| | | | | |  | | By Erin Durkin and Anna Gronewold with Jonathan Custodio | Presented by CVS Health | Two big milestones will be coming up in the next few weeks: 24-hour subway service will finally return to New York City on May 17, and the state will lift most Covid-19 restrictions two days later, allowing businesses to operate at full capacity for the first time in more than a year. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the moves Monday in conjunction with the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut — one-upping, as he suggested he might, Mayor Bill de Blasio's announcement of a July 1 target date for a full reopening of the city. Once the epicenter of the pandemic, New York will move significantly closer to normalcy with the new rules: Restaurants, bars, theaters, offices, museums, retail stores, gyms, hair salons and amusement parks will be able to open with no caps. The asterisk — a significant one for typically cramped New York City establishments — is that they will still be required to maintain six feet of distance between patrons. But venues can scrap the six-foot rule if they require proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test, so we may see more spots checking vaccine cards at the door. Restaurants can also go closer than six feet with barriers between tables. Some limits will remain in place, including at stadiums, which will increase to 33 percent capacity outdoors on May 19. Along with the reopening will come an end to overnight subway shutdowns, something Cuomo has been under increasing pressure to dispense with. The subway has closed overnight for cleaning since last May, initially from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. and more recently from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. But evidence that the coronavirus rarely spreads from surfaces coupled with the lifting of curfews that will put more workers on the move in the wee hours fueled opposition to the shutdowns, and on Sunday Sen. Chuck Schumer demanded a return to 24/7 service. Cuomo isn't exactly giving his ringing endorsement for vaccinated New Yorkers to flock back to the subway however: he says he was "scared" last time he took it and is joining MTA brass in raising alarms about crime, which is down overall in the system. IT'S TUESDAY. Got tips, suggestions or thoughts? Let us know ... By email: EDurkin@politico.com and agronewold@politico.com, or on Twitter: @erinmdurkin and @annagronewold WHERE'S ANDREW? No public schedule yet. WHERE'S BILL? Attending the funeral of NYPD Officer Anastasios Tsakos. | | A message from CVS Health: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, CVS Health has been there. We're nearly 300,000 caring employees ensuring millions of Americans can access health care services. We opened thousands of COVID-19 test sites, administered millions of tests and expanded access to COVID-19 vaccines throughout the country. We've been on the frontlines, making health care easier to access and afford. That's health care, from the heart. Learn more. | | |
|  | WHAT CITY HALL'S READING | | Mayoral candidates pledge more restrictions on Amazon, by POLITICO's Erin Durkin : Four Democratic mayoral candidates have signed on to a pledge from left-leaning groups to slap further regulations on Amazon's growing presence in New York City. Attorney Maya Wiley, City Comptroller Scott Stringer, and former non-profit executive Dianne Morales all agreed to the platform, which calls for making it more difficult for Amazon to open warehouses in the five boroughs. Lesser-known candidate Paperboy Prince also signed the pledge. The push comes two years after Amazon scrapped its plans to open a new headquarters on the Queens waterfront amid local opposition, and highlights a key division among the mayoral field. Other candidates, such as frontrunner Andrew Yang, have lamented the loss of the proposed office complex. Yang wants to control the subway. Transit experts don't think it's a good idea, by POLITICO's Danielle Muoio: Andrew Yang, a leading candidate in the mayoral race, has made controlling the city subway system a focal point of his run. He pitched the idea when he first launched his campaign in January, and argued in favor of it at a recent forum during a back and forth with rival candidate Ray McGuire.But even in the long history of grand campaign promises that would appear impossible to deliver, transit experts say taking over city trains is among the more lofty — and not necessarily great policy. Transportation watchers interviewed by POLITICO said arguments against mayoral control have only become more pronounced as time has passed. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has taken many steps to improve subway service since the 2017 Summer of Hell, when frequent service meltdowns prompted outcry among residents and advocates. — Yang promised to fast-track the completion of a vital water tunnel and to safeguard the city's decaying water infrastructure. Teamsters union endorses Stringer after other backers withdraw, by POLITICO's Erin Durkin : After losing a slew of supporters over sexual misconduct allegations, mayoral hopeful Scott Stringer picked up a new endorsement Monday from the Teamsters Local 237 union. The union represents 24,000 city workers, including school safety officers and NYCHA maintenance workers. The new endorsement comes after the Working Families party and most of the elected officials backing Stringer, the city comptroller, withdrew their support. " NYC's municipal workforce of about 80,000 returns to the office," by New York Post's Lorena Mongelli, Julia Marsh and Natalie Musumeci: "Some 80,000 members of the city's municipal workforce returned to their offices Monday for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. 