Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

Labor Day Weekend Report Follows Below, Scroll Down to see Each Boro's Headline Events & Things to Do: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island

Updated 8.29.25 v. August 28, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 6.18 am. Sunset 7.35 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 13 hours & 17 minutes of daylight or one hour and 49 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 at right was taken in Central Park on the Great Lawn in a prior year. As the weather looks to be welcoming, getting a bit of fresh air and rays from the waning sun isn't a bad way to spend a few hours on a three day weekend.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different vs TV News Area Weather. The temperature highs will be in the high 70's, and the temperature lows in the low to mid 60's for all three days of the long weekend. There's a tiny, tiny chance of a tiny, tiny amount of rain Friday afternoon [aka 0% & 0 inches as far as we're concerned], and then dry the rest of the long weekend. The humidity will also be dry, ranging from 60% on Friday, to 50% on Saturday and Sunday, and then back up to 60% on Monday. Winds will range from 5 - 10 mph all weekend.

Friday Evening Edition @ 10.30 pm. Just need to update the Brooklyn West Indian Parade and Carnival events in Brooklyn, which go on all three days and which we should have done by midday Saturday. Looks like the last summer weekend is going to be a good one. Enjoy.

Things To Do This Weekend & Next Week in Manhattan

HD Opera at Lincoln Center, Shakespeare in the Park - 12th Night at the Delacorte Theater, Swimming at Outdoor Public Pools & Outer Borough Golfing - see full report below

Friday, August 22 to Monday, September 1, 2025 beginning at either 7.30 or 8 pm - Metropolitan Opera HD Festival - at the mall / fountain at Lincoln Center located along Columbus Avenue between 64th and 66th Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. These are FREE summer outdoor concerts at Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side of Manhattan NYC. For details of the full schedule see - https://www.metopera.org/about/press-releases/the-metropolitan-operas-summer-hd-festival-returns-to-lincoln-center-plaza-with-11-free-screenings-august-22september-1/

The photo above or at right was taken in a prior year at the Lincoln Center HD Opera Festival. The festival is free, open to the public and is based on first come first serve seating. It's a nice way to spend some time.

Thursday, August 28 to Saturday, September 6, 2025 beginning at 8 pm [excluding Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9/1, 2 & 3] - 12th Night Shakespeare in the Park - at Delacorte Theater in Central Park. For tickets and details [also free tickets on day of] see - https://publictheater.org/productions/season/2425/fsitp/twelfth-night/

Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 10 am - 6 pm - 40th Annual Brazilian Day Festival - Along 6th Avenue from 42nd to 56th Streets. Manhattan street fairs.

Note that next weekend is jam packed with events as the Summer ends and the Fall Season kicks in.

Also a number of upcoming street festivals - see link below.

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

Saturday, May 24, 2025 - Sunday, September 7, 2025 - NYC Beaches Opening & Closing for the Summer - see other boroughs.

• 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 2025. There are Mom's Day gift markets.
• 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.

Mondays in August & September, Democracy Vigil Meeting. See MCAL link above for details.

Wednesdays & Saturdays - The Outlaws Who Built NYC Tours. See MCAL link above for details.

August 30, 2025 - PureFinder Tour of Psychic New York. See MCAL link above for details.

Things To Do This Weekend & Next Week in Queens NYC

U.S. Open Continues, Rockaway Beach Surf Music Fest, Public Beaches & Outdoor Swim Pools Open One More Week, Oracabessa Not Returning this Year, Golfing at Douglaston, Clearview, Kissena & Forest Park Golf Courses - see full report below

Monday through Saturday, August 24 to September 7, 2025 daily beginning at 11 am - the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament at Arthur Ashe Stadium in the USTA Complex - in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. They sell grounds passes for $28 - $64 and tournament tickets from $500 - $2,200. For details and tickets see - https://www.usopen.org/

In the photo above or at right, you can see the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, from the inside the USTA Billie Jean Tennis Center, where the U.S. Open is being held. The final match is on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, August 29, 30 & 31, 2025 beginning at 5 pm, 4 pm and 4 pm respectively - The Rockaway Beach Music Series - at the Rockway Bazaar Beach Pavilion at 9701 Shorefront Parkway and 97th Street by the beach in the Rockaways in Queens. A whole weekend of music near the beach. In 2023 they held a festival over the Labor Day Weekend that was one of the biggest Labor Day weekend events in Queens. This year, while the Music Festival isn't returning per se, they're continuing with the Rockaway Beach Music Series concerts, but haven't told us anything about Monday. Free. For details see - https://www.rockaway-bazaar.com/

FYI - the Oracabessa Festival, which is generally held in Roy Wilkins Park, looks like it will NOT be returning this summer.

Saturday, May 24, 2025 - Sunday, September 7, 2025 - NYC Beaches Opening & Closing for the Summer - The Rockaways. Also outdoor public swim pools also close on Sunday, September 7th.

Note that next weekend is jam packed with events as the Summer ends and the Fall Season kicks in.

