Heard Around Town
Policy
Outdoor dining proposal would ban roadway dining for half the year
An updated New York City Council bill to make Open Restaurants permanent could advance thanks to the dismissal of a recent lawsuit against the program.
Personality
Policy
A Q&A with new Campaign Finance Board Executive Director Beth Rotman
She’s taking on the “impossible job” – and will give out millions in public funding.
New York City
Policy
Eric Adams declares state of emergency for asylum-seeker crisis
The mayor said at this rate, the shelter census could exceed 100,000 next year.
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 State
Policy
What is the Environmental Bond Act?
Voters this November will decide whether or not to greenlight a $4.2 billion piece of environmental legislation.
Economic Development
Policy
Chip maker to build $100B manufacturing site near Syracuse
Micron’s commitment would mark one of the first major new investments by semiconductor companies following the passage of billions in incentives under legislation signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul this summer.
New York City
Policy
Bronx officials left flummoxed by Orchard Beach debacle
Elected reps from the borough that’s home to the original parking lot site for an asylum-seeker tent shelter expressed confusion and relief.
New York City
Policy
Plans for a Randall’s Island tent city draw familiar criticism
As the city struggles to host thousands of incoming asylum-seekers, a pivot to build a tent city on Randall’s Island still poses concerns about extreme weather and accessibility, some lawmakers and advocates said.
Policy
Curbside composting program billed as nation's biggest gets underway
New York City launched the collection program for waste like food scraps and yard debris in Queens. The city's sanitation department is relying on a range of tactics to get buy-in from residents.
New York State
Policy
Community health clinics set to lose critical $100M funding stream
A little-known federal initiative, the 340B Drug Pricing Program, supports services that wouldn’t otherwise get reimbursed.
New York City
Policy
Eric Adams: City is prepared, but unlikely to ‘pivot’ after weekend flooding at Bronx tent shelter site
The mayor said safety is paramount, and shelter construction will proceed as planned.
New York State
Policy
Can Republicans hinder absentee voting in New York a month from Election Day?
The state constitution prohibits no-excuse absentee voting. The state GOP is suing to stop people from being able to use fear of COVID-19 as an excuse to request a mail-in ballot.
New York City
Policy
With asylum seekers’ arrival in NYC, shelter advocates worry the city will cut legal corners
The mayor’s plan to temporarily house some arrivals outside the city shelter system, with its stringent criteria, has advocates on alert.
New York City
Policy
The biggest questions addressed at the City Council hearing on asylum-seekers
As New York City prepares a tent shelter in the Bronx, officials from Eric Adams administration testified about the location, transportation, and services provided
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.
New York State
Updated
Policy
Judge: NY Assembly maps to be redrawn by dysfunctional redistricting commission
New lines will go into effect for the 2024 election cycle.
New York City
Policy
NYC overhauls controversial schools admissions process for middle schools, selective high schools
Schools Chancellor David Banks said the controversial process was replaced with one that rewards the highest academic achievers, as well as increases transparency and fairness.
New York City
Policy
How many people are detained on Rikers? A look at the crisis by the numbers
The annual Mayor’s Management Report offers a cross-section of statistics on the jail complex.
New York City Council
Policy