Author: schnepsrestagent

Hochul unpacks details of major effort to combat retail theft — including tougher penalties and tax credits

NYS Gov. Hochul at a desk with American flag behind her talking congestion pricing

May. 1, 2024 By Barbara Russo-Lennon Gov. Kathy Hochul rolled out the details Wednesday of a $40 million package filled with sweeping measures, including retail-focused anti-theft teams for police, to combat rising retail theft across the state.  The legislation included in the recently-enacted state budget features more penalties for anyone who assaults retail workers,…

Rep. Meeks assures Cambria Heights: Vacant Rite Aid will not become a shelter

meeks

May. 1, 2024 By Athena Dawson U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-5) addressed residents’ concerns during a Queens Community Board 13 virtual meeting on Thursday, Apr. 29. He assured the Cambria Heights community that the vacant Rite Aid at 222-14 Linden Blvd. would not be converted into a shelter. This announcement comes after weeks of active…
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Fair Fares transit discount program finally compatible with OMNY for trial period

OMNY machines where a select group of Fair Fares users will be able to tap payment

May. 1, 2024 By Ben Brachfeld MTA riders using Fair Fares can finally start tapping into the discounted system using OMNY, with the transit agency and the city’s Social Services department launching a pilot program this week for select users of the low-income transit program. Fair Fares users, who are eligible for a half-price…

Op-ed: Making the change: Illegal cannabis stores will now be closed!

cannabis

May. 1, 2024 By Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato I am currently writing this in the early hours after intensely debating the State Budget. As your State representative, I have been working to pass fiscal policies that represent the needs of our community. Moments ago, our community scored a tremendous victory as I voted yes and…
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Sammy’s Law passed: Queens leaders hail new legislation enabling NYC to lower speed limits for safer streets

sammy's law

May. 1, 2024 By Ethan Marshall Queens Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas and State Senator John Liu joined community advocates Tuesday to celebrate the passage of Sammy’s Law, a legislation that allows for New York City to determine its own speed limits, in the latest New York State budget. The legislation is meant to help reduce traffic…
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NYC rent-stabilized tenants in danger of yet another increase after Rent Guidelines Board vote

Rent Guidelines Board votes on preliminary rent-stabilized apartment increase

May. 1, 2024 By Ethan Stark-Miller New York City’s roughly 1 million rent-stabilized tenants could see their rents hiked by as much as 6.5%, according to preliminary ranges approved by the city’s Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) Tuesday night. The nine-member panel, made up entirely of Mayor Eric Adams’ appointees, advanced in a 5-2 vote…