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Surrogate Court Candidate Awarded for Service

Jean Brannum on July 24, 2024

Judge Cassandra Johnson received the St. Thomas More award at Bamonte’s Restaurant in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

 

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

In Greenpoint, Queens Surrogate Court judge candidate Cassandra Johnson accepted the Bishop Ignatius Catanello Memorial St. Thomas More Award on July 17. 

At Bamonte’s Restaurant on Wither’s St, Catholic leaders and members of the Diocese of Brooklyn gathered to praise Johnson’s dedication to serving the community through mentorship and her track record as an attorney. Johnson is one of the candidates for Surrogate Court judge. 

Thomas Principe, the first recipient of the St. Thomas More award and a St. John’s University School of Law alumna, introduced Johnson and explained how St. Thomas More’s accomplishments as a lawyer compared to hers.

“She is receiving an award named for a man who had the courage to suffer the contempt of the world he lived in, an award named for a soldier of faith, who was an attorney,” Principe said. 

St. Thomas More was a lawyer and member of King Henry VIII’s inner circle who was later beheaded for refusing to recognize the king’s marriage to Anna Boleyn. This act would defy the Pope’s ruling that the king could not divorce the previous wife, Katherine of Aragon. Before More’s demise, he wrote the first recorded argument for free speech laws and brought back record-keeping during Henry VIII’s reign. 

Principe highlighted Johnson’s time as a mentor for young people and volunteering as an arbitrator in Small Claims Court, which saved litigants legal fees by solving their disputes amicably. 

Johnson, who is also a St. John’s alumnae, spoke about how her Catholic faith has helped her as an attorney and a judge in her acceptance speech. She arrived at Bamonte’s straight after hearing cases for the Queens Supreme Court. 

“To me, being a good lawyer means you are acting in service to God,” Johnson said. “You help people through a difficult time in their lives, you seek to provide justice, you try to find solutions to complex problems.”

Andree Johnson, Johnson’s mother and another St. John’s alumnae, the ceremony as well. Johnson praised her mother for being her first “legal teacher” and supporter. 

Johnson beat her democratic opponent Wendy Li, during this year’s Democratic primary elections. Voters will choose between her and republican Stephen Weiner for the Surrogate Court judge position in the general election.

Read more about Judge Cassandra Johnson on Queensledger.com



Preliminary Report Released on Charter Revision, Commission to Hold More Hearings

Jean Brannum on July 10, 2024

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

The Charter Revision Commission has released its preliminary summary of public comments, and there are still many opportunities for New Yorkers to comment on the changes they want made to the Charter. 

More than 80 New Yorkers spoke at the hearings and there are over 1,400 written comments on ways to improve how city agencies function. Film permits, waterfront development, and street cleaning were main points in the preliminary report. The commission report follows hearings from all boroughs. 

The New York City Charter is essentially the city’s constitution explaining government agencies and their duties to its citizens. The mayor established a new commission in May 2024 and charged them to assess the efficiency and responsiveness of the city government. 

One of the top comments voiced during the hearings and in written comments was on the subject of modernization of agencies. The charter was amended over 100 times between 1989 and 2010, according to a press release. For example, currently, elected or appointed officials in the city must secure a public bond. The practice dates back 1872. Comments made towards this issue called to get rid of the outdated practice. 

Other comments called for improvement of services provided to Minority-and women-owned businesses, suggesting it may be beneficial to create an agency to facilitate specific benefits. 

Another key item was fiscal responsibility. The City Council votes on many local laws and issues, including the recently passed 2025 budget. Under the proposed charter revisions, the City Council would have to publish a statement on the fiscal impact of a new law early in the legislative process. Currently these fiscal impact statements are issued when a bill is close to becoming law. 

There are more hearings scheduled across the city through the month of July. The next one in Queens is on July 22 at 5pm at the Queens Public Library central location in Jamaica. The next Brooklyn hearing is on July 25 at 2pm at the Brooklyn Public Library central location in Prospect Park. 

Certain meetings have themes for discussion topics, but the public can talk about whatever they choose. Commission Communications Director Frank Dwyer encourages anyone interested in the process to submit comments or attend meetings, either in person or through Zoom. 

“We really want people to make sure they’re having their voice heard,” Dwyer said.

