Author: schnepsrestagent

CM Williams pushes for DOI oversight of FDNY amid discrimination concerns

fdny

Feb. 19, 2025 By Athena Dawson Southeast Queens Council Member Nantasha Williams has introduced new legislation requiring the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) to investigate the FDNY’s compliance with federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws.  Williams introduced Intro 1197-2025 during the Feb. 13 Stated Meeting of the City Council. The bill mandates the…

New York metro leads the nation in office-to-apartment conversions in 2025: report

new york metro

Feb. 19, 2025 By Ethan Marshall With cities across the United States increasingly turning vacant office buildings into residential spaces, the New York metropolitan area has emerged as the nation’s leader in office-to-apartment conversions in 2025, according to a report by the real estate listing site RentCafe. The New York metropolitan area has 8,310…

Lead a walking tour of Queens: Submissions open for annual Jane’s Walk

jane's walk

Feb. 18, 2025 By Jessica Militello Ever wanted to show off your favorite neighborhood spots or dive into the hidden history of your community? Jane’s Walk, a global event of free, community-led walking tours, is returning to New York City from May 2 to May 4, and Queens residents have the chance to host…

Glass ceiling shattered: Queens battalion chief becomes FDNY’s highest-ranking woman

fdny

Feb. 18, 2025 By Bill Parry FDNY history was made at Queens College as the head of Battalion 46 in Elmhurst became the first-ever female deputy chief and the highest-ranking woman in fire operations. Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons, a 24-year veteran of the FDNY, received a standing ovation inside Colden Auditorium on Friday morning…

NYC renters face skyrocketing ‘singles tax’ as solo living gets pricier: report

single

Feb. 18, 2025 By Ethan Marshall Being single in New York City isn’t just emotionally expensive—it’s financially draining too. A new study has found that renters who live alone are paying a staggering $20,100 more per year than those who split a home with a partner or roommate, making the so-called “singles tax” in…

Queens students among finalists in Port Authority’s tunnel robotics competition

students

Feb. 18, 2025 By Athena Dawson Students from New York Institute of Technology’s (NYIT) College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, including several from Queens, were named finalists in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) College Challenge: Vehicular Tunnel Catwalk Robotics, held in January. The competition challenged university teams to develop…

Council Member Nantasha Williams pushes for Downtown Jamaica Neighborhood task force

neighborhood task force

Feb. 18, 2025 By Athena Dawson Southeast Queens City Council Member Nantasha Williams is calling on Mayor Adams’ office to support the establishment of a Downtown Jamaica Neighborhood Task Force. Williams sent a letter to the Mayor’s office last week asking for his leadership in developing the task force to address persistent quality-of-life issues…

Queens real estate investment sales drop despite transaction growth in 2024: report

ariel

Feb. 17, 2025 By Ethan Marshall The real estate consultant Ariel Property Advisors experienced a decline in investment sales, despite an increase in transactions in 2024, according to their Queens 2024 Year-End Commercial Real Estate Trends report. Investment sales in Queens went down 7% year-over-year, from $3.18 billion in 2023 to $2.95 billion in…