Queens

May 13, 2022

Several blocks of Rockaway Beach will be closed this summer due to construction

With just two weeks until the unofficial start of summer, the city announced it would close several blocks of Rockaway Beach. NYC Parks on Thursday said six blocks will be temporarily closed with no sand, swim, or recreation access from May through September as part of an ongoing resiliency project to protect the coast from severe storms.
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City Living

The Q70 bus to LaGuardia Airport will now be free year-round

Photo by Tdorante10 on Wikimedia

April 27, 2022

The Q70 bus to LaGuardia Airport will now be free year-round

By Devin Gannon

While getting to LaGuardia Airport via mass transit won't get easier any time soon, at least it won't cost anything for some travelers. During a Metropolitan Transportation Authority board meeting on Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the Q70 bus, known as the LaGuardia Link, will be free year-round to travelers starting May 1.
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Transit

10 of the best running spots in New York City

Photo via PxHere

April 27, 2022

10 of the best running spots in New York City

By Alexandra Alexa

For avid runners and beginners alike, New York City offers a wide range of places to hit the pavement, from its iconic bridges to green trails nestled in the city's parks. The scenic routes provide unbeatable views of the river and skyline that can keep you motivated to keep going when you're ready to give up. Ahead, we round up the 10 most iconic spots to go for a run in the city, fit for regular marathoners, treadmill-devotees looking for a change of scenery, and total newbies.
Lace up those sneakers...

April 15, 2022

10 fun things to do near Citi Field

By Devin Gannon

If you're headed to a Mets game at Citi Field this season, take advantage of being in one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world and plan some pre- or post-ball game activities. The Queens ballpark sits next to the enormous Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, home to World's Fair relics, museums, and a seasonal open-air night market. Whether it's touring Louis Armstrong's home in Corona, eating your way through Jackson Heights, or visiting the oldest living organism in New York City, there is no shortage of fun things to do near Citi Field, in addition to cheering on the Amazin' Mets.
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Events & Things To Do

Lottery opens for 35 units at new Astoria building designed for low-income seniors

Photo courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

April 13, 2022

Lottery opens for 35 units at new Astoria building designed for low-income seniors

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 35 very-low-income units at a new development in Queens. Located at 23-11 31st Road in Astoria, the Bishop Valero Residence is a six-story building designed with senior residents in mind. Developed by Catholic Charities and designed by Dattner Architects, the project includes on-site supportive social services accessible through the ground floor's 200-seat community senior center. New Yorkers who are 62 years or older and earn 40 or 50 percent of the area median income, (no more than $33,440 annually for a single person or no more than $53,700 for a household of three) can apply for the units.
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Affordable Housing

NYC’s Smorgasburg, Queens Night Market announce 2022 opening dates

2018 Smorgasburg; Photo by Scott Lynch

March 23, 2022

NYC’s Smorgasburg, Queens Night Market announce 2022 opening dates

By Aaron Ginsburg

Two foodie favorites are returning to New York City and New Jersey next month. Open-air food markets Smorgasburg and the Queens Night Market have announced opening dates for the 2022 season. Now in its 12th season, Smorgasburg's opening weekend kicks off April 1 near the World Trade Center, with a new Jersey City location operating on Saturdays and the old standby Prospect Park spot on Sundays. The flagship riverside location in Williamsburg will be opening in June due to renovations at Marsha P. Johnson State Park. And Queens Night Market is back at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturdays starting April 16 as part of a special sneak peek, with free admission starting on May 7.
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Lottery opens for 56 rentals in Long Island City’s Dutch Kills neighborhood, from $2,556/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

March 22, 2022

Lottery opens for 56 rentals in Long Island City’s Dutch Kills neighborhood, from $2,556/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are currently being accepted for 56 middle-income apartments in Long Island City. Located at 35-05 30th Street in the micro-neighborhood of Dutch Kills, the Dutch House Apartments is a six-story building featuring a host of amenities and easy access to public transportation. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $87,635 annually for a single person and $167,570 for a family of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $2,556/month studios to $3,166/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

36 middle-income units available at new waterfront rental in Astoria, from $2,250/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

March 18, 2022

36 middle-income units available at new waterfront rental in Astoria, from $2,250/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 36 middle-income units at a new residential development in Queens. Developed by Cape Advisors and designed by Fogarty Finger, Astoria West at 30-77 Vernon Boulevard consists of three buildings across 2.5 acres along the waterfront. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $77,143 for a single person to $167,570 for a household of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $2,250/month one-bedrooms to $2,950/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Hochul recommends five historic places in NYC to be added to state and national registers

Photo showing storefront stands on Ninth Ave. looking south from just north of West 40th St., 1936.(Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library.

