Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island

December 19, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

The photo above or at right was taken last weekend at Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. Skating in Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center as well as rinks around the city continues through the holidays.

Sunrise 7.15 am. Sunset 4.30 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 9 hours & 30 minutes of daylight or five hours and 36 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. The temperature highs will reach 60 on Friday, drop to 40 on Saturday, and rise again to 50 on Sunday. The temperature lows will hit 35 on each overnight this weekend. There's a 100% chance of a half or more inch of rain between 3 am and 1 pm on Friday morning, but otherwise the rest of the weekend is dry. The humidity will swing wildly on Friday from 100% to 55%, then stabilize at 50% to 60% Saturday, and then fluctuate from 70% to 40% on Sunday. The winds will range from 10 - 25 mph Friday and then settle down a bit to 10 - 15 mph on Saturday and Sunday. Other than Friday morning, looks to be another nice December weekend. Enjoy.

Friday Evening Edition @ 9.15 pm. Done, excepting some of the attendant pages, which we expect to finish later tonight. If you follow the directions below denoted by *** FYI *** you should be able to find most or all of what you're looking for. Enjoy.

The Weekend News Updates will follow over the weekend, so check back in, for some local, state and national news, the details of which seem to get passed over on billionaire TV Network News.

New News Section Still a Work in Progress. In late September we started adding a weekly news segment with multiple stories including links to more in-depth reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar above, in the upper left corner. This will continue evolving over time. We've fallen a bit short this month, as the holidays have overwhelmed us, but please stay tuned we'll get it right eventually and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC This Month 2025 _ NYC events.

Things To Do This Weekend / Week in NYC

Winter Solstice is the Shortest Day of the Year & Beginning of Winter, Sunday, December 21, 2025, & Hanukkah Ends Monday, December 22, 2025

Sunday, December 21, 2025 - The Winter Solstice - is the shortest day of the year and the beginning of Winter.

Monday, December 22, 2025 - Hanukkah - the Jewish festival of lights ends.

Things To Do This Weekend / Week in Manhattan

Holiday Celebrations, Markets & Traditions

*** FYI *** Use the holiday markets and holiday events links for each borough for a full look at the upcoming weekends. There's too much to post to the front page. Note that what you see below in events, is nearly matched by the number of markets posted in the holiday markets page, but you have to click into the link below to view it.

The photo above or at right was taken along 42nd Street last weekend in Manhattan. As you can see, the streets were crowded, but less so on 5th Avenue between 47th and 52nd Streets. The city blocked off 5th Avenue from cars in Sunday afternoon. I found the experience somewhat disappointing.

Thursday, Friday & Saturday, December 18, 19 & 20, 2025 beginning 7 pm and at 3 pm on Saturday only - Holiday Showcase - at Harlem School of the Arts - at 645 St. Nicholas Avenue in Harlem. A modern performance of music, dance, theater and joy. For details and $19 tickets see - https://hsanyc.org

Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 10 am to 5 pm - St. Nick on St. Nick's Extravaganza - at Harlem School of the Arts at 645 St. Nicholas Avenue in Harlem. This is a toy collection drive. Free holiday things to do in Manhattan NYC. For details see - https://hsanyc.org

Friday, December 19, 2025 from 5.30 - 7 pm - Birdland Big Band Jazz - at the Birdland Jazz Club. Holiday events, concerts and things to do in Midtown Manhattan NYC. FYI - there are performances almost every night. For $36 - $46 tickets and details see - https://www.birdlandjazz.com/tm-event/birdland-big-band-19/

Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 7.30 to 10 pm - Shades of Truth Theatre: 5 Days Before Christmas - at the Harlem Community Center at 228 East 125th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues in the East Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan NYC. Organized by Shades of Truth Theater and Voza Rivers / New Heritage Theatre. Free. For details see - WS https://shadesoftruththeatre.com or NWS - https://www.harlemonestop.com/event/34154/shades-of-truth-theatre-5-days-before-christmas

Multiple Days _ Saturday, December 20 - Thursday, December 25, 2025 - Yiddish Festival - Hebrew Union College at 1 West 4th Street [and possibly other venues based on event] in the Village in Manhattan NYC. For details and $11+ tickets see - hhttps://yiddishnewyork2025.sched.com

Next Week.

Monday & Tuesday, December 22 & 23, 2025 beginning at 7 pm - Handell's Messiah - in the Stern Auditorium / Perlman Stage at Carnegie Hall at 57th Street and 7th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan NYC. Holiday Concert Performances and things to do in Midtown NYC. For $30 tickets and details see - https://www.carnegiehall.org/Events

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 from 5 to 6 pm - Washington Square Park Christmas Carol Event. By the Arch at 5th Avenue and Washington Square North [the equivalent of about 7th Street] in the Village. For details see - http://www.washingtonsquarenyc.org

Wednesday Night / Thursday Morning, December 24 / 25, 2025 - St. Patrick's Cathedral Midnight Mass - at St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets in Midtown Manhattan NYC. Free holiday events and things to do in Manhattan NYC. For details and to submit for the annual midnight mass ticket lottery, which opens June 15 and ends October 1, see - https://saintpatrickscathedral.org

Multiple Days _ Midtown _ Sunday - Monday, December 14 - 22, 2025 beginning at 5 pm nightly except Friday at 3.45 pm & Saturday at 6.30 pm - Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza at 59th Street and 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Use the holiday events link below for details.

Multiple Weekends _ Sundays ONLY, December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025 from 10 am - 5 pm - Vintage Subway Car / Nostalgia Subway Holiday Train Rides - along the F and Q subway lines in Manhattan. See holiday markets link below for details.

Ongoing _ Tuesday - Sunday, December 9, 2025 thru January 4, 2026 at various times - Home for the Holidays Wreath Exhibition - at El Barrio Art Space at 215 East 99th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues on the UES of Manhattan. See holiday markets link below for details.