Dwyer noted that anyone is allowed to give a statement on the charter including elected officials, unions, or agencies. 

Commission Director Diane Savino, an Astoria native, thanked everyone for their input on modernizing and streamlining the city government. She also said that the ideas have sparked many discussions on charter improvements. 

Final proposals for revisions to the charter will be added to the ballot in the November election where voters ultimately decide if the revisions go into effect.

New York Legislators and Advocates Urge Governor to Sign MENA Data Disaggregation Bill

Jean Brannum on June 25, 2024

Credit: Sen. Mike Gianaris

By MOHAMED FARGHALY; JEAN BRANNUM | mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Politicians and community advocates gathered on Steinway St on June 20 calling for
Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a bill recognizing Middle Eastern and North African
people as individual ethnicities in New York state. State Senator Michael Gianaris and
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas led the rally urging the Governor to sign the
legislation that would disaggregate data concerning Middle Eastern and North African
(MENA) communities in New York State from the white demographic category.

The bill, known as S6584B/A6219, mandates that state agencies collecting demographic
data on ancestry or ethnic origin separate MENA populations from the broader white
category. This move aims to provide clearer insights into the needs of MENA
communities, which advocates argue are often overlooked due to their current
classification.

Middle Eastern and North African people, commonly referred to as MENA, have long
been counted as “White” in the census and state demographic data. The bill, which was
passed in the state assembly and senate, will create a separate category for people
who self-identify as MENA. Sen. Mike Gianaris, whose district includes parts of Astoria,
Sunnyside, and Maspeth, were the main sponsor of the bill.

Advocates highlighted that despite estimates suggesting a MENA population exceeding
280,000 in New York, current data likely undercounts them due to their categorization as
white. The legislation seeks to rectify this by allowing MENA individuals to be
accurately represented in state demographic records.

The rally, held at Astoria’s Al-Iman Mosque, drew support from a coalition of legislators
and community leaders including State Senator John Liu and Assembly Member Zohran
Mamdani, as well as representatives from organizations such as Malikah and NY MENA
Coalition.

Gianaris said that Rana Abdelhamid, founder of anti-violence advocacy group Malikah,
brought the issue to his attention and was one of the speakers at the press conference.

“We hope that Governor Hochul will support this legislation to ensure that Middle
Eastern and North African New Yorkers are seen, represented, and resourced by their
government,” Abdelhamid said. “After months of organizing in coalition with over
a dozen Middle Eastern and North African organizations across New York,
we’re so glad to see that the MENA data disaggregation bill has passed
the NY state assembly. We’re grateful for the leadership of Deputy Majority
Leader Gianaris and Assemblymenber González Rojas. We hope that
Governor Hochul will support this legislation to ensure that Middle Eastern
and North African New Yorkers are seen, represented and resourced by
their government.”

The push for disaggregation comes amid broader federal efforts, with the Biden
administration recently approved new census options to identify “Middle Eastern or
North African;” individuals separately. New York State’s initiative, if signed into law,
would precede federal action, underscoring its role as a trailblazer in ethnic data
collection.

The 2030 census will have a MENA category for the very first time, the White House
announced in March of this year. The New York Senate bill says that data specific to
MENA individuals will help identify specific health and socioeconomic disparities.
Gianaris mentioned that the government cannot serve communities if there is little data
to show where the MENA communities are.

MENA experienced higher death tolls due to COVID-19 than other racial and ethnic
groups, but government data did not reflect the disproportionate number, according
Salma Mohamed, Associate Director of Advocacy and Engagement at the Arab
American Family Support Center.

State Assembly member for the area Zohran Kwame Mamdani pointed out that a lot of
data collection related to MENA is for negative surveillance. This bill, he said, will be a
positive reason to collect data on MENA people.

“For far too long, Middle Eastern and North African New Yorkers have been afforded
data disaggregation only in matters of surveillance and suspicion,” Mamdani said. “The
time has come for that to be applied for the purposes of state support, instead of the
policy of erasure that we have today.”

Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez Rojas was another advocate for the bill. Rojas
talked about how when she gained parts of Astoria after redistricting, her district jumped
from 11% white to 27% white after gaining north Astoria. She believes that the data
does not accurately reflect her district.

