Congress
As Dems Press for Divestment, Feds Strike New Contract for City’s Lone Private Jail
Harry DiPrinzio |
The US Marshals Service awarded the GEO Group a new contract to operate the the Queens Detention Facility
Affordable Housing
Housing Update: Bay Street Rezoning Moves Forward, City Presents Bushwick Draft Plan
Harry DiPrinzio |
It was a busy week for news related to New York City housing. Here’s a roundup of what you might have missed.
Events
What is RAD, and What Does it Mean for the Future of NYCHA?
Harry DiPrinzio |
The city is moving forward with a plan to transfer 62,000 units to Section 8 housing vouchers under the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program but the program has raised numerous concerns. A panel Wednesday brought together advocates, tenant leaders and policy experts to discuss some of them.
Justice
Feds Eye New Contract for City’s Only Private Jail, Which Can House ICE Detainees
Harry DiPrinzio |
The Queens Detention Facility is New York City’s only privately run detention facility. It houses over 200 federal detainees for the US Marshals Service.
Will New York’s Farmworkers Get Labor Protections in 2019?
Harry DiPrinzio |
With a Democratic-controlled State Senate and Assembly, many advocates are hopeful that this will be the year the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act finally passes.
Justice
Challenge for City’s Child-Welfare System Overshadowed by De Blasio-Peters Feud
Harry DiPrinzio |
ACS says it has a plan to deal with the rising incidence of abuse incidents involving kids in foster care. But making it work could prove to be a challenge.
Agenda 2019
Agenda 2019: Eyes Are on Senate Democrats and 3 Key Criminal Justice Reforms
Harry DiPrinzio |
Reforms to the bail system, evidence-sharing rules and speedy-trial requirements are at the top of the reform agenda—and will shape the city’s ‘close Rikers’ efforts as well.
Justice
Manhattan Pot Prosecutions Down 94%. DA Sees Success, Critics See Disparities
Harry DiPrinzio |
Three months after a new policy to quell marijuana prosecutions by the Manhattan DA took effect, the DA’s office is touting its success but advocates are arguing that loopholes mean it has unequal impact across racial demographics.
Justice
Low Pay for Public Defenders and Prosecutors Seen as Threat to Justice
Harry DiPrinzio |
Inadequate salaries for public defenders and junior prosecutors lead to a system staffed by less skilled and experienced attorneys and potentially worse outcomes on both sides.
ARTS and CULTURE
Effort to Rename Columbus Day is Stalled; Statue Still Awaits Historical Markers
Harry DiPrinzio |
Cities across the country including Los Angeles, Seattle, Minneapolis, Austin as well as the states of South Dakota and Hawaii have renamed Monday’s holiday to honor Native Americans.