In Two Weeks. Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 2 to 3 pm, 5 to 6 pm & 7 to 8 pm - Queens Boro Dance Festival. at the Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Flushing. The performances cap the all summer long dance festival with performances in numerous locations across the borough. For details and to rsvp $29 tickets see - https://queensborodancefestival.org

• 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 2025.
• 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

Tuesdays & Thursdays in July & August beginning at 9.15 am and 11 am both days - Nature for Young Kids - at Alley Pond Environmental Center. For Adult with child ages 2 - 3 years old. See MCal link above for details and tickets which run $88 for adult / child for four weeks in July & $66 for three weeks in August.

The Hell Gate Walking Tour returns for the first three Sundays in September 2025. See MCAL link above for details.

Things To Do This Weekend & Next Week in Brooklyn NYC

Coney Isle Friday Night Fireworks, Barge Music Concerts & West Indian American Day Parade, Outdoor Public Beaches & Swimming Pools Open, as is Golfing at Marine Park Golf Course - see full report below

Saturday & Sunday, August 30 & 31, 2025 beginning at 2 & 4 pm - Barge Music Concerts - at the Boathouse in Brooklyn Bridge Park at 10 Montague Street on Pier 5. For details see - https://gogreenbk.org/event/bargemusic-2025/2025-08-30/

Fridays, June 20 - September 5, 2025 _ Weekly _ The Coney Island Weekly Friday Night Fireworks - at Steeple Chase Tower off the Boardwalk near Luna Park [see fireworks link that follows for details]. Including July 4th. For details, copy & paste - https://www.allianceforconeyisland.org

WE NEED TO UPDATE THE 2025 WIADC COMING BY SATURDAY, 8.30.25 MIDDAY.

• All Weekend [see below**] / Monday, September 2, 2024 beginning at 10 am - 57th Annual West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival. There are events related to the parade going on all weekend [see below]. The parade begins at 11 am on Labor Day, Monday September 2nd starting near the Children's Zoo in Prospect Park, which is just south of the Grand Army Plaza near the Brooklyn Museum. The parade then marches south through Prospect Park along Flatbush Avenue. At the Flatbush they exit from the Park, the parade turns onto Empire Blvd and heads east to Nostrand, and then turns south ending at Midwood. Almost every site I saw seemed to get this wrong except the NYPD and the Organizers' site. The event runs from 10 am - 6 pm and you'll also find food stalls and shopping along along Eastern Parkway in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn.
• Click here to read a brief report we did on the WIADC West Indian American Day Parade / Jouvert in Brooklyn last year.
• ** There are multiple events over the weekend. On Friday night from 8 pm to 3 am there's Socafest which is live music and some drinks for $75 / $ 150 at the Brooklyn Museum. On Saturday beginning at 7 pm there's a steelpan competition that costs $50, also at the Brooklyn Museum. On Sunday at 3 pm there's an outdoor concert for $70 at the Brooklyn Museum. On Monday, beginning at 6 am, J'ouvert [French for 'day break'] begins in Grand Army Plaza, followed by the parade gathering at 10 am and stepping off at 11 am. For details see - https://wiadcacarnival.org or their FB page at - https://www.facebook.com/Jouvertcity.

The photo above or at right was taken in a prior year at the West Indian American Day Carnival and Parade. In addition to the parade there are all kinds of food stalls and outdoor shops selling Caribbean related food, clothing and other items.

Saturday, May 24, 2025 - Sunday, September 7, 2025 - NYC Beaches Opening & Closing for the Summer - Coney Island. Also outdoor public swim pools also close on Sunday, September 7th.

Note that next weekend is jam packed with events as the Summer ends and the Fall Season kicks in.

Two Plays - Polonsky & Billie Holiday Theater.

• 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 2025.
• 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.

September 4, 2025 at 7 pm - Spectrum: A Multidisciplinary Gallery & Reading - see MCAL link above for details.

Things To Do This Weekend & Next Week in the Bronx NYC

Latin Foto Festival Last Weekend, Orchard Beach & Outdoor Public Pools Open, Van Cortlandt & Pelham Bay Golf Courses Open, Bronx Zoo, Botanical Gardens - see full report below

Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 12 noon to 7 pm - Bronx Night Market - see street fairs page for details.

Hunts Point _ Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, August 1 - 31, 2025 from 2 to 6 pm Thurs & 12 noon to 5 pm Fri & Sat - Latin Foto Festival - at the Bronx Art Space at 700 Manida Street off Spofford Avenue in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the Bronx. There's an outdoor art space that is part of the exhibit which is open 24/7. Free. For details see - http://www.bronxartspace.com

Saturday, May 24, 2025 - Sunday, September 7, 2025 - NYC Beaches Opening & Closing for the Summer - Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park. Also outdoor public swim pools also close on Sunday, September 7th.

The photo above or at right shows folks relaxing at Orchard Beach in the Bronx. There's only one more week of beach side swimming left in the year.

