Community Corner

🏙Won Supports Innovation QNS After Negotiations + Rockaway Gun Buyback

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Queens.

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(Patch Media)

Good morning, Queens! 👋

  • 🏙 Following months of "exhaustive negotiations," Councilwoman Julie Won on Monday announced her support for the controversial Innovation QNS project after its developers increased the number of affordable units.
  • 🔫 32 guns were collected on Saturday in Far Rockaway during a gun buyback event hosted by
    Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and the NYPD.
  • ⛴ The timeline to build a new ferry terminal at Hunters Point South Park has been extended to allow for adequate public input on the project.

☀️ Sunny. High: 49 Low: 38.

Here are the top stories in Queens today:

1. Following months of "exhaustive negotiations," Councilwoman Julie Won on Monday threw her support behind the controversial $2 billion Innovation QNS project after she secured a commitment from developers to increase the number of affordable housing units and to expand community benefits. The final deal includes 3,190 total apartments, roughly 45 percent of which will be permanently affordable, a total 1,436 affordable units — more than double developers' initial proposal of 711. Additional community benefits will include a new school in Court Square, more than $16 million for heating plant repairs, resiliency investments at the nearby Woodside Houses, and other investments. Won's timely approval comes ahead of a final vote on Innovation QNS by the full City Council at its Tuesday afternoon meeting, where Won's colleagues are expected to green-light the project given her own support.

Queens Courier ; Queens Daily Eagle

2. 32 guns were collected on Saturday in Far Rockaway during a gun buyback event hosted by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and the NYPD. Katz's administration has hosted eight buyback events as part of a program to curb gun violence by accepting working unloaded firearms in exchange for financial compensation, no questions asked. In total, more than 400 guns have been collected through this program. "Every gun that we get off our streets is a gun that will never be used to harm another New Yorker," NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said. "This gun buyback event is one more component of our continuous effort to keep the people of New York City safe and I want to thank the Queens County District Attorney's Office for its partnership in this important program – and for its steadfast commitment to public safety."

Patch ; Queens Courier

3. The timeline to build a new ferry terminal at Hunters Point South Park has been extended after community members and elected officials said there has not been adequate opportunity for public input on the project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agreed to extend the deadline that was originally set for Nov. 18 to Dec. 5. "Our primary concern with this is that no actual community outreach was done prior to getting to the point where they're filing for government approvals to build," said Jessica Sechrist, the executive director at the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy. The new, $12.2 million terminal would be located about 150 feet north of the existing, smaller ferry landing, which would be demolished if the plan is approved. Opponents of the plan are concerned that the new terminal will obstruct stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Spectrum News NY1

4. Queens native and legend Olivia Pichardo is the first woman in history on a Division I varsity baseball team after a stellar walk-on tryout performance earned her a spot on the Brown University Bears roster. Brown head coach Grant Achilles said Pichardo "put together the most complete walk-on tryout I have seen from a player since becoming a head coach." The 18-year-old freshman played outfielder and right-handed pitcher in high school and with the USA women's national baseball team, and is expected to play multiple positions in the infield and outfield for the Bears."It was definitely a surreal moment for me because it's something that I've wanted since eighth grade," Pichardo said in a statement from Brown University. "It's kind of crazy to know that I'm living out my dream right now and my ideal college experience that I've always wanted, so that's really cool."

New York Daily News ; ESPN


🗞 Hungry for more news? 🍴Snack on these headlines:

  • The city knew 3-year-old beaten to death was being abused — what does it take for agencies to act? (New York Post)
  • Opinion: More Housing is the Progressive Choice (City Limits)
  • NYC school bus delays reach highest level in five years, City Council analysis shows (Chalkbeat New York)
  • Man Arrested in Fatal Stabbing of 3 Women in Queens Home (The New York Times)
  • New Yorkers are still flocking to waterfront apartments despite sea level rise (Time Out)
  • Heat returns for residents at Astoria Houses in Queens following CBS2 report (CBS News New York)

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🗓 To Do Today in Queens:

  • Elmhurst Greenmarket (8 a.m.)
  • Bayside Historical Society's 22nd Annual Winter Art Show (9 a.m.)
  • Tuesday Morning Music Club Presents a Free Concert (11 a.m.)
  • Volunteer at 9 Million Reasons / Evangel Food Pantry (12 p.m.)
  • Finger Paint Turkey Craft For Kids (4 p.m.)
  • Chinese YoYo Class (4:15 p.m.)
  • The New York Winter Lantern Festival – Illuminate the Farm (5 p.m.)

🗣 Queens Chatter:

  • 🥬 All hail kale: "We ❤️ #kale! Farm manager Karen Guzman talks about this hearty produce that can be grown in winter and spring. Watch to learn more about a natural antifreeze that makes the vegetable sweeter as it grows! The #QBGFarm is a one-acre site dedicated to teaching people about urban farming and donating to local food pantries!" (Queens Botanical Garden via Facebook)
  • ✡️ Another great meeting with the Queens Jewish Community Council: "Great to have the Queens Jewish Community Council, along with some old Council friends of mine, in the building here at Borough Hall today to discuss ways to uplift and empower #Queens' thriving Jewish community, especially with the holidays ahead. Looking forward to what we will achieve together!" (Queens Borough President Donovan Richards via Facebook)
  • 🦠 Stay safe, everyone: "We're seeing an increase in RSV, flu and COVID-19 activity in NYC. While no vaccine is currently available, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from RSV and other respiratory viruses. Learn more at http://on.nyc.gov/rsv" (Speaker Adrienne Adams via Twitter)
  • 🧬 The many different sides of STEM: ""One thing I researched and realized is true is that when you're in music, you're very mathematically inclined and it's natural. When you're looking at sheet music, math comes into it all the time even if you don't notice it." We love this quote by Evolone Layne. At #NYSCI, we are dedicated to showing people how STEM is part of many different fields, interests, and hobbies. We do this through our hands-on exhibitions on site, our free STEM career panels for students, and more." (New York Hall of Science via Facebook)
  • 🎥 Check out this underrated screwball comedic, satire about the Middle East: "Underrated at the time of its release, Elaine May's deceptively screwball comedy is a cross between a Hope and Crosby road movie and a satire about the Middle East that feels as relevant as it ever was. See the director's preferred cut of ISHTAR this SUN!" (Museum of the Moving Image via Twitter)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Emma Radu Fighera

About me: Emma Radu Fighera is a reporter born and raised in Queens, New York. She studied Literature and Studio Art at Hamilton College, where she helped run the only daily publication on campus, The Daily Bull newsletter. This past spring she earned her M.S. from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Queens Daily? Contact me at queens@patch.com

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