Policy

NYC’s open streets program falls short of 100-mile promise, report says

Photo: Transportation Alternatives

October 12, 2021

NYC’s open streets program falls short of 100-mile promise, report says

In the summer of 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the city would close 100 miles of streets to cars for use by pedestrians, a policy formed in response to the pandemic and the need for safe, socially distanced outdoor space. Over a year later, just over 24 miles of Open Streets are currently active, according to a report released this week by the advocacy group Transportation Alternatives (TA).
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October 6, 2021

NYC commits $170M to preserve Chinatown’s historic 70 Mulberry Street after fire

By Devin Gannon

The city will nearly double its investment in the restoration of a historic Chinatown building that was destroyed in a fire last year, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday. After committing $80 million last July to the rebuilding of 70 Mulberry Street, a former public school constructed in the 1890s, the mayor said the city will tack on another $90 million, for a total of $170 million. In January 2020, a fire significantly damaged the site, forcing out five nonprofit organizations. According to the city, all of the groups will be welcomed back as tenants.
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Policy

Late fees canceled at all of NYC’s public libraries

Brooklyn Public Library’s recently renovated Central Branch. Photo by Gregg Richards

October 5, 2021

Late fees canceled at all of NYC’s public libraries

By Devin Gannon

All of New York City's public libraries have permanently eliminated late fees and will not charge for overdue books and other materials starting Tuesday. This shift in policy, which was first established at the start of the coronavirus pandemic last March, aims to create a more equitable and open system for communities in need, according to an announcement by library officials. Combined, the city's three library systems, made up of over 200 branches, are now the largest municipality in the country to eliminate fees.
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NYC is offering low-income, first-time homebuyers $100K toward down payments

Photo by Rachel Martin on Unsplash

October 5, 2021

NYC is offering low-income, first-time homebuyers $100K toward down payments

By Devin Gannon

With the goal of making the home buying process in New York more equitable, the city is expanding its existing down payment assistance program by more than double. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced on Monday it will offer up to $100,000 toward down payments or closing costs to first-time homebuyers who earn up to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), a major increase from the $40,000 in forgivable loan offered by the city previously.
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Policy

New York rolls out Covid-19 booster shot plan, launches new website

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

September 27, 2021

New York rolls out Covid-19 booster shot plan, launches new website

By Devin Gannon

With an amended emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week, certain groups of people are now eligible for a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a plan to vaccinate New Yorkers who qualify for a booster dose and rolled out a new website with dedicated information about the additional dose. Booster doses are currently only approved for those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and should be administered at least six months after their second dose.
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Policy

New York announces $27M in Hurricane Ida aid for undocumented residents

Gov. Kathy Hochul, joined by Sen. Jessica Ramos and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, toured homes in the East Elmhurst section of Queens that flooded from torrential rains brought on by Hurricane Ida. ( Photo: Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of the Governor on Flickr)

September 27, 2021

New York announces $27M in Hurricane Ida aid for undocumented residents

By Devin Gannon

Nearly a month after the remnants of Hurricane Ida brought record rainfall, more than $50 million in property damage, and claimed the lives of 13 city residents, New York officials announced a plan to provide financial assistance to undocumented residents affected by the storm. Announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday, the fund includes $27 million in city and state grants for New Yorkers who are ineligible for federal help because of their immigration status.
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Policy

NYC commission kills application for shadow-casting towers next to Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Rendering: NYC Department of City Planning

September 23, 2021

NYC commission kills application for shadow-casting towers next to Brooklyn Botanic Garden

By Devin Gannon

The City Planning Commission this week voted unanimously to reject a rezoning application that would allow for two high-rise towers in Crown Heights next to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, ending the uniform land use review procedure for the project. First unveiled by developers Continuum Companies and Lincoln Equities in 2019, the plan called for a pair of 34-story towers with over 1,500 units of housing on a lot at 960 Franklin Avenue. The commission's decision came after a more than a two-year campaign against the project by the garden, which claimed the towers would block necessary light from shining on its greenhouses.
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Policy

The Brooklyn Bridge bike lane is finally open

Photo by the New York City Department of Transportation on Flickr

September 15, 2021

The Brooklyn Bridge bike lane is finally open

By Devin Gannon

A long-awaited two-way protected bike lane officially opened on the Brooklyn Bridge Tuesday. Advocated for years by cyclists, the new path replaces the innermost car lane of the Manhattan-bound side of the iconic bridge and leaves the existing elevated promenade for pedestrians only. Both foot and bike traffic on the bridge, nicknamed the "Times Square in the Sky," skyrocketed in recent years, leading to dangerous, crowded conditions.
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See the new observation deck and rooftop ride proposed for 30 Rock

