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Dear New Yorkers,

A controversial bike lane and street safety redesign of McGuinness Boulevard that polarized neighbors in Greenpoint is looming over the state Assembly primary race.

Incumbent Emily Gallagher, a progressive Democrat who ardently supported the measure, is facing a challenge from a political newcomer with ties to the plan’s opponents.

Anathea Simpkins, the Associate Vice President of the gun violence prevention group Sandy Hook Promise, threw her hat into the ring in January. She has out-fundraised Gallagher in the time since, drawing twice as many donations over the past two and half months.

Simpkins biggest donor thus far is Anthony Argento, who helped orchestrate a campaign to pressure the Department of Transportation to walk back the McGuinness Boulevard redesign.

Last year, THE CITY reported that the “Keep McGuinness Moving” campaign had ties to the Argento family.

Read more about the race — and the controversial project dividing the neighborhood — here.

Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Monday's Weather Rating: 3/10. Unfortunately, the forecast this week is not an April Fools’ joke. Cloudy and rainy this morning with high temps in the upper 40s. Steady rain ends this afternoon, but it's still dreary out there and we're just getting started. The vibes are damp.

Our Other Top Stories

A deep-pocketed bid — backed by billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen — is underway to create a new casino at Citi Field, complete with a live-music venue, hotels, and a food hall featuring Queens vendors. But when Sen. Jessica Ramos, a Queens Democrat whose support the project needs, polled constituents, she found a majority don't want the casino. She says it’s been hard to find people who are actually supportive of the plan but haven’t “received or been promised a check” in exchange for their support. A Taxi & Limousine Commission plan to re-issue up to 2,500 unused “green taxi” licenses in Upper Manhattan and the boroughs is going ahead, after a Manhattan judge ruled against the New York Taxi Workers Alliance last week. The coalition of cab drivers had sued the city over the license release plan, with its executive director accusing the Taxi and Limousine Commission of having “allowed in too many vehicles when there are not enough trips — so each driver is taking home less money.” But the judge sided with the city, ruling that the plan will likely have “minimal” impact. On the latest episode of FAQ NYC, long-time New York City chronicler Lucy Sante returns to the podcast for an in-depth conversation about her new memoir of transition, “I Heard Her Call My Name.” Listen here.

Reporter’s Notebook

Reverend Al Dunks Mayor in Jail

Mayor Eric Adams talks about his faith and touts how he visits Rikers Island more than any of his predecessors — and on Good Friday combined though two passions by being “rebaptized” by Rev. Al Sharpton at the jail complex.

“Mayor Adams today reaffirmed his commitment to his faith, to the City of New York, and helping the most broken among us,” Sharpton said in a statement.

Adams has known Sharpton since he served as a transit cop and worked as his bodyguard during several rallies in the 1980s.

— Reuven Blau

Things To Do

Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.

Tuesday, April 2: Intro to Ethnobotany: Herbs in Context, a workshop to introduce participants to ethnobotany and plan culturally relevant gardens. Free from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bronx River Community Garden. Tuesday, April 2: Photographic Archives and Legacy Building, a conversation by acclaimed photographers and archivists about stewarding archives and managing personal and family histories. Free from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. Saturday, April 6: First Saturday, featuring a celebration of National Poetry Month with music, artists and activists. Free from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Brooklyn Museum.

THE KICKER: The Brooklyn Paramount theater reopened last week after 60 years without a live show, reports BK Reader. The historic venue was known for hosting jazz and early rock luminaries.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Monday.

Love,

THE CITY

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