Queens News

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NYC Red Light Cameras Now at 600 Intersections

New York City has completed the expansion of its Red Light Camera Program, installing cameras at 600 intersections across all five boroughs, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn announced. The expansion reaches the maximum number of intersections permitted under current state law. According to NYC DOT, red light running has declined by more than 80% at camera locations, while injuries from rear-end collisions have fallen nearly 60% and injuries from T-bone crashes have decreased 70% since installation. The city selects camera locations based partly on crash and injury histories. Officials say the expanded program will strengthen efforts to prevent dangerous driving and improve street safety.

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Jackson Heights Gets $33.8M for First Community Center

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $33.8 million investment supporting the development of Jackson Heights' first community center and community swimming pool through the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens. The project includes $10 million in state funding, $9.3 million from the New York City Council and additional federal, state and private contributions. Planned for 70-02 34th Avenue, the facility will feature a gymnasium, basketball courts, a theater and recreational spaces, with programs serving children, families and seniors. Proposed services include after-school activities, early childhood education, workforce development, health and wellness, and arts programming. The center is expected to serve up to 10,000 children when completed, although a construction completion date was not provided.

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Elmhurst Hospital Earns Lung Cancer Excellence Honor

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst has received renewed recognition from GO2 for Lung Cancer for its efforts to improve lung cancer screening and patient care in Queens. The hospital's Lung Cancer Screening Program provides low-dose CT scans, patient navigation and follow-up services to help identify cancer at earlier stages. Staff also participate in community outreach events, educating residents about screening eligibility and helping them schedule appointments. According to the hospital, nearly 1,000 patients have participated in the program since its launch. Elmhurst joins a national network of more than 350 recognized centers that share resources and practices aimed at improving lung cancer care. The designation highlights the hospital's efforts to expand access to preventive services.

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Queens' Lost Battalion Hall Reopens After $25.9M

Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center has reopened in Rego Park, Queens, following a $25.9 million reconstruction of the historic neighborhood facility. The improvements include renovated weightlifting, spin and fitness rooms, new exercise equipment, an updated basketball court and redesigned entrances and restrooms to improve accessibility. The project also upgraded fire protection, heating, cooling and other essential building systems. Built in 1939, Lost Battalion Hall originally served veterans before becoming an NYC Parks recreation center in 1960. The facility was once used by the New York Knicks for practices and helped develop local basketball talent, including former NBA player Kenny Smith. It also houses a historic Works Progress Administration mural commemorating its veterans' heritage.

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LaGuardia Community College Gets $4M for Arts Upgrades

LaGuardia Community College has received $4 million in New York City capital funding to renovate and modernize its arts and media facilities in Queens. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and City Council Member Julie Won each allocated $2 million toward the project, which is expected to leverage matching New York State funding and generate approximately $8 million in total investment. Planned improvements include upgrades to theaters, television production facilities, student learning spaces, production labs and dressing rooms. The project will also modernize lighting, electrical, communications, HVAC and other building systems while improving accessibility. The investment will support students studying theater, film and television, and music performance while strengthening the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center as a cultural destination in western Queens.

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$143M Queens Senior Housing Opens With 173 Homes

A $143 million affordable and supportive housing development has been completed in Jamaica, Queens, adding 173 apartments for older New Yorkers along with an on-site health center. Sutphin Senior Housing and Clinic includes 121 apartments for residents age 62 and older earning up to 50 percent of Area Median Income and 52 supportive units for people age 55 and older who have experienced chronic homelessness. All apartments receive project-based Section 8 rental assistance. The 15-story development at 97-10 Sutphin Boulevard also includes a 15,000-square-foot Community Healthcare Network health center offering medical and psychiatric care to residents and the surrounding community. The all-electric building incorporates solar power and other energy-efficiency features.

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NY Moves to Protect Historic Queens Burial Ground

A historic burial ground in Elmhurst, Queens, believed to contain the remains of more than 300 New Yorkers, many of whom were formerly enslaved, is at the center of a state legal effort as the property approaches a foreclosure sale. New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking to intervene in the case involving 47-11 90th Street so prospective buyers are informed about the human remains and their responsibilities under state burial-site protections. The property’s history as a burial ground dates to 1818 and is connected to the United African Society of Newtown, which later became St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church. State officials are seeking safeguards intended to prevent additional disturbance of remains still believed to be at the site.

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AOC Helps Win $351M Authorization for NYC Flood Projects

Flood prevention and water infrastructure projects in the Bronx and Queens could receive a major federal boost under legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 includes authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to spend up to $351 million on projects serving New York communities, including improvements to stormwater, wastewater and flood-control infrastructure. The provision was requested by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other members of New York’s congressional delegation following previous federal efforts to address flooding in Queens. The legislation also includes provisions involving community outreach and environmental restoration in local waterways. The House-passed measure must still go through additional congressional steps before becoming law.

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NY Bill Would Ban Sales of Illegal High-Speed E-Motos

New York lawmakers have introduced legislation targeting the sale and marketing of high-speed electric vehicles that do not meet state requirements for legal e-bikes and scooters. Senate Bill S.10700, sponsored by State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, would establish definitions for e-motos and electric off-highway motorcycles while restricting how certain vehicles can be sold and advertised. The proposal follows growing concern over faster electric devices operating on New York City streets and bike lanes, including after a fatal collision on the Queensboro Bridge this summer. The legislation would also require consumer warnings and address retailers that market noncompliant vehicles as conventional e-bikes or scooters. Supporters say the approach focuses enforcement on sellers while preserving access to legal micromobility options.