The coalition emphasizes that disaggregating MENA data will enable more targeted
solutions to address longstanding disparities in healthcare, economics, and education.
Urging Governor Kathy Hochul to swiftly sign the bill into law, the coalition believes

This legislation will pave the way for greater recognition and support of MENA
communities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable New York State.
This proposes similar changes that were approved for Asian American and Pacific
Islander (AAPI) people in 2021. Sen. John Liu pushed for the governor to take “the next
step” in recognizing a group of people hidden in the census.

“The NY MENA Coalition is heartened to announce the successful passage of the Middle
Eastern and North African (MENA) data disaggregation bill by both the New York State
Senate and Assembly,” NY MENA Coalition said in a statement. “We look forward to
the Governor’s positive response and are hopeful that with her support, we can take this
significant step towards greater inclusivity and equity for the Middle Eastern and North
African community in New York.”

Comptroller to Explore “Legal Avenues” That Will Force Congestion Pricing

Jean Brannum on June 12, 2024

Comptroller Brad Lander announced his office and legal experts will explore every legal avenue to force the implementation of congestion pricing. Credit: Jean Brannum

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander announced he will work with a team of legal experts and advocates to look into legal avenues to make Governor Kathy Hochul reverse her decision to halt the implementation of congestion pricing. 

The comptroller alleges that Hochul violated the 2021 Green Agreement, the Central Business District Tolling Program, and the American Disabilities Act. Disability and transit advocates, who were also in attendance, said that the money from congestion pricing that would go towards transit improvements will be taken away due to the pause. 

“This sudden and potentially illegal reversal wrongs a host of New Yorkers, who have a right to what was long promised to all of New York,” Lander said

 The Green Agreement guarantees that all New Yorkers have the right to clean air and environment. Part of the proposed benefits on congestion pricing include better air quality in the Central Business District, which includes everything in Manhattan below 60th st. . 

The comptroller also claims that the delay violates the Central Business District Tolling Program, which was passed in 2019 and allows anyone to challenge the state’s failure to implement congestion pricing. Columbia Law School Professor Michael Gerrard said that the governor does not have the authority to go against state laws and the indefinite pause indicates that the governor could kill congestion pricing altogether. 

“The 2019 statute gives the MTA the mandatory duty to implement congestion pricing,” Gerrard said. “It is illegal for the governor to unilaterally cancel it.”

Sharon McLennon Wier, executive director of the Center of the Independence of the Disabled of New York, said that the delay on congestion pricing disrupts the MTA’s agreement to make almost all subway stations accessible. Credit: Jean Brannum

Disability advocates also expressed anger that the pause on expected MTA  funds from congestion pricing will create a significant roadblock to making stations accessible. Sharon McLennon Wier, executive director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled of New York, said that the pause goes against a previous agreement in 2022 in which the MTA agreed to make at least 95 percent of stations accessible by 2055. 

“We waited, and we continue to wait,” Weir said. “When is it going to be over? When is accessibility going to become universal access for everybody?”

A statement from MTA Chief Financial Officer Kevin Willens and MTA General Counsel Paige Graveson June 10 said that the pause will greatly harm potential improvements to transit due to the lack of funds. Projects such as accessible stations, electric buses, and signal improvements will likely be deprioritized. 

In addition to the harm that could be caused to riders, Lander also said that the pause will impact people who bought MTA bonds backed by the expected revenues on congestion pricing.  

The comptroller says he will wait until after the upcoming MTA board meeting June 24 and 26 to see how other agencies respond. In the meantime, Lander pushes Hochul to reverse her decision to delay and start congestion pricing on June 30 as planned. Lander also pushed Mayor Eric Adams to advocate for congestion pricing to be implemented.  

 

Ramos Strikes Out Cohen’s Casino, Pitches a Gaming-Free Park

Jean Brannum on June 4, 2024

 

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum2020@gmail.com

State Senator Jessica Ramos stated May 28 date that she would not support the proposed casino at the Metropolitan Park after months of thinking about the decision. 

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ramos stated she would not introduce legislation for the casino and would support her drafted alternative for a Hard Rock hotel and convention center. She did admit that the profit would be less than a casino. 

Ramos affirmed her agreement with Steve Cohen, Mets owner who is trying to steam-roll the casino project, that Flushing and Corona need green space and jobs, but does not think a casino is the way to create it. 

