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Dear New Yorkers,

Train riders with disabilities thought they had a rock-solid promise from the MTA: to make almost all subway stations accessible by 2055, mandated by a federal court settlement from two years ago.

But Gov. Kathy Hochul’s about-face on congestion pricing could now jeopardize reaching the target.

That’s because that two-year-old settlement includes an escape hatch for “downside scenarios,” legalese for the future possibility the MTA doesn’t meet certain funding goals.

With Hochul vaporizing the projected $15 billion revenue stream from congestion pricing, there’s a lot less money in the capital budget for making stations compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Currently, only 30% of the 493 stations in the city’s subway system are ADA compliant. Read more here about how transit leaders say they’ll try to make up the budget gap for riders with disabilities.

Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Wednesday's Weather Rating: 10/10. MIDWEEK MAGIC! High temperatures right near 80° F, low dew points, sunshine and a light breeze. That's it, no notes. The vibes are immaculate out there today!

Our Other Top Stories

As former President Donald Trump sat down for a virtual visit with his city probation officer, the union representing those workers say they’re facing a severe staff shortage, with records showing a 45% drop in officers since 2019. The trend comes as criminal justice experts and advocates are pressing for more use of alternatives to jail, including probation. About 1,000 people came to the seventh annual Bronx Book Festival over the past week. But organizers say it may be its last if they can’t get more sponsorships or support from local leaders. “A lot of sponsors have just said no because they don't believe that there are readers in The Bronx,” said the festival founder Saraciea Fennell.

Reporter’s Notebook

Rockaways ‘Urgently Need’ a Trauma Center

More than 700 medical emergencies reported on the Rockaway peninsula between October 2021 and September 2022 would have benefitted from a trauma care center there, according to a new report released Tuesday by the city’s Far Rockaway Trauma Healthcare Access Task Force. The task force also found that many gunshot, stabbing and car accident victims currently travel an average of 10 miles to get to the closest Level I trauma center in Jamaica.

Gunshot victims in the city are most likely to die in Queens in part due to limited access to trauma care in the southeast part of the borough, The Trace and THE CITY previously reported.

The task force, led by Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Queens) and NYC Health + Hospital, was launched last year after more than a thousand Rockaway residents called for the construction of a trauma center on the peninsula. On Tuesday, it concluded that the Rockaways “urgently need” a trauma center, ideally east of Beach 86th Street. At the moment, “it can take more than an hour for a victim to reach a facility equipped to save their life,” the task force reported. “By that time, it is often too late to administer care."

— Haidee Chu

Things To Do

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

Wednesday, June 12: A musical adaptation of The Comedy of Errors, performed in English and Spanish, from the Public Theater’s Mobile Unit. Free from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the ARROW Field House at 35-30 35th St. in Astoria. Thursday, June 13: Salsa music with DJ Sabrosura at the New York Public Library’s outdoor summer listening series. Free from 5 to 7 p.m. at 40 Lincoln Center Plaza on the Upper West Side. Sunday, June 16: Toñita's Caribbean Social Club celebrates its 50th anniversary with a block party celebration. Free from 12 to 6 p.m. on Grand Street between Roebling Street and Driggs Avenue in Williamsburg.

THE KICKER: Mad beef! Joey Chestnut has been kicked out of the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest because he signed a deal with a vegan frankfurter brand. Somewhere, Takeru Kobayashi is laughing.

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

Love,

THE CITY

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