Tag: op-ed

Op-ed: Time for a rain ready New York

rain

Oct. 23, 2024 By James Gennaro New York is clearly on the frontlines when it comes to facing the escalating impacts of climate change. Nearly one year ago, Brooklyn and Queens were devastated with another record-breaking rainstorm that poured nearly nine inches of rain at JFK Airport, shut down subway lines and flooded basement…

Op-ed: Time to register, license, and insure motorized two-wheelers before our streets become even more dangerous

Low Section Unknown Amateur Riding Electric Bicycle In The City

Oct. 2, 2024 By Tom Grech, Councilmember Sandra Ung and Assemblymember Sam Berger New York City is in the middle of a transportation crisis. In just the past few years, our streets and sidewalks have been overrun by an explosion of two-wheeled, motorized vehicles—e-scooters, e-bikes, stand-up scooters, mopeds, and motorbikes. These vehicles may be…

Op-Ed: The case for community service as an alternative to sanitation fines

community

Aug. 7, 2024 By Council Member Nantasha Williams In New York City, financial penalties for minor violations are often more than just a ticket; they can represent a serious setback for individuals and families already struggling to make ends meet. These fines and fees disproportionately impact those living in poverty or immigrants yet to…

Op-ed: Congestion pricing would do much more harm than good for New Yorkers

congestion pricing

Jun. 11, 2024 By Assemblymember David I. Weprin Like many residents throughout the five boroughs and across the New York Metro Area, I was pleasantly surprised by Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to “indefinitely pause” the implementation of Congestion Pricing. Rather than seeing this as a cynical calculation, as some have alleged, I see the Governor’s…
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Op-ed | Building a brighter future: The promise of the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan

oped

May. 14, 2024 By Council Member Nantasha Williams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Senator Leroy Comrie As the heartbeat of Queens, Jamaica holds a special place in our hearts and the hearts of its residents. It’s a vibrant community with a rich cultural tapestry, bustling streets and a unique identity. Like any urban center,…
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Op-Ed | Hochul: Action is Imperative on Shoplifting, but Violent Crime is Just Fine

hochul

Apr. 29, 2024 By Council Member James F. Gennaro Negotiations regarding the New York State budget have just concluded a few days ago and a budget has passed after more than two weeks of delays. But while Gov. Kathy Hochul has proclaimed this year’s ‘bold agenda’ aims to make New York ‘safer,’ there hasn’t been…
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Op-ed: An urgent call for revising NY’s criminal justice reforms to protect public safety

criminal

Apr. 11, 2024 By Council Member Robert Holden In 2019, the State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo embarked on a controversial overhaul of New York’s criminal justice system by enacting several laws, including cashless bail and sweeping changes to discovery laws. Simultaneously, the New York City Council passed laws that compounded these challenges, notably the…
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