“We have to wonder if inhaling what likely was lead dust will threaten our health in years to come. It is urgent that measures be adopted to ensure a lead dust-free environment for tenants and their children.”
Government
Federal Point-in-Time Homeless Count Was Highest on Record in 2024
Jeanmarie Evelly |
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s yearly nationwide census, based on data collected in January 2024, counted 771,480 people experiencing homelessness—up 18 percent from 2023.
Government
NYC Housing Calendar, Dec. 30-Jan. 6
Jeanmarie Evelly |
The City Planning Commission will meet next Monday, and a dozen of the city’s rental housing lotteries will close to applicants this week. Here’s the roundup.
CITY VIEWS: OPINIONS and ANALYSIS
Opinion: Bringing Solar Energy to NYC Schools and Public Buildings
Sandy Nurse and Gary LaBarbera |
“This solar program is a game changer: it will reduce harmful air pollution, fight climate change, and create high-quality jobs installing and maintaining solar panels.”
Housing and Homelessness
NYC Housing Calendar, Dec. 23-30
Jeanmarie Evelly |
There are seven of the city’s affordable housing lotteries closing to applicants this week.
Brooklyn
Vote at NYCHA’s Hylan Houses Lands in a Tie
Jeanmarie Evelly |
At the Brooklyn complex, 83 tenants voted to join the Public Housing Preservation Trust and another 83 opted to convert to private management under the PACT initiative. A final recount will take place Jan. 8, and if the numbers stand, a runoff vote will be scheduled.
CITY VIEWS: OPINIONS and ANALYSIS
Opinion: We Need to Make it Easier to Open a Day Care in NYC
Maya Kurien and Grace Rauh |
“There are many factors at play, including the unfavorable economics of running a child care business, keeping many potential providers from opening or expanding.”
Economy
Red Hook Residents See Rash of Stolen Food Stamps, As Reimbursement Funds Expire
Jeanmarie Evelly and Tatyana Turner |
A provision to extend the federal refund program for victims of SNAP theft was tucked into a massive Congressional spending bill that failed to pass, leaving future reimbursements uncertain. “They took every penny,” said Pinkie Grier, a great grandmother in Red Hook who had her benefits drained earlier this month.
Government
New Housing Spurred by City of Yes Offers ‘Unforeseen Boon’ for Transit: Report
Jeanmarie Evelly |
Increased housing supply created under the zoning reforms could bring an estimated 70,000 to 97,000 new riders to the city’s subway, bus and commuter rail lines—bringing an additional $224,188,000 to $309,224,000 per year to the MTA’s coffers, a new report found.
Education
Opinion: Foster Youth Deserve More Than a Trash Bag When Moving
Rita Joseph and Sofie Fashana |
“Children in the New York City foster system transition, on average, to three different homes. For some, this means three different schools, families, and environments.”
Government
New York Makes Strides With Solar Energy, But Can It Keep Up the Pace?
Mariana Simões |
New York now has enough solar energy to power 1 million homes. Environmentalists say it’s crucial for the state to keep that momentum as it falls behind on meeting other climate goals.
