Author Archive
Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s note: Grand Central Madison may be a ‘boondoggle,’ but it’s worth it
The station expansion that brought the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central was done with style and vision for the region’s future.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: Transparency is needed more than ever as the crisis at Rikers Island continues.
The New York City Department of Correction’s decision to limit access to body cam videos was a mistake.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: Interborough Express comes up short
The $5.5 billion light rail service proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul leaves out the Bronx, where residents need the additional service just as much as New Yorkers in Brooklyn and Queens.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
Looking back at Giuliani’s rise and fall
Ken Frydman, the former New York City mayor’s 1993 campaign press secretary and consultant on a new CNN documentary series about Giuliani, discusses what happened to "America’s Mayor."
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: It’s time for Washington to pay the bill on New York City’s migrant crisis
Mayor Eric Adams is right to call for federal aid.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Marijuana
Policy
How to buy weed legally in New York
The first dispensary selling recreational use marijuana in the state has opened in Manhattan. Here’s everything you need to know.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s note: It’s time to sign the Grieving Families Act into law
It would replace New York’s current wrongful death law that leaves people unable to seek meaningful compensation after the loss of a loved one who had little or no financial worth, particularly impacting people of color.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s note: On Penn Station, it’s time to dream big again
New York has never had a problem constructing both public and private development projects on a massive scale to last the ages.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: Adult Survivors Act needs all the attention it can get
The law opens a one-year lookback window for survivors to come forward with legal claims against their alleged abusers.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor's note: Turkey giveaways are as important as ever
Rising costs mean more constituents will be hoping for a free bird this year.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor's note: Oprah’s endorsement of Fetterman should remind Hochul she’s got celebs on her side too
After hosting get-out-the vote rallies with big name Democrats, Gov. Kathy Hochul might also want to tout that she’s got some Hollywood star power supporting her campaign.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
MagazineShow All
Editor's Note
Policy
Editor’s Note: ‘Trick-or-Streets’ received frightful and ill-timed pushback
While some New Yorkers are fed up with the city’s open streets program, their frustrations should have been kept out of a children’s night of fun and frights.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Heard Around Town
Politics
Hillary Clinton to be special guest at Hochul rally
The former state Senator and First Lady will join
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: NYC’s High Line is once again a “lifeline”
The former elevated railroad bed that once delivered goods and supplies to the west side of lower Manhattan is now providing a vital link to the struggling Hudson Yards.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: Rebuilt bridge to Manhattan’s Waterside Plaza is a win for access
An ADA-compliant pedestrian span will replace an old bridge across FDR Drive as part of a $1.6 billion life sciences hub project.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: New York City’s beloved newsstands are holding on for dear life
Between a new program converting the stands into delivery worker hubs and the loyalty of customers, this icon of city life is evolving to stick around.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Personality
Regional Plan Association chief on 100 years of shaping NY’s urban planning
Tom Wright details the RPA’s work over the years as it unveils a new exhibit of its regional plans at Grand Central Terminal.
- By Ralph R. Ortega and Erik Lazo
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: Asylum-seekers could fill New York City job vacancies
Migrants who get this far have earned their place in a city “built by immigrants.”
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s note: Moving MSG could be a winner for New York City
Opening up Penn Station to let in light would be a good thing for commuters – and potentially the Knicks.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: Missing the 9/11 Tribute Museum
The museum’s location in lower Manhattan was closed just about a month before this year’s observance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
- By Ralph R. Ortega