Voices of New York
Longtime Chinatown Store Battered by COVID-19 Rumor
Chen Zhang for World Journal |
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
Sadef Ali Kully |
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
Jarrett Murphy |
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
Jeanmarie Evelly |
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
Rafael E. Cestero |
‘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
Jarrett Murphy |
Tahanie Aboushi is calling for independent investigations, more disclosure and a skeptical eye toward allegations of resisting arrest or assaulting a police officer.
Homelessness
Opinion: Ping-Pong is a Competitive Sport, Not a Way to Treat the Unhomed
Ruth Messinger |
‘We are not a gated community—we welcome everyone from all different backgrounds, colors and faiths. Living through the pandemic here has only underscored that reality, and it’s why I’ve been fighting to keep the un-homed residents of the Lucerne Hotel here on the Upper West Side.’
2020 election
Fed Up with Anti-Chinese Racism, Chinatown Voters Dominantly Vote for Biden
Zhouyu He for World Journal |
Early results indicate the Democrat won nearly four out of five votes in the Manhattan district that includes Chinatown.
Affordable Housing
SoHo/NoHo Rezoning Could Bring Less Than 1,000 Affordable Units
Sadef Ali Kully |
The rezoning could lead to a total increase of an estimated 3,200 housing units, including 600 to 900 affordable units, plus an additional 3,181 residents over a 10-year period, according to a key document released this week.
Economy
99% of Chinatown Restaurants Opt Out of COVID Recovery Charge
Jiaying Yan for World Journal |
The City Council allowed the charge to help struggling businesses cover costs. But owners fear steeper charges might drive away customers.
