Dear New Yorkers,
An extension of the controversial state film and TV tax credit, sweetening the pot for producers who bring work to New York. A new tax break to entice companies to lease space in older office buildings. A larger tax incentive to aid Broadway.
Those are only a few of the business tax benefits Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed to extend, expand or create in her budget proposal this year.
Usually, the legislature approves these tax incentives without any changes — but this year could be different.
A study by an independent consultant, ordered by the legislature and released early last year, called many of them a waste of money. A subsequent hearing in November focused attention on the programs with the least return on investment. And a package of bills to rein them in is expected to be introduced soon by four influential Democratic state senators.
“It is a raw deal for taxpayers,” said State Sen. James Skoufis (D-Orange County), referring to the film subsidy. “It is flabbergasting for me that anyone would seek to expand the program.”
Read more here about the lawmakers pushing back against Hochul and Adams’ business tax breaks.
Weather ☀️
The sun returns, and it’s otherwise breezy with highs in the low 40s.
MTA 🚇
From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. the 6 train runs less frequently in The Bronx. Find all the MTA’s planned changes and the latest delays here.
Alternate side parking 🚙
It’s in effect today, Feb. 7.
By the way…
The deadlines to apply to serve on a community board are coming up — learn more about what boards do and how to apply!
Our Other Top Stories
- Parts of Washington Heights have now been recognized by the National of Historic Places as the “Dominican Historic District,” a commemoration which has split the community. After the proposal was approved in a tie-break in the fall, the National sent it back with revisions — one of which was the need for more community input, which frustrated residents say never occurred.
- “You don’t know what’s going to happen,” Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said about being first in line for the mayoralty right now — part of the latest edition of our election newsletter, RANKED CHOICES.
Reader Gabrielle S. asked our newsroom how to dispose of nitrous oxide canisters “abandoned on the street or tossed into our building’s garbage bins.” Those canisters have been increasingly used as recreational drugs in the city and elsewhere.
We asked the Department of Sanitation for the answer. Here it is: Nitrous oxide cans, sometimes called whippets, are not recyclable and must be taken to a SAFE Disposal event for hazardous materials. If a business uses that gas — particularly for making whipped cream or seltzer — they have to dispose of the tanks through their private carter.
We’ve updated Part 2 on where your recycling goes after you toss it.
Reporter’s Notebook
Janno Goes to Albany
MTA brass pleaded their case before state lawmakers on Thursday, asking them to fund the transit agency’s five-year capital plan — which has a $33 billion hole in it.
Speaking at a t legislative hearing in Albany, MTA Chairperson and CEO Janno Lieber insisted it’s not an option to shrink the plan, which focuses on maintaining the system and preliminary work for the Interborough Express.
“It ain’t getting smaller,” he said of the $68 billion blueprint — which a state review vetoed on Christmas Eve. “We are at the minimum point where we can assure that we don’t lose ground.”
Lieber said the planned light-rail line between Brooklyn and Queens could be on the chopping block if lawmakers don’t come up with the cash.
“It’s not the MTA’s to figure out the power of the purse issues,” he added. “That is between the executive and the legislature and we are counting on you.”
— Jose Martinez
Fight Over Emissions Payments
In December, New York became the second state in the nation to move forward with a law establishing a Climate Superfund. Companies responsible for a significant share of past planet-warming emissions — spewed between 2020 and 2024 — would pay about $3 billion annually over 25 years to help fund New York’s investments in climate change adaptation.
On Thursday, West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey announced 22 states would sue New York to stop the law. He argued New York usurped the federal government’s authority to regulate emissions, and that the fines would “destroy” the livelihood of workers in “energy-producing” states like his.
New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office said it received the suit and is reviewing it. Vermont, the other state with such a law, is also facing a lawsuit on similar grounds.
Michael Gerrard, director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University, said the 1980 law that inspired New York’s Climate Superfund “has withstood many similar challenges in the courts.”
— Samantha Maldonado
Things To Do
Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.
- Friday, Feb. 7: On the first Friday of every month, you can visit the Bronx Museum after-hours. There’ll be DJ, beatbox, and spoken word performances — plus free empanadas. 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 8: Calling all foragers! the Foodway Team to share foraging practices, voice challenges and work to envision a new city-wide foraging policy. Plus, exchange seeds and walk through Starlight Park. Bronx River House in Starlight Park, 11 a.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 8: Hike Harlem’s parks and learn about history, ecology and geology along the way. 12 p.m.
THE KICKER: With egg prices rising, Staten Island resident Tommy Lane’s is building his own chicken coop.
Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Friday.
Love,
THE CITY
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