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  At a press conference with her attorney, the longtime confidant and campaign aide to the mayor says she has never taken gifts in her capacity working in government.  This article originally appeared in The City. By  Katie Honan Follow @x NEW YORK - Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a longtime aide and confidant of mayor Eric Adams, expects to be indicted this week over accepting improper gifts, her lawyer said Monday. Attorney Arthur Aidala organized a news conference with Lewis-Martin at his midtown office Monday morning, prompted by what he called “leaks” in media outlets about the Manhattan grand jury on the case.

A baker frosts the six-foot birthday cake honoring the 200th anniversary of Fifth Avenue, Dec. 8, 2024. Credit: Rachel Kahn/THE CITY The milestone was celebrated with car-free streets, food trucks, and a $150 million funding announcement from the mayor. This article originally appeared in The City.  By Rachel Kahn Follow @x NEW YORK - What do you get the avenue that has everything for its birthday? Sidewalks already crowded for the holiday season spilled out onto the street on Fifth Avenue between 48th and 55th as part of a celebration to commemorate its 200th anniversary.  The event, similar to Open Streets celebrations in the past few years, featured performances, food trucks, brand installations, and even a signature piney scent piped out from decor that dotted the sidewalks.  Rita Stoddard and Lauren Brigman, a mother-daughter duo visiting from Florida, took a picture with one of the many signs that advertised the street’s big day. Br...

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams celebrate at City Hall the Council passing the City of Yes housing plan, Dec. 5, 2024. -Photo by Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY Splitting 31 to 20, those voting in favor cited the high cost of housing, while opponents raised concerns about funding and who will ultimately benefit.  This Article originally appeared in The City.  By Samantha Maldonado Follow @x NEW YORK - A divided City Council gave the go-ahead Thursday on an update of the city’s zoning codes projected to create new capacity to construct up to 80,000 new residences over the next 15 years. The Council voted 31 to 20 to advance Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes for Housing Opportunity agenda — with some members saying they were moved to approve the package after obtaining concessions from the mayor’s original plans. The overhaul aims to address a housing shortage that has given New York City its lowest rental vacancy rate since ...

  At least one major organization has had to shutter, while others are preparing to scale back work and staff because of snowballing financial issues.  This article originally appeared in The City. By  Katie Honan Follow @x NEW YORK - Nonprofit organizations around New York are still facing months-long delays in getting paid on city government contracts, recently forcing some to close their doors while others are worried about paying their staff. One group, Hester Street Collaborative — which worked primarily in community engagement, design, planning and other development efforts in neighborhoods across the boroughs — announced in August they would begin the process of shutting down.  “We know that it is a real loss for the field and the communities and organizations we serve,” a letter on the organization’s website reads. “However, we’ve determined that Hester Street’s financial model has proven unsustainable.” Like ...