All renderings courtesy of Tishman Speyer

September 10, 2021

See the new observation deck and rooftop ride proposed for 30 Rock

By Devin Gannon

One of the city's most popular observation decks could be getting a facelift. Tishman Speyer Properties has proposed several enhancements to the Top of the Rock deck at landmarked 30 Rockefeller Plaza, including a rotating attraction that lets visitors recreate the iconic "Lunch atop a Skyscraper" photo, a kinetic globe, and a new viewing platform on the 70th floor. The proposal was recommended for approval by Manhattan Community Board 5 last week and will be heard by the Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday.
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Policy

Here’s how New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Ida can get help

Gov. Kathy Hochul tours a storm-damaged apartment in Inwood. The heavy rains of Tropical Storm Ida forced part of a parking garage to collapse and damaged a ground floor apartment, and vehicle, on West 218th Street. Photo: Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

September 7, 2021

Here’s how New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Ida can get help

By Devin Gannon

President Joe Biden on Monday approved a major disaster declaration for New York, making federal funding available to residents and businesses in counties affected by flooding last week caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. According to an early estimate from state officials, Ida caused $50 million in damage to public property and to more than 1,200 residences. In addition to the financial relief provided by FEMA, there are several resources available to New Yorkers who need help in the aftermath of the storm, including temporary shelter, food and basic needs, and cash assistance.
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What you need to know about NYC’s basement apartments

By Devin Gannon

This week, Hurricane Ida brought record rainfall and historic flash flooding to New York City, which ultimately led to the deaths of at least 13 New Yorkers. A majority of the people killed lived in basement apartments, where water was able to get in and block the only way out. These "hidden" units have always been prevalent in New York City, which is home to roughly 50,000 basement apartments, although that number is likely much higher as many of them are considered illegal. The tragic events of this last week have renewed calls from advocacy groups and elected officials to legalize basement apartments to make them safe for the more than 100,000 New Yorkers who live in them. Ahead, learn about the difference between a legal and illegal basement apartment, what can be done to protect tenants, and what the future holds for these homes, seen as a critical component of the city's insufficient affordable housing stock.
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Hurricane Ida brings historic flash flooding across NYC, second record rainfall in 10 days

Photo courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office on Flickr

September 2, 2021

Hurricane Ida brings historic flash flooding across NYC, second record rainfall in 10 days

By Devin Gannon

Less than two weeks ago, New York City experienced the most rainfall ever recorded in a single hour with 1.94 inches documented in Central Park on August 21. That record was smashed on Wednesday night when the remnants of Hurricane Ida hit the region, bringing 3.15 inches of rain to the park between around 8:50 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. The historic rainfall caused a flash flood emergency to be issued in the city for the first time ever, brought the subway system to a standstill, and ultimately left at least 12 New Yorkers dead.
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Policy

New York extends eviction moratorium until early 2022

Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash

September 2, 2021

New York extends eviction moratorium until early 2022

By Devin Gannon

The New York State Legislature on Wednesday extended a temporary freeze on evictions until early next year during a rare special session. Expected to protect hundreds of thousands of tenants who have faced financial hardships as a result of the pandemic, the move comes one day after the state's eviction moratorium expired and a week after the United States Supreme Court overturned the federal moratorium. Lawmakers also modified the moratorium so it complies with the court's decision, which found it inconsistent with due process laws. Most evictions in New York will now be on hold until January 15, 2022.
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Policy

Supreme Court votes to end eviction moratorium. What does it mean for New Yorkers?

Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash

August 27, 2021

Supreme Court votes to end eviction moratorium. What does it mean for New Yorkers?

By Dana Schulz

Last night the Supreme Court voted 6-3 (three liberal Supreme Court justices dissented) to end the CDC'c eviction moratorium that covered renters in counties experiencing high levels of Covid-19 transmission, which included all of New York City. "If a federally imposed eviction moratorium is to continue, Congress must specifically authorize it," the Supreme Court said in an eight-page opinion. And with New York State's own eviction moratorium ending in just four days, there is much confusion and fear over what this means for affected New Yorkers.
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Policy

Only 0.33% of fully vaccinated New Yorkers tested positive for COVID, NYC health officials say

Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

August 25, 2021

Only 0.33% of fully vaccinated New Yorkers tested positive for COVID, NYC health officials say

By Devin Gannon

Between January and August, 0.33 percent of fully vaccinated New Yorkers tested positive for the coronavirus, according to new data published on Wednesday. New York City health officials say the data prove breakthrough cases of Covid-19 are rare, with unvaccinated people 13 times more likely to be hospitalized due to the virus compared to fully vaccinated people. "The vaccines continue to prevent the outcomes we most want to avoid: hospitalizations and death," Dr. Dave Chokshi, the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner, said.
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Policy

Governor Hochul calls for mandatory vaccine or testing for all New York public school staff

Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

August 24, 2021

Governor Hochul calls for mandatory vaccine or testing for all New York public school staff

By 6sqft

On her first day in office, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that all public school staff in New York State will be required to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or participate in weekly testing. The news comes just one day after Mayor Bill de Blasio put a similar mandate in place for all teachers and staff, though there will be no test-out option in New York City.
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Policy