“We disagree on the premise that we have to accept a casino in our backyard as the trade-off. I resent the conditions and the generations of neglect that have made many of us so desperate that we would be willing to settle,” Ramos stated. 

State Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubrey proposed legislation in March 2023 for the park with a casino. The bill named New Green Willets, Cohen’s lobbying company. 

Ramos proposed alternative legislation on the same day as her statement. The bill advocates for parkland without the Casino and proposes many of the same ideas proposed by Metropolitan Park including athletic fields, playgrounds, and an improved Mets-Willet’s Point subway station. 

Technically, Cohen’s plan is not impossible, but will be harder to get approval. Other state senators could introduce the plan to turn the parkland into a casino. 

The debate over a casino in the Willet’s Point parking lot has been a hotly debated issue for the region. Cohen pushed for the area to be the site of three new gaming facilities the state would license. Winners for the licenses will be announced in 2025.

The proposed Metropolitan Park will turn the CitiField Parking lot into a sports and entertainment complex featuring green space and an outdoor concert arena. Residents of the area hosted a rally on May 13 in support of the project saying it would bring jobs and much-needed greenery to the area. The company created the plans for the park with over 500 community members. 

Karl Rickett, a Metropolitan Park spokesperson sent the following statement in response to the decision. 

“While we respect Senator Ramos’s point of view, the state never intended any one person to have the ability to single-handedly stop or approve a gaming project. As Metropolitan Park enjoys overwhelming support from elected officials, unions, and the local community we are confident that we have the best project in the best location. We have over a year and multiple pathways to secure the required approvals.  Our team remains committed to bringing Metropolitan Park to life, with gaming as the only viable economic engine to make the 23,000 jobs, $8 Billion investment, and substantial community benefits possible.”

In a tweet, Queensborough President Donovan Richards said that no elected official should be the only one to decide on an $8 billion investment and urged Governor Hochul and the state senate to explore other ways to remodel the parkland. 



Affordable Housing and the City of Yes At The Center of Community Board 1 Meeting

Jean Brannum on May 29, 2024

City Council Member Tiffany Caban addresses Community Board One. Credit: Jean Brannum

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

Members of Community Board One in Astoria heard another proposal for the City of Yes campaign and a short speech from City Council Member Tiffany Caban on May 21 on Astoria Blvd. 

Colin Ryan, from the Department of City Planning, gave a presentation outlining the mayor’s proposed ‘City of Yes’ amendments that will loosen zoning restrictions to allow the building of more housing in the city. 

According to the department’s statistics, Queens has a vacancy rate of just 0.88 percent, meaning there is significantly less housing inventory for people in the city. With a tighter housing market, the rent prices rise. Fifty-three percent of Queens residents are rent-burdened. While the community district has had more housing development, other districts have significantly fewer new apartments.

Community board member Richard Khuzani commented that the district has “shouldered the burden” of new developments. The presentation showed that the Astoria and Long Island City area had over 12,000 new units built between 2010 and 2023. 

The amendments would allow the building of more shared apartments, meaning more units where multiple people would have private bedrooms, but share one kitchen or bathroom. The proposal also strips the requirement for parking spaces to allow for more units and allows some buildings to expand their square footage by up to 20 percent. The new amendment would also allow housing to be built on top of businesses in low-density neighborhoods. 

Ryan asked the board to consider voting on the zoning changes in June. 

Meanwhile, two zoning change proposals for new housing developments were approved, including one new apartment building near Astoria Park. Astoria Park Warehouse LLC owns the lots and proposed to rezone tax lots to build the complex. Astoria natives 

The board was concerned about the true affordability of the units but ultimately voted to approve the project. Board member Doreen Mohammed disclosed that as a city government employee, she would not be able to afford the proposed complex. Northwest Queens is also a historically low-income housing area. 

“Who is this affordable for?” Mohammed said. 

Jaclyn Scarinci, the land use and zoning lawyer for the project, acknowledged Mohammed’s concern and said that while it may not be affordable for everyone, the project would serve a need for affordable housing in the city. 

The Borough President’s office will be next to review the proposed zoning changes. The development is on 24th Avenue and 21st Street and is two buildings. 

