🌱 NYC Doesn't 'Love' 'We Love NY' Campaign + Lithium-Ion Battery Ban

Good morning, New York City! It's now officially spring. Here's what's going on:

• New Yorkers aren't in love with the city's latest marketing campaign.
• Mayor Eric Adams has signed a bill banning unlicensed lithium-ion batteries.
• The NYPD is already past its overtime budget.

But first, today's weather: Abundant sunshine. High: 60 Low: 44.

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

1. New Yorkers aren't showing much love for the city's new "We Love New York" marketing campaign released on Monday, which replaces the iconic "I" with a "We." Following its launch, they took to Twitter to gripe. To make matters worse, the campaign's website did not work for many people trying to access it, and the @WeLoveNYC Twitter handle was actually already taken. (New York City Patch)
2. Laws signed by Mayor Eric Adams ban the sale of uncertified lithium-ion batteries, which are often used by delivery workers to power their e-bikes. The batteries have been attributed to a large number of fires in recent years — including 220 in 2022. (New York City Patch)
3. Supporters of New York City's public library system are pushing back against close to $42 million in proposed cuts in Mayor Adams's annual budget proposal. New York Public Library CEO Tony Marx told City Council in December that proposed cuts "“may push us over the edge," and cause hours and staffing to be reduced. Marx joined Brooklyn Public Library president Linda Johnson on the steps of City Hall. (Gothamist)
4. The NYPD has already blown past its overtime compensation budget for officers by $100 million in the 2023 fiscal year, which began last July, according to the Comptroller's office. Department officials say they have been relying on overtime more frequently due to short staffing. (AMNY)
5. NYC summer camps haven't been able to use city-run public pools since the start of the pandemic, and three years later they're still not sure when they'll be able to jump in the water. Some say they've had to resort to more expensive, private options. (THE CITY)

New York City pic of the day:

Remember to submit a photo from your neighborhood to newyorkcity@patch.com for a chance to be featured! We love skylines, bodega cats, coffee shops, streetscapes, parks and everything else that makes this city great.

Today in New York City:

• World Poetry Day Workshop — Moxy NYC Lower East Side (5 p.m.)
• The Great New York Fire of 1776 : Private Exhibition Viewing and Panel Discussion (5:30 p.m.)
• Empower, Educate, and Support LGBTQIA2+ Families and Friends (6 p.m.)
• No Name @ Word Up Super Story Party Returns To Washington Heights (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A Panera Bread location on the Upper East Side is offering free unlimited coffee for one year to 500 lucky patrons — starting this morning. (Time Out)
• A developer has reintroduced a controversial development proposal in Harlem, that involves building 50 percent affordable housing and 50 percent market-rate, along with senior housing. A previous building of the proposal received objections from the local Community Board and council member. (Harlem Patch)
• Supporters outnumbered protestors of Drag Queen Story Hour over the weekend in Chelsea at an event featuring Attorney General Letitia James. (West Village Patch)
• Despite holding LEED energy efficiency certifications buildings in Manhattan's glitzy Hudson Yards are still producing more greenhouse gas emissions than they appear. (City Limits)
• Ever wonder why that intersection in your neighborhood is named after a community activist? Here's a guide to street renaming, a process determined by community boards and the city council. (THE CITY)

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Featured events:

• White Collar Week: Scott Semple, Former Connecticut Correction Commissioner (March 21)
• SRFF 2023 - 10th anniversary edition Closing Awards Night (March 23)
• The Women of New York Light Up Wall Street (March 24)
• Water Week Boat Tour: Ocean Stewardship from the Bronx to Brooklyn (March 24)
• Humanist Happy Hour at Ethical (March 24)
• Miss Bomba Claudie, The Jamaican Talk Show Host (March 24)
• NYC Spring Market (March 26)
• The Kalief Browder Story: Talk and Screening w/ Akeem Browder (March 26)
• Opera Performance with Matthew Aucoin and Magdalena Kuźma (March 26)
• New Spiritual Concert to Celebrate Healing and the Arts With Music and Poetry (March 26)
• Kids Easter Party Queens NY (April 9)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• NYC AI Summer Camp for Middle School Students (Details)
• Open Call for June Art Exhibition "Summer Show" (Details)
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Featured job listings:

• Personal Assistant for Older New Yorkers in Manhattan (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll see you around!

— Dashiell Allen

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