The first weekend of September there's Ferragosto in Bronx Little Italy. The second weekend of September there's the the Central American Independence Parade and Festival in Crotona Park and the City Island Art Fair among other upcoming events in the Bronx. Details coming next week or see the parades & festivals or the street fairs pages links below.

Next two weeks - Ferragosto in Bronx Little Italy, City Island Art Fair & Central American Independence Parade in Crotona Park.

• 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 2025.
• 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.

September 27 & 28, 2025 - the Bartow Bricante Flea Market - see MCAL link above for details.

Things To Do This Weekend & Next Week on Staten Island NYC

Historic Richmond Town County Fair, The British are Coming Concert in Tottenville, Golfing at Silver Lake and South Shore Golf Courses, Public Beaches & Swimming Pools - see full report below

Historic Richmond Town _ Saturday, Sunday & Monday, August 30, 31 & September 1, 2025 from 12 noon - 8 pm. Richmond County Fair - At Historic Richmond Town at 441 Clarke Avenue. Food, music, carnival, crafts, living history, entertainment & shopping for families and folks of all ages. Admission $7 kids / $12 seniors / $15 adults & kids age 5 and under are free. Staten Island street fairs / festivals in Historic Richmond Town. One of the biggest events on Staten Island. For details see - https://www.historicrichmondtown.org

In the photo above or at right was taken last year at the County Fair in Historic Richmond Town. It's an old fashioned county fair, in an historic setting, albeit without the livestock. There are plenty of food and market vendors to round out the holiday for the kids and family.

Saturday, May 24, 2025 - Sunday, September 7, 2025 - NYC Beaches Opening & Closing for the Summer - Midland, New Dorp & Ocean Breeze Beaches along the east coast of Staten Island. Also outdoor public swim pools also close on Sunday, September 7th.

Monday, September 1, 2025 from 4 - 5.30 pm - The SI Philharmonic performs 'The British are Coming' - at the Conference House at 7455 Hylan Blvd in Tottenville on Staten Island. FREE. This is an annual celebratory concert. For details see - https://www.instagram.com/p/DN4LobOjt9f/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=195e60a1-3494-437f-b82c-10234f856c14 or the Conference House - https://conferencehouse.org

• 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 2024.
• 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.

Click here for things to do Labor Day Weekend in Manhattan

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

August 15, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 6.06 am. Sunset 7.53 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 13 hours & 47 minutes of daylight or one hour and 19 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 vs TV News Area Weather. No precipitation is in the forecast. The high temperatures will be in the high 80's and the low temperatures will be in the low to mid 70's. Winds will range from 5 - 10 mph all weekend. And the humidity will range from about 80% Saturday to the mid 90% on Sunday.

The photo at right was taken last year at the opening of the Battery Park Dance Festival, which runs this weekend. It's well worth the visit and its free.

Friday Mid Afternoon Edition @ 3.45 pm. Pretty much done. Looks to be another great summer weekend. Have a good one.

Is the FEC Chelsea NYCHA Demolition Project being Railroaded thru by Stephen Ross, Related Companies & Eric Adams prior to a Mamdani Mayoralty?

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 beginning at 6.30 pm - Manhattan CB 4 Meeting - Find out what's going on with NYC owned property that appears Eric Adams is giving away. Attend via Zoom or in person. For details and to rsvp click here - FEC Chelsea NYCHA Demoliton Project. The train is departing the station, so there's little time to waste. Here's some related information we reported about this same subject [generally] a number of years ago - Bloomberg Mayoralty property give aways to Stephen Ross & Related Companies.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report, as well as other Weekend Things To Do in NYC in August 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

August 8, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 5.59 am. Sunset 8.02 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 14 hours & 3 minutes of daylight or one hour and three 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 vs TV News Area Weather. No precipitation is in the forecast for the weekend. The temperature highs will be in the low to mid 80's all weekend. The temperature lows will be in the high 60's all weekend. The winds will range between 3 - 8 mph all weekend. The humidity will range from 50% - 65% all weekend. Seems to be a pleasant repeat of last weekend.

In the photo above or at right is a dragon meandering through the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival grouns in Flushing Queens. The festival returns this weekend.

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

In Nearly Four Years has Eric Adams done Anything to Rein in Landlord Harassment & Slumlord Millionaires? Have Privately Controlled TV News Networks Spread & Amplified another seemingly Trump Epstein Big Lie? Why Did Trump Have to Travel to Scotland to Find out that the Palestinians are Starving in Gaza?

August 1, 2025 / NYC Politics & Government / NYC Social Issues / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Eric Adams has Succeeded in Helping Billionaires Build Luxury Housing, but He has Failed to Stop Landlord Harassments of NYC Tenants & the Alleged Cheating of Black & Brown Homeowers out of Their Properties via Deed Theft - Documented in Film Slumlord Millionaire and in an OpEd by FEC NYCHA Tenants

News Analysis, Opinion & Insight. This story is not likely to show up on your TV screen in a timely fashion, because real news stories and real news insights rarely do. And too often, by the time they do, it's far too late to make a difference.

