Rachel Holliday Smith, Author at THE CITY - NYC News

What Is a District Leader? Your Guide to New York’s ‘Micro Elected Officials’

April 21, 2022, 11:53 a.m.June 11, 2024, 2:47 p.m.

They’re volunteer positions with a history in patronage politics. Today, district leaders influence who can be judges, poll workers and of each borough’s county committee.

A row of South Bronx tenement buildings held a mix of apartments and businesses on he ground floor.

Housing

Rent Hikes Between 2.7% and 9% Floated by Guidelines Board Staff in Set-Up to Final Vote

April 14, 2022, 8:04 p.m.April 14, 2022, 9:40 p.m.

The new figures are a guide for the nine-member Rent Guidelines Board before they make a preliminary recommendation in May, then a final vote on rent guidelines in June.

Rent Guidelines Board

In Adams, Landlords See Hope for a Rent Hike on Regulated Apts as Bills Pile Up

April 11, 2022, 7:28 p.m.April 12, 2022, 12:38 p.m.

The Rent Guidelines Board kept rent increases historically low during the de Blasio istration. The board must vote on rent prices by July 1, and Mayor Eric Adams’ recent appointees are worrying tenant advocates.

Marijuana

Catch-22 for Weed License Hopefuls Who Need Past Conviction — and Business Chops

March 28, 2022, 7:01 p.m.March 30, 2022, 12:54 p.m.

The state wants applicants for the first 100 cannabis dispensary licenses to have owned profitable businesses and have pot charges in their pasts. Experts say that’s a tall order.

Public Schools

COVID Case Counts More Than Doubled in Public Schools Since Last Month, DOE Data Shows

March 23, 2022, 9:48 p.m.March 24, 2022, 10:36 p.m.

The uptick comes as a new variant, B.A.2, spreads in New York, and mask mandates in schools have been lifted for most students.

How to New York

Know Your Rights With the NYPD’s New ‘Neighborhood Safety Teams’

March 21, 2022, 8:36 p.m.Oct. 13, 2023, 2:32 p.m.

The street-crime police units are back under Mayor Adams with a new name. Officials say they will be looking for guns in 30 precincts. Can you record them on your phone? Do they have to provide ID? We answer these questions and more.

Tenants

‘Universal’ Counsel: Advocates Want to Nix Income Caps for Housing Court Help

March 9, 2022, 7:34 p.m.March 10, 2022, 9:41 a.m.

More than 10% of people matched with a publicly funded attorney for housing cases made above the income limit once set for who could get a free lawyer. Advocates say it points to a need for free legal help beyond just the city’s poorest.

How to New York

More Money? Pushy Landlord? Your Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Questions Answered

March 7, 2022, 8:10 p.m.May 14, 2024, 3:45 p.m.

The backlog is thousands deep, and even those who got approved for funds have hit snags. Here’s your ERAP update from THE CITY’s Rent Updates newsletter.

Jails

Big Changes to Parole Are Here. How Will ‘Less is More’ Hold Up?

March 6, 2022, 8:03 p.m.March 7, 2022, 9:23 a.m.

New York’s major parole policy reform went into effect March 1. It aims to transform how formerly incarcerated people are treated. Here’s how it works.

How to New York

Why Is New York’s Bail Reform So Controversial?

Feb. 21, 2022, 7:03 p.m.Oct. 13, 2023, 2:34 p.m.

Critics like Mayor Eric Adams say bail reform should be rolled back. Are they right?

Rachel Holliday Smith

What Is a District Leader? Your Guide to New York’s ‘Micro Elected Officials’

Rent Hikes Between 2.7% and 9% Floated by Guidelines Board Staff in Set-Up to Final Vote

In Adams, Landlords See Hope for a Rent Hike on Regulated Apts as Bills Pile Up

Catch-22 for Weed License Hopefuls Who Need Past Conviction — and Business Chops

COVID Case Counts More Than Doubled in Public Schools Since Last Month, DOE Data Shows

Know Your Rights With the NYPD’s New ‘Neighborhood Safety Teams’

‘Universal’ Counsel: Advocates Want to Nix Income Caps for Housing Court Help

More Money? Pushy Landlord? Your Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Questions Answered

Big Changes to Parole Are Here. How Will ‘Less is More’ Hold Up?

Why Is New York’s Bail Reform So Controversial?

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