Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a $305M makeover will transform a Western Queens youth hub

Be sure to catch A Very Grinchy Pajama Party at the Cradle of Aviation on the Queens Patch calendar

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Good morning to you Queens! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $305M makeover will transform a Western Queens youth hub
  • How a Lefrak City “Golden Child” became a record-breaking UMass star
  • What Queens penthouse just hit a record $22,500 monthly rent?

Also on today's calendar: A Very Grinchy Pajama Party at the Cradle of Aviation and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Queensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Queensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 48 and low of 25 degrees.
  • Friday: Colder; snow in the afternoon, temps: high: 30, low: 26.
  • Saturday: Cold; a bit of morning snow, with a high of 31 and low of 27 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens holds closing ceremony ahead of major redevelopment project (qns.com) — A longtime Western Queens youth clubhouse is closing to make way for a $305 million, 125,000-square-foot Variety Boys and Girls Club complex that will vastly expand programs and add affordable housing. The project will bring Queens’ first planetarium, a new pool, arena, school, and mental health center, ultimately serving up to 16,000 kids a year once it opens around early 2028.
   

2. From tragedy to triumph: Yahmani McKayle's path from Queens courts to UMass star (masslive.com) — A standout UMass basketball guard is carrying the spirit of Lefrak City, Queens, from neighborhood courts to college stardom after overcoming deep personal loss. Her story highlights the support, grit, and community pride that shaped her in Queens and now fuels record-setting performances and a trailblazing college journey.
   

3. Lumen LIC apartment leased with highest monthly rent in Queens (qns.com) — A luxury penthouse at Lumen LIC in Long Island City has reportedly set a new record for the highest monthly apartment rent in Queens, at $22,500. The three-bedroom unit at 23-15 44th Rd. comes with high ceilings, designer finishes, and access to extensive amenities across multiple floors of the 67-story building, including terraces, lounges, co-working areas, and a resort-style pool and spa.
   

4. Choosing the Best Floor for Your Budget: First Floor vs Top Floor Queens (indonewyork.com) — If you’re weighing a first-floor or top-floor apartment in Queens, this guide breaks down how each option affects your rent, noise levels, light, and daily convenience. It compares typical Queens price ranges by floor, highlights tradeoffs like stairs versus street noise, and helps you match floor choice to your budget and lifestyle before you sign a lease.
   

5. Queens neighborhood holiday celebration raises $200,000 for charity (pix11.com) — A Rockaway block in the Neponsit section of Queens is drawing crowds with an elaborate Christmas light display that’s raised about $200,000 for children’s charities this year alone. Organizer Joe Mure has turned his home into a 30-year neighborhood tradition, and this season the donations are helping fund costly stem cell treatments for 6-year-old Ali Rose Modica, a paraplegic girl fighting to recover.
   

📸 Around Queens

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Oreo, a dog who went missing in Queens, NY, has been safely reunited with their family after 3 hours, 46 minutes. Message from Owner: "Please be on… (Nextdoor Richmond Hill (123St-Jamaica))
  • Hello, I wanted to just ask around if anyone is looking to add a cat to their home!
    I’ve been fostering him, but unfortunately can’t keep him because I already have two other cats and a dog. DM me for more information and happy… (Nextdoor St Albans (Liberty-Farmers Ave))
  • Target posted a job opening for On-Demand: Guest Advocate (Cashier), General Merchandise, Fulfillment (T3237) in Elmont. Apply here.
  • Marriott International posted a job opening for Residences Porter -Part-time in New Hyde Park. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Queens here.

Ok Queens! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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