Heard Around Town
Politics
Bronx rezoning gets the go-ahead from local council member
Is member deference over? Marjorie Velázquez didn’t want to find out.
Policy
Policy
Federal judge dismantles New York’s new gun restrictions
A Syracuse judge on Thursday struck down several provisions of the state law limiting who can carry a gun in public.
Policy
Policy
NYC Districting Commission (finally) submits maps to the City Council
Minor changes to the map were enough to move it through, ahead of the Dec. 7 deadline
New York City
Policy
Mental health care on Rikers: New York’s largest psychiatric provider
On an average day, almost 3,000 people with mental illnesses are detained there – and they need better care.
Nonprofits
NYN Media
Settlement houses workers face burnout amid poverty-level wages: Report
A United Neighborhood Houses study found that the housing settlements provide essential community services, while issues of salary parity and employee retention persist.
Nonprofits
NYN Media
Advocates and electeds call for an end to solitary confinement as City Council discusses a bill to curtail the controversial practice
So far, no policy decisions have yet made progress in stopping jail officials from isolating incarcerated people.
Policy
Policy
Overwhelmed with migrant arrivals, NYC has planned tent shelter to be built in a Bronx flood zone
Road leading to the isolated Orchard Beach parking lot has been dubbed by locals “Lake Orchard.”
New York City
Policy
The private sector vaccine mandate is lifted. What about the public sector?
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is standing by the COVID-19 requirement – despite being challenged in court.
Policy
Policy
MTA to install ‘Big Brother’ security cameras in all New York City subway cars
Gov. Kathy Hochul and the MTA are optimistic new measures will prevent subway crime and give riders an added sense of security.
Gun Control
Policy
Advocates raise concerns about NYPD’s enhanced use of pedestrian stops to tamp down on guns
Gun arrests are at a 27-year high, while stop-and-frisk incidents have also surged.
Policy
Policy
Evictions slowly ramp up after COVID-19
They’re nowhere at pre-pandemic levels, but a small but steady rise since January may portend a new crisis.
Policy
Policy
How New York City’s right-to-shelter law works
New York City Mayor Eric Adams wants to reassess the entire homeless shelters system.
Policy
Policy
Clean fuels industry leaders voice optimism on prospect for state, federal legislation
Lawmakers reiterate push for low carbon fuel standards as part of transition to renewables.
Nonprofits
NYN Media
Nonprofits provide plan for ending “crisis on Rikers Island”
Freedom Agenda, HALT Solitary, Jails Action Coalition, Visionary V, VOCAL-NY and Women’s Community Justice Association provided a list of demands to the Board of Correction.
Policy
Policy
Hochul lifts mask mandate on transit
The governor announced that masks are still encouraged, but no longer required on MTA trains and buses.
Policy
Policy
With inflation soaring, some lawmakers want to hike New York’s minimum wage rates next year
They also want to follow the lead of 16 states who annually index their minimum wage to inflation to keep up with the cost of living.
Policy
Policy
Buffalo Starbucks workers say the company illegally fired them. Will a conservative federal judge agree?
A pending labor case in Western New York could tip the scales for the Starbucks union after a recent victory in Tennessee.
Nonprofits
NYN Media
New York’s new concealed carry law is severely flawed, federal judge says
The Wednesday ruling allowed the new law to take effect, but reads like a blueprint for future court battles.
Transportation
Policy
Penn Station redo and skyscraper plan may lead to a repeat of past mistakes
Developers’ plans include building 10 new buildings in the area around the transit hub, but it’s unclear how a Hudson Yards-esque expansion would benefit the surrounding neighborhood.
Transportation
Policy