March 14, 2022

Hochul recommends five historic places in NYC to be added to state and national registers

By Aaron Ginsburg

Gov. Kathy Hochul last week announced 21 nominations for possible placement on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The list of nominations includes a diverse set of locations that are intricate to the history of New York. Nominations include early automobile manufacturing sites in Buffalo and Syracuse, a Mohawk Valley cemetery home to the author of the Pledge of Allegiance, and the only remaining 19-century textile mile in Troy. Of the total nominated places, five are located in New York City, including an abandoned Bronx train station designed by Cass Gilbert and an area in Hell's Kitchen once home to a famed open-air market.
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Project transforming run-down city buildings into ‘green’ affordable housing kicks off in Queens

Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

March 10, 2022

Project transforming run-down city buildings into ‘green’ affordable housing kicks off in Queens

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday announced a milestone has been reached in a major project designed to improve quality of life and tackle the affordable housing crisis in Southeast Queens. Construction has begun on "Habitat Net Zero," a project that will transform 13 run-down buildings owned by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) into 16 green homes for affordable homeownership.
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Port Authority releases mass transit options as possible alternatives to LaGuardia AirTrain project

Rendering courtesy of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

March 3, 2022

Port Authority releases mass transit options as possible alternatives to LaGuardia AirTrain project

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Wednesday released a set of alternative options to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's $2.1 billion LaGuardia AirTrain project, a 1.5-mile elevated rail that would connect the airport with the subway system at Willets Point and link to the Long Island Rail Road. After Gov. Kathy Hochul halted the project last October and urged developers to look for alternate options, Port Authority has come up with 14 alternatives including two subway extensions, five light rail routes, five bus options, a ferry service, and options utilizing "emerging technologies."
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Apply for 95 middle-income units at Jamaica rental with sweeping skyline views, from $1,550/month

Images courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

February 22, 2022

Apply for 95 middle-income units at Jamaica rental with sweeping skyline views, from $1,550/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Nearly 100 new middle-income units are up for grabs at a new residential tower in Queens. Located at 160-05 Archer Ave in Jamaica, One Archer provides its residents with easy access to Manhattan and a wide variety of amenities, including a rooftop with impressive views. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income, or between $54,858 annually for a single person or $167,570 annually for a family of five, are eligible to apply for the apartments, which range from $1,550/month studios to $2,345/month two-bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Futuristic movie studio designed by Bjarke Ingels moves forward in Astoria

All images by Synosis, courtesy of BIG

February 14, 2022

Futuristic movie studio designed by Bjarke Ingels moves forward in Astoria

By Devin Gannon

Construction of a massive $600 million movie studio in Queens backed by actor Robert De Niro can officially begin after the city granted the project a building permit earlier this month. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Wildflower Studios will measure roughly 775,000 square feet on a five-acre lot in Astoria, next to the Steinway Pianos manufacturing warehouse. The seven-story building is considered to be the world's first "vertical commercial film, television, and film studio," according to the architects.
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See NYC’s latest Flatiron Building lookalike, the Nova in Long Island City

All images courtesy of Fogarty Finger and Hypertecture

January 28, 2022

See NYC’s latest Flatiron Building lookalike, the Nova in Long Island City

By Aaron Ginsburg

Queens is getting its own Flatiron Building lookalike in Long Island City. Designed by Fogarty Finger, The Nova is a 24-story mixed-use high-rise located on a triangular plot of land, giving way to a curved structure that evokes the Manhattan landmark. Slated to open in September, the luxury tower has 86 condominium units and ground-floor retail.
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New Developments

