Public Advocate Jumaane Williams shares details on Office of Community Safety, Are the MTA's new turnstiles stopping subway fare evasion?, and BREAKING: Driver Kills East Side Pedestrian, Flees

Politics & Policy

• Public Advocate Jumaane Williams shares details on Office of Community Safety · Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s new Office of Community Safety will overhaul how NYC responds to violence and mental health issues, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional policing. The office was created by executive order last week and focuses on community-oriented safety strategies. (NY1)
• President, CEO of Queens Public Library on city budget · Under Mayor Mamdani’s preliminary budget proposal, funding for NYC’s public libraries, including Queens Public Library, remains flat despite campaign promises to increase support. This leaves library expansion and service improvements uncertain for millions of residents. (Spectrum News)
• OCM director marks 5 years since New York legalized cannabis · The New York Office of Cannabis Management marks five years since recreational cannabis legalization, reflecting on regulatory progress and ongoing challenges in equity and market access. The agency continues to oversee implementation affecting thousands of residents and businesses statewide. (NY1)

Housing & Transit

• Are the MTA’s new turnstiles stopping subway fare evasion? · Early data from the MTA’s new turnstile pilot program shows a measurable drop in fare evasion at select subway stations, suggesting the technology improves revenue capture and potentially reduces subway fare-skipping citywide. (Spectrum News)
• Habitat for Humanity CEO talks about projects to create affordable housing · Mayor Mamdani’s new incentives for homeowners to add ancillary dwelling units are part of multi-pronged affordable housing efforts including Habitat for Humanity projects aiming to increase housing stock across NYC. This approach supports homeowners while addressing the city’s housing shortage. (NY1)
• What’s going on with long TSA lines at New York City airports? · Post-overnight runway collision chaos and persistent TSA delays are plaguing LaGuardia and other NYC airports, causing long wait times and travel disruptions. The situation highlights the need for improved airport staffing and infrastructure to reduce passenger wait times. (Spectrum News)
• Nonprofit executives talk about holistic approach to housing issues · Project Renewal is expanding programs that integrate supportive housing with health care and job training to combat homelessness across NYC’s five boroughs, aiming for sustained stability for thousands of vulnerable residents. (NY1)

Culture & Lifestyle

• Steven Schirripa to host ‘Garden of Laughs’ comedy benefit · Actor Steven Schirripa returns as host for the April charity event “Garden of Laughs,” which raises funds for children in need across the tri-state area through all-star comedy performances. (Spectrum News)

Civic Services

• Former mental health adviser to Mayor Eric Adams on Office of Community Safety · A former Adams mental health adviser supports the new Office of Community Safety’s focus on violence and mental health response reforms, marking it as a pivotal shift in NYC’s approach to community well-being under Mayor Mamdani. (NY1)
• How New York City plans to use AI in schools · NYC released its first official AI playbook for public schools aiming to enhance learning with artificial intelligence, starting this school year with step-by-step guidelines for safe and effective classroom use. (Spectrum News)
• How safe is air travel right now? · Following the crash at LaGuardia and other recent incidents, air travel safety remains under scrutiny, with experts and agencies affirming strict protocols while passengers face increased delays and heightened security measures. (Spectrum News)

Events

• Tap Dance Masterclass with Margaret Morrison · Dance enthusiasts can join a mixed-level tap class on March 29 featuring reconstructed choreography from African American hoofer Juanita Pitts, celebrating Women’s History and Black History through rhythm tap and archival footage. (Dance.NYC)

DEEP DIVE

BREAKING: Driver Kills East Side Pedestrian, Flees

A 69-year-old woman was fatally struck in a Midtown crosswalk at Second Avenue and East 57th Street around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, and the driver fled the scene. The black SUV involved was captured on video but remains at large as NYPD continues its investigation. The crash happened at a notoriously dangerous intersection with 14 crashes and six injuries reported last year alone, heightening calls for improved pedestrian safety measures. This tragic incident underscores the urgency of traffic enforcement and infrastructure changes to protect vulnerable road users in Midtown. The investigation and search for the driver are ongoing. (Streetsblog NYC)