The "Worst of the Worst" Edition
The "Worst of the Worst" Edition
If Mayor Adams is trying to make a point about crime, maybe he shouldn't commit one to do so. Plus eternal BQE construction, the best bakeries, save the slice shop, secret elevators, and more.
How would you like to write an edition of The Briefly? I’m looking for people interested in having their voices and stories heard. I want to find some people interested in taking over for a day. You don’t have to write them in the same way that I do. You can write an essay, a diary, photos, a list of your favorite bartenders, poetry, or any way you’d like to express yourself. Reply to this email if you’re interested. You don’t need a solid idea, just an interest.
• Remember Mayor Adams's report "Notable Recent Worst of the Worst?" The mayor attempted to scare New Yorkers into changing their opinion about bail reform by releasing information on "high-volume offenders." The larger point was disproved by facts and violated state law and a court's preliminary junction. The mayor had to access hundreds of sealed arrest records to create his report. (Nick Pinto for Hell Gate)
• "Because when we took prayers out of schools, guns came into schools" -Mayor Adams, who has completely gone off the deep end and is likely destined to walk the same path as Chicago's Mayor Lightfoot. (Elizabeth Kim for Gothamist)
• The NYPD’s Chief of Department wants businesses to deny entry to anyone who refuses to remove their mask. I believe this is called the TSA approach to safety. Soon, you'll have to take off your shoes to go to the bodega. (Ben Brachfeld for Brooklyn Paper)
• The NYPD refused to show up for a City Council oversight hearing to discuss its Strategic Response Group. They attempted to blame their absence on a "gag order" due to lawsuits. No gag order exists. It's more of the same from the group of cowards and bullies that fill the upper ranks of the NYPD. (Christopher Robbins for Hell Gate)
• The hearing was about the SRG's use of "kettling" during the George Floyd protests of 2020. As a result of their actions, all NYC taxpayers will be paying everyone caught in the kettle at least $21,500. Those who were issued desk appearance tickets could get $2,500, and the named plaintiffs who brought the suit would be entitled to an additional $21,500. The City will also pay out $2,550,000 in attorney's fees. (Hell Gate)
• Congressman George Santos is under investigation by the House ethics committee to see if he “engaged in unlawful activity with respect to his 2022 congressional campaign; failed to properly disclose required information on statements filed with the House; violated federal conflict of interest laws in connection with his role in a firm providing fiduciary services; and/or engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual seeking employment in his congressional office.” (Brigid Bergin for Gothamist)
• With the recent closings of Lenny’s Pizza and Sal’s Pizza Store, it's time to rise as a city and support your local slice joint. They may not have a chef with a pedigree or make their ingredients, but this is New York, dammit, and pizza is in our blood. (Chris Crowley for Grub Street)
• We're back to talks of an interim highway being built while the BQE near Brooklyn Heights is repaired. Our options are closing the BQE between Hamilton Ave and Tillary St, which would flood Park Slope and Downtown Brooklyn with cars, or a temporary highway built next to the existing one. Strap in because this project will last at least another decade. (Julianne Cuba for Streetsblog)
• Lots of stories about how Grand Central Madison is making commutes worse. Cool. (Catalina Gonella and Clayton Guse for Gothamist)
• If you must use Grand Central Madison, maybe you want to know about these secret elevators. (Clayton Guse and Stephen Nessen for Gothamist)
• A proposal for Prospect Park's Vale of Cashmere is running into criticism that it erases the site's history as an LGBTQ+ meeting spot and disregards the original vision of the Vale by the park's designers. (Aaron Ginsburg for 6sqft)
• Governor Hochul vetoed a rail safety bill in December 2022. Today she is advocating for rail safety. Make up your mind. (Julia Rock for New York Focus in partnership with The Lever)
• I Tried Working Out on Kratom So You Don’t Have To. (Katie Way for Hell Gate)
• A new express ferry goes from Bay Ridge to Wall Street in 20 minutes, for commuters and people who had ambitious plans to ride their bikes and gave up halfway. (Aaron Ginsburg for 6sqft)
• Please tell me that no one is tipping their landlord. (Clio Chang for Curbed)
• The five best public art installations this month. (Irene Madrigal for Untapped New York)
• Seven openings and experiences in NYC to look forward to this spring. (Anna Rahmanan for Time Out)
• Where to Go: Bar Mario in Red Hook. What to Order: Gnocci. "The truth is I could probably eat it every day, my own personal macaroni and cheese, and be happy." (Tammie Teclemariam for Grub Street)
• Fishs Eddy is now giving public tours of its secret vintage plate museum. Lots of photos. (Jason Diamon with photography by Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet for Eater)
• Meet Sergeant Judith Velosky, Urban Park Ranger, who came into work on Sunday and helped rescue Godzilla, the alligator. (Kerry Shaw for Gothamist)
• 13 best Manhattan bakeries. (Eater)
Top Clicked Links from the Last Edition:
Calling all New Yorkers: A few numbers with the 212 area code are back in circulation
The Updated Canal Street Market Has Some Truly Exciting Food
Featured City Pet: Cindy!
Hi! My name is Cynthia but I go by Cindy, C-Dog, Cin-Diesel, Baby Doodle and so many other names my mom and dad call me! To be honest, I can’t keep up! I’m 14 years young and my mom adopted me from an animal rescue in the Bronx when I was just 12 weeks old. My favorite hobbies are asking for lots of treats, napping, knocking things over, sitting on dads lap, hanging out in my cat cave with all of my toys and catnip, giving kisses to mom whenever she asks (it’s a lot but, she loves me SO much!) and waking her up at 5:30 every morning to make sure she knows it’s almost time for me to eat! Typed by my mom, Lizz
Send your pet pics and stories to thebriefly@gmail.com.
