What's the number 1 issue on the minds of Astoria residents? Overzealous traffic cops ticketing their vehicles. City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. has been getting an earful about it, and he says his constituents are being unfairly targeted because the city knows they're a bunch of responsible, law-abiding citizens who actually pay up. "I’ve seen agents trail someone who pulled out of a spot and then cut them off like they were a SWAT team," Vallone tells The Times-Ledger. He also says a funeral procession was ticketed for "slightly" blocking an intersection box, and another time an agent sprawled over the hood of a car after a driver sitting in a no-parking zone tried to pull away. Some might call that dedication, but Astoria's not going to take it any more! more ›

Earlier this year Queens Council Member Peter Vallone Jr. introduced a bill that would make it illegal to jump or climb a building (monument, statue, crane and bridge) 25-feet or taller. Yesterday the City Council unveiled bill No. 721, which The NY Times is calling the "anti-Spidey law." more ›

In a recent Guardian article the subject of the New York art world rejecting street art was touched upon, a topic that led to a bigger discussion on New Yorker's views on the medium. more ›

As if the Graffiti Research Lab hadn't blurred the line between establishment art, graffiti culture, and technology enough, they recently bombed the Museum of Modern Art. During a cocktail reception at the museum, GRL used its laser-guided, software enabled, light spray paint system to project virtually-dripping messages on an interior wall of the museum. They ranged from the tags of well known New York graffiti stars to messages directed at the wine-sipping attendees ("F*** You Snobs.") We doubt that Councilman Peter Vallone was in attendance. more ›

Queens Council Member Peter Vallone Jr. has introduced a bill that would have Evel Knievel rolling in his grave. If it becomes law, stunt men are going to have a tough time working on their craft in New York, as it would outlaw climbing and jumping off any structure taller than 25 feet; daredevils could get fined and spend up to a year in jail. Alain Robert is not going to be happy about this (video). more ›