Ongoing _ Thursday, November 13, 2025 - February 2026 - The 21st Annual Holiday Toy Train Show at Grand Central Terminal. On the ground floor at 89 East 42nd Street in Midtown. See holiday events link below for details.

Ongoing _ Friday, October 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026 from 10 am to 8 pm weekends & opening at 11 am weekdays - Bryant Park Winter Village & Holiday Shops - Between 40th and 42nd Streets and between 5th and 6th Avenues in Midtown. See holiday markets link below for details.

There's also Chelsea Flea market on 25th Street, the Grand Bazaar on West 77th Street and numerous other fairs, fleas and markets. Use the links below to our pages of holiday markets and holiday events. And for details about both of these markets see the street fairs page link below or use these urls - https://www.brooklynflea.com / https://grandbazaarnyc.org

Ongoing _ UWS _ Friday, November 7, 2025 to Sunday, January 6, 2026 at various times - Big Apple Circus - at Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Ongoing _ Daily, November 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026 at various times - 100th year of Rockettes Holiday Performances - at Radio City Music Hall at 1260 6th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets in Midtown Manhattan. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Ongoing _ Monday, November 24, 2025 thru early January 2026 - the Origami tree will be lit at the American Museum of Natural History - at 200 Central Park West on the UWS. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links.

Gramercy Theater concerts - info coming but in the meantime - https://www.thegramercytheatre.com/shows

CLICK here for holiday markets Manhattan NYC.

CLICK here for holiday events Manhattan NYC.

• Click here to view the Manhattan Farmers Markets NYC.
• Click here for Manhattan Parades and large Ethnic / Cultural Festivals NYC.
• CLICK here to view Manhattan street fairs and festivals NYC.
• CLICK this link to view things to do this weekend in Manhattan NYC.

• Click here to read recent OpEds and Editorials on Manhattan Buzz NYC - see top of this report under NYC, for the headlines of them.

MCAL _ MEMBER CALENDAR EVENTS - Use this link for new member sign up and posting - Manhattan Buzz New Member Sign Up. Click this link Manhattan Member Events Calendar to view free posts made by arts, cultural and community groups.

Things To Do This Weekend / Week in Queens

Holiday Celebrations, Markets & Traditions

*** FYI *** Use the holiday markets and holiday events links for each borough for a full look at the upcoming weekends. There's too much to post to the front page.

FINAL WEEKEND _ Floral Park _ Fridays & Saturdays, December 5, 12, 13 & 19, 2025 from 8 to 11 pm - 18th Century Tavern Night - at the Queens County Farm at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park. For details and $98 / person tickets excluding beer, wine, cider and cocktails - https://www.queensfarm.org

FINAL WEEKEND _ Sundays, December 14 & 21, 2025 from 1 to 5 pm - NEW Sunnyside Shines BID Holiday Market - at Sunnyside Community Services at 43-31 39th Street in Sunnyside. See holiday markets link below for details and website links.

Sunday - Monday, December 14 - 22, 2025 beginning at 4.11 - 4.13 pm - Nightly Hanukkah Candle Lightings - at Temple of Gates Prayer Shaarai Tefilla Synagogue at 171-39 Northern Blvd in Flushing Queens. For details see - https://www.templegatesofprayer.org

The photo above or at right was taken last weekend in a public park in Corona Queens. Last weekend the temperatures were in the 20's, while today (Friday) the temperature may hit 60 degrees. What a difference a week can make. The temperatures will range from the low 20's to the mid 50's Christmas week.

Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 10 am to 5 pm - Winter Wonderland - at the Queens County Farm - at the Queens County Farm at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park. For details and $12 / person tickets see - https://www.queensfarm.org

FINAL WEEKEND _ Floral Park _ Saturday, December 6, 13 & 20, 2025 from 10 am to 5 pm except on 12/6 when it's open until 8 pm - 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Market - at the Queens County Farm at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park. See holiday markets link below for details.

CLICK here for holiday markets Queens NYC.

CLICK here for holiday events Queens NYC.

• Click here to view the Queens Farmers Markets NYC.
• Click here for Queens Parades and large Ethnic / Cultural Festivals NYC.
• Click here to view Queens street fairs & festivals NYC.
• CLICK this link to view things to do this weekend in Queens NYC.

• Click here to read recent OpEds and Editorials on Queens Buzz NYC - see top of this report under NYC, for the headlines of them.

MCAL _ MEMBER CALENDAR EVENTS - Use this link for new member sign up and posting - Queens Buzz New Member Sign Up. Click this link Queens Member Events Calendar to view free posts made by arts, cultural and community groups. This month includes:

Friday & Saturday, January 16 & 17, 2026 from x to y - Zlatne Uste Balkan Festival - at the Marquee Astoria at 25-22 Astoria Blvd in Astoria. See MCAL link above for details.

Wednesday - Sunday, January 21 - 25, 2026 times vary by day but generally from 12 noon - 8 pm - NY Boat Show - at the Jacob Javits Center at 11th Avenue & 36th Street in Manhattan. See MCAL link above for details.

Things To Do This Weekend / Week in Brooklyn

Holiday Celebrations, Markets & Traditions

*** FYI *** Use the holiday markets and holiday events links for each borough for a full look at the upcoming weekends. There's too much to post to the front page. Note that what you see below in events, is nearly matched by the number of markets posted in the holiday markets page, but you have to click into the link below to view it.

