Category — New York City, New York
Queens College professor a Pakistani rock star
10 March 2010 - New York Update
When Salman Ahmad stepped onto the stage at Queens College last week, he was promoting the same message that has long defined his career and vaulted him into stardom as one of Pakistan’s best-known rock stars who has sold more than 30 million albums — unity.“Music goes beyond faith…
A Kefi Cafe in ‘Burg?
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Is popular Greek chef Michael Psilakis, of the Upper West Side institution Kefi (505 Columbus Avenue and 84th Street), looking to bring warm feta salad, pork souvlaki, and walnut ice cream to williamsburg?That was the word at a Community Board one public safety meeting on March 4, where Psilakis…
Newtown Creek’s New Labs
10 March 2010 - New York Update
The city’s largest wastewater treatment plant keeps coming up with ways to better treat our waste.On March 8, Department of Environmental Protection officials announced the opening of a new $2.3 million laboratory to streamline the plant’s testing procedures and improve the agency’s monitoring of local…
Borough on alert to fight sex traffickers
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Now that Queens has become a gateway for sex and human trafficking in part because of its two international airports, law enforcement, nonprofits and the media need to work in concert to combat the exploitation that happens just under borough residents’ noses, according to panelists at Queens Borough Hall last…
Subprime crisis still grips boro, Comrie says
10 March 2010 - New York Update
City Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) told St. John’s University students last week that he still is fighting predatory lenders in the wake of a subprime mortgage crisis that has caused thousands of borough residents, especially in southeast Queens, to lose their homes.Unscrupulous lenders are continuing to push…
Smith presents plan for group to look at jobs
10 March 2010 - New York Update
State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans) conceded the state will take some time to get out of its financial crisis, but he said plans are underway to bring together leaders at other venues to help New York’s unemployed.The senator unveiled last Thursday plans for a citywide special committee…
Lines wrap around block as stores open in new mall
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Queens residents packed into the Rego Center shopping complex last week, forming lines that snaked around the Kohl’s and Century 21 stores shoppers praised for bringing hundreds of jobs to the borough.“All these jobs are important in this economy,” said Tamikka Jones, 38, of Far Rockaway. “There will…
Library chief resigns after botched booting plan
10 March 2010 - New York Update
If it were a book, Brooklyn Public Library head Dionne Mack-Harvin’s fall from grace would have been a tragedy in which the main character falls on her sword.That’s exactly what she did earlier this week when she suddenly announced her resignation amid a growing scandal in which…
DOT pulls plug on ferry to Rockaways
10 March 2010 - New York Update
The city said it is shutting down the Rockaway ferry this month for what it concluded was a failing experiment, but community leaders are chastising the mayor and the city Department of Transportation for not giving the little commuter boat that could a chance to shine.The DOT said the…
Low expectations
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Low expectationsThe man who robbed the Sovereign Bank on Washington Street had a lot in common with Mel Gibson’s character in the movie “Payback” — both had a clear vision of what they wanted.This thief’s expectations, however, were a lot lower.Police were told that the man entered…
Hold That Coffee! Starbucks Not Coming to ‘Burg
10 March 2010 - New York Update
A williamsburg bagel store’s rent will double next year, leaving its owner scrambling, and sparking fresh concerns from local merchants that another chain could soon be taking its place.The Bagel Store’s (247 Bedford Avenue) owner Scott Rossillo, who has operated his shop on 247 Bedford Avenue since…
Borough takes ‘wait and see attitude’ toward Charter Revission Commission
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Community boards across the borough are crossing their fingers and hoping for the best this week now that Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced the members of the new Charter Revision Commission. Four Brooklynites, including Borough President Marty Markowitz’s Chief of Staff Carlo Scissura, number among the commission’s fifteen…
Brooklyn Mutt Show
10 March 2010 - New York Update
There will be 16 different competitions (or “classes”) at this two-day event at the Brooklyn Lyceum. Proceeds go toward the Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition. It’s $10 per class to compete and $5 per class to watch. Visit brooklynmuttshow.com for more details…
