Local governments in New York are heavily dependent on sales tax revenue, which has dried up amid the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuring economic fallout, a report by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli found. By the numbers: The taxes collected from the sale of goods and services, and additional taxes on specific services and commodities, are an […]
New York State Thruway Toll Increase
In December of 2019, the New York State Thruway Authority issued a proposal that would increase toll rates on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. The proposal also establishes a 30 percent rate differential for toll by mail rates along the entire Thruway system and a 15 percent rate differential above the New York E-ZPass […]
Amazon 2.0: The Industry City Deal Collapses
After a yearlong fight pitting various elected officials, community groups, business groups, and developers against one another, the controversial Brooklyn Industry City development project has been shelved as the project’s owners withdrew their rezoning application. Coming on the heels of the killed Amazon HQ2 project many New Yorkers are concerned about the political climate in […]
Letter to City Planning Commission opposing Maspeth Self-Storage Facility
As New York City learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, industrial businesses are essential businesses. Manufacturers and distributors rushed into action pivoting to provide the necessary tools and equipment while ensuring that the supply chain held strong. From making PPE and hand sanitizer to stocking pharmacies and supermarkets, when things were at their worst the industrial […]
Cashless Establishments Prohibited in New York City
Beginning November 19th, it will be unlawful for a food store or a retail establishment to refuse to accept payment in cash from consumers, unless payment is in: Cash bills denominated above $20 Cash for any telephone, mail, or internet-based transaction, unless the payment for such transaction takes place on the premises of the food […]