Rachel Holliday Smith, Author at THE CITY - NYC News

Politics in Surround Sound: The Double Speaker City Council Clash

Dec. 16, 2021, 6:11 p.m.Dec. 16, 2021, 6:11 p.m.

A big shake-up in the governor’s race has rattled the field for attorney general — and could we have two City Council speakers? What’s going on? Find out in our latest Civic Newsroom report.

Civic Newsroom

Who’s Running for Attorney General in New York? Letitia James Disrupts a Crowded Field

Dec. 13, 2021, 10:11 a.m.Dec. 13, 2021, 1:33 p.m.

Letitia James says she’ll run for reelection after all — after nixing a nascent run for governor. Here’s who’s also in the running so far for the state’s top prosecutor, with an overview of what an attorney general does.

Civic Newsroom

How New York Will Find Its Next City Council Speaker

Dec. 8, 2021, 10:20 a.m.Dec. 15, 2021, 5:05 p.m.

Here’s what to know about who’s running for the Council’s top job, how the secret campaign process unfolds and why New Yorkers should care — even if they don’t get a say on who it will be.

A transit worker walks along a section of the Second Avenue Subway tunnel under East Harlem, Nov. 23, 2021.

Manhattan

As Federal Funds Put Second Ave. Subway Extension on Express Track, Displacement Looms for Locals

Nov. 28, 2021, 7:45 p.m.Nov. 29, 2021, 7:30 a.m.

The Biden istration’s injection of billions into local infrastructure has state and transit officials tooting horns about the Q line’s uptown run. But some residents along the route say they’re trying to avoid getting railroaded out of the neighborhood.

Homelessness

Steve Banks Had Big Goals for Shelters, and Hit the Mark on Some. Should He Stay?

Nov. 19, 2021, 10:11 a.m.Nov. 19, 2021, 10:12 a.m.

The city has now left all its notorious “cluster” shelter sites. Family homelessness is down. Eric Adams has hinted he likes the Department of Social Services commissioner. Is Banks ready for round two?

Climate Change

FDR Drive Tear-Down and Manhattan Land Extension Eyed in Downtown Flood Plan

Nov. 15, 2021, 7:23 p.m.Oct. 28, 2022, 2:26 p.m.

In a new proposal to be released this week, the city is looking to build into the East River by up to 188 feet — and possibly remove a mile-long portion of the elevated FDR Drive.

Environment

First NYC Tree Canopy Study Shows Growth as Storms and Budget Cuts Threaten Gains

Nov. 11, 2021, 8:31 p.m.March 14, 2024, 2:22 p.m.

The South Bronx boasts more tree cover than a decade ago. Canarsie has less. How do we know? The Nature Conservancy analyzed tree cover in New York using laser technology as the climate crisis changes the cityscape.

Housing

Manhattan Billionaires’ Row Homeless Shelter Opens After Years-Long Legal Battle

Nov. 10, 2021, 6:00 p.m.Nov. 10, 2021, 6:00 p.m.

Some 80 men will live in the former Park Savoy Hotel on West 58th Street. Homeless Services Commissioner Steve Banks said the battle to stop its opening was “the longest and most well-funded litigation” over a city shelter.

Civic Newsroom

The Election Is Finally Over. What’s Next and How Did Three Ballot Proposals Fail?

Nov. 9, 2021, 5:44 p.m.Nov. 9, 2021, 5:44 p.m.

Here’s the latest on the results, what the mayor-elect is up to now, what the heck happened with those ballot questions — and how New York’s political district lines will get drawn next year.

Elections

New York on Track to Environmental Rights Ballot Proposal as Voting Changes Get Shot Down

Nov. 4, 2021, 5:16 p.m.March 14, 2024, 2:24 p.m.

Voters appear to have enshrined environmental rights in the state Constitution. But early results show they may have nixed making it easier to vote and changing the redistricting process. Meanwhile, a measure to expand Civil Court cases seemed headed for an OK.

Rachel Holliday Smith

Politics in Surround Sound: The Double Speaker City Council Clash

Who’s Running for Attorney General in New York? Letitia James Disrupts a Crowded Field

How New York Will Find Its Next City Council Speaker

As Federal Funds Put Second Ave. Subway Extension on Express Track, Displacement Looms for Locals

FDR Drive Tear-Down and Manhattan Land Extension Eyed in Downtown Flood Plan

First NYC Tree Canopy Study Shows Growth as Storms and Budget Cuts Threaten Gains

Manhattan Billionaires’ Row Homeless Shelter Opens After Years-Long Legal Battle

The Election Is Finally Over. What’s Next and How Did Three Ballot Proposals Fail?

New York on Track to Environmental Rights Ballot Proposal as Voting Changes Get Shot Down

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