New State Law Requires Museums to Identify Nazi-Looted Art
In August, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a series of new laws intended to support Holocaust survivors in educational, cultural and financial institutions. Within the legislative package is a law requiring museums to identify displayed artwork stolen during Europe’s Nazi era with a placard or other signage. Though the law was implemented immediately at signing, the parameters of enforcement are not specified and many museums have not yet implemented changes.
Advocates Want More Done to Address Rise in Sexual Assaults
Rapes have increased in Midtown, but stigma and trauma prevent more survivors from coming forward.
Traffic Violations Near Midtown Tunnel Create Danger for Pedestrians
Pedestrians living near the Midtown Tunnel are concerned as the number of 17th precinct moving violations pile up.
Migration Season Glass Collisions Prompt Increased Bird Deaths
Between 90,000 and 230,000 migratory birds die from colliding with buildings in New York City each year, according to NYC Audubon.
SNAP Recipients in Limbo as Pandemic Food Benefits Bound to Expire
Emergency allotments helped SNAP recipients during the pandemic. But with the eventual end of these enhanced benefits looming, many Midtown residents face the risk of food insecurity.
Hell’s Kitchen Affordable Housing Project Gets Mixed Reaction
Hell’s Kitchen residents and local lawmakers are speaking out about a planned affordable housing project.
Floral District Hit by Inflation Amid Pandemic Recovery
Midtown’s floral district hit with inflation as many shop owners still work to recover from the pandemic.
Flatiron Locals Seek Crackdown on Sidewalk Charities
The community wants an end to aggressive sidewalk charities
Environmental Concerns Over Alleged Con Ed Water Dumping
Midtown-based civic group plans to sure Con Ed over alleged Clean Water Act violations.
State Designates Times Square as “Gun-Free” Zone
New York designates Time Square a gun-free zone following the June Supreme Court ruling, which struck down a provision in the state’s concealed carry law.
Complaints About Air Quality Persist in Midtown
A recent report from the American Lung Association shows that air pollution has decreased across New York City. But some Midtown workers aren’t convinced.
Midtown Addiction Community Still Recovering from Lockdown Setbacks
Midtown addiction community struggles to return to treatment after pandemic setbacks in an area with the highest rate of binge drinking.
New City Sanitation Program Has Critics and Fans
Midtown residents and local environmentalists have mixed opinions on whether the trash pickup in Times Square is getting any better around the neighborhood or enough to have an impact.
The Role of Intimacy Directors on Broadway
As more intimacy directors join Broadway shows, industry professionals want more diversity and qualifications.
Night Shift Workers Choose Longer Commutes in Fear of Subway Crime
Some New Yorkers are avoiding trains due to fear of subway crime.
Dozens of Abandoned Dining Sheds Demolished Amid Complaints
Residents file complaints about outdoor abandoned dining sheds as the city moves to make the Open Restaurants program permanent.
Non-Profits and Activists Play Outsized Role in Asylum Seeker Care
While there is help from the local government, non-profits, community-based organizations and activists said they are providing many of the services for asylum seekers.
Broadway is Bustling; Sensory-Friendly Shows, Not So Much
The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for the Theatre Development Fund, threatening the number of sensory-friendly Broadway performances it produces.
Midtown Faces Suicide Crisis Amid Pandemic
At least eight people have died by suicide in Midtown this year, according to local news reports.
Chelsea Residents Rethink Open Streets Program
As the city recovers from the pandemic, some residents question the need to continue the Open Streets program, while others want it to stay.
Koreatown Restaurants Fight to Survive as Office Vacancies and Crime Increase
As office vacancies and crime rise in Midtown South, Koreatown restaurants are fighting to keep their doors open.
Complaints About Chelsea’s Dirty Sidewalks Soar as Tourism Returns
As tourism returns, some Chelsea residents feel sidewalks are dirtier than ever, but the New York Department of Sanitation doesn’t see it as a problem.
Revel Scooter Accidents Leave People Questioning Bike’s Safety
New Yorkers have mixed feelings about the safety of Revel scooters.
Housing Works Pushes for Overdose Prevention Centers Amid Changing Administration
Local advocacy groups push new Governor Kathy Hochul to bring the Opioid Prevention Center Program to New York City.
