Bensonhurst residents protest homeless shelter with construction set to begin, Ninth Avenue is getting a ‘super sidewalk’ and other massive upgrades, and New York Has Thousands of Basement Apartments. Here's Why Few Will Be Legalized

Politics & Policy

• Bensonhurst residents protest homeless shelter with construction set to begin · Construction on a Brooklyn homeless shelter will start this week despite a protest that drew police intervention on Sunday night. The shelter is expected to open later this year, serving hundreds in need. (Noorulain Khawaja)
• Blakeman stops by City Hall to tout affordability · Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman promoted his affordability agenda at City Hall following a recent progressive rally supporting tax hikes on the wealthy. He aims to differentiate his platform ahead of this year’s election. (Alisha Allison)
• In the Bronx, Bernie Sanders rallies thousands who support taxing the rich · Bernie Sanders energized thousands at the Bronx’s Lehman Center on March 29 with his plan to increase income taxes on the richest New Yorkers. The rally highlights growing support for progressive taxation in the city ahead of key policy debates. (PoliticsNY)
• After foiled firebomb plot at Palestinian activist’s home, her lawyers call for broader probe · Lawyers for activist Nerdeen Kiswani allege a wider conspiracy behind last week’s foiled firebomb attack and are pushing for an expanded investigation. Federal agents reportedly disclosed possible additional threats during a City Hall briefing on Monday. (AM New York)

Housing & Transit

• Ninth Avenue is getting a ‘super sidewalk’ and other massive upgrades · Ninth Avenue will gain a wider “super sidewalk,” bigger bike lanes, and a new bus corridor to reduce congestion before the World Cup crowds arrive this fall. These changes target safer, more efficient travel in this busy Manhattan corridor. (Laura Ratliff)
• ‘Game-Changer’: Non-Profit Throws Financial Lifeline to Open Streets Program · Citizens Committee for New York City is funding open street volunteer groups to keep community-led street closures running. This support stabilizes street safety programs amid city budget shortfalls. (Streetsblog NYC)
• Upper West Side affordable senior housing project breaks ground · Construction began on the second phase of an 84-unit affordable senior housing complex at West 108th Street to house low-income and formerly homeless seniors. The project aims for completion by 2027. (6sqft)
• The city is planning to upgrade the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge entrance by June, building separate bike and pedestrian entrances · A redesign of the Brooklyn Bridge’s Manhattan entrance will create separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians, reducing bottlenecks by June in time for the World Cup. (Laura Ratliff)
• Your phone is actually going to have service on these subway lines and in tunnel segments · 5G service is now live inside select 4/5 and G train tunnels across Brooklyn and Manhattan, improving cell coverage for commuters on these lines. (Laura Ratliff)
• Brooklyn, Queens apartment developers broke disability access laws when building, suit claims · A federal lawsuit alleges multiple building violations of disability access laws in three Brooklyn and Queens apartment complexes. The Fair Housing Justice Center demands corrections to improve accessibility. (AM New York)
• Booze is back on board the Staten Island Ferry · Starting last week, beer, hard seltzers, and canned cocktails returned to the Staten Island Ferry after a seven-year ban, expanding passenger snack and beverage choices on board. (6sqft)

Culture & Lifestyle

• A special comet may be visible to the naked eye in NYC next month · New Yorkers can glimpse a naked-eye-visible comet next month along with a meteor shower and Artemis II launch, offering a rare celestial show. (Gerrish Lopez)
• You’ll be able to drink booze on the Staten Island Ferry starting this Friday · Alcohol sales resumed on the Staten Island Ferry from March 26, letting riders buy beer, hard seltzers, and canned cocktails alongside snacks for the first time since 2019. (Gerrish Lopez)
• 50 Cent is opening a massive, $100 million live entertainment hub in Times Square · Rapper 50 Cent is launching a $100 million live entertainment venue in Times Square’s former Planet Hollywood space housing concerts, premieres, and immersive tech events. (Laura Ratliff)

Business & Economy

• Rolex to open 30-story David Chipperfield-designed office tower on Fifth Avenue this fall · Rolex will open a 30-story, 165,000-square-foot flagship office tower designed by Sir David Chipperfield at 665 Fifth Avenue this fall, including multi-level retail space and four terrace setbacks. (6sqft)

Civic Services

• Retired NYPD sergeant arrested in corruption probe linked to city lawmaker and governor’s aide · A retired NYPD sergeant who provided security for city migrant shelters was indicted on bribery charges linked to a corruption probe involving a city lawmaker and the governor’s aide. (Associated Press)
• How to Donate Clothes and Textiles in NYC — and Where It All Goes · NYC households discard an average of 92 pounds of textiles annually; the article outlines where and how residents can donate clothes and textiles through city programs and nonprofits to reduce landfill waste. (THE CITY)

Events

• Origins · Renversons Dance presents four world premieres April 3-4 at New York Live Arts, including works that reinterpret ballet with sneakers, folk sounds, and queer storytelling, expanding ballet’s creative boundaries. (Dance.NYC)

DEEP DIVE

New York Has Thousands of Basement Apartments. Here’s Why Few Will Be Legalized.

New York City’s City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning reform aimed to unleash thousands of basement and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to ease the housing crunch, but state fire safety laws are freezing them out. Basement units in multi-family homes require costly full-building sprinkler systems under Multiple Dwelling Law rules, making legalization financially unfeasible for many homeowners. Despite the potential to add instant new housing in already built neighborhoods, few basement units will clear these barriers, leaving much supply locked in the shadows. This clash between local ambitions and state safety requirements spotlights the urgent need for legislative adjustments to unlock affordable housing stock that already exists below street level.

(The Bigger Apple)