Queens’ most expensive condo is this $4.995M penthouse in Long Island City

All photos courtesy of Evan Joseph Photography

January 27, 2022

Queens’ most expensive condo is this $4.995M penthouse in Long Island City

By Devin Gannon

A massive loft penthouse in Long Island City hit the market this week for $4,995,000, the most expensive condo in the borough of Queens. The home measures a palatial 5,400 square feet across two levels on the top floor of the Arris Lofts, once home to the Eagle Electric Manufacturing Factory and now a full-service condo building. The property has three bedrooms, three and a half baths, and two private outdoor spaces that deliver an up-close look at the ever-evolving neighborhood.
Get the scoop

Distinctive Homes

14-mile ‘Interborough Express’ route between Brooklyn and Queens moves forward

Image courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

January 21, 2022

14-mile ‘Interborough Express’ route between Brooklyn and Queens moves forward

By Aaron Ginsburg

A public transportation project that could ease the lives of thousands of New Yorkers is gaining momentum. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced the completion of a feasibility study for the Interborough Express, moving the project into its next phase of development. The feasibility study yielded promising results, revealing that the new line could serve anywhere between 74,000 and 88,000 riders a day while connecting to 17 subway stops and the Long Island Rail Road. From its start in Bay Ridge to its final stop in Jackson Heights, the route would take 40 minutes.
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Live in a new luxury Long Island City rental, from $1,486/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

January 20, 2022

Live in a new luxury Long Island City rental, from $1,486/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

A housing lottery opened this week for 31 middle-income units in a brand new luxury building in Long Island City. Designed by Fogarty Finger Architects, Rise LIC is a 10-story residential building offering its residents spacious units with extensive amenities. New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $1,486/month studios to $3,200/month three bedrooms.
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Affordable Housing

Lottery opens for 288 apartments at 71-story rental in Long Island City, from $2,132/month

Photo: The Durst Organization/ Giles Ashford

January 18, 2022

Lottery opens for 288 apartments at 71-story rental in Long Island City, from $2,132/month

By Devin Gannon

Late last year, leasing launched at Sven, a 71-story rental in Long Island City and the second tallest building in Queens. This week, an affordable housing lottery for 288 middle-income apartments opened at the residential skyscraper located at 2959 Northern Boulevard. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range in price from $1,990/month studios to $3,843/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Hochul announces 14-mile-long ‘Interborough Express,’ connecting Bay Ridge to Jackson Heights

Image courtesy of the MTA

January 6, 2022

Hochul announces 14-mile-long ‘Interborough Express,’ connecting Bay Ridge to Jackson Heights

By Aaron Ginsburg

After decades of speculation and discarded plans, better train access could be on the way for New Yorkers living in Queens and Brooklyn. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced in her 2022 State of the State address plans for the development of the "Interborough Express," a major transit service expansion that would connect the boroughs. The proposed expansion takes the Bay Ridge Branch, a freight rail line that already runs through Brooklyn and Queens, and transforms it into a 14-mile arching track stretching from Bay Ridge to Jackson Heights. The new track would link up to 17 existing subway lines across the two boroughs, as well as provide a connection to the Long Island Rail Road.
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Lottery opens for nearly 700 mixed-income units at huge Far Rockaway complex, from $388/month

All renderings courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 20, 2021

Lottery opens for nearly 700 mixed-income units at huge Far Rockaway complex, from $388/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened this week for 692 affordable apartments at a brand new development in Far Rockaway, Queens. Developed by Phipps Houses, the Rockaway Village Apartments consist of three buildings within a massive complex, which is currently under construction on site of a former abandoned shopping center. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the lottery units, which range from $388/month studios to $1,885/month three-bedrooms.
Details here

Affordable Housing

NYC’s first net-zero community moves forward in Far Rockaway

Image courtesy of Local Office Landscape/Bernheimer Architecture

December 17, 2021

NYC’s first net-zero community moves forward in Far Rockaway

By Aaron Ginsburg

After more than 40 years of planning, the construction of New York City's first net-zero community is moving forward. L+M Development Partners, the Bluestone Organization, and Triangle Equities have agreed on $30.3 million in financing, signaling the beginning of phase one of Arverne East, a sustainability-focused, mixed-use development project in Far Rockaway. The project will bring 1,650 new units of housing, with 80 percent of them affordable, to a 116-acre oceanfront site that has been vacant for more than four decades.
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Rendering by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