City Council Member Tiffany Caban visited the board for the first fifteen minutes and gave an update on the affairs of the City Council. The Council is reintroducing the Secure Jobs Bill which would protect workers from being fired for nonlegitimate reasons. The same protection exists in other countries, according to Caban. 

The bill was introduced in the previous legislative session but failed to pass due to the two-year terms some city council members served when elected in 2021. 

 

New Rooftop Farm Opens in LIC

Jean Brannum on May 29, 2024

IS10 students plant tomatoes. Sky Farm LIC opens. Credit: Jean Brannum

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

Kids, the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, and company executives cut a ribbon marking the official opening of Sky Farm LIC on May 21. 

The one-acre rooftop farm, once owned by Brooklyn Grange, received a makeover after the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens acquired the rooftop property in 2023. The once abandoned rooftop now has a solid footpath, rows of produce growing, and bee hives maintained by Honey House in Astoria. 

To celebrate the opening, children from Horace Greely Middle School visited to receive a VIP tour of the farm, eat watermelon, and plant tomatoes with farmers Alexis Curnutte and Abby Avital. Before planting the tomatoes, the students got the chance to take a whiff of the fishy water that provides nutrients to the plants.

Middle Schoolers received watermelon during their tour of the farm. Sky Farm LIC opens. Credit: Jean Brannum

Among the students were Sherronice Robinson and Alicia Andrews, both 5th graders. 

Sherronice Robinson sniffs fish water, which will provide nutrients to the tomato plants. . Credit: Jean Brannum

“That was fun because we got to like, really get inside the dirt,” Robinson said referring to what it was like to plant the tomatoes. 

Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens CEO Costa Constantinides thanked the project’s sponsors at the opening, including the New York Power Authority, Hydro Quebec, and building owner RXR. The New York Power Authority designed and financed the project. 

“This space is a haven, an oasis in an urban jungle. We have a bonafide farm right here in the middle of Long Island City,” Constantinides said. 

The farm will educate visitors on the practice of growing, preparing, and eating fruits and vegetables. NYPA is sponsoring educational sessions to teach children about climate change and sustainable solutions. LaGuardia Community College, also a partner of the project, will help develop a curriculum for sustainable agriculture. 

This summer, the farm will host summer camp sessions until September which is when school programs start again. Before the opening, the farm was already hosting field trips for local schools. 

Farmer Alexis Curnutte said in a previous interview that she was excited about the opportunity to get kids into farming, especially in the concrete-laden city. 

“I think that giving kids the opportunity to understand where their food comes from, especially in a place like New York is just so exciting,” Curnutte said.” And I certainly wish that I had had something like this when I was their age.”

Students, sponsors, and Boys and Girls Club cuts the ribbon to mark the opening of the Sky farm. Credit: Jean Brannum

The next phase of the project will refurbish the western side of the rooftop where the bee hives are currently located. A new greenhouse is being built to replace the old one, according to landscape architect Michael White. 



CUNY Faculty Disrupt Board of Trustees Meeting Demanding New Contract

Jean Brannum on May 23, 2024

Union members flooded the Board of Trustees meeting. After disrupting the meeting, the protesters were escorted out of the auditorium. Credit: Jean Brannum

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

Professors, CUNY staff, and students disrupted a Board of Trustees meeting demanding a new union contract, better job security, and liveable wages at Bronx Community College on May 20. 

“We are upset because CUNY management has come to the table with an economic offer that fails to keep pace with the rate of inflation and the increased cost of living in New York City,” Davis said. “Many of our members cannot afford to live where we work”

Professional Staff Congress, the union that represents CUNY professors, waited outside the board meeting at 4 pm to protest drastic budget cuts and changes that would make adjunct faculty’s jobs less secure. At 6 pm, the protesters flooded the empty auditorium. Members of the public were allowed to sit in on the meeting, but not permitted to make public comments. General board meeting rules state that disrupters will be given a proper warning and, if they continue, asked to leave, and subject to disciplinary action or sanctions.

After waiting for the meeting to resume around 6:45 pm, Union President James Davis stood up and read a letter from the union. After Chairperson William Thompson Jr. told Davis numerous times to be quiet and tried to carry on with the meeting, he ordered that the room be cleared. 

