Park Rendering Image Credit: Governor’s Office

First ever state park dedicated to a LGBTQ person. On August 14, 2020, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the dedication of East River State Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to LGBTQ activist Marsha P. Johnson. The dedication comes on Johnson’s seventy-fifth birthday and marks the first state park dedicated to LGBTQ person and a transgender woman of color. Marsha P. Johnson State Park is a seven-acre waterfront park located along the East River. It offers a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline, a play area for children and open green space for relaxation and recreation.

(read more…)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo holds a coronavirus briefing Image Credit: Governors Office

New York City becomes final region in state to reach Phase 4 of reopening. On July 20, 2020, New York City officially entered a modified Phase 4 of the State’s reopening plan. Phase 4 in New York City marks the final stage of the State’s plan but should not be understood to mean that all industries, businesses and practices are back to pre-COVID-19 operations. Phase 4 industries include low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment, professional sports with no spectators, and media production like movies, music and television productions. Low-risk outdoor venues include zoos and botanical gardens, which are required to operate at no greater than a thirty-three percent capacity.

(read more…)

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams Image Credit: NYC City Council

Public Hearing hinges on interest rates and how property tax deferments affect the City budget. On June 18, 2020, the City Council officially introduced two bills that would defer July 1, 2020, property tax liabilities for COVID-19 impacted property owners. One bill addresses the tax liabilities of primary residences and the other addresses the tax liabilities of businesses affected by the pandemic. The bills were originally heard as preconsidered bills at the June 10, 2020, Committee on Finance public hearing.

(read more…)

Ross Sandler

Richard Ravitch in his book So Much to Do states two “stubborn facts” about public transportation: public transit costs more than what private markets can provide, and “public” in public transit means politics. Ravitch ‘s readable book tells how for 50 years he has successfully helped political leaders bridge these stubborn facts of public promises and public revenues. (read more…)