🌱 Redistricting Sunset Park + Menchaca Discusses Immigrant Voting

Happy Monday, people of Sunset Park! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Brilliant sunshine. High: 39 Low: 32.

Here are the top 4 stories in Sunset Park today:

1. Here's everything you need to know about redistricting in the Sunset Park area: For the first time ever, New York State has a nonpartisan redistricting commission which (ironically) released two extremely partisan maps — one written by Republicans and the other by Democrats — to determine state and federal districts. The upshot: no matter which plans are ultimately picked it looks like Sunset Park will have fewer representatives in the Assembly and State Senate, which could help the community more effectively advocate for the neighborhood. (Sunset Park Reports)
2. Residents of Manhattan's Chinatown are concerned over two proposed homeless shelters, one of which would be on a busy commercial strip, and say they would prefer housing instead. Shelters in Sunset Park have also recently caused concern. (Gothamist)
3. The New York City Council voted to ban gas hook-ups in all new construction projects — but the ban will only fully go into effect in 2027. It also failed to vote on a bill restricting single-use plastic utensils for takeout food orders. (City Limits)
4. Carlos Menchaca went on Tiempo with TV anchor Joe Torres to discuss the noncitizen voting bill that just passed in City Council. They discussed the bill's potent international implications, and how it could be a model for cities around the world. (ABC 7)

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Today in Sunset Park:

• Physical therapy class at Industry City (5:30 p.m.)
• Community Board 6 Waterfront Development and Housing Committee online meeting (6 p.m.)
• Trivia night at Industry City (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Two people were injured after a car drove into a building in Park Slope. (Twitter)
• Here's the latest COVID-19 stats, including at the neighborhood-level in Sunset Park. So far, the nabe is doing relatively well compared to the rest of the city, although cases are rising everywhere. (The City)
• Alexa Avilés was officially sworn in at City Hall on Friday as Sunset Park's next Councilmember. (Twitter)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Dashiell Allen