“We are fed up with the pace of the contract negotiation. We need real raises. We need job security, and we need a contract,” Davis said to the board. 

Barbara Bowen, a CUNY professor, leads a chant. PSC Members gathered outside the entrance to Bronx Community College and waited until the Board of Trustees allowed the public inside. Credit: Jean Brannum

Davis said that since the union has negotiated contracts in a formal manner numerous times, he now wants to show the board what union members need in a “visceral” way. 

The protesters chanted as campus security escorted them out of the building and gathered just outside to continue chanting. Eventually, campus security told the protesters to leave saying they were disturbing students who were preparing for final exams. The protesters left campus around 7 pm. 

One of the main pillars of the protest was CUNY’s proposal to change the job security rules for adjunct professors. As part of a pilot program that expires at the end of the 2024 academic year, an adjunct can receive a three-year contract after teaching a course for five years. Now CUNY wants to extend the time to get a contract to twelve years for a two-year contract. Davis said that 3000 members have been able to have health insurance and consistent income due to the current program. 

Elizabeth Hovey, an adjunct from John Jay College, expressed her anger at the CUNY administration for the significant budget cuts and discussed how they have affected the students. Hovey said that the John Jay Administration was forced to cut $10 million overall, which resulted in the cutting of 400 class sections. 

The board meeting was originally scheduled to be at the CUNY central campus in Murray Hill in Manhattan, but the board announced that the meeting would instead take place in the Bronx at the end of the day on Friday. Union members believe that the board was hoping to avoid a confrontation with the union after moving the location. 

PSC Members gathered outside the entrance to Bronx Community College and waited until the Board of Trustees allowed the public inside. Credit: Jean Brannum

The union has previously accused the board of moving meetings to dodge discussion about the contract. On May 9, CUNY alerted everyone that the board hearing scheduled for May 13 would be remote instead of in person. David Gerwin, a professor at Queens College, wrote a testimony for the board saying the Zoom format violated New York State’s Open Meetings Law. He also condemned the format because speakers are in the “waiting room” until it is their time to speak and cannot watch the rest of the hearing. 

“We are out here to send a strong message to the Board of Trustees. They can run, but they can’t hide,” one of the protesters said. 

A CUNY spokesperson sent the Queens Ledger a statement saying that the board meeting was moved to increase capacity for spectators. The conference room at the central office, the original meeting location, had a smaller capacity.

Some of the faculty and students, including members of the CUNY International Club, protested against the police response to the Pro-Palestinian protests. While not condemning the protesters, union Communications Director Fran Clark said that it was not the purpose of the union’s protest today and that they do not speak for the union. 

Union staff have worked without a contract for at least fifteen months. Davis said that the union will continue to discuss the contract with the CUNY administration. 

 

Chamber Announces New Foundation For Tech in LIC

Jean Brannum on May 23, 2024

Frank Casale and Tom Grech discuss the need for tech innovation in Queens. Credit: Jean Brannum

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

The Queens Chamber of Commerce announced a new foundation on May 14 to raise $40 million to support tech startups in Queens. 

At the Shi restaurant in Long Island City, the Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Grech spoke with technology entrepreneurs about the plan to make Queens a diverse technology hub. 

Grech highlighted the Chamber’s accomplishment of adding six incubators to the borough. Queens only had two, one at Queens College and another at Laguardia Community College. He gave a shout-out to Greater Nexus, the first accessible shared workspace in Jamaica. There will be fifteen tenants in total. Grech mentioned that 70 percent of the businesses are minority-women owned. 

Grech said that he wants people to establish startups in the borough, especially college graduates who usually leave to start a tech company elsewhere. 

Deputy Queensborough President discusses the need to make Queens a tech hub. Credit: Jean Brannum

Also in attendance, was Deputy Borough President Ebony Young, who spoke about the borough president’s office platform for tech innovation. Young said that after hearing from a report that black and brown people were 100-150 years behind in the tech innovation sector, the borough president’s office wanted to close the gap in Queens. 

“Part of that solving is making sure that you create an ecosystem that fits the diverse spectrum of individuals that live in Queens,” Young said. 

Recently, Young and other members of the Borough President’s office traveled to Lagos Nigeria to learn more about creating a diverse tech hub. Young wanted to connect with black-owned tech companies and decided to travel to what is commonly referred to as Africa’s “Silicon Valley.”

