WORLD WORLDWIDE US USA - New York NY - New York City NYC - the city THE CITY - Houseboat power struggle in Brooklyn, review of police in cannabis raid

 

Dear New Yorkers,

Lenny Markh gained notoriety two years ago for one of the more audacious moves in Brooklyn political history: registering himself alongside his wife, Mariya, to represent four residents of a Red Hook houseboat.

Markh had discovered that the houseboaters were the sole Kings County residents of a newly created state Assembly district, drawn through a fluke of redistricting. The maneuver turned the couple into Democratic Party district leaders — two among 44 men and women who select judges and decide who chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party.

Then Markh used his new power to cast a deciding vote to keep Brooklyn Democratic party boss Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn in power when she last ran in 2022.

Now as Bichotte Hermelyn runs for a third term as county leader amid elections for Senate and Assembly — as well races for Congress and president — Markh has joined a chorus of internal critics warning that Bichotte Hermelyn’s tactics to hold power are handing Republicans state legislative seats long held by Democrats.

But this time — despite diligent efforts by Markhs and others — the houseboat’s humble residents want nothing to do with the pitched battle for control of the Kings County Democratic Party.

Read more here about the boat-sized Assembly district and its unlikely role in county politics.

Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Friday’s Weather Rating: 3/10. Man oh man, another day of humidity! High temperatures near 90 with uncomfortable dew points and a chance of afternoon storms. The vibes remain unstable out there.

Our Other Top Stories

The Civilian Complaint Review Board is investigating an incident of possible police misconduct during a recent bust of an allegedly unlicensed pot shop. Surveillance footage published by THE CITY showed a large group of officers cursing, jumping over a counter and charging at a shopkeeper who had asked to see a court order. The City Council has lost a lawsuit over whether it could expand housing-vouchers programs through legislation that Mayor Eric Adams had previously vetoed. A judge agreed with the Adams administration’s contention that the Council’s bill was invalid and preempted by the state’s social services law — and they have no authority to expand on it.

Readers, help us report ... How’s outdoor dining faring in your neighborhood? This weekend is the deadline for restaurants to apply under the new outdoor dining program — or tear down their non-compliant streetside structures. If they don’t, they’ll be fined. We want to know: Are eatery owners ripping them down? Are they stubbornly carrying on? Let us know by replying here or emailing ask@thecity.nyc.

Reporter’s Notebook

Ozone Park’s Own Makes Olympic History — Again

That’s our gal! Fencer and Queens native Lauren Scruggs won gold in the women’s team foil event yesterday, delivering Team USA its victory in a final bout against Arianna Errigo of Italy. According to USA Fencing, it’s the first team Olympic gold for America in that sport, ever.

And it’s the second time that Scruggs, 21, made history at the Paris games. On Sunday, she became the first Black woman to win an individual fencing medal when she won silver in the women’s individual foil event, against reigning champion — and Team USA teammate — Lee Kiefer of Lexington, K.Y.

The Ozone Park native, a rising senior at Harvard University, told THE CITY last month that growing up watching her fencing heroes compete on the big screen “was always super exciting to me. So to think that, like, that’s going to be me — it’s kind of crazy.”

— Claudia Irizarry Aponte

Vacant Apartment Problem? You Can Now Call 311

Is there a mysterious empty apartment in your building with problems?

Starting Saturday, tenants can for the first time report vacant apartments in disrepair to the city housing agency through 311. Tenants can raise maintenance code issues like trash, mold and rodents, and have city officials inspect those vacant units in the building if they could pose a hazard to those living nearby.

This is thanks to a City Council bill that became law in January, in part in response to an investigation by THE CITY that highlighted tens of thousands of empty rent-regulated apartments and what happens when they remain that way.

— Samantha Maldonado

Summer & THE CITY brings you the best of summer, by and for New Yorkers. It’s a free, weekly newsletter to help you enjoy — and survive — the hottest months in the five boroughs.

Plus, we’re raffling THE CITY’s limited edition summer merch over there. Don’t miss out.

Sign up for Summer & THE CITY here — it’s free!

Things To Do

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

Friday, August 2: An outdoor performance by NYC’s La Excelencia, an award-winning salsa dura band. Free from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Bryant Park in Manhattan. Saturday, Aug. 3: A SummerStage performance by The Originals, “a crew of DJs who have had their finger on the pulse since before hip-hop was a global phenomenon.” Free from 6 to 10 p.m. at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Saturday, August 3: “Deep Looking: Points Of Connection Abound,” a “Field Guide” workshop that explores interconnected root systems. Free from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (pre-registration required, limited space) at Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens.

THE KICKER: A 16-foot pigeon (sculpture) will soon be installed on the High Line. “I hope it doesn’t cause any accidents,” the artist who created it told Curbed. “But when you’re driving, it really attracts your eye.”

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

Love,

THE CITY

PS. Love THE CITY? Our nonprofit newsroom runs on support from readers like you. Donate here.

Want to view Scoop in your web browser? Click 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 © 2024 THE CITY, All rights reserved.