December 14, 2021

Hochul announces plan for new $9.5B international terminal at JFK Airport

By Michelle Cohen

One of New York's busiest airports will be getting a new $9.5 billion terminal, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Monday. Led by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYJ), a planned 2.4 million-square-foot state-of-the-art terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport will become its largest international terminal. "The time to get large infrastructure projects done is now, and I'm committed to getting JFK's brand new Terminal One underway and completed as soon as possible," Hochul said.
Finally, the future of JFK, this way

Transit

Apply for 200 rent-restricted rentals in Far Rockaway, from $522/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 14, 2021

Apply for 200 rent-restricted rentals in Far Rockaway, from $522/month

By Devin Gannon

In the Queens neighborhood of Far Rockaway, a brand new mixed-use building with a host of amenities launched an affordable housing lottery this week. Located at 10-47 Beach 21st Street, the 10-story building features 224 rent-restricted apartments, a restaurant, a daycare and childhood center, and parking for vehicles and bikes. New Yorkers earning 40, 50, 60, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from $522/month studios to $2,121/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

The 30+ best neighborhood shops in NYC for finding the perfect gift

Photo credits clockwise from top left: Park Deli; Frankie Marin/Verameat; Quality Goods; Michele Varian

December 10, 2021

The 30+ best neighborhood shops in NYC for finding the perfect gift

By Michelle Cohen

We've been shopping online for what seems like forever, and there's not a thing wrong with it–except when we crave that amazing experience of finding just the right thing and getting to take it with us now. While brick-and-mortar shops aren't going away anytime soon, we appreciate the good ones that much more. If you're lucky enough to live in New York City–where shopping is high art–some of the best shops on the planet could be just around the corner from where you live. You're sure to find something fabulous for everyone on your list among the local addresses below.
Amazing local NYC shops, this way

Events & Things To Do

353 mixed-income apartments available at 25-story rental in Jamaica, from $683/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

December 8, 2021

353 mixed-income apartments available at 25-story rental in Jamaica, from $683/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery opened this week for over 350 units of mixed-income housing in Jamaica, Queens. The luxury 25-story rental, called Alvista Rise, is located at 147-25 94th Avenue, across the street from a major train station, home to the subway, Long Island Air Road, and AirTrain to JFK Airport. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 50, 120, and 165 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, priced from $683/month for studios and up to $2,804/month for two-bedroom units.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

New rental with 400 units of affordable housing and a grocery store opens in Jamaica

Rendering courtesy of Omni New York

December 2, 2021

New rental with 400 units of affordable housing and a grocery store opens in Jamaica

By Devin Gannon

A new rental with nearly 400 affordable apartments and a low-cost grocery store officially opened in Jamaica, Queens this week. Located at 92-23 168th Street, Archer Green was developed by Omni New York and designed by ESKW/Architects. The development has 389 total apartments across two towers, one at 23 stories and the other at 20 stories, and will be home to an ALDI grocery store and 15,000 square feet of community space.
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Affordable Housing

Leasing launches at Queens’ second tallest tower, with rentals priced from $2,950/month

All photos: Durst Organization/ Giles Ashford

November 19, 2021

Leasing launches at Queens’ second tallest tower, with rentals priced from $2,950/month

By Devin Gannon

Leasing officially kicked off this week at the second tallest building in Queens, a 71-story rental in Long Island City. Located at 27-29 Queens Plaza North, the building, dubbed Sven, has 958 apartments, with a mix of studios to three-bedroom units priced from $2,950/month. Originally expected to become the borough's tallest building when plans were announced, the tower was surpassed by the Skyline Tower in 2019. Not only do the rentals come with stunning skyline views, but the building is the first in New York City to offer "Spireworks," an app that lets users change the colors of lights at iconic city skyscrapers.
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