Jamaica has seen a drastic decrease in shootings this year. Gun violence went down by more than half compared to last year’s crime statistics, according to the NYPD. Councilmember Leroy Comrie attributed the trend to increased awareness about gun violence and active police work. “Everybody is trying to keep the level of awareness constant,” he [...]
As communities around the borough continue to pick up the pieces after Sandy, residents in the affected areas have been granted an extended deadline for property tax filings. “The extension giving victims the opportunity to have their properties reassessed lifts a major burden off the families that were greatly impacted by this tragedy,” said Councilmember [...]
The City Council has voted to strip disgraced Councilmember Dan Halloran of his committee assignments and power to allocate funding. Halloran faces federal charges for allegedly playing a key role in a conspiracy and bribery scheme to rig the mayoral election, authorities said. Power to distribute funds in the 19th District now falls to Speaker Christine [...]
BY ANTHONY O’REILLY Borough President candidates are blazing through Queens, participating in forums and allowing the community to hear their positions. The six Democrats hoping to replace current Borough President Helen Marshall most recently gathered at the Hollis Hills Jewish Center in Fresh Meadows and attended the Ridgewood Democratic Club’s monthly meeting. State Senators Tony [...]
As the candidates start to get out and campaign, the race is heating up for the next Queens borough president. Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., who has led in terms of fundraising since mid-2012, was the most recent candidate to officially kick off his campaign with an event on Monday, March 11 in his native Astoria. [...]
The race to replace Councilmember Leroy Comrie for District 27 already has multiple contenders who are raring to address community issues. Manuel Caughman, community liaison for Assemblymember William Scarborough; Bryan Block, Community Board 13 chair; Joan Flowers, local attorney; Sondra Peeden, a political consultant; and Daneek Miller, a community and labor activist, have all filed their [...]
The New York Knicks schooled Jamaica kids in basketball at a fitness clinic at I.S. 238. Councilmember Leroy Comrie hosted the event in conjunction with the Knicks on Thursday, February 28. New York legend Larry Johnson came out to participate with the kids and give them pointers on how to succeed on the court. “Basketball [...]
Alleged Cocaine Kingpin Nabbed In Queens Drug Ring Bust A 15-month investigation by the New York City Police Department and the Queens district attorney’s office has led to the arrest of 45 people, including a man who is allegedly one of the city’s biggest cocaine dealers. The investigation centered on two gangs in southeast [...]
BY COUNCILMEMBER LEROY COMRIE Since the tragedy in Sanford, Florida that took the life of Trayvon Martin, we have seen an outcry of public support for the Martin family and a strong call for justice. Many residents informed me that they wanted to express their outrage and frustration because what is happening in Sanford is [...]
Trayvon Martin may have lived and died in Florida, but the circumstances surrounding his death have struck a chord in Queens. On Saturday, March 31, Councilmember Leroy Comrie,the Commission on Social Action (COSA) and the Greater Allen AME Cathedral sponsored a march in honor of those whose lives have been lost to gun violence. Among [...]