New York City mandates Covid vaccinations for all public school teachers, staff

Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

August 23, 2021

New York City mandates Covid vaccinations for all public school teachers, staff

By Devin Gannon

New York City is requiring Department of Education employees to receive their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine by September 27, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday. The new mandate applies to the agency's 148,000 employees, including teachers, custodians, and central office workers and comes three weeks before the first day of school for the city's one million public school students. The policy takes away the option for DOE staff to submit for weekly testing instead of being vaccinated, which was part of a previous order announced last month.
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Policy

75% of adults in NYC have received at least one Covid vaccine dose

Photo courtesy of the New York National Guard on Flickr

August 19, 2021

75% of adults in NYC have received at least one Covid vaccine dose

By Devin Gannon

New York City hit a major milestone in its vaccination campaign this week. According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, 75 percent of all adults have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. "This is a big, big deal," the mayor said on Thursday. "This is the kind of number we want to see." The city's vaccination rate is slightly above the nationwide percentage of adults vaccinated, which is 72.3 percent with at least one dose.
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Policy

What New Yorkers need to know about the Covid-19 booster shot

Courtesy of Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

August 18, 2021

What New Yorkers need to know about the Covid-19 booster shot

By Devin Gannon

President Joe Biden's administration on Wednesday said most Americans who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus should get a third shot of the vaccine. Citing concerns over the highly contagious Delta variant and the reduction in the protection of the vaccine over time, officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said booster shots will be available to all residents as early as September 20 and administered to individuals eight months after receiving the second dose. In response, Mayor Bill de Blasio this week said New York City is more than prepared to deliver and administer the vaccine quickly to New Yorkers.
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Policy

All the places in NYC requiring proof of vaccination

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

August 16, 2021

All the places in NYC requiring proof of vaccination

By Devin Gannon

Starting Tuesday, New Yorkers aged 12 and older must be vaccinated against the coronavirus to partake in indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment. The Key to NYC initiative, which applies to bars, fitness centers, movie theaters, museums, and other indoor venues, requires visitors to show proof of at least one dose of the vaccine. The policy will go into effect on August 17 with enforcement beginning the week of September 13.
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NYC will start offering third doses of Pfizer/Moderna vaccines

Photo credit: Don Pollard/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Flickr

August 16, 2021

NYC will start offering third doses of Pfizer/Moderna vaccines

By Dana Schulz

Today, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi announced that all city-run vaccine sites, as well as hospitals, pharmacies, and doctor's offices, will start offering third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to New Yorkers 12 years of age or older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. The news comes after the FDA amended the emergency use authorization for the two vaccines last week. Those who qualify include those under active treatment for cancer, those who've received an organ or stem cell transplant, and those with advanced or untreated HIV.
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Policy

Supreme Court blocks part of New York’s eviction moratorium

Photo by Rachel Martin on Unsplash

August 13, 2021

Supreme Court blocks part of New York’s eviction moratorium

By Devin Gannon

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday partially blocked New York's eviction moratorium, striking down the part of the law which protects tenants who have filed a declaration of hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since December of last year, the state's COVID Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act suspended eviction proceedings if renters declared a loss of income or health risk to protect themselves against eviction. The court said the moratorium, which was set to expire on August 31, was likely unconstitutional as landlords had no way to challenge a tenant's hardship claim.
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Policy

50,000 New Yorkers have received the $100 Covid vaccine incentive so far

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

August 13, 2021

50,000 New Yorkers have received the $100 Covid vaccine incentive so far

By Devin Gannon

In just two weeks, 50,000 New Yorkers have pocketed $100 after receiving the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday. The incentive program, which launched on July 30, gives New York City residents who get the shot at a city-run vaccination site a $100 pre-paid debit card. The incentive is part of the mayor's effort to boost the city's vaccination rate as a way to fight the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus, which has led to an increase in Covid-19 cases across New York and the country.
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Policy

Free at-home Covid-19 testing now available for seniors and immunocompromised New Yorkers

Mayor Bill de Blasio is tested for COVID-19.June 16, 2020. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

August 11, 2021

Free at-home Covid-19 testing now available for seniors and immunocompromised New Yorkers

By Devin Gannon

New York City is expanding its at-home coronavirus testing program. The city's Health Department on Tuesday announced the free service will now be available to all immunocompromised New Yorkers and those aged 65 and older. In March, the at-home appointments first became available for those who had close contact with someone diagnosed with the virus. The expansion comes as the city sees an increase in new Covid-19 cases, and with it, the demand for testing.
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Policy

August 10, 2021

Queens’ Cambria Heights could gain two Tudor-filled historic districts

By Devin Gannon

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to calendar two historic districts in the Queens neighborhood of Cambria Heights. The proposed 222nd Street Historic District and the 227th Street Historic District contain a total of 96 intact Tudor Revival rowhouses that incorporate the whimsical Storybook style. One of several prosperous Black communities in southeastern Queens, Cambria Heights is home to many single-family homes, but the two blocks considered for landmark status stand out for their architectural integrity and cohesiveness, according to the commission.
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