Queens Gazette

Queens Gazette A weekly community publication dedicated to bringing our readers a vital locally-oriented view of the news for
42 years

A weekly community publication dedicated to bringing our readers a vital locally-oriented view of the news. Covering over 50 neighborhoods in the borough of Queens.

06/26/2026

2026 Astoria Park fireworks 🎆

NYC's outdoor pools will open Saturday, June 27thOutdoor pool hours are from 11:00 a.m.through 7:00 p.m. daily, with a b...
06/25/2026

NYC's outdoor pools will open Saturday, June 27th
Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 a.m.
through 7:00 p.m.
daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Posted • NYC's oldest and largest free outdoor pool, Astoria Pool. Visit it in person. (Photo from NYC Parks archive)
The summer of 1936, deep in the Great Depression, broke local heat records. Astoria Pool was one of eleven immense outdoor public pools the Parks Department opened that summer. The heroically scaled pools project was financed by the Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA), as part of a massive effort to alleviate adverse health conditions and provide safe recreation in predominantly working-class communities.
The pools were not just huge but also examples of state-of-the-art engineering and fine design. Each pool had separate swimming, diving and wading areas, perimeter bleachers, and bathhouses whose locker rooms served as gyms during non-summer months. Led by architect Aymar Embury II and landscape architect Gilmore D. Clarke, the planning team produced a series of distinct complexes, each one sensitive to its site and topography. Massive filtration systems, heating units, and even underwater lighting provided a more controlled bathing experience than the often treacherous and polluted waterfront currents in which the City’s masses had traditionally swum. The palette of building materials was mainly inexpensive brick, concrete and cast stone, but the styles ranged from Romanesque Revival to Art Deco.
Framed by the Triborough and Hell Gate bridges, Astoria Pool measures 330 by 165 feet and is the largest of the eleven WPA pools. It was designed by John M. Hatton to accommodate 5,570 bathers at a time, and when opened on July 2, 1936 it was described by WPA administrator Harry Hopkins as “the finest in the world.” Metropolitan Opera Company soprano Julie Peters sang at the dedication of the pool, underscoring the pool’s epic quality. It is distinguished by its streamlined and simple forms, decorative glass block, deco-style steel railings, and Art Moderne style ticket booth. In 1936 and 1964, Astoria Pool hosted the Olympic Trials for the U.S. Swim and Diving Teams. In 2006, Astoria Pool was designated an official New York City landmark and remains an invaluable community resource
-Via NYC Parks dept

Today, June 24, is a sad day on Queens Blvd. as White Castle, located at 89-03 57th Avenue in Elmhurst, will close its d...
06/24/2026

Today, June 24, is a sad day on Queens Blvd. as White Castle, located at 89-03 57th Avenue in Elmhurst, will close its doors. The location has been sold. Situated close to the Queens Center Mall, residents and shoppers alike still enjoyed the famous burgers and fries. It will be greatly missed.
Photo : google maps image

Gazette review of the week is: Omakase OsukaaThe Factory30-30 47th AvenueLong Island City | 917.670.6231www.osukaanyc.c...
06/24/2026

Gazette review of the week is: Omakase Osukaa
The Factory
30-30 47th Avenue
Long Island City | 917.670.6231
www.osukaanyc.com
Make reservations on resy.com

Omakase Osukaa delivers an exceptional, authentic, Japanese omakase experience in a stylish setting inside The Factory LIC Omakase means “Chef’s choice” and is a Japanese dining tradition where there is no menu, and the Chef prepares a tasting menu made from the freshest fish, seafood, and ingredients of the day. This unique culinary journey is a pleasure for the fortunate few who partake each night.

Read the full review at: https://www.qgazette.com/articles/omakase-osukaa-the-factory/

Italian nights at Athens Square Park 🇮🇹
06/23/2026

Italian nights at Athens Square Park 🇮🇹

Broadway Astoria jamSunday June 28th
06/22/2026

Broadway Astoria jam
Sunday June 28th

Gazette review of the week is: Noche de Margaritas31-31 Steinway Street | Astoria | 347.242.3307Follow them on Instagram...
06/17/2026

Gazette review of the week is: Noche de Margaritas
31-31 Steinway Street | Astoria | 347.242.3307
Follow them on Instagram and TikTok


Noche de Margaritas makes every night a fiesta! This vibrant, vivacious restaurant, bar, and music venue delights all the senses with great Mexican food, outstanding cocktails, and live music. Plan your next party at Noche de Margaritas or make any night a party.

Read the full review at: https://www.qgazette.com/articles/noche-de-margaritas-noche/

06/17/2026

Twenty-five years ago, three FDNY members made the Supreme Sacrifice in an event now known as the Father’s Day Fire.

On June 17, 2001, Firefighter John J. Downing, of Ladder 163, and Firefighters Brian D. Fahey and Harry S. Ford, both of Rescue 4, were killed during an explosion at a fire in a hardware store on Astoria Boulevard in Queens. It was Father’s Day that year.

The three firefighters left behind eight children between them.

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4216 34th Avenue
Long Island City, NY

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