After a social worker observed unhealthy conditions in his basement apartment, the landlord moved Boodnarine Sarju and his family to an upper floor, and an illegal apartment. Now the landlord is trying to obey they law, but it means Sarju can no longer afford the rent.
Illegal apartments have figured in several tragic fires, prompting stricter enforcement. But they also play a role in meeting housing demand, leading some experts to wonder if a path to legalization is needed.
The mayor’s ambitious affordable housing initiative is three-quarters to completion. But reshaped by fiscal woes, complicated by other city policies and often outgunned by the private market, what will the plan’s long-term impact be?
Tina Parker tried to convince her neighbors to leave. “I’ve been in two hurricanes in Alabama, and I’m not taking a chance,” she said.
In 1998, New York City began installing synthetic turf fields in parks and playgrounds, saying the artificial material would be more durable than grass. But a City Limits investigation finds that many turf fields are falling apart, including this one at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
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Support local, investigative journalism that has informed and empowered New Yorkers for 45 years.