This is the trailer to a recent film that came out regarding landlord harassment in NYC, as well as about black and brown homeowner deed theft - neither of which Eric Adams appears to have done much about, during his nearly four years in office as NYC Mayor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuuBlQJh86M

If you find the trailer interesting enough, you can watch the full one hour and 22 minute long film on PBS until 8.26.25 - at which time it expires. Viewing the film now is free, but it is preceded by two short PBS promos before the film begins - https://www.pbs.org/video/slumlord-millionaire-3sgi7g/

Eric Adams claims to be a pro housing Mayor. It is true that he's been very supportive of housing projects by billionaires and international investors. But Adams has not advocated much - if at all [eg. the Rent Guidelines Board rent increases during his one term in office] - for tenants. And he's not been a champion of the black and brown people to whom he tells what now seems his phony personal housing insecurity story. You know, the one about him bringing his clothes to school as a child for fear of eviction. This story wouldn't be the first nor the only lie he has publicly told New Yorkers. And Adams appears to be helping multi-billionaire real estate developer Stephen Ross move FEC NYCHA tenants out of their homes, so that Ross can grab even more NYC land than he already has.

But don't take my word for it.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report about Eric Adams doing nothing to rein in Landlord Harassment & Slumlord Millionaires? Billionaire controlled TV News Networks Spread & Amplify what seems another Trump Epstein Big Lie and Why Did Trump Have to Travel to Scotland to Find out that the Palestinians are Starving in Gaza?

Mamdani Beats out Cuomo for Union Support, While Adams is Facing More Corruption Charges & Trump Tries to Put the Epstein Genie back in the Bottle

July 25, 2025 / NYC Politics & Government / NYC Social Issues / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Eric Adams Facing More Corruption Charges vis-a-vis NYPD & Mamdani Beats out Cuomo for Union Support

News Analysis & Opinion.

Meanwhile former NYPD Captain, Mayor Eric Adams, was hit with yet another set of corruption charges in court, this time alleging that Adams had turned NYPD operations into a criminal enterprise. See graphic above or at right.

We'll provide details sometime later, but in the meantime, take a look for yourself at what kind of a 'law and order' Mayor Adams is - https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/07/16/nypd-donlon-lawsuit-adams-racketeering/

NYC mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani, has secured the backing of a number of large NYC unions support, beating out former Governor Cuomo for unions that had previously supported him.

We'll provide details sometime later, but in the meantime here's a video Mamdani did, taking a pre-emptive shot mocking the adolescently edited NY Post, instead of the other way around https://www.facebook.com/reel/1066919915568285

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report about Mamdani Beats out Cuomo for Union Support, While Adams Facing More Corruption Charges & Trump Tries to Put the Epstein Genie back in the Bottle.

Trump, the Epstein Files & the Republican Party's New Value System

July 18, 2025 / U.S. Politics & Government / NYC Social Issues / Gotham Buzz NYC.

The Epstein Files & the Republican Party's New System of Values

News Analysis & Opinion. There was a time when Republicans used to claim they were the party of 'Family Values'. They took umbrage at some of the amorality espoused on network TV, berated single mothers, women who opted for abortions, government officials' sex scandals, dishonesty and pornography. They said they were the party of responsibility, kindness and love. But today, it seems that Republicans have done a 180 on almost everything they once stood for, including fiscal conservatism.

Recently Republicans looked the other way, as their party for the fourth time in the past 45 years, passed a tax cut for the wealthiest people on the planet. And funded it by putting their children, grandchildren and unborn heirs on the hook to pay it. Is giving rich people government money the nation doesn't have responsible? Is dumping huge amounts of debt on your children and their children [and beyond] responsible?

As you can see by reading the graphic above or at right, one of the alleged mobsters who used to visit Trump's casino in New Jersey wouldn't let Trump near his daughter because he likely knew the kind of person Trump was.

As for kindness and supporting families, we need to ask whether they think that pulling food assistance and healthcare support from poor families, to partially fund the cost of the uber rich tax cut, is going to help families stay together, or uplift them? Or step on them and keep them from having a chance at "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"?

And then there's the Epstein files. Jeffrey Epstein described Donald Trump as one of his "best friends" for decades. Epstein's townhouse, where some of the alleged under age girls parties were held, is only a stone's throw from Trump Tower. Trump was photographed and video recorded numerous different times with his longtime associate Jeffrey Epstein at all kinds of parties [see photos]. Epstein bought a mansion in the Mara Lago neighborhood, where Epstein allegedly threw under age girls pool parties that Donald Trump has been rumored to have attended.

Is it really such a stretch to think that Donald Trump, owner of the Miss America pageant, who apparently felt entitled to walk into the contestants' dressing rooms unannounced, wouldn't cross the line to have sex with underage girls? Trump was also sued numerous times regarding various improprieties with varying outcomes. Keep in mind that Donald Trump is a master manipulator of our legal system, among other things.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report about Trump, the Epstein Files & the Republican Party's New Value System.

Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

July 4th Fireworks & Weekend _ Scroll Down to see Headline Events & Things to Do for Each Boro: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island

July 4, 2025 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 5.296 am. Sunset 8.301 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 15 hours & 1 minutes of daylight or five 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 a few years ago, of folks lined up along the East River waterfront in Queens, on a warm summer day, waiting in anticipation of ... This year Queens won't have a front row seat to the Macy's 4th of July fireworks as they are being staged at the south end of the East River, so folks will have to travel to Brooklyn and Manhattan for the front row seats. In prior years some of the fireworks barges were staged around Midtown, whereas this year none will be positioned north of the Brooklyn Bridge. That said, they're trying something new this year, as two launch areas are being positioned atop the Brooklyn Bridge - one at each tower. The height of these two launch areas may make remote viewing more accessible from longer distances.

NYC Specific Weather - This can be very Different vs TV News Area Weather. The temperature highs will be in the mid to high 80's Friday and Saturday, while the temperature lows will be around 70 for those two days. The Sunday high will be about 90 and the low in the mid to high 70's. No rain is in the forecast for NYC this weekend. The winds will be about 3 - 8 mph Friday and Saturday, rising to 5 - 10 mph on Sunday. The humidity will range from 50% - 65% in what appears to be a relatively stable three days, although rising slightly each day. So, all tolled, the weekend looks to be pretty fine.

Friday Early AM Edition @ 3 am. Friday July 4th events are mostly done. We may have one or two additions by about lunchtime. And by the end of Friday will have the whole weekend posted. Have a Happy 4th of July weekend.

Things To Do This Weekend & Next Week in NYC

NYC Beaches and Public Outdoor Swim Pools are Open for the Summer.

CLICK here to see NYC 4th of July Fireworks all 5 Boroughs.

Things To Do This Weekend & Next Week in Manhattan

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks begin at 9.35 in the East River & atop the Brooklyn Bridge. For details use our link below which contains maps and explanations of viewing and restrictions and / or see - https://www.macysinc.com/newsroom/news/news-details/2025/Macys-4th-of-July-Fireworks-Show-Live-From-the-Brooklyn-Bridge-and-the-East-River-With-Sparkling-Displays-and-Electrifying-Musical-Performances/default.aspx

CLICK to see Manhattan 4th of July fireworks 2025 best viewing locations & Macy's July 4th Fireworks 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 2025. There are Mom's Day gift markets.
• 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 & Next Week in Queens NYC

4th of July Fireworks at Breezy Point & Subway Series Yankees / Mets

July 4 - 6, 2025 - Subway Series - Yankees vs Mets - at CitiField in Queens. For tickets and details see MLB website.

Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 8 - 8.20 pm* - Fireworks and July 4th celebration. * Note that the time posted this year [8 - 8.20 pm] seems early, as historically it's been booked an hour later. I found one unofficial site that posted 9 pm as the start time, so get there early or risk missing them. At Breezy Point which is a neighborhood located along the west end of the Rockaways. Organized by the Breezy Point Coop. For details, copy & paste - https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-01301

Saturday, June 7 - September 13, 2025 at various times & locations - Queens Boro Dance Festival. The performances are weekly all summer long in numerous locations across the borough. Free. For details see - https://queensborodancefestival.org

CLICK to see Queens July 4th fireworks 2025 & Astoria Park 4th of July fireworks & Bayside Fireworks 2025 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 2025.
• 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

Tuesdays & Thursdays in July & August beginning at 9.15 am and 11 am both days - Nature for Young Kids - at Alley Pond Environmental Center. For Adult with child ages 2 - 3 years old. See MCal link above for details and tickets which run $88 for adult / child for four weeks in July & $66 for three weeks in August.

Things To Do This Weekend & Next Week in Brooklyn NYC

54th International African Arts Festival, 4th of July Fireworks along the East River & at Coney Island

Friday, July 4, 2025 from 11 am - 1 pm - Nathan's Hotdog Eating Contest - At the corner of Stillwell and Surf. Contestants show many hotdogs they can eat in ten minutes. In 2021 - For the men, Joey Chestnut ate 76 hotdogs in ten minutes, and for the women, Michelle Lesco ate just shy of 31 hot dogs in ten minutes.

Friday, July 4, 2025 - Macy's 4th of July Fireworks begin at 9.35 in the East River & atop the Brooklyn Bridge. For details use our link below which contains maps and explanations of viewing and restrictions and / or see - https://www.macysinc.com/newsroom/news/news-details/2025/Macys-4th-of-July-Fireworks-Show-Live-From-the-Brooklyn-Bridge-and-the-East-River-With-Sparkling-Displays-and-Electrifying-Musical-Performances/default.aspx

Friday thru Sunday, July 4 - 6, 2025 from 10 am - 9 pm Daily - The 54th International African Arts Festival - At Commodore Barry Park at Navy Street [North Elliot Place] and Flushing & Park Avenues in the Fort Greene Neighborhood of Brooklyn. This fair includes food, shopping and there are also daily musical / dance performances. Admission with $5 - $10 suggested donation at the gate. Street fairs in Fort Greene BK. https://iaafestival.org/

Fridays, June 20 - September 5, 2025 _ Weekly _ The Coney Island Weekly Friday Night Fireworks - at Steeple Chase Tower off the Boardwalk near Luna Park [see fireworks link that follows for details]. Including July 4th. For details, copy & paste - https://www.allianceforconeyisland.org

Two Plays - Polonsky & Billie Holiday Theater.

