On March 31, 2025, New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and other critical stakeholders announced the City has amended a rule to increase penalties for unlawful dumping on Parks properties. An amendment to Section 1-07 of NYC Parks rules, effective March 31, raises the prior $1,000 penalty for a first-time illegal dumping offense to $5,000. There is also a $10,000 fine for each subsequent illegal dumping violation occurring within twelve months of the initial … <Read More>
NY Elections, Census and Redistricting Update 04/14/25
This week: State Court Denies Motion for Summary Judgment in Mt. Pleasant VRA Case; Plaintiffs Seek New Judge in Newburgh VRA Case, Preclearance Submissions; Explainer on Affidavit & Emergency Voting; Update on Congressional Apportionment Challenge
By Jeff Wice, Alexis Marking & Michael Athy
N.Y. VOTING RIGHTS ACT LITIGATION
Westchester County: Serratto v. Mt. Pleasant: VRA Motion to Dismiss Denied
On April 11th, the State Supreme Court in Westchester County issued a decision and order … <Read More>
Democratic Mayoral Candidates Talk Parks Priorities
By Mark Chiusano
New York City’s parks are touchstones for all residents – including candidates for mayor.
Among those 30,000 acres are “where my kids learned to walk,” said Comptroller Brad Lander, and where State Senator Zellnor Myrie biked and got a “reprieve” from his asthma. Former comptroller Scott Stringer’s children practically “live in the parks,” he said, summing up the prevailing view: “The way our parks will go will define how our city goes.”… <Read More>
NY Elections, Census and Redistricting Update Week of 4/7/25
This week: N.Y.C. 2030 Census Effort Kicks Off, Newburgh VRA case parties differ on proceedings, State Election Law Bills Advance, State VRA Preclearance Updates, Florida Redistricting Challenge Advances
By Jeff Wice, Alexis Marking & Jarret Berg
N.Y.C. Census Conference Kicks Off 2030 Organizing Push
On April 1, over 100 attendees participated in a half-day conference at New York Law School focused on preparing for the 2030 census. The event was co-sponsored by the N.Y. Election… <Read More>
COMPLETE VIDEO: Mayoral Candidate Forum on Parks, Recreation, and Open Space – 4/8 5:30 PM
On Tuesday, April 9, 2025, the Center for New York City and State Law, along with co-hosts New Yorkers for Parks and the Play Fair Coalition, welcomed the mayoral primary candidates to discuss their positions on parks, recreation and open space.
HPD Celebrates the Start of Vacant Lot Transformation into 149 Affordable Homes in Crotona Park East
On March 21, 2025, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced the leads for the Stemma Project, a new affordable housing development to be built on a vacant lot in Crotona Park East in the Bronx at the corner of Stebbins Avenue and East 170th Street. The announced partners include The Doe Fund Inc., Xenolith Partners, LLC, and Ametrine Group.