🌱 Congestion Pricing Debate + Schumer On Student Loan Debt Forgiveness

Good morning, New York City! Happy Monday!

• ❓Chuck Schumer wants to ensure that NY student loan providers are ready to answer your questions.
• 🏢 A multi-million dollar program to provide housing to former inmates appears to be shutting down.
• 🚘 New Yorkers (and people from New Jersey) have strong feelings about congestion pricing.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and humid. High: 86 Low: 73.

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Here are the top five stories in New York City today:

1. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York wants the state's loan providers to prepare for a flurry of questions about President Biden's plan to cancel between $10,000 and $20,000 in student loans. He estimates that in New York alone $16 million in debt will be eliminated for as many as two million people. (Gothamist)
2. A city-contracted nonprofit is abruptly shutting down its million-dollar program that has provided housing to formerly-incarcerated individuals in New York City since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The operator, Exodus Transitional Communities, is also being investigated by multiple city agencies. (THE CITY)
3. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which oversees the Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, is sending out messages opposing congestion pricing, warning that it could lead to increased congestion in the state. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has previously said he's supportive of the plan, which would place a fee on drivers entering Manhattan below 61st street, but doesn't want to see "double taxation" on Jersey commuters already paying bridge and tunnel tolls. (AMNY) Meanwhile, Thursday's public hearing on congestion pricing was met with a large amount of criticism, with 88 speakers in total. They weren't only critical of the controversial fee – but also of the MTA itself. (The New York Times)
4. A coalition of immigrant advocacy groups in New York City is asking for the state and local government to provide upwards of $40 million in assistance to support migrants arriving in the city from Texas. The funding would go towards "medical services, interpreters, legal assistance and resettlement services." (Gothamist)
5. Community groups in The Bronx would like to see the development of the long-empty Kingsbridge Armory include a community land trust. Recently, plans to turn the space into an ice hokey fell through after a multi-year legal battle. (The City)

New York City pic of the day:

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Today in New York City:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show - Wollman Rink (10 a.m.)
• Zumba with Dodge YMCA - Brooklyn Bridge Park (6 p.m.)
• Admissions workshop: Beginning Your Search for Middle School and High School in NYC (6 p.m.)
• Fire Starters open mic at Eastville Comedy Club (8 p.m.)
• R&B Group 702 Will Perform Live at Sapphire 39 (11 p.m.)

Crime and safety corner:

• One person was killed and another four injured in a mass-shooting on the Coney Island Boardwalk on Saturday night. It was the second mass-shooting in Coney Island this summer. (New York 1)
• A man was brought to Bellevue Hospital after threatening to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday morning, according to police. (New York City Patch)
• A man was shot on Saturday morning in Harlem, police say. He brought himself to a hospital a mere two blocks away. (New York City Patch)

From my notebook:

• A mural of the legendary Brooklyn rapper Biggie Smalls in Clinton Hill was vandalized on Friday night. (NBC New York)
• An NYPD officer was recently fired due to his close ties with far-right figures, including Roger Stone. Now he's suing, alleging that police leaders violated his First Amendment rights. (Gothamist)
• Dawn Kelly, who runs a juice bar called The Nourish Spot in Jamaica, Queens, is excited that she will be 'nourishing' attendees of the U.S. Open with her refreshing beverages. (New York City Patch)
• This outdoor dining shed in Williamsburg is whopping 110 feet long, and it apparently "isn't even open for dinning." (New York Post)
• Fair warning if you own a white SUV–the bees are back! (What Is New York via Instagram)

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Events:

• Beginning Your Search for Middle School and High School in NYC (August 29)
• Virtual Independent School Fair & Kindergarten Admissions Panel Discussion (August 30)
• Open House - Log Cabin With 30+ Acres in Susquehanna County, PA (August 30)
• 20s & 30s Speed Dating in Williamsburg @ Radegast Hall & Biergarten (August 31)
• NYC Labor Day Weekend Kickoff Jewel Yacht Party Booze Cruise Skyport Marina (September 2)
• Labor Day Weekend Latin Vibes NYC Cabana Yacht Party Cruise 2022 (September 3)
• Take Me Back to Manhattan (September 3)
• NYC Hip Hop vs. Reggae® Labor Day Weekend Kickoff Jewel Yacht party 2022 (September 3)
• Sunset Sunday LDW Edm Techno House NYC Crowd Control Cabana Yacht Party (September 4)
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Gigs & services:

• New York Dispensary License Process - Priority Applicants Start First (Details)
• Live Music for your Special Event! (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Dashiell Allen

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming New York City Daily? Contact me at patchnyc@patch.com