Author: schnepsrestagent

Cleaners and security staff protest wage cuts and benefit losses at Gertz Plaza Mall in Jamaica

32BJ union members at Gertz Plaza Mall Tuesday protesting against a decision to slash wages and cut benefits for cleaners. Photo: BJ32

Dec. 2, 2024 By Shane O’Brien Dozens of Queens-based commercial cleaners and security staff held a protest at Gertz Plaza Mall in Jamaica on Tuesday, Nov. 26, decrying contractor L&J Commercial and Residential Services for slashing wages and cutting benefits earlier this month. Organized by 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the…

Queens fire at vacant house leaves firefighter injured

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A firefighter in Queens suffered minor injuries while battling a fire at a vacant building early on Sunday morning. Fire Department sources said the blaze broke out just before 5:05 a.m. on Dec. 1 inside a vacant home at 117-36 Smith St. in South Jamaica. The first responding FDNY units encountered heavy fire engulfing…

Senator James Sanders Jr. holds forum to promote MWBE growth and address business disparities in Southeast Queens

Nov. 27, 2024 By Colum Motherway Senator James Sanders Jr. brought together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and government officials to participate in a business-focused event on Saturday, Nov. 23. The ‘Business Comes to Queens’ event featured a strong panel of business leaders discussing the findings of the recent disparity study and…

City of yes for housing faces fierce pushback in Queens ahead of vote

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Nov. 27, 2024 By Athena Dawson As the City Council’s voting deadline on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity steadily approaches, residents, civic groups, and local elected officials throughout Queens have voiced their stance on the monumental rezoning proposal.  The City Council is expected to hold a final vote on Dec. 5 regarding…

Queens Together to host third annual International Food Expo in Corona next week

Guests at a previous Queens Together International Food Expo. Photo: Queens Together

Nov. 27, 2024 By Shane O’Brien Queens Together, a non-profit dedicated to fighting food insecurity and hunger, will host its third annual International Food Expo in Corona next week, bringing together more than 40 Queens-based restaurants. The food expo will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the New…

Fashion police: Queens couple busted for stealing and dealing $2 million in hot retail merchandise ahead of Black Friday

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Two Queens residents allegedly responsible for dealing $2 million in stolen retail goods were busted in a crackdown that Gov. Kathy Hochul and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Tuesday. The bust occurred just days before the biggest shopping day of the holiday season, Black Friday — something that officials drove home during the…

New York state passes González-Rojas bill to provide continuous healthcare coverage for children under six

Nov. 26, 2024 By sobrien Nov. 26, 2024 By Shane O’Brien Children in New York State are now eligible for continuous healthcare coverage from birth until the age of six after a bill introduced by Queens Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas and State Sen. Samra Brouk of Rochester passed in the state budget. González-Rojas and Brouk… Read more »