‘Many vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness or in need of other services are shuttled into the criminal justice system in a cruel and costly revolving door, often leaving them rightfully distrustful of social services providers.’
Housing and Development
Public Review Process Begins for SoHo Rezoning Plan
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The de Blasio administration wants to upzone a 56-block swath of the Lower Manhattan neighborhoods, where elite boutiques and wealthy arrivistes have replaced the manufacturing sites and artists that characterized the area a half-century ago.
labor rights
Worker Exploitation in NYC’s Laundromat Industry Worsened by Pandemic, Advocates Say
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‘Since the start of the pandemic, many hours were cut, and hundreds of women who already were burdened with wages below the $15 minimum wage got the virus and were not paid sick days,’ Mahoma López, an organizer with the Laundry Workers Center told El Diario.
Economy
One More Casualty of COVID-19: The Death of El Cocotero
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An estimated 5,000 restaurants across the city were predicted to shutter by February 2021 due to the pandemic. While there’s no officially tally, the loss of Latino-led businesses in New York was already a worrisome trend prior to the crisis.
Lower East Side
Lawsuits Seeking to Stop Two Bridges Development Overturned in Appellate Court
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A panel of appellate judges on Tuesday reversed an earlier injunction halting the contentious Two Bridges project — a major setback for Lower East Side community groups, which have been waging a legal battle against the city and developers.
Voices of New York
Longtime Chinatown Store Battered by COVID-19 Rumor
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A single positive test and a precautionary disinfection triggered a social-media storm that threatens a long-standing retailer.
Development
City Looks to Appeal Decision Halting Two Bridges Towers — Again
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The city’s Law Department argued their second appeal in court Wednesday against two lawsuits which resulted in an earlier injunction stopping the project, which would build four new skyscrapers on the Lower East Side.
2021 election
Fundraising Boasts and Policy Ideas as Manhattan DA’s Race Heats Up
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While two candidates reported having more than a million on hand to fuel a five-month push to the Democratic primary, two others released policy plans for conviction review and re-entry planning.
city contracts
NYC to Cancel Contracts with Trump Organization, Citing Capitol Insurrection
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The city will start the process of terminating the company’s contracts to operate the Central Park Carousel, Wollman and Lasker ice skating rinks and the Ferry Point Golf Course in the Bronx.
nyc real estate
Opinion: Any Plan to Convert Empty Offices to Housing Must Center Inclusivity, Affordability
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‘It’s clear that New York City is going to face changes in how—and where—people live and work. However, any program to convert empty office spaces and hotels to housing must be considered from both sides.’
Election 2021
How Manhattan’s Next DA Might Handle Lying Cops and Bad Prosecutors
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Tahanie Aboushi is calling for independent investigations, more disclosure and a skeptical eye toward allegations of resisting arrest or assaulting a police officer.