“If it were up to me, all of New York City would be included,” said State Sen. Julia Salazar, who is looking to expand the state’s recently passed basement legalization pathway to more neighborhoods.
Government
‘A Brand New Neighborhood’: City Council to Vote Soon on Willets Point Development
Chris Janaro |
The proposal would build 1,400 income-restricted apartments—on top of 1,100 already in the works—on the Flushing waterfront just east of Citi Field. It also includes a privately financed stadium for the New York City Football Club.
Government
City Unveils ‘Draft Framework’ for Rezoning Jamaica, Queens
Jeanmarie Evelly |
The framework proposes to “increase density and allow housing in appropriate, key areas,” as part of a plan to rezone approximately 300 blocks of the neighborhood.
Brooklyn
‘No es el sitio, sino donde está ubicado’: familias inmigrantes navegan primeras semanas en refugio de Floyd Bennett
Daniel Parra |
City Limits habló recientemente con varias familias sobre cómo era vivir en el refugio, el primer centro de acogida en el que la ciudad ha colocado a un gran número de familias inmigrantes con niños. Todas se quejaron del frío que hacía en las tiendas, de la lejanía y de la inaccesibilidad.
Brooklyn
‘It’s Not the Place, But Where it’s Located’: Immigrant Families Weather First Weeks in Floyd Bennett Shelter
Daniel Parra |
City Limits recently spoke with several families about what it was like to live at the shelter, the first congregate facility in which the city has placed large numbers of immigrant families with children. All complained about the cold inside the tents, the remoteness, and inaccessibility.
Bronx
‘This is Going to be a Back Breaker’: Landmark Climate Law Poses Test for NYC’s Co-ops
Illan Ireland |
Local Law 97 is one of the most ambitious—and divisive—climate measures enacted in any U.S. city. While some co-op boards see the mandate as an opportunity to make sustainable upgrades to their buildings, others say it will drain their financial reserves.
CITY VIEWS: OPINIONS and ANALYSIS
Opinion: Fighting for Basement Apartment Tenants, 11 Years After Hurricane Sandy
Jessica González-Rojas and Harvey Epstein |
“Instead of turning a blind eye to the suffering of basement and cellar apartment dwellers, disproportionately low-income and from immigrant communities, we must find the political courage to face this challenge by legalizing and making them safe.”
Health and Environment
Off the Map: Swaths of Southeast Queens Overlooked in State’s List of Climate-Priority Neighborhoods
Roxanne Scott |
Under New York’s climate law, “disadvantaged communities” that have borne the brunt of pollution and other environmental issues are being prioritized for funding and climate-related benefits. But swaths of Southeast Queens didn’t make the cut, what local leaders say was an oversight.
Citywide
In First Months of Street Vendor Enforcement, Sanitation Seized—Then Donated—32,220 Pounds of Food
Daniel Parra |
Since Sanitation took the street vending enforcement reins, the department has confiscated abandoned or non-compliant material from street vendors in 228 cases, and has donated 32,220 pounds of food and composted another 3,880 pounds.
ARTS and CULTURE
Opinion: Recognizing Queens’ Hip-Hop Legacy, 50 Years Later
Nantasha Williams |
“The Bronx may have birthed hip-hop, but Queens embraced it with open arms and nurtured its growth. As the phenomenon spread through New York City, Queens quickly established itself as a hotbed for talent, nurturing the creativity of aspiring artists who would later become legends.”
Housing and Homelessness
Iniciativa de albergar solicitantes de asilo en centros religiosos arranca con lentitud en medio de escasez de capacidad
Daniel Parra |
Project Hospitality e Interfaith Center of New York, dos de las partes involucradas en el contrato, dijeron que el camino para iniciar el programa ha sido accidentado y esperan que menos de 10 de los 50 espacios designados abran sus puertas en las próximas semanas.