WORLD WORLDWIDE USA New York NY New York City NYC the city THE CITY News Journal Update - THE CITY SCOOP: Village and Park Slope Housing Push Poses NIMBY vs. ‘City of Yes’ Test

 

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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, Two low-rise and high-income neighborhoods could soon host hundreds of new affordable apartments.  In Park Slope and Greenwich Village, two proposed developments could produce more than 500 units of housing total, of which as many as 350 would have below-market rents. Both spurred mobilizations in which neighbors questioned the projects. Community opposition to efforts to build more housing — often labeled “not in my backyard,” or NIMBYism — is nothing new in New York City.  But these days, NIMBY is meeting YIMBY, or “yes in my backyard.”  In Park Slope, Brooklyn, members of the pro-housing group Open New York began circulating a petition in support of the project, which as of this week had collected more than 370 signatures.  And in the Village, City Councilmember Eric Bottcher and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine quickly took to social media to reiterate their support — forgoing the usual ritual in which elected officials wait to declare their position until they officially have to cast a vote on a project. Beyond local fights over individual projects, navigating the NIMBY vs. YIMBY split will be crucial as the administration of Mayor Eric Adams pushes forward with citywide land use changes under its “City of Yes” housing proposal that could make way for an additional 100,000 units in every neighborhood. Read more here. In other news: Tech Training Hub Debuts at Union Square Mayor Adams helped cut the ribbon on a new hub in Union Square that will prepare New Yorkers for jobs in the tech industry.  The pandemic-delayed opening of the 85,000-square-foot Civic Hall in Union Square is a big part of the city’s recovery and will help create a pipeline into technology jobs, the mayor said. The training center is expected to serve approximately 750 people in the first year, according to the city. “The greatest moment about this day is not the technology. This is a ‘Karate Kid’ moment; he thought he was washing the car, but he was learning karate,” Adams said, referencing the 1980s film. (He started his speech with a story about time spent on his family’s farm in Alabama and how he recreated a tuk-tuk there, based on one he saw while traveling in Cambodia, to help him move hay.)  The building is already home to The Data School, a tech-focused outpost of LaGuardia Community College, and the NY Tech Alliance. — Katie Honan Some other items of note: An offensive column and an unapologetic “apology” could lead to a shake-up on Bronx Community Board 11. Last Thursday, members voted 20-7 to move forward with a full board vote on Nov. 21 to create a committee to consider demoting Vice Chair Albert D’Angelo and Chair Bernadette Ferrara. The vote will come months after D’Angelo, who is Italian American, penned a column in the Bronx Times that colleagues decried as racist.  Election Day is next Tuesday, early voting began over the weekend for local city contests — and only about 37,500 New Yorkers have voted so far. Not sure where to go, or who’s running? Find your poll site and sample ballot here. Read up on races to watch in the City Council — especially if you live in The Bronx, Queens and southern Brooklyn, where there are several close contests. Check out THE CITY’s interactive guide to learn about your newly drawn City Council district. And, in case you missed it, here’s a guide on judge races, and why only four of 22 contests are competitive. Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Thursday's Weather Rating: 6/10. Very chilly this morning with lows in the mid 30's (colder inland), but warming up to near 50° F this afternoon. More importantly, lots of sunshine and a breeze. The vibes are improving out there! Things To Do Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.   Saturday, Nov. 4: Fall Splendor Tour, a leaf peeping event at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Free with admission, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.  Saturday, Nov. 4: Break down your decorative gourds at the Hudson River Park’s Pumpkin Smash. Bats, hammers and shovels are available for use. Pier 84 at W. 44 St. in Manhattan. Free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5: Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Turn back your clocks, switch on your SAD lamp, and enjoy the extra hour of sleep.  THE KICKER: Two “legendary” members of City College’s faculty — Myriam Sarachik (posthumously) and Sheldon Weinbaum — were honored with the National Medal of Science at the White House last week.  Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Thursday. Love, THE CITY P.S. Love THE CITY? Our nonprofit newsroom runs on support from readers like you. Donate here.

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