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Dear New Yorkers,

Nearly 20 years ago, highly toxic chemicals were found lurking under the Jacob Riis Houses in the East Village.

Four years ago, specific cleanup plans were recommended.

But not one cubic yard of toxic soil has been removed from the site, an investigation by THE CITY has found.

The NYCHA development is built on top of what was once a 19th century manufactured gas plant notorious for spewing noxious substances.

Dozens of soil samples collected in 2005 registered elevated levels of cancer-causing chemicals lingering below the surface — in some cases just two inches from the surface.

The contaminated structures included Building #4 in the northeast corner of Riis, where the basement floor is made of dirt instead of covered with material to protect people from toxic fumes.

Today, in spite of plans made in 2020 to remedy that, Building #4's basement floor is still dirt. Plus, broken underground pipes near Building #4 are releasing steam up through the contaminated soil. During several recent visits, THE CITY witnessed steam pouring out of every imaginable opening around the building.

Read more here about THE CITY’s investigation into the ongoing contamination at the Jacob Riis Houses.

Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Monday’s Weather Rating: 4/10. An extra point for a lack of storms, but it’s still hot and humid with high temperatures in the lower 90s. The vibes remain uncomfortable out there today …

Our Other Top Story

Owning a home in this city is a serious achievement and a valuable asset often built up over years. But losing control of it can happen in a New York minute. Over the last few years, THE CITY has reported extensively on cases of deed theft and scams — unscrupulous moves where people use fraud, forgery and other methods to take possession of a home. These shady practices often impact the city’s Black and Latino communities the most, many of which have seen their homes’ worth rise significantly in recent years. To protect yourself — and your heirs — check out THE CITY’s new guide on how to avoid deed theft and property scams.

SPONSORED This New HQ Drives Economic Growth   JPMorganChase is creating 8,000 construction jobs and adding $2.6 billion to New York City’s economy by building its new 60-story headquarters in Midtown. Set to be completed next year, the new skyscraper will be home to over 10,000 local employees.   As one of the city’s largest private employers, JPMorganChase is making a long-term investment in New York and continuing to help fuel the local economy through both business and community investments.   Learn More

Dear Scoop readers,

Over the coming months you will see regular messages in THE CITY Scoop from JPMorganChase, a new corporate sponsor of THE CITY. Their sponsorship is part of a broader investment the company is making in local journalism through collaboration with the American Journalism Project.

As Andrew Gray, Managing Director of Regional Communications for JPMorganChase explains, “The evidence is clear that a thriving local news ecosystem is key to more civic engagement and a healthy democracy. JPMorganChase believes supporting sustainable models for local news is essential to meeting information needs, strengthening communities and fostering inclusive economic growth.”

From the outset, THE CITY has sought to create a diverse mix of philanthropy, reader donations and corporate support in order to sustain its journalism. This commitment, which includes newsletter sponsorship and collaboration on public events, demonstrates what is possible when a leading national business invests in the health of local communities and helps empower local outlets to reach civically engaged readers. Of course whatever the funding source, our strict editorial independence mandate applies, and all of THE CITY’s donors and sponsors are on board with it.

We are thrilled to work with JPMorganChase, and as always, look forward to your feedback.

Nic Dawes

Executive Director

Things To Do

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

Tuesday, Aug. 6: An outdoor film screening of The Princess Bride (1987). Free from 7 to 10 p.m. at Van Cortlandt Park in The Bronx. Friday, Aug. 9: A Game Devs of Color Expo hosted by the New York Public Library. This in-person meetup includes a showcase of 10+ new games by local talent. Free ($20 suggested donation) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in Manhattan. Saturday, Aug. 10: A community science event hosted by Brooklyn Bridge Park staff and marine biologists, during which they’ll use a seine net to catch and release organisms living below the surface of the East River. Free from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pier 4 in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

THE KICKER: A three-foot snake was slithering around the West Village this weekend, reports Gothamist. The NYPD captured it and brought it to an animal shelter.

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

Love,

THE CITY

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