CLICK to see Brooklyn 4th of July fireworks 2025 best viewing locations & Coney Island July 4th fireworks 2025 BK 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 2025.
• 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 & Next Week in the Bronx NYC

Subway Series Yankees / Mets

Thursday, July 3, 2025 beginning at 9 pm - Independence Day Fireworks at Coop City. It will be held at Little League Field in Co-op City in the Bronx. People will start gathering around 5 pm, there's a concert by a band at 7 pm and the fireworks show will begin around 9 pm. This fireworks display returned after a couple year hiatus during the pandemic [2020 - 2022 I think]. For details see - https://www.coopcity.com or https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-01301

July 4 - 6, 2025 - Subway Series - Yankees vs Mets - at CitiField in Queens. For tickets and details see MLB website.

CLICK to see Bronx 4th of July fireworks 2025 & Orchard Beach July 4th fireworks 2025 BX 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 2025.
• 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.

Things To Do This Weekend & Next Week on Staten Island NYC

Travis Town Independence Day Parade, 4th of July Fireworks at the Ferry Hawks Game & Remote Viewing of both the Macy's and Coney Island Fireworks

Thursday, July 3, 2025 beginning at 7 pm & 9 pm respectively - 4th of July concert & 4th of July fireworks show. Vinnie Medugno and the Cocoa Band. Both the concert and the fireworks are FREE. At Turtle Circle at Midland Beach along the east shore of Staten Island near Staten Island University Hospital in Dongan Hills on Staten Island. For details, see - https://www.instagram.com/sibpvito/?hl=en or https://www.statenislandusa.com or https://www.facebook.com/SIBPVito/

Friday, July 4th, 2025 beginning at 11.30 am - Travis Independence Day Parade and celebration that harks back to a simpler time. The roads close at 11.15 am. The ceremonies begin at 12 noon at Independence Park honoring some of the local parade celebrities. The parade starts at 12.30 pm. The parade route is triangular beginning at the Showplace Entertainment Center at 141 East Service Road, marches west on Victory Blvd to Glen Street. Then to Cannon Avenue, before heading south on Victory Blvd ending back at the Showplace Center. 4th of July parades on Staten Island. For tickets and details copy & paste - https://travisparade.org/

Friday, July 4, 2025 after the game / dusk - Staten Island Ferry Hawks fireworks display - at SIUH Community Park at 75 Richmond Terrace which is a short walk from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal in St. George. The game time is 7 pm and the fireworks start at dusk / after the ball game. For Ferry Hawks tickets and full fireworks schedule, copy & paste - https://ferryhawks.com/sports/2025/1/27/2025-home-schedule.aspx

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks begin at 9.35 in the East River & atop the Brooklyn Bridge. For details use our link below which contains maps and explanations of viewing and restrictions and / or see - https://www.macysinc.com/newsroom/news/news-details/2025/Macys-4th-of-July-Fireworks-Show-Live-From-the-Brooklyn-Bridge-and-the-East-River-With-Sparkling-Displays-and-Electrifying-Musical-Performances/default.aspx

CLICK to see - Staten Island 4th of July fireworks 2025 & Empire Outlets, the Staten Island Ferry Hawks Fireworks 2025 and the Travis July 4th Parade SI

• 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 2024.
• 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.

GB 568

Things to do This Weekend in NYC & Boros

5 Boro Bike Ride, Janes Walk History & Architecture Weekend all 5 Boros NYC; Stone Street Cinco de Mayo Festival, Clio Art Fair, Macy's Flower Show & Buena Vista Social Club Continue in Manhattan; Closing Reception 'Free Your Mind' at JCAL, Cinco de Mayo at Kupferberg, 63rd & Myrtle Avenue Spring Fairs in Queens; Church Avenue Festival, Luna Park Opens on Coney Island Brooklyn; Run the Bronx & Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu Fair in the Bronx; Yankee Peddler Day in Historic Richmond Town & Spring Outdoor Market at the Conference House on Staten Island - Next Week Met Gala, Bronx Weeks begin, Bronx Arts Ensemble, FEC No Demolition NYCHA & CUNY Jazz Festival in Washington Heights

Updated May 3, 2025 vs 5.1.25 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Sunrise 6.02 am. Sunset 7.52 pm. Daylight Savings Time. We're getting 13 hours & 58 minutes of daylight or four hours and 43 more minutes of sunlight than we were getting the weekend of the Winter Solstice, on December 21, 2024, which is the shortest day of the year at 9 hours and 15 minutes of daylight. Spring began Thursday, March 20, 2025, which is also the Spring Equinox, when the day is 12 hours long - half daylight and half dark.