The photo above or at right was taken last weekend. The two guys, front left in the photo, were in a holiday mood, welcoming me to take their photo, with a mural in the background.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 19, 20 & 21, 2025 beginning at 7.30 pm Friday, 2 pm on Saturday & at 12 noon & 3 pm Sunday - The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - at 17 Smith Street in Downtown BK. Free. Holiday events and concerts in North Brooklyn. For details see - https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org

Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 9 am to 8 pm - Tents of Kedar Holiday Market - at 1119 Bedford Avenue in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of North Brooklyn. For details see - FB - https://www.facebook.com/TentsofKedarInc/

Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 5 to 6.30 pm - A Very Merry Brooklyn - Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra Christmas Concert - at St Ann & the Holy Trinity Church at 157 Montague in Brooklyn Heights NYC. Holiday events in BK. For $45 tickets and details see - https://brooklynchamberorchestra.org/concerts/

Saturdays & Sundays, December 20 & 21, 2025 from 11 am to 6 pm - Brooklyn Pop Up Holiday Market in Dumbo - at Smack Mellon Gallery at 92 Plymouth Street in the Dumbo neighborhood BK. They tell us there will be up to 35+, " ... artisans, designers, and makers selling contemporary fashion, accessories, home goods, food, beauty, jewelry and more ...". For details see - https://www.brooklynpop-up.com

Next Week.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 9 pm - Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra Concert - at All Saints Episcopal Church at 286 7th Avenue in Park Slope. Central Brooklyn. Done in conjunction with midnight mass [Eucharist at 10 pm]. For details see - https://www.allsaintsparkslope.org

THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW OF THE ONGOING HOLIDAY MARKETS & EVENTS THIS WEEKEND IN BROOKLYN. CLICK INTO THE LINKS BELOW TO VIEW ALL OF THEM. MOST OF THE HOLIDAY MARKETS END THIS WEEKEND.

Daily beginning Sunday, December 14 - 22, 2025 - beginning at 4 pm the 1st night & 6 pm all week nights except Friday 3.30 pm, Saturday 7.15 pm & Sunday 5 pm - Lighting of the Largest Menorah in Brooklyn - at Grand Army Plaza where Flatbush Avenue, Prospect Park West and the Eastern Parkway converge. For details see - https://www.chabadparkslope.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/2401293/jewish/Schedule.htm

LINK _ Saturday & Sunday, December 6 & 7, 13 & 14 and 20 & 21, 2025 - Walk the Windows Along Atlantic Avenue - from Clinton Street to Third Avenue along Atlantic Avenue. Use the holiday events link below to obtain details and event website links. Use the link above or see our MCAL for a kids party today - https://www.brooklynblvd.nyc/calendar/event/15/63/childrens-party-with-santa

Multiple Weeks _ Saturdays & Sundays, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 & 27, 2025 and January 3, 2026 from 9 am to 4 pm Saturdays opening at 10 am Sundays - Brooklyn Pop Up Holiday Market in Fort Greene Park - along the southern perimeter, near the farmers market, along De Kalb Avenue from Washington Park to South Portland in North Brooklyn. See holiday markets link below for details.

Multiple Weeks _ Saturdays & Sundays, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2025 from 12 noon to 7 pm - Make Manifest Winter Holiday Pop Up Market - at Maker Manifest at 382 Tompkins Avenue in Bedford Stuyvesant BK. See holiday markets link below for details.

Ongoing _ Friday November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026 from 4.30 to 8.15 pm - 5th Annual Lightscape Show - at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden at 990 Washington Avenue in Prospect Heights. See holiday events link below for details.

Ongoing _ Friday, November 28, 2025 - January 2, 2026 - Dyker Heights Neighborhood Christmas Lights - in Dyker Heights with the epicenter generally between 11th - 13th Avenues and 83rd - 86th Streets. See holiday events link below for details.

Two Plays - Polonsky & Billie Holiday Theater.

CLICK here for holiday markets Brooklyn NYC.

CLICK here for holiday events Brooklyn NYC.

• Click here to view the Brooklyn Farmers Markets NYC.
• Click here for Brooklyn Parades and large Ethnic / Cultural Festivals NYC.
• Click here to view Brooklyn street fairs NYC.
• CLICK this link to view things to do this weekend in Brooklyn NYC.

• Click here to read recent OpEds and Editorials on Brooklyn BLVD - see top of this report under NYC, for the headlines of them.

MCAL _ MEMBER CALENDAR EVENTS. Use this link for new member sign up and posting - Brooklyn BLVD New Member Sign Up. Click this link Brooklyn MCAL - Member Events Calendar to view free posts made by arts, cultural and community groups.

Things To Do This Weekend / Week in the Bronx

Holiday Celebrations, Markets & Traditions

*** FYI *** Use the holiday markets and holiday events links for each borough for a full look at the upcoming weekends. There's too much to post to the front page.

Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 5 to 8.30 pm - Winter Solstice Pub Night - at Wave Hill at 4900 Independence Avenue in Riverdale. The ticket includes "... music, bar snacks, whiskey tasting, materials and instruction for crown project, and access to the grounds after-hours. Cafe food, drinks and bottled spirits from MS Walker available for purchase ..." North & West Bronx. For $65 tickets and details see - https://www.wavehill.org/calendar/winter-solstice-pub-night

The Bartow Pell Mansion Holiday Events & Market - Holiday Luncheon 12/6, Holiday Party 12/6, Holiday Gift Fair 12/8, Selfies w/ Santa 12/13, A Christmas Carol 12/11 - 12/14, Jazzy Holiday Concert 12/19, and Holiday Cookies & Crafts 12/20 & 21. The details to all of these are posted in our Member Calendar as well as on their website - https://www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org/events-2/

Sunday, December 21, 2025 begins 6.30 / 7 pm - Performance of A Christmas Carol - at the Van Cortlandt House Museum at 6036 Broadway in the north Bronx. Light refreshments begin at 6.30 and the perofmance begins at 7 pm. North & West Bronx. For details see - http://www.vchm.org/events.html

Ongoing _ Friday, November 21, 2025 - January 4, 2026 from 10 am to 4.30 pm - Holiday Lights - at the Bronx Zoo at 2300 Southern Blvd. See holiday events link below for details and website url.

