Bronx
Opinion: Towards a ‘City Island of Yes’
Lauren Nye |
We cannot continue to uphold zoning for “character” to such an extent that we leave communities stunted for growth AND community members on the streets and in unstable situations.
Economy
City’s Affordable Housing Production Saw a Boost Last Year After Prior Plunge
Jeanmarie Evelly and Emma Whitford |
After dropping the year before, affordable housing production was up again during the 12-month span that ended June 30, officials said Thursday—what advocates say is a welcomed boost but still a far cry from what’s needed as the city struggles to address record-high levels of homelessness.
Government
Council Bill Would Require Monthly Reports On Street Homeless Sweeps
Emma Whitford |
“We think this bill will bring much-needed transparency to how the administration is conducting these sweeps, and what is involved in them,” said Councilmember Sandy Nurse. “And if you think about it, especially when it comes to the cost, every dollar spent on sweeps and removals is one less dollar spent on housing.”
Brooklyn
“They Are Fast to Get You Out of Here”: Asylum Seekers Bed Down Outdoors as Shelter System Buckles
Daniel Parra |
The administration said this week that its shelter system is at capacity. In addition to those sleeping under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, dozens are also camping out on sidewalks outside the Manhattan hotel serving as the main intake center for migrants, as the city prioritizes shelter beds for families with children.
Brooklyn
As Gowanus Rezoning Moves Ahead, Are the Sewers Ready?
Mary Cunningham |
Nearly two years after the Gowanus rezoning’s passage, signs of change are all around: demolition projects and new builds are transforming the neighborhood. According to the Department of City Planning, roughly half of the expected 8,500 apartments along the canal are in planning or construction stages.
Government
Data Drop: Which Council Campaigns Are Real Estate PACs Supporting This Election Cycle?
Jeanmarie Evelly and Emma Whitford |
Of the $19,000 in donations to 14 sitting council members or candidates, $13,900 comes from Taxpayers for an Affordable New York, run by the Real Estate Board of NY. Another $4,600 comes from Rent Stabilization Association’s PAC, and $500 from the Neighborhood Preservation Political Action Fund, which appears to be linked to an RSA staffer.
Economy
The Job That “Almost Was”: Advocates on the Loss of NYC’s Chief Housing Officer
Emma Whitford |
Advocates hoped Adams would kick off his first term by appointing a deputy mayor for housing and homelessness—ensuring that previously siloed agencies would report to the same person. He didn’t, but departing administration member Jessica Katz was the next best thing, they say.
Brooklyn
A NY Law Puts A Steep Price On ‘Serious’ Building Disrepair. These Tenants Are Fighting To Use It.
Emma Whitford |
Brooklyn tenants are trying to dismantle barriers around a seldom-used 1960s-era law that can prohibit landlords from collecting rent when they fail to fix dangerous building conditions for months on end. The campaign just had its first breakthrough.
Government
Groups Tell Speaker Adams: Time is Now for ‘Social Housing’ Bills
Emma Whitford |
Albany’s inaction has made it more urgent for the council speaker to help pass a package of bills aimed at boosting the supply of homes accessible to, and controlled by, low-income New Yorkers, more than 100 groups said in a letter Tuesday. Some of the legislation has gotten a frosty reception from Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, as well as for-profit developers.
CITY VIEWS: OPINIONS and ANALYSIS
Opinion: How Media Reports Got it Wrong on Rent Guidelines Board ‘Increases’
Avi Garelick and Andrew Schustek |
“The result of the latest reporting only serves to reinforce an unequal economic standing between landlords and tenants. Through its limited scope, this reporting causes unnecessary panic, potential demoralization, and ultimately a false sense of relief if the board goes with anything lower than the reported high end number.”