NYC Weather. There's a 50% - 60% chance of a half inch of rain after 4 pm on Saturday, and a 40% - 60% chance of over a half inch of rain on Sunday. Definitely manageable. The temperature highs will rise from about 70 degrees on Thursday, to about 80 on Friday and Saturday, before falling back a bit to about 70 degrees on Sunday. The temperature lows will be around 60 degrees all weekend. The humidity will rise from 40% on Thursday morning to 70% later in the day. For the rest of the weekend the humidity will range between 60% - 80%. The winds will range between 5 - 10 mph all weekend.

The photo above or at right was taken earlier this week. Notice the man sitting on a ledge in the top left portion of the photo. Folks were out enmasse, enjoying the unseasonally warm weather.

Saturday Very Early AM Edition @ 2 am. Done. FYI - a few weeks ago we did a major Spring cleaning update to the street fairs and farmers markets to reflect the coming months / season of outdoor activities, which you can find by using the links below. Henceforth we will be updating either weekly or as needed.

Things To Do This Weekend & Next Week in NYC

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 2, 3 & 4, 2025 at various times but generally from 10 am to 5 pm - Janes Walk Weekend - at 200 locations in all five boroughs. Various art, culture, history and architectural tours throughout all five boros of NYC. Free. They describe the event as follows, " ... MAS staff organize a fleet of volunteer walk leaders, to create 200+ FREE, in-person, virtual, and on-demand walks with over 10,000 participants ... During Jane’s Walk NYC weekend, the simple act of exploring the city is enhanced with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement."... Organized by the Municipal Art Society. Not a street fair so much as a streets tour. For details including a map of locations, copy & paste - https://www.mas.org/janes-walk-nyc-2025/

In the photo above or at right, you can see a number of shops lined up along the subway and street. Small merchants around NYC and the nation, like Wall Street, are nervous about the prospect that Trump tariffs and disruptions, could have a negative impact on their businesses and livelihoods.

Sunday, May 4, 2025 first wave beginning at 7.30 am & officially over at 6 pm - 5 Boro Bike Ride. It starts between Canal Street and the Battery in Manhattan, depending on the cyclist wave folks are in. And it ends at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Not a street fair per se, but rather a major cycling event. For details, copy & paste - https://www.bike.nyc

Thursday & Friday, May 8 & 9, 2025 from 12 noon to 10 pm - CUNY Jazz Festival - in Aaron Davis Hall at [it's either 129 or the flyer says 160] Convent Avenue in Washington Heights Manhattan NYC. For details see - https://jazz.ccnysites.cuny.edu/contact/

Saturday, June 14, 2025 is the Deadline to Register to Vote in the NYC Primary on June 24th. Applications must be received by the NY Board of Elections to be eligible to vote in this election. As it's a Saturday, we recommend you make sure they get it by Friday, June 13, 2025. The winner of the Democratic primary is almost always the person who becomes Mayor [Giuliani and Bloomberg were exceptions because of Rupert Murdoch's NY Post & Fox News manipulations & Bloomberg's $$$], as 56% of NYC voters identify as Democrat, and about 26% identify as Republican [other sources say these numbers are 48% & 21% respectively].

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

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.

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.

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

Stats & Facts Missing in the City of Yes Proposal

Have Mayor Adams & Daniel Garodnick been Selling Us 108,000 Units of Hooey?

November 12, 2024 / NYC Government & Politics / NYC Real Estate & Business / News & Analysis / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Adams Administration Fails to Provide Straight Answers Two Very Specific & Very Basic Questions - 1) How Many Affordable Housing Units Guaranteed by Passage of this Legislation & 2) a) What Size Units, b) at What 'Affordable' Price and c) in What Borough?

What 'Affordable' Housing Guarantees? It is being sold as a cure-all for NYC's housing crisis, yet when I asked the Adams Administration Department of Planning how many units of affordable housing would we be guaranteed by passage of this legislation, the answer that came back to me was a long-winded form of 'none'.

I'll say this again - No 'affordable' housing units are guaranteed by passage of the City of Yes legislation.

What Size Apartment, at What Price & in What Borough? When I asked the Adams Administration's Department of City Planning to provide me with details of how many units of affordable housing would be built, at what 'affordable' price, for what size apartment, and in what borough - I again received another round-about answer via a link they sent me, to one of their selling pitches on a website, where I found no specifics related to the question above.

Let me say this again - No description of what sized units, at what 'affordable' price and in what borough. I found this hard to believe, since for the past year Mayor Adams and Daniel Garodnick of the Department of City Planning have been publicly selling this legislation, by promising it will result in over 108,000 new units of 'affordable' housing being built.

My papa once told me, "No proof. No sale."

Or as the 1980's Reagan commercial asked, "where's the beef?". In this case 'beef' = 'affordable housing'.

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.

Trump Presidency Deficits Cost Each American Household $62,000

Trump Talks about how Great the Economy was While he was President

What he and Network TV Nothingness News don't talk about, are the Deficits he Incurred to Fuel Spending

October 22, 2024 / Government & Politics / News Analysis & Opinion / Gotham Buzz NYC.

