At a rally following a tour of NYCHA’s Howard Houses, in Brownsville, Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders promised heavy federal investment in maintaining America’s public housing stock. As part of the effort to combat deteriorating conditions in public housing, including various environmental hazards at NYCHA buildings, Mr. Sanders indicated a $5 billion yearly allocation to the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund. NYCHA is largest housing authority in the United States. (Observer)
Before Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. stopped prosecuting people arrested for asking for Metrocard swipes in the city’s subway system last month, 800 people had been arrested for the crime so far this year. As many as 10,000 had been arrested since 2013, largely after having a swipe-style hand gestured that officers recognized as a request for the $2.75 swipe. Though the NYPD says that they impede normal traffic and circulation through the subway system, many those requesting swipes argue they are simply people who can’t afford the subway trying to get around. (New York Times)
MTA documents show that while renovations are conducted on a section of the M line in Bushwick, 26 dwelling units and several businesses will have to be relocated. Several homeowners and workers contacted by Newsday said they had not received word from the MTA in regards to the impending relocations. The dwellings would have to be vacated for a minimum of six months, possibly ten or longer. The MTA will hire a consultant to find accommodations and determine compensation for the affected residents. (Newsday)
The Rockaway community of Edgemere has been ravaged by both the financial crisis and Hurricane Sandy. Now, city officials and local residents are working to revitalize the flood-prone community by building in safer, vacant areas, revisiting the area’s zoning, and adding retail jobs. Some residents, however, are skeptical of a city that has broken promises of revitalization before, and are worried that new development will bring home prices up and drive them out. (Wall Street Journal)
The federal probe and ensuing scandal into allegations that several top NYPD officials received gifts from a couple of New York City businessmen in exchange for favors has gained an odd new dimension. Officials stand accused of flying on private air transportation paid for by businessman Jona Rechnitz, and engaging in sexual acts with escorts posing as flight attendants. Two officers believed to have been involved, Deputy Inspector James Grant and Detective Michael Milici, had already been placed on modified duty due to the probe. (New York Post)
