🌱 Times Square Gun-Free Amid Legal Fight + How To Request A NYC Tree

Good morning, New York City!

• ❌ Mayor Eric Adams is making Times Square gun-free with a new law.
• 🌳 New Yorkers could wait years to see a tree planted on their street — or donate $1,800 to a nonprofit.
• 🗽 The Statue of Liberty's crown is open for visitors once again.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 71 Low: 60.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our New York City Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that’s you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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

1. Mayor Eric Adams signed a bill yesterday declaring Times Square a 'gun-free' zone, days after a judge struck down a state law banning guns from the iconic destination and other 'sensitive locations' across New York. Since the state is appealing the judge's ruling, the law is for the moment still in place. (New York City Patch)
2. New Yorkers hoping to see trees planted on their streets could wait years on end after making a request with the Parks Department — unless they make a $1,800 donation to a nonprofit that will push them to the front of the line. (THE CITY)
3. More people are living in New York City's shelter system than in the past several decades, according to data released this week which puts the total at more than 62,000. Close to 17,000 asylum seekers have arrived in the city from the southern border since the spring. (Gothamist)
4. A new app will help NYPD police officers connect members of the LGBTQIA+ community with resources including community centers and advocacy organizations. Commissioner Keechant Sewell made the announcement on National Coming Out Day, celebrated on Tuesday. (AMNY)
5. New York City is home to approximately 150,000 DACA recipients, often known as 'dreamers,' who's immigration status was left uncertain by a court ruling last week that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is illegal. The ruling still allowed them to renew their status, essentially "maintaining the status quo." (Gothamist)

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. Please include your full name and an optional description.

Today in New York City:

• New York City Fire Museum’s new exhibition: “Firehouse: The Photography of Jill Freedman” (10 a.m.)
• New York City through the Documentary Lens with journalist and cultural critic Tom Roston (1 p.m.)
• Essen Health Care Celebrates Highbridge Urgent Care Grand Opening (1:30 p.m.)
• Alex deSuze To Present “Late Bloomer” (7 p.m.)
• Scorsese as a Rock and Roll Filmmaker with film critic Glenn Kenny (7 p.m.)

Crime and safety corner:

• A Long Island City school was evacuated on Tuesday morning in response to a bomb threat that was later cleared, according to police. (New York City Patch)
• Former NBA player Ben Gordon was arrested at LaGuardia Airport after authorities said he hit his 10-year-old son, according to reports. (New York City Patch)

From my notebook:

• The Statue of Liberty's crown is open once again for visitors following a two-year pandemic hiatus. It's only 162 stairs up. (New York City Patch)
• October baseball in New York City is expected to generate nearly $100 million in total revenue, Mayor Eric Adams, a Mets fan, announced. (Subscription/New York Daily News)
• New York City is the sixth worst city for drivers, a new ranking found. (News 12 Bronx)
• Following the last redistricting cycle, nine congressional districts in New York are a tossup for Democrats and Republicans in the November midterms, making it one of the most competitive battleground states. (Subscription/The New York Times)

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Events:

• Free: Relationship and Connection Mini Retreat (October 12)
• Demystifying the ISEE/SSAT Tests (October 12)
• WEBINAR: Quarterly Investment Outlook (October 12)
• Collector’s Jewelry, Novelty and Fine Artwork | Online Auction (October 13)
• Virtual Fireside Chat with Dr. Pinedo-Burns: "Is My Child Gifted?" (October 13)
• Dorothy's Adventures in Oz (October 15)
• Uptown Riders Street Art Bike Tour (October 15)
• "Murdered By The Mob" Dinner Theater Show / Party (October 15)
• Hip Hop vs Reggae® Jewel Yacht NYC Saturday Midnight Yacht Party 2022 (October 15)
• Sunday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m. — EsplanadeFriends/Upper Greenside Host Citywide Daffodil Planting Day! (October 16)
• Spanish Greyhound Public Awareness Meetup (October 16)
• Open House: Beautiful Residential Home on Approx. 30 Acres in Susquehanna County, PA (October 17)
• White Collar Week Speaker — Peter Tomasek of Interrogating Justice (October 18)
• Dracula. Theater at St Jeans Oct. 18-19 (October 19)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (October 20)
• Feast of All Saints: Service of Remembrance featuring Fauré Requiem (November 6)
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For sale:

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! 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