Ongoing _ Saturday, November 15, 2025 thru January 11, 2026 from 10 am - 6 pm [closed holidays] - NYBG Holiday Train Show - at the New York Botanical Garden at 2900 Southern Blvd in the Belmont Neighborhood. See holiday events link below for details and website url.

Ongoing _ Thursday, December 4, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026 from 10 am to 4.30 pm - Winter Haven Opening Weekend [12/6 & 7/2025] Holiday Events & Holiday Market - at Wave Hill at 4900 Independence Avenue in Riverdale in the North & West Bronx. Wreath making, ice sculpture, artisans market and the Hudson Highland Pipe Band. For tickets and details see - https://www.wavehill.org/calendar/winter-haven-opened-weekend-2024

CLICK here for holiday markets Bronx NYC.

CLICK here for holiday events Bronx NYC.

• Click here to view the Bronx Farmers Markets NYC.
• Click here for Bronx Parades and large Ethnic / Cultural Festivals NYC.
• Click here to see Bronx street fairs & festivals NYC.
• CLICK this link to view things to do this weekend in the Bronx NYC.

• Click here to read recent OpEds and Editorials on Bronx Buzz - see top of this report under NYC, for the headlines of them.

MCAL _ MEMBER CALENDAR EVENTS. Use this link for new member sign up and posting - Bronx Buzz New Member Sign Up. Click this link Bronx MCAL Member Events Calendar to view free posts made by arts, cultural and community groups.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 19, 20 & 21, 2025 - A Jazzy Holiday Concert & Cookies & Crafts - at the Bartow Pell Mansion. See MCAL link above for details.

The Bartow Pell Mansion Holiday Events & Market - Holiday Luncheon 12/6, Holiday Party 12/6, Holiday Gift Fair 12/8, Selfies w/ Santa 12/13, A Christmas Carol 12/11 - 12/14, Jazzy Holiday Concert 12/19, and Holiday Cookies & Crafts 12/20 & 21. The details to all of these are posted in our Member Calendar as well as on their website - https://www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org/events-2/

Things To Do This Weekend / Week on Staten Island

Holiday Celebrations, Markets & Traditions

*** FYI *** Use the holiday markets and holiday events links for each borough for a full look at the upcoming weekends. There's too much to post to the front page.

Wednesday - Wednesday, December 17 - 31, 2025 except Mondays & Tuesdays - Holiday House Tours - at Historic Richmond Town at 441 Clarke Avenue on Staten Island. Holiday events in Central SI. For $10 / person tickets and details see - https://www.historicrichmondtown.org.

Friday, December 19, 2025 beginning at 7 pm [doors open at 6 pm] - Universal Temple of the Arts & the 37th Staten Island Jazz Festival - at the St. George Theatre at 35 Hyatt Street in Downtown North Staten Island. For details and $37 tickets see - https://stgeorgetheatre.com

Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 11 am to 4 pm - Maker Space Holiday Market - at Maker Space at 450 Front Street in Stapleton on North Staten Island. Free funky & festive with 21 local artisans and vendors. For details see - INST - https://www.instagram.com/makerspacenyc | WS - https://www.makerspace.nyc

Saturday & Sunday, December 20 & 21, 2025 beginning at 3 pm & 7 pm and 2 pm & 5 pm respectively - the Nutcracker by the Staten Island Ballet Dancers - at the Williamson Theater at the College of Staten Island at 2800 Victory Blvd in the North & West SI. Adjacent to Bullshead, Heartland Village and Manor Heights. For details and $70 - $90 tickets see - https://www.siballet.org

Sunday, December 21, 2025 beginning at 4 pm - Holiday Family Concert by Spotlight Repertory Theatre - at the Staten Island Play House at Empire Outlets at 55 Richmond Terrace in St. George. North Staten Island. For $20 tickets and details - https://spotlighttheatresi.org

Sundays, December 7, 14 & 21, 2025 from 11 am to 3 pm - Holiday Sunday Brunch with Santa - at The Historic Old Bermuda Inn at 301 Veterans Road West in Rossville. See holiday events link below for details.

https://www.statenislandusa.com/bp-office.html

CLICK here for holiday markets Staten Island NYC.

CLICK here for holiday events Staten Island NYC.

• Click here to view the Staten Island Farmers Markets NYC.
• Click here for Staten Island Parades and large Ethnic / Cultural Festivals NYC.
• Click here to see Staten Island street fairs & festivals NYC.
• CLICK this link to view things to do this weekend on Staten Island NYC.

• Click here to read recent OpEds and Editorials on Staten Buzz - see top of this report under NYC, for the headlines of them.

MCAL _ MEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR. Use this link for new member sign up and posting - Staten Buzz New Member Sign Up. Click this link Staten Island Events - Member Events to view free posts made by arts, cultural and community groups. This month includes TBD.

Have a nice weekend.

How did Steve Cohen's Casino License Bid Get this Far?

Did Billionaire Network TV News, Ignore Cohen's SAC Capital Insider Trading History, in Order to Enable the Fellow Billionaire to Keep Gaming Us & the System?

December 1, 2025 / NYC Business / NYC Politics & Government / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

SAC [Steve A. Cohen] Capital

Pleads Guilty to the Largest Insider Trading Scandal in Modern History

The short story on Steve Cohen is that in 1992 he founded a company that operated a number of hedge funds. He was so proud of it, that he put his name on it - SAC Capital - which is short for Steve A. Cohen Capital. Fast forward less than 20 years to 2010 and the SEC is investigating SAC Capital associates for insider trading. Fast forward another three years and SAC Capital has paid $1.8 billion and has pleaded guilty to insider-trading charges. It's one of the biggest insider trading scandals in modern history and the largest involving a hedge fund.

