Issues: New York City

The New York Post reports on a lawsuit filed against the city by two store front owners who claim that faulty traffic planning has resulted in multiple incidents of cars plowing into their storefronts.

Two Queens shops shuttered after out-of-control cars plowed into their storefronts not once but twice — and within just nine days of each other — have filed a $1 million lawsuit, blaming a 59th Street Bridge exit ramp.

Espinal Caribbean Restaurant II had been open four years in Long Island City when the first crash happened in March 2011.

“It was a major setback and years of work evaporated,’’ owner Tony Espinal said. “But then the second crash!

The rising price of gas is no secret ?for city drivers, according to state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside).

Avella held a news conference outside a Flushing service station Friday to announce legislation he introduced, which includes a city-imposed flat tax on gasoline and diesel fuels.

“As we all cry out in pain over the rapid increase of gas prices the past few months, the city is quietly sitting back and collecting an unfair and undeserved surge in revenue,” Avella said. “Not only are consumers being gouged by the base price of oil, but they are also being gouged by the city collecting a percentage rate.”

The Times Ledger talks about JetBlue's move to a new office located in Long Island City's Brewster Building. Senator Gianaris joined other elected officials at the ribbon-cutting of the new corporate office.

Two long-awaited changes came to Queens Plaza last week as the recently completed park near 29th Street was named “Dutch Kills Green” and airline company JetBlue opened its new Long Island City office a few blocks away.

“What a terrific day in the ongoing renaissance in the Queensboro Plaza area,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) said. 

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