schmidt founded this nearly-century old confectionery shop in 1925. We recently had a chance to tour this iconic shop with Margie Schmidt, Frank's granddaughter and the third-generation owner. Margie continues to make specialty holiday chocolates and candies by hand using the same recipes that were handed down to her by her father. Ahead, go behind the scenes to see how all these tasty treats are made, tour the historic interior, and learn about the shop’s history from Margie.
You're in for a sweet treat
48-year-old Chinatown restaurant Jing Fong temporarily shuts down

Photo by josh s jackson via Flickr cc

March 13, 2020

48-year-old Chinatown restaurant Jing Fong temporarily shuts down

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NYC's largest Chinese restaurant, Jing Fong, has temporarily shut its doors at 20 Elizabeth Street amid the coronavirus health crisis. The situation is two-fold for the iconic dim sum restaurant; not only is business down 30 to 40 percent, according to the Post, but since the restaurant has 800 seats, they fall under Governor Cuomo's order that gatherings of 500 or more be shut down. The effect of the pandemic has been especially hard for restaurants in Manhattan's Chinatown, as well as those Chinatowns in Flushing and Sunset Park.
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