WORLD WORLDWIDE USA New York NY New York City NYC the city THE CITY News Journal Update - THE CITY SCOOP: NYCHA Sends Eviction Notices to Tenants Who Stopped Paying Rent

 

View this email in your browser

If you know anyone who might like this newsletter, send it to them. If this was sent to you by someone else, subscribe here — it's free!  Dear New Yorkers, Faced with an expanding gap in its ability to meet its operating costs, New York City’s public housing authority has begun sending out eviction notices to households that are far behind in their payments. As of June 30, 1,250 households had received notices. To date, only 15 households have actually been evicted — but hundreds more eviction proceedings are now working their way through Housing Court, with more likely to follow.  Some of these cases may end without a termination of tenancy if tenants agree to repayment schedules. Some will surely result in tenants kicked out of public housing. By the end of June, 70,000 of the city's 151,000 public housing households were behind in their rent, amassing an unprecedented arrears of $509 million.  The eviction notices are intimidating for households that have amassed sometimes sizable arrears. "You're throwing this large number at people and expecting that there's any way that they can pay it off," said Iziah Thompson, a housing specialist with the Community Service Society. "What does a person do when they are faced with this huge bill? Starting to pay this off, it becomes a daunting task." Read more here. In other news: City Pension Fund Gains What a difference three months makes. In July, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli announced that the state pension fund had lost 4 percent of its value for the state fiscal year ending March 31, forcing an increase in the amount state and local governments outside the city will pay to contribute in the coming years. Monday, City Comptroller Brad Lander said the city’s pension fund had gained 8% for the city fiscal year that ended June 30. The difference is a rebound in the stock market that has sent the averages higher. The impact: The city will be able to reduce contributions by $550 million over the next five years. It’s good news given the ocean of red ink the city faces in future budgets. — Greg David Some other items of note: With a court hearing looming that could decide whether city jails go into the hands of a federal receiver, yesterday the judge-appointed watchdog who oversees the city’s Department of Correction reported that “little progress has been evident” on recommended reforms. Judge Laura Taylor Swain will begin to hear arguments for a Rikers takeover on Thursday. The city is home to over 1 million pets and myriad services to care for them. But what are New Yorkers supposed to do when their beloved animals die? Here’s THE CITY’s guide to disposing of pet remains — safely, respectfully and legally. For the latest local numbers on COVID-19 hospitalizations, positivity rates and more, check our coronavirus tracker.   Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Tuesday's Weather Rating: 7/10. Yesterday's storms and oppressive humidity are out of the way, with slowly improving conditions expected today. We've still got a few scattered showers to deal with, but dew points fall as the day goes on with highs near 80. The vibes are alright! Things To Do Here’s what’s going on around the city this week. Tuesday, Aug. 8: A concert at Wingate Park in East Flatbush, featuring Grammy-winning Reggae band Morgan Heritage, R&B singer Leela James, Ralph McDaniels’ Video Music Box, jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, and the Brooklyn United Marching Band. Doors 5 p.m., show 6 p.m. Free, no tickets required. Thursday, Aug. 10: Salsa in the Bronx, part of the Rise Up NYC Concert Series, featuring El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and Hector Acosta “El Torito,” plus sets by DJs. Orchard Beach, 6-9 p.m. Free. Friday, Aug. 11: Jazz Está Morto: Arthur Verocai with Orchestra, the first-ever NYC performance by the renowned Brazilian artist, who will perform his seminal self-titled and often sampled 1972 debut album in its entirety for Lincoln Center’s Hip Hop Week. Damrosch Park, 7 p.m. Free. THE KICKER: To promote equity in reading among seniors with print disabilities, the New York Public Library’s Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library will be giving away free Kindle Fires tomorrow, August 9, to patrons over the age of 65. Seniors can sign up for individual or group coaching to learn how to use the Kindle, along with a free accessible reading app from the National Library service. Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Tuesday. Love, THE CITY P.S. Love THE CITY? Our nonprofit newsroom runs on support from readers like you. Donate here.

THE CITY's work is made possible, in part, through the support of our sponsors. Interested in becoming a sponsor of THE CITY? Contact us here.  Copyright © 2023 THE CITY, All rights reserved.