Uncategorized

MTA, Rockaway Beach line, Rockaway shuttle

A Rockaway resident says rush hour buses get so packed that they regularly have to pass their scheduled stops. The MTA earlier this week said that they would be adding more rush hour shuttle buses to serve the damaged “A” train subway line, but that they are cutting non-peak buses. The number of shuttle runs overall will decrease.

Queens Public Transit Committee Member Philip McManus told Queens NYC that Rockaway residents are starting to lose faith in the democratic process, and like “slaves to the MTA monopoly.”

McManus also said;

MTA refuses to help us…Its a third world transit system in Rockaway. Rockaway has and is being harmed by the neglect of the MTA and the City.

We also need to bring back the Rockaway Beach line of the old LIRR in the near future.

A train is so much better than a bus.

It makes common sense. Our population is growing and we need more trains, buses and increase trackage. The Woodhaven Boulevard corridor has too much traffic, accidents, construction and too many traffic variables and we need to reduce air pollution, CO2 emissions, gas consumption. [The old line] is the best public transit option. It would improve Queens Crosstown transit and unite Queens. Not to mention increase business and employment opportunities.

McManus said the MTA is currently using three double length buses, called articulated buses, for the shuttle–but that more are sorely needed.

“Bigger longer buses will absolutely help,” said McManus.

It’s a good thing for McManus then that the Transit Workers Union Local 100, which works that line, is the permitting the MTA to use these buses. Some union heavyweights wanted to cut the use of long buses, The Wave reports. Some reportedly fear that the extra long buses will reduce jobs for drivers.

MTA must improve Rockaway transit [Times Ledger]
What is White Pot Junction? And why should I care? [Queens Courier]

Sales, Deals, and Services

Astoria

by Adam Lombardi

04/24/13 10:00am

Time to Ride: 6 Bicycle Shops in Bayside, Astoria, Jamaica, Little Neck, and Forest Hills

by Adam Lombardi

Bayside, Douglaston, Jamaica, Little Neck, Shopping, Sports and Recreation, Uncategorized

There’s something special about a bicycle shop. From the attentive service and professional advice, a pro bike shop can outfit you with the custom bipedal ride of your dreams. Proper fitting and selection is always an issue, so you want the right bike for the job at the right size whether off-roading, touring, or just a joyride. But let’s face it: frequent use can lead to a lot of wear and tear, sometimes wheels get dented or pedals fall off. Rest assure, most large and small shops are full service offering a variety of assistance after the sale from tune-ups to parts replacement and repair whether for adults, kids, or professional cyclists.

It doesn’t matter if you’re cycling the entire Queens Green Belt or simply commuting to work, there’s a professional bicycle shop each with it’s own style, specialization, and deals so shop around. The weather outside is getting warmer and it’s time to ride. Visit one of these shops for a great experience:

Roberts Bicycles. For over forty years Roberts Bicycles of Bayside has been outfitting the community with hand-built models and a wide selection from BMX to mountain bikes to baby bikes and everything in between. Roberts Bicycles has something to suit the most consummate tastes including helmets and apparel. Trained technicians are on staff to answer your questions and guide you through the selection process.

Peak Bikes. Offering free tune ups for life, Peak Bicycle Pro Shop of Douglaston focuses on the mountain bike crowd. Walk in and staff are eager to talk up bikes while the cycling community often gather here to organize rides in nearby Cunningham Park. Order a custom model, or restore your childhood cruiser.

Spin City Cycle. Located in Forest Hills, Spin City Cycles encourages customers to come in for a test ride on all of their models. With cycling being such a popular activity in Queens, sometimes a repair shop can be backlogged, so for those eager to get back in the saddle minus the wait, Spin City promises to repair your bicycle in 48 hours or less.

Bellitte Bicycles. You can’t go wrong shopping at the oldest bicycle store in the United States. Since 1918, Bellitte Bicycles of Jamaica has been family owned and operated offering 5,000 models to choose from. Service is a top priority at this huge shop but their low price guarantee is known to draw in customers for over 90 years.

Tony’s Bicycles. Tony’s Bicycles of Astoria has an excellent track record in the cycling community. All of their mechanics are factory trained and certified by companies like Trek, GT, Cannondale, Giant, and many more. Founded in the 1970’s, this bicycle shop is known for their commitment to value and service.

Bike Stop. While visiting Bike Stop you’ll find a wide selection from BMX to road bikes, even bicycles built for two. An eclectic staff offers expertise from different specialties all the while promising the only thing you’ll have to worry about is peddling. The site offers a comprehensive newbies guide to just about every subject ranging from parts and accessories to how to guides such as a buyer’s guide to rechargeable lighting systems.

Bayside, bicycle, cycling, Douglaston, Little Neck, pro shop, riding

03/21/13 10:00am

Question of the day – what do you like to eat when you are sick?

5 Comments

Image source: Wikimedia Commons – bananas can do wonders when you’re sick

During this time of back and forth between mild weather and winter weather, it’s easy to get sick. And when you’re sick, life sucks. When some of us get sick, our appetites decrease and we don’t want to eat anything (or can’t keep it down), and getting back on the eating horse can been a shock to the system. What do you like to eat while sick? Are you a chicken soup kind of person? A warm Jello individual? Do you take on the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). Or maybe tea and toast is where you’re at. We’d love to know. Leave us a comment here or via twitter at @queensnycity.

bananas, being sick

03/15/13 9:30am

Historic millstones in Dutch Kills Green are seriously damaged

1 Comment

Remember those historic millstones we told you about last September? There are two of them – probably from around the mid-1600s – and they’ve been sitting in the Dutch Kills Green, a pedestrian plaza near Queens Plaza. Local preservationists recently learned that a chunk broke off of one of the stones, where a crack had been earlier. It’s possible that the damage was due to being out in the harsh winter weather we experienced this year. Parks believes that it was the result of a previous relocation.

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Dutch Kills Green, GAHS, historic, historic millstones

02/28/13 11:00am

Comment of the day – Mexican food recommendations in Astoria and Jackson Heights

The other day we asked a question, “where do you find good Mexican food?” and we got a lot of great comments! One that stood out for us was a comment on the website by guyonatlantic – lots of great tips here:

I live in Astoria, and I’ve found Los Portales the best for tacos (especially their Al Pastor) and El Mariachi the best all around (mole negro, enchaladas suizas, anything with chorizo).

The lady that sells tamales Sunday mornings on Broadway & 37th is fantastic as well.

I also really enjoy Pachanga Patterson (fish tacos, guacamole, cocktails) for my “gringo” fix. It’s not Empellon, but it’s inexpensive and down the block from my apartment.

Tacos Mexico, La Cabana and Homemade Taqueria are all ok, and I’ve found the El Rey Taco truck to be wildly overrated.

For truly great Mexican food, I take the R or 7 a few stops out to Jackson Heights or Corona. Any of the carts out there are better and cheaper than anything in Astoria, but I want to single out the quesadillas at the cart on Roosevelt between 74th & 75th (chicken tinga and flor de calabesa are my favorites) and the gorditas de chicherron at the cart on 111th just off of Roosevelt (might be my single favorite Mexican dish in NYC.

Thanks, guy! Here’s to finding and eating great Mexican food throughout Queens.

comment of the day, El Mariachi, guyonatlantic, Los Portales, Mexican food, taco trucks, tacos, tamale lady, tips

12/04/12 11:00am

Last Chance To Win Tickets: You say tomato, I say free tickets