Astoria dissected by Albany redistricting: Gianaris

An article by Times Ledger discusses the new state Senate and congressional district lines, which have met criticism from lawmakers.

Astoria lawmakers said they were disappointed by the new congressional and state Senate district lines, which splits the neighborhood across two districts.

 

“The maps are horrible,” said Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria). “They divide communities that should not be divided, including Astoria.”

 

Both of the new maps slice off part of the north section of Astoria above Ditmars Boulevard.

[...]

Gianaris’ district currently encompasses most of Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, most of Woodside and parts of Maspeth and Ridgewood. The new district eliminates parts of Astoria and Woodside now in Peralta’s district in exchange for parts of Elmhurst, Glendale, Woodhaven and Ozone Park.

 

Gianaris said he will work with his friend Peralta to serve Astoria residents, but he hopes a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court brought by state Sen. Martin Dilan (D-Brooklyn) and other Democrats against LATFOR will overturn the lines.

 

“I’m optimistic that that will succeed, and that will give us one more crack at doing this the right way,” he said.

Read the full article here.