P.S.1 entrance plan draws CB 2 anger
10 March 2010 - New York Update
It appears the wall between Long Island City’s P.S. 1 and Community Board 2 will not be crumbling any time soon.Members of the board were furious with the art museum after it presented plans to improve its entrance along Jackson Avenue, which included installing computer-controlled LED lights…
Richmond Hill bursts into color with Phagwah fete
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Hundreds of revelers descended on Smokey Oval Park Sunday, dousing each other with colorful powders, liquids and dyes in celebration of Phagwah, the Hindu rites of spring.“The cleaner you are when you come in, the worse you’re gonna get it,” said Dave Persaud of Brooklyn. “We’ve been…
Two stabbed in Columbus Circle
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Two high school students were hospitalized after being stabbed the in the Columbus Circle subway station this afternoon, authorities said. A fight involving students from nearby Independence HS broke out around 3 p.m. in station at 57th Street and Eighth Avenue and a girl was cut on the hand…
City takes control of Brooklyn Bridge Park
10 March 2010 - New York Update
After months of negotiations, the state on Wednesday handed the reins of Brooklyn Bridge Park over to the city, while remaining to ride shotgun.The deal came with two major caveats - an agreement that the Bloomberg Administration contributes $55 million to finish the $350 million park in the next…
Dancewave cashes in
10 March 2010 - New York Update
A Park Slope dance troupe is one step closer to international acclaim.The Dancewave Company, which caters to talented teenagers training to become professional dancers, has received $10,000 from S Clubs Fitness and a free airfare donation from British Airways. Dancewave, located at 45 Fourth Avenue, now has half…
District Attorney Raids Office of Construction Company
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Investigators took documents from the Manhattan office of Lehr Construction and also went to the Long Island home of one of the company’s executives.
Council Leaders Want Fewer Names on List of Police Stops
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Even those who are questioned by the New York police and let go without charges go into a database. Critics say that raises privacy concerns.
Woman Charged in Brooklyn Hit-Run
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Frances D. Jasmin, the suspect in the Feb. 21 accident that left an employee of the mayor’s office in critical condition, turned herself in to the authorities.
School Costs Fuel a Revolt Over Taxes
10 March 2010 - New York Update
The debate over school taxes in Hastings-on-Hudson has revealed the cultural and economic fault lines in the Westchester County river town.
Benefit for the City Reliquary at the Knitting Factory
10 March 2010 - New York Update
The museum, which needs to generate $10,000 by the end of the month to stay open, is doing a benefit concert at the Knitting Factory to raise funds. Expect performances by Frankenpine and more. Tickets are $20; call 347-529-6696 or visit bk.knittingfactory.com for more details…
Anti-gay attack stuns Carroll Gardens
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Last week’s anti-gay attack on Luquer Street has put a stain on Carroll Gardens, as well as the entire borough, residents and elected officials said last week as they encouraged the police to make a quick arrest.Hate Crimes detectives are currently investigating claims made by a 22-year-old Red…
Statues Seem Ready to Leap, but Police Say They Won’t
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Police officials are trying to prevent emergency calls from concerned pedestrians regarding statues of human beings scattered across rooftops in Midtown Manhattan.
Trying Times for Father of New York’s Governor
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Friends said it has been difficult for Basil A. Paterson, a political power in Harlem for decades, to watch his son, David A. Paterson, become embroiled in scandal.
Former Hevesi Aide Pleads Guilty in Pension Case
10 March 2010 - New York Update
David J. Loglisci, the former chief investment officer for the New York’s pension fund, told a court of kickbacks and an outsider’s grip on investments.
Unaware of Pardon, Detainee Makes Way Home
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Qing Hong Wu didn’t know he was being freed from jail until days after Gov. David A. Paterson’s pardon.
Son’s Sins Don’t Taint Him, Father Tells Court
10 March 2010 - New York Update
A father is on trial for obstruction of justice because he followed his son’s instructions to retrieve cash, which turned out to have been stolen.
Albany Is Taking New Budget Proposal Seriously
10 March 2010 - New York Update
Lawmakers reacted with cautious interest to Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch’s plan to tackle New York’s budget deficit.