Queens Buzz
A quick rundown of what Queens residents are talking about...
Atlas Park
The anticipation is over for the future of Glendale’s Atlas Park. The outdoor shopping area was rescued from the rubble in an auction event after two years of being in foreclosure. It was purchased by Macerich: the same company that owns Queens Center Mall. It’s still up in the air which stores will remain and which new ones that will join the mall. The bookstore Border’s, however, is still alive and kicking and will continue its run at Atlas Park. This is a topic to watch.
Walmart
Superstore giant Walmart is still fighting the battle to open a store in New York City. It’s been a long battle that doesn’t seem to be coming to an end. Walmart has a reputation - deserved or not - for discriminating against women and overworking their employees for little pay. Because of this, unions and NYC pols aren’t welcoming the store chain with open arms. That said, polls show many residents support the store for its low prices and quality items.
Queens: A Taste Of The World
Get your taste buds ready for a chance to sample the best restaurants in Queens under one roof for one night only. On May 10, the annual “Queens – A Taste of the World” event will be held at Citi Field. Over forty of Queen’s most talented chefs will whip up small portions of their best foods and desserts for tasting in buffet style. So prepare yourself for a delicious and filling night. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for free tickets.
MTA
... and what they no longer care about.
COLD
Aqueduct
As Aqueduct transforms into a racino this summer, the controversy left and right about political scandals involving the deal have all but subsided. Cheating and lobbying behind the scenes during the bidding process dominated the story, but that has given was to excitement about its grand opening.
The MTA once again took out some steam on the straphangers of New York City. Fare hikes were big talk in the ending months of 2010, but since the beginning of this year it’s all died down. The proposal was passed. The metrocard prices were raised. There was no choice but to buy them. You just have to suck it up and move on with your life until the next hike train comes rolling into the station again.
Big Apple Circus
Want to have some “jump out your seat” fun? Swing into action with The Big Apple Circus, which is back in town from May 21 - June 5 at Cunningham Park. Included is a very diverse cast like an Ethiopian juggler, Chinese lasso twirlers and monocyclists, miniature horses, delightful clowns, and much more. It is an experience for all ages and will have you on the edge of your seats.
Frank Padavan
Smoking Ban
Your thoughts and ideas of civil liberties might as well be kept to yourself, because the public smoking ban has passed and is ready to go into effect as summer comes its way. Whether you like it or not, new “No Smoking” signs will be posted in parks, beaches and public plazas all across the city. A $50 fine will be issued to those who violate it – and there are no if’s and/ or “butts” about that.
Snow Storm
After a 38-year reign as state senator, the people wanted a change and Frank Padavan was voted out. In his place, Democrat Tony Avella gladly took the seat, but Padavan did not go down without a fight. Demanding a recount and citing the use of faulty equipment, Padavan did everything in his power to make sure the numbers were wrong. But, the numbers did not lie this time. With a 3,000votes lead, Padavan had to step down and hand over the crown to Avella.
It’s finally over. For a couple of months, New York City was buried in mounds of snow. On Dec. 26, 2010, the first big blizzard kicked off the winter season, bringing over 20 inches of snow in some areas across the city and a total amount of about 60 inches of snow for the entire season. Frustration abounded as streets weren’t cleaned quickly enough. Now that Mother Nature decided to settle down from her rampage across the city, all the talk and hype about it has as well.
www.itsqueens.com Spring 2011 7