For details on the Steven A. Cohen Capital Insider Trading case see -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S.A.C._Capital_Advisors

Did Cohen Foster a Culture of Corruption at SAC?

Cohen himself never personally pleaded guilty, in part because it's difficult to prove scienter - which is a legal term for intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. But that said, the Steve A. Cohen Capital firm, was founded by and run by Cohen for 20 years. And one of Cohen's high school chums, Michael Steinberg, became one of SAC's most senior portfolio managers. Steinberg was cited by one of his analysts, Horvath, as essentially telling Horvath to seek out non-public information, that they could trade on, which in essence is insider trading.

And while the Steven A. Cohen Capital firm says they take compliance with regulations seriously, a report by American University Business Law Review notes that SAC refused to give them even one example of its refusal to hire someone because of compliance concerns. On the other hand, the Steven A. Cohen Capital firm did hire people, such as Richard S. Lee, who was known to be a risk, as he had just been fired by a Chicago firm for altering his holdings in their accounting system on his first day on the job. Even SAC Capital Legal had reportedly advised against hiring him. Lee eventually ended up as one of the firm's employees who was convicted.

For further details on Cohen's alleged malfeasance use the following links.

https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1071&context=aublr

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hedge-fund-manager-steven-cohen-settles-with-commodities-agency

• CLICK here for the rest of the story, including Cohen's management of the NY Mets - How did Steve Cohen of SAC Capital get Awarded a License for Metropolitan Park Casino Queens?

Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island

November 21, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

The photo at right, taken at a Thanksgiving Day Parade in a prior year, shows a very famous native New Yorker dressed in costume, floating above the crowd ... like he always does. The parade returns next Thursday.

Sunrise 6.50 / 40 am. Sunset 4.33 / 40 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 9 hours & 58 minutes of daylight or five hours and 8 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. From shortly after midnight Friday until about 12 noon on Saturday there's a 70% chance of an 1/8th inch of rain. Otherwise dry and partly cloudy the rest of the weekend. The temperature highs will be in the low to mid 50's, while the temperature lows will be in the low to mid 40's, both, all weekend. The humidity will range between 70% - 90% on Friday thru Saturday afternoon, then dropping into the 60 - 70% range for the rest of the weekend. The winds will range from 5 - 10 mph Friday, dropping to 3 - 5 mph the rest of the weekend. With the exception of Saturday morning, it looks to be another pretty nice Fall Weekend. Enjoy.

Friday Mid Evening Edition @ 11.55 pm. Almost done, but have work to do on attendant pages, which may extend into Saturday morning. The holiday season has begun.

The Weekend News Updates will follow Saturday, so check back in, for some local news, that oftentimes gets passed over on billionaire TV Network News.

New News Section Still a Work in Progress. In late September we started adding a weekly news segment with multiple stories including links to more in-depth reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar above, in the upper left corner. This will continue evolving over time. Stay tuned and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC This Month 2025 _ NYC events.

Epstein File Vote: TV News Misses the Point .. Again

Billionaire TV News Reports What They are Told (for ratings) with Scant Comprehension

November 18, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion.

Billionaire TV News Reports the Headlines but Misses the Meaning

Billionaire TV News is waiting at the Capitol to cover the House vote to open the Epstein files.

Like it actually matters.

If you have absolutely nothing else going on in your life, then stay glued to the TV News screen to find out how the House and Senate will vote on the issue.

But it doesn't matter and it won't make a difference, as Donald Trump is doing what he does best. Making fools on the American people and the rule of law, by deceiving them and finding loopholes in the law to exploit. Both skills that Donald J. Trump has been practicing all of his life.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report on TV News Misses the Point Again: Epstein File Vote.

* Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island

November 14, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 6.40 am. Sunset 4.40 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 10 hours & 15 minutes of daylight or four hours and 51 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

The photo above or at right was taken recently in a Queens neighborhood. The leaves have turned color, many have fallen and the temperatures have been slowly heading down. Last week we even dipped into the high 30's, overnight. But we're expecting temperature highs in the low 60's next weekend, so while winter may be on its way, it does not appear imminent.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. The temperature highs will be in the low 50's Friday and Saturday, rising to the high 50's on Sunday. The temperature lows will be in the low 40's Friday and Saturday, rising to the high 40's on Sunday. On Saturday evening between 7 pm and 12 midnight, there's a 70% chance of an 1/8th inch of rain. Otherwise dry and partly cloudy the rest of the weekend. The humidity will range between 45% - 75% on Friday and Saturday, rising to 90% on Sunday, but fall back to 45% during the day. The winds will range from 5 - 15 mph Friday and Sunday, quieting down on Saturday to about 5 mph. Looks like another pretty comfortable Fall Weekend. Enjoy.

Friday Afternoon Edition @ 3.45 pm. Looking good. As you will see below there's more happening than there used to be, this late in the season. We still have to update associated pages, which should be done by the end of the day.

The Weekend News Updates will follow Saturday, so check back in, for some local news, that oftentimes gets passed over on billionaire TV Network News.

New. Note the Changes Below. In late September we started adding a weekly news segment with multiple stories including links to more in-depth reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar above, in the upper left corner. This will continue evolving over time. Stay tuned and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC This Month 2025 _ NYC events.

Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island - NEXT WEEK - Halloween, NYC Marathon & DST

November 7, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 6.33 am. Sunset 4.45 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 10 hours & 11 minutes of daylight or four hours and 55 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

The photo above or at right was taken at the Green Room in Crown Heights in Brooklyn. It's been open about a year and a half and it's a great neighborhood dining and gathering place.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. There's a 60% - 80% chance of a 1/4 inch of rain forecast for between 10 pm tonight and 7 am Saturday morning. On Sunday there's the threat of less than a 1/4 inch of rain all day [so how likely is that?]. Because of the extreme dryness in our climate in recent years, we've noticed water weather systems tend to be over-forecast, as by the time they get here, they have dried out. While this may make for nicer weekends, it's a huge warning sign that the planet is drying up, which is going to wreak havoc on human and other life. Ignorance is bliss. The temperature highs will be between 60 and 65, and the temperature lows will be 55 - 60 all weekend. The humidity has been tending to peak around 7 - 8 am and dip in the late afternoon. Friday and Saturday the highs will be 80% and 95% respectively, while the lows will be 35% and 50% respectively. On Sunday it's going to be about 90% humidity all day. The winds will range from 10 - 15 mph on Friday and Sunday and from 5 - 10 mph on Saturday. Some wind, possibly a bit of rain, with moderate temperatures - all in all not a bad November weekend.

Friday Afternoon Edition @ 5.15 pm. Mostly done, but with some work to do on related pages. Should be done later this evening.

Our Weekly News Updates will follow later this weekend, so check back in for some local news that either gets passed over on billionaire TV Network News, or isn't covered well.

New. Note the Changes Below. In late September we started adding a weekly new segment with multiple stories with links to deeper reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar in the upper left corner under the header. This will continue evolving over time. Stay tuned and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC This Month 2025 _ NYC events.

Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Halloween / Daylight Savings Time / NYC Marathon. Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island - NEXT WEEK - Halloween, NYC Marathon & DST

October 31, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 7.25 am. Sunset 5.53 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 10 hours & 27 minutes of daylight or four hours and 39 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

The photo above or at right was taken at the NYC Halloween Parade in a prior year. The parade returns tonite. See details below.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. Cloudy, but no rain all weekend, continuing an extremely dry Fall, and year in NYC & NYS, due to climate change. The temperature highs will be in the high 50's all weekend and the temperature lows will be in the mid 50's Friday, low 50's Saturday and the high 40's on Sunday. The humidity will range from about 50% to 90% on Friday, 50% 65% on Saturday and 50% to 80% on Sunday. The humidity highs peak each morning around 8 or 9 am and the humidity lows bottom out mid to late afternoon between 2 and 4 pm. The winds will range from 10 - 20 mph Friday, 10 - 15 mph on Saturday and from 5 - 10 mph on Sunday. Looks like another dry and comfortable Fall Weekend. Enjoy.

Saturday Morning Edition @ 6 am. Done.

Weekly News Updates will follow this on late Friday or early Saturday, so check back in for some local news that too often gets passed over on billionaire TV Network News. And while we will only partially update the Halloween page [also see below for parades and related events], the Halloween page contains the events from last year, which provides clues as to what might be planned this year. We include the urls so you can easily see what's in the works this year.

New. Note the Changes Below. In late September we started adding a weekly new segment with multiple stories with links to deeper reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar in the upper left corner under the header. This will continue evolving over time. Stay tuned and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC Last Month 2025 _ NYC events.

Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island - NEXT WEEK - Halloween, NYC Marathon & DST

October 24, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 7.17 am. Sunset 6.02 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 10 hours & 44 minutes of daylight or four hours and 22 minutes less of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Summer Solstice, on June 20, 2025. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of this year, providing 15 hours and 6 minutes of sunlight in NYC.

The photo above or at right, was taken Wednesday at the Spectrum News NY1 NYC Mayoral Debate at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, in Queens. From left to right are Andrew Cuomo, Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa. The debate was suprisingly spirited and interesting. We'll provide details over the weekend, or early next week.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different than TV News TriState Weather. No rain all weekend, continuing an extremely dry Fall, and year in NYC & NYS, due to climate change. The temperature highs will be in the 60's all weekend and the temperature lows will be around 50 all weekend. The humidity will range from about 50% to 80% all weekend with the humidity highs peaking each morning around 8 or 9 am and the humidity lows bottoming out mid to late afternoon between 2 and 4 pm. The winds will range from 5 - 10 mph all weekend. Looks like a very nice Fall Weekend. Enjoy.

Saturday Early Morning Edition @ 3 am. Done with the Front Page Weekend Post of events and attendant pages. Weekly News Updates coming later in the weekend, so stay tuned.

New. Note the Changes Below. In late September we started adding a weekly new segment with multiple stories with links to deeper reports. Scroll down the page for some enhanced local news coverage and check out our local news section using the drop down button, on the main tool bar in the upper left corner under the header. This will continue evolving over time. Stay tuned and thanks for clicking in.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC This Month 2025 _ NYC events.

November OpEds - Month to Date 11.30.25

• CLICK on the Header to this section (immediately above) to read all of these OpEds and more.

New York’s Millionaires Will Get a $12 Billion Federal Tax Cut Next Year

• by Andrew Perry of the Fiscal Policy Institute - 11.20.25

TAKE ACTION: Stop the Federal Government from Gutting Clean Water Protections!