The graphic at right shows your household share of the debt racked up by the federal government while Trump and the Republicans were in charge.

Trump Breaks Record for the Greatest Deficits in American History

Donald Trump keeps heralding the economy during his presidency 2016 - 2020, but what he doesn't talk about is how he put each household in America on the hook for $62,000 within just four years, or $23,188 per person. We know the Billionaires received that and then some via the 2017 tax cut, but most of the rest of us received pennies on the dollar - at best.

So why haven't the TV Networks newspeople talked about this or questioned Trump or Vance about this? Trump and Vance are both Republicans, and much of this debt was incurred while Republicans also controlled both the Senate and House. The Trump presidency $8 trillion deficit incurred within four years, was equal to 40% of all debt accumulated [and still on the books] by America's 44 previous presidents in the prior 225 years of the nation's existence.

The graphic at right shows the federal government debt trendline ending at the end of the Trump Administration.

Trump Calls for the FCC to Revoke TV News Licenses - I Agree, but for Different Reasons

So why aren't the TV Networks newspeople informing the American public and telling people about this when the subject of the 'Trump Economy' arises?

Probably because they are too busy looking in people's backyards in Springfield, Ohio for non-existent bones of the dogs and cats that Trump told their TV audience were eaten by Haitian immigrants. Or because they just had to cover the Donald doing a photo op flipping burgers at a McDonald's, propagandistically showing he's a working man. Or because they've buried their ostrich heads so far in the ground that they can't get them out when it really matters. They've taken the nation along with them into the black hole of nothing-newsworthy-news.

Trump has repeatedly suggested that the FCC licenses of TV News should be revoked. While his reasons are that they didn't give him a sycophantic, slatheringly obsequious interview; one of my reasons is that they have been failing the American public for decades, by not presenting real news, and also when they do, it's not done in a fair and balanced manner.

But my primary reason is that they are not owned by, nor do they represent, the various demographic groups / voices in the nation. Like their news coverage, they put a glossy shine on the appearance of representation, just as they pretend to do real journalism; but when you scratch the surface, it becomes very apparent, that just as it's not real journalism, their broadcasts do not give voice to the various demographic groups within the country.

I think we may be on a roll until election day.

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.

Coney Island - Final Fireworks of the Summer 2024

August 30, 2024 / Coney Island / Brooklyn / Brooklyn BLVD.

On Friday night, the final fireworks show by the Alliance for Coney Island, started around 10 pm on the Reigelmann Boardwalk just east of the Steeple Chase Tower and adjacent to the Luna Amusement Park. It was a comfortable evening, with a slight, cool breeze coming in off the water. There were hundreds of spectators who came to see the show and enjoy an end of the summer ride and snacks at Luna Park. I shot the 10 - 15 minute show from various locations around the Boardwalk, water and Luna Park and then edited it down to about 2 - 3 minutes, ending with a bit of island music. Enjoy the show.

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Coop City Fireworks in the Bronx

July 6, 2024 / Coop City / Bronx Buzz NYC. I attended and recorded the Coop City fireworks in the Bronx this year. The fireworks display was launched from the Coop City Field located along the Hutchinson River which empties into the Long Island Sound.

They started around 9.30 pm and went for about 15 - 30 minutes, and I fouind it to be a fireworks display worth watching. Check out a few clips we put together from the show.

NYS Primary Voting Tuesday, April 2, 2024

In addition to the presidential primary, there are also NYS primary races on the ballot.

San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy Manhattan NYC

Manhattan's Signature Italian Festival Celebrates Little Italy in NYC

September 13, 2023 / NYC Neighborhoods / NYC Things To Do Events / Gotham Buzz NYC.

Fall is just around the corner, which means the San Gennaro Festival is about to begin in Little Italy in Manhattan. See the front page or the parades & festivals page or click into the story for details of the San Gennaro Festival of 2023.

A Very Brief History of Little Italy Manhattan

Little Italy is just north of Canal street, across from Chinatown, which lies to its south. SoHo lies to its west, across Lafayette Street. While the Bowery is just east of it along Mott and Bowery Streets, and Nolita [North of Little Italy] lies to the north of it, across Broome Street. This is something of a downsized area from the original Little Italy of a century ago.

Little Italy was an important destination for Italians arriving in New York City in the late 1800's and early 20th century. It was generally a poor, working class neighborhood at that time, filled with laborers, and shopkeepers who traded food, wine and clothing. And the community was fairly self-sufficient with its own doctors, lawyers and bankers accoding to a Wikipedia account of an NYT story in 1896.

Little Italy's size and population peaked in the early 20th century, aat about 10,000, as Italians left for greener pastures in other parts of the city, including East Harlem, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. Nonetheless, Little Italy remains somewhat intact, as a very popular tourist destination, the peak of which is celebrated in tandem with the San Gennaro Festival.

• CLICK here to read the rest of our report about the San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy Manhattan NYC.