'I woke up pretty early just to put makeup on for the first time in a year and a half,' said Brittany Wolfe, 24, who works for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Mayor Bill de Blasio had announced the return date back in March, as the Big Apple reopens from the coronavirus pandemic. Like most of the municipal employees returning for in-person work, Wolfe, a Westchester resident, will be on a staggered schedule, working both in the office and remotely for the time being." FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — City Council Members Brad Lander and Jimmy Van Bramer are endorsing each other for city comptroller and Queens borough president, respectively. Lander is in a crowded race for an open comptroller's seat, while Van Bramer is mounting a challenge from the left to Borough President Donovan Richards. Van Bramer called Lander "a thought leader in the Council, working diligently for a cleaner, safer, smarter City." Lander said Van Bramer "fights passionately for the things he cares about — for the diverse communities of Queens, for thriving neighborhoods where residents and not developers shape the future." — The Hotel Trades Council will endorse Donovan Richards for re-election as Queens borough president, and Richards will endorse Austin Shafran, HTC's preferred candidate for a City Council seat, at a joint event in College Point. "Donovan has shown fierce and effective leadership," HTC president Rich Maroko said. "He has also been a true friend and champion of working New Yorkers throughout his career, and has always had the backs of New York City's hospitality workers." Shafran was a spokesperson for HTC and has racked up labor support in his Council race. READ ALL OF POLITICO's coverage of the New York City mayor's race! No outlet has covered more ground in the 2021 Democratic primary than POLITICO New York and we've got all of the big scoops, analysis, policy and polls in one convenient location. We've also included some candidate interviews from our colleagues in the news and civic arena. This page will be updated daily with all of the latest as we barrel toward June 22. | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TODAY: Power is shifting in Washington and in communities across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. The Recast is a twice-weekly newsletter that explores the changing power dynamics in Washington and breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics and policy in America. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear critical new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | WHAT ALBANY'S READING | | "New York lawmakers extend COVID eviction moratorium through August," by Daily News' Denis Slattery: "New York lawmakers approved legislation Monday extending the state's COVID eviction moratorium through the end of August. The extension will cover residential and commercial tenants facing financial trouble due to the pandemic, and gives the state time to work out the details of a rent relief program baked into this year's budget using $2.3 billion in federal emergency funding. The measure continues a temporary stop on evictions and some foreclosures for renters and landlords who can attest that financial hardship due to the pandemic has prevented them from paying rent or mortgage." ICYMI: How does that look in real time? It's complicated. Read Washington Post's Eli Saslow about Schenedctady' renters and landlords in "The battle for 1042 Cutler Street." SAID AGAIN: "I did nothing wrong, period. I'm not resigning and I'm doing my job every day." — Cuomo, responding to a question about sexual harassment investigations at a press conference Monday Saratoga track eyes path to reopening fully," by POLITICO's Garrett Downs: Saratoga Race Course is awaiting specific guidance for its reopening later this summer, and track officials and patrons are chomping at the bit. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office has been referring racetracks to guidelines for outdoor stadiums issued in February, which have allowed professional sports teams to bring back fans in a limited capacity. But racing fans say that Saratoga is a whole different ball game. The legendary track is home to multiple restaurants, a massive yard used for games and vendors and open space along the rail, where many people stand to get a better view of the horses as they come down the stretch. None of those concerns are addressed in the stadium guidelines, which are designed for sports like baseball, where fans are more bound to their seats. — Entertainment venues are also on edge via Buffalo News' Aaron Besecker: "Morgan Deane of the New York Independent Venue Association, which represents music, comedy and other entertainment clubs, said the industry is 'frustrated and disappointed' by the way the Cuomo administration has been rolling out reopening plans. She said other states have better focused on longer term reopening protocols tied to specific public health metrics. 'Our industry requires lead time for complete and successful reopening. It takes time to do the work necessary to book tours and entice audiences and tourists. Currently, many top acts are skipping the state entirely because of a lack of clarity on New York's plan,' she said in a statement Monday evening." "Legoland Lays Bricks to Transform Quiet New York Town," by The Wall Street Journal's Charles Passy: "Many of this town's roughly 14,000 residents talk of its quiet, unhurried way of life, almost to the point of poking gentle fun. 'Slow-motion Goshen' is how they frequently describe the local pace. In the coming months, that tempo is likely to be dramatically changed — some say for the better, others for the worse — with the opening of a major new theme park for the Northeast. The Legoland New York Resort, a 150-acre park geared to young fans of the Lego toy-building bricks, is set to begin welcoming customers sometime this summer. The attraction will offer child-friendly rides and elaborate displays of models and figures made from thousands of Lego bricks, likely bringing thousands of visitors a day to this town about 60 miles north of New York City... "The project has also been dogged by controversy since it was first announced about five years ago and has faced its share of community opposition during that time. Legoland is 'in the wrong place,' said Chris Miele, a local resident and president of Concerned Citizens for the Hudson Valley, a group that has fought unsuccessfully to stop the project. The group's biggest concern has been Legoland's impact on the local environment. New York state's Department of Environmental Conservation has fined Legoland New York more than $600,000 for violations." Parking permit requirements begin for a few popular Adirondack hikes, by POLITICO's Marie J. French: Hikers seeking to gain access to some of the popular Adirondack High Peaks by crossing the lands of a private, exclusive club will have to plan ahead. Parking