Technology can be integrated into every industry, Young said, and AI is the newest technology everyone can use in their business. 

AI expert Frank Casale gave a short statement on the widespread use of AI and how people can use it to help their business like building websites. Casale said his overall goal is to make Queens a global tech hub, which he has already seen happening. 

 “I will tell you, there are people now in the Czech Republic, talking about Queens based on these discussions,” Casale said. “There are people now in South Africa, talking about Queens people in Medellin, Colombia, talking about Queens.”

A Startup Genome report from  June 2023 put New York City in the second spot in the global ecosystem ranking. Second to Silicon Valley.



Rent Prices Rise, but Fall in North Queens, Reports say

Jean Brannum on May 15, 2024

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

Real estate reports show that rent in the city continues to increase with little end in sight, and the number of apartments available is decreasing ahead of the busy summer moving season. 

In Brooklyn, the median rental price for April rose about four percent in the last month, according to a Douglas Elliman report. This increase was slightly less than Manhattan, which rose 4.2 percent in April. 

Molly Franklin, a real estate agent for The Corcoran Group, said that while the Brooklyn market has always been hot, the number of affordable units, especially in Greenpoint, is dwindling. 

“Brooklyn isn’t an affordable borough anymore,” Franklin said. 

The Corcoran Group released a report with similar findings. According to its report, rent in Brooklyn increased ten percent since April 2023. One and two-bedroom apartments increased by over ten percent in the last year. 

Real estate agents are noticing more competition for places. While April is typically busy, this year’s market shows uniquely high competition. 

“I like to call it the Hunger Games,” Elina Golovko said, referring to the fierce competition for places in the summer months. Between new people moving to the city for jobs or school, and people looking to upgrade or downgrade within the city, there are so many people looking and fewer units available. Golovko is a real estate agent for Elliman. 

And she does not see it improving in time for summer, or even in the slower fall and winter months. 

Golovko said that the decrease in inventory has led to tense bidding wars between buyers and sellers. She has seen apartments rent for twenty to thirty percent over the asking price because the area is in high demand. She also noticed that more people are renting to move in up to 90 days in advance, the average earlier was up to 45. 

Jonathan Miller, president of appraisal and consulting firm Miller Samuel who created the Elliman report, said that since mortgage rates in April were the highest they have ever been, would-be home buyers are “camping” in the rental market. This increases competition for everyone looking for a place to rent. Those wanting to buy a home also have to afford a down payment and interest, which drives more people to rent, according to Golovko. 

“High mortgage rates are not the friend of would-be homebuyers, but they’re also not the friend of renters,” Miller said. “Higher rates push more people from the sales market to the rental market and the economy.”

Surprisingly, average rent in Northern Queens, which includes Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, and Woodside decreased slightly. Miller suspects that it is due to the expectation that prices will be lower. The number of units has remained steady in the area. 

But even though rent prices are declining in the area, many units rented for about 20 percent over the asking price, indicating another area for tight bidding wars, according to Miller. 

Miller clarified that he can only make educated guesses for the future, but he does not see rent prices declining or more home buying in the next season. As long as mortgage rates are high, more people are likely to stay in the rental market. 

“It’s become clear that we’re not expecting mortgage or interest rate cuts, imminently, as was the thinking just a month ago,” Miller said. 

For those looking to rent or buy, the realtors shared some helpful tips. 

Start early, Golovko said. Due to the competition, starting earlier and creating a game plan will allow you the best chances of finding a place by the time you need to move. The summer rush is starting now. She also advises looking specifically for apartments available on your start date. 

Before you start searching, get documents ready and find a realtor. Co-op units usually have a longer approval process, while rental properties have the fastest. 

Franklin advises her clients to keep an open mind when looking for a place. Don’t be afraid to look into areas you never thought about, or consider moving to commuter cities if you work from home or don’t commute to the city daily. 

Franklin had two clients, a couple, who were dead set on living in Astoria. She found a place for them in Jackson Heights, and they were happy with their choice to live in a spacious apartment in the neighborhood. 

If you want to stay in an area with higher rent prices, be ready to downgrade or live with a roommate. 

Overall, Franklin emphasized that a “strong stomach and an open mind” will make the process survivable. 

 

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