• by Pat McClellan, Policy Director, NY League of Conservation Voters - 11.19.25

A NEW LOW: NYCHA is Suing Chelsea Seniors

• by Layla Law-Gisiko - Democratic District Leader AD75/A - 11.17.25

Developer Sued for Damage to Landmarked Building that Displaced Elderly, Rent-Stabilized Tenants — Demand the City Acts

• by Andrew Berman - Executive Director, Village Preservation - 11.11.25

A New York For All of Us

• by Marina Marcou-O’Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors at the Alliance for Quality Education - 11.5.25

Ballot Measures Deregulating a Broad Range of Development in NYC Are Approved

• by Andrew Berman - Executive Director, Village Preservation - 11.5.25

There’s No Place For Islamophobia In Our Schools Or City

• by Marina Marcou-O’Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Directors at the Alliance for Quality Education - 11.2.25

Live Interview with Key Representatives / Activists about FEC Chelsea NYCHA

9.10.25 _ Queens News / News Analysis & Opinion _ Click here to learn a bit more through an interview by Erroll Louis on Spectrum TV on August 28, 2025, who interviewed an author / community activist and the President of the FEC Tenants Against Demolition about what's going on there - NYC Oligarchy - Stephen Ross, Related Companies, Essence, Eric Adams transferring huge amount of public wealth & NYC billionaire TV doesn't much report it. Also on the front page scroll down to the Landlord Tenant Harassment button to become familiar with the bigger picture.  And click into the drop down OpEd section from the front page tool bar to learn more about the FEC Chelsea NYCHA land grab by Stephen Ross and Related Companies.  Ross and Related Companies have been the beneficiaries of the transfer of acres upon acres of prime public NYC land all over NYC for what seem like fire sale / corruption prices.

In the meantime, see front page, government and politics, neighborhoods and things to do sections.

City of Yes Passes by a Vote of 31 - 20

Stephen Ross, REBNY Members & the Adams Family Won & NYC Lost

December 6, 2024 / NYC Real Estate & Business / NYC Government & Politics / City of Yes Special Section / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz.

The City of Yes for Housing Opportunities bill passed yesterday afternoon / evening in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. The City of Yes or NYC Municipal Legislative Bill - L.U. 181 & Res 689 - App. N 240290 ZRY (City of Yes Zoning for Housing Opportunity) amendment of the Zoning Resolution of the City of New York, modifying multiple Sections to expand opportunities for housing within all zoning districts, Citywide. *

The photo snapshot at right shows the NYC Council voting on the City of Yes.

City of Yes [Wo]Men - Roll Call Vote Tally 31-20

Voting For the City of Yes Members. Carlina Rivera District 2, Eric Bottcher District 3, Keith Powers District 4, Julie Menin District 5, Gale Brewer M District 6, Shaun Abreu District 7, Diana Ayala District 8, Yusef Salaam M District 9, Carmen De La Rosa M District 10, Kevin Riley Bx District 12, Pierina Ana Sanchez District 14, Oswald Feliz District 15, Althea Stevens District 16, Rafael Salamanca Bx District 17, Amanda Farias District 18, Francisco Moya Q District 21, Tiffany Caban Q District 22, Shekar Krishnan Q District 25, Julie Won Q District 26, Nantasha Williams Q District 27, Speaker Adrienne Adams Q District 28, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers Q District 31, Lincoln Restler District 33, Jennifer Gutierrez District 34, Crystal Hudson District 35, Chi Osse District 36, Sandy Nurse District 37, Alexa Aviles District 38, Shahana Hanif District 39, Rita Joseph District 40, Justin Brannan Bk District 47.

Pay attention to the delineation of NYC Council members by the boroughs noted above by letters. Speaker Adrienne Adams delivered enough Queens council member votes (7) in favor of the legislation, which had they voted as their Community Boards did, would have killed the City of Yes bill.

Did Adrienne Adams and these NYC Council members betray the people of Queens they were elected to represent? Well, if so, keep in mind they are up for re-election in June 2025. So please educate yourself, fact check the statements made herein by using the power of the internet, and then after you've done enough research to know what's true, start spreading the news and get behind people who will represent you, the voters, not the big money that funded their campaigns.

Voting in the Negative. Joann Ariola District 32, Chris Banks District 42, Joseph C. Borelli District 51, David Carr District 50, Eric Dinowitz District 11, James Gennaro District 24, Kamillah Hanks District 49, Robert Holden District 30, Linda Lee District 23, Farah N. Louis District 45, Kristy Marmorato District 13, Christopher Marte District 1, Diane Mealy District 41, Mercedes Narcisse District 46, Vickie Paladino District 19, Lynn Schulman District 29, Sandra Ung District 20, Inna Vernikov District 48, Kalmar Yeger District 44, Susan Zhuang District 43.

We will keep this roll call of the vote on our site indefinitely in the City of Yes Special Report Section, because you, the voters, can use it as one benchmark vote, that helps you understand who is representing you, and how they are representing you. This becomes particularly important as there is the Democratic Primary in June 24, 2025 and the general election is November 4, 2025. Almost all of the elections are decided in the June primary because 56% of NYC is Democratic and only 26% is Republican. The remaining 18% are independent.

* Editor's Note.  The summary of the bill leaves out the part about the NYC Council members forfeiting their power, and because they represent us, they are forfeiting our power and legal rights to weigh in on new developments in our neighborhoods.  The summary also leaves out the part where by rushed passage of the 1,388 bill, the real estate developers and international investors can harvest a huge amount of tax abatements for 'affordable housing' that would be 'affordable' to individuals making up to $141,000 and a family of three making up to $183,00 per year or making rental payments of $4575 per month.  And the summary leaves out the part about the negotiated deal, wherein how Eric Adams is going to miraculously fund the $4 billion, that magically appeared just by Eric Adams promising it, after Eric Adams tried to cut $100 million from the budgets of public schools in January 2024 and cut $22 million from the budget for public libraries as recently as November 2023.  Adams promise of $4 billion is just that, and only that - a promise - as it is NOT IN THE BUDGET. And we all know the value of a politician's promise, especially when it's made by someone like Eric Adams, who has a documented history of lying, and is managing a tight budget that doesn't have $4 billion of funding lying around. He's going to have to take that funding from other places like public schools, public libraries and the NYPD.

Buglisi Dance Theatre Company at Lincoln Center 911

Weekend Events / Things To Do & Update Coming Later Today

Reposted September 11, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / Things to do NYC / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

This is a video of one of the rehearsals for the Table of Silence performance this morning at Lincoln Center, commemorating the 19th anniversary of 911. They return to perform the Table of Silence at Josie Robertson Plaza at Lincoln Center on Thursday 9/11 at 8.10 am. Free.  Or catch the live stream - https://www.lincolncenter.org/series/lincoln-center-presents/table-of-silence-project-911-259

• Heartfelt wishes to all.  May you have a harmonious day and success working toward having a harmonious life.

Click for our report series on Landlord / Tenant Harassment in NYC

Please be advised that this series will be evolving slowly starting sometime in Q4 2025 and continuing thereafter. Thus far we've posted some of our historical coverage, but by far and away, the best is yet to come.

Elizabeth Street Garden in Manhattan

Updated April 5, 2025 vs 4.4.2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

The photo above or at right was taken a couple of weeks ago in the Elizabeth Street Garden in the NoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. They are trying to get the city to preserve the area as a permanent community green space, and to build the proposed 'affordable housing' elsewhere. The city has been threatening to close the garden any day now, but given it's an election year, Adams may wait until after he loses it. We'll have an update of Eric Adams' latest shenanigans later today or over the weekend.

* No Foolin' - Elizabeth Street Garden Event - Tuesday, April 1, 2025

3.31.28 Manhattan _ Just in today, an event tomorrow at 4 pm, to commemorate the garden and its artistic inspirations. This is how they described the event, " ... We are calling on everyone to gather in the Garden tomorrow (Tuesday) at 4 PM to celebrate this special space. We’ll be there for a while, but please try to arrive at 4 PM if you can. We are still in federal court and doing everything we can. At this point, we're taking it day by day. If you're a painter, photographer, poet, or artist who has created something inspired by the Garden, please bring your work. We only ask that it be related to the Garden. We want to show everyone how much Elizabeth Street Garden means to our community and to New York City ...". See related story in the weekend post of 3.28.25 below, next to the E St Garden / Ramones photos. The short story also includes their website url.

Click this link for holiday parties, party venues, party halls and catering halls in Jackson Heights Queens NYC.

Get it While it's Hot - 'Affordable Housing' Lottery in LIC

150 'Affordable Housing' Units Available for Folks w/ Incomes of 'Only' $99K to $250K

October 23, 2024 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Real Estate & Business / Gotham Buzz NYC.

'Better hurry' to participate in this 'affordable housing' lottery for apartments in the Jasper at 49-20 5th Street in Long Island City, Queens. Studios are renting for the 'low, low price' of $2,900 per month and two bedroom apartments are a 'steal' at only $4,400 per month.

To qualify you 'only' need to be earning between $99,000 and $250,000 per year. These annual incomes, which are an eligibility requirement, are only 'slightly' higher [+50% to +291%] than the median NYC salary of $64,000 per year.

But don't worrry, if you miss this 'great' opportunity for 'affordable housing', because the real estate developers, real estate investors, billionaires, property owners and Mayor Adams, are pushing hard to get through the City of Yes Zoning Law changes, which will provide huge tax breaks to investors, billioinaires and real estate developers to make even more of this kind of 'affordable housing' available all over NYC.

Isn't that 'exciting'? It looks like more 'affordable housing' is finally on its way ...

See related stories below and in our City of Yes Special Report section on Gotham Buzz.

And you still have time to be heard by the NY City Council regarding your opinion of the City of Yes. Written Testimony is accepted for 72 hours after the hearing that was held Tuesday 10.22.24. Use this email address to send them your opinions - landusetestimony@council.nyc.gov. I believe the comment period expires at the close of business on Friday 10.25.24.

The LIC Summit 2024

The Changing Cultural and Real Estate Landscape in Long Island City

October 8, 2024 / LIC Neighborhood / Queens Real Estate & Business / Queens Buzz.

A. Prelude to Attending the LIC Summit 2024

It was a beautiful, sunny, dry day as I walked over to the Museum of the Moving Image in LIC / Astoria.  I arrived around 11 am to attend part of the second half of the LIC Summit, which is a real estate and business conference which examines in depth, an LIC centric world, but also mindful of the surrounding environment.

After I made my way through a flawless check-in, I found my way into the theater and sat down to listen in on the panel providing a Long Island City real estate update.  These panels are structured such that the moderator serves up a number of questions to the panelists for comment, which is then followed by audience questions, which sometimes are the best, because they are asked by people like you and me, who have lived and worked in the area for a long while and witnessed and have adjusted to the huge changes that have occurred in Long Island City over the past couple of decades.

I.  First Panel - LIC Residential Real Estate Update

This panel included Patricia Dunphy of SVP of Rockrose Development, Eric Benaim CEO / Founder of Modern Space, Dan Mogolesko SVP of the Durst Organization, Peter Papamichael Principal of the VOREA Group and Crystal Xu Director of Business Development United Construction & Development Group.

As I came in at the end of the panel presentation, I only caught the Q&A portion of the program, which follows.

A performance theater / school owner pondered aloud whether the developers were still interested in involving and supporting the arts and culture scene in Long Island City.  At the turn of the century LIC was well known as a thriving artists community, as it offered very competitive rents and good access to mass transit.  In the near quarter century since then many - if not most - of the artists have moved out of the area as they can no longer afford the rents, which have skyrocketed from under $1,000 / month to over $4,000 per month.

One of the panelists said they are interested in supporting the arts and he mentioned Culture Lab LIC as one of the arts institutions that has survived the changes.  But that was pretty much the full extent of the conversation surrounding the arts community.  So I reckon the short answer would be no.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report on the LIC Summit 2024 - Real Estate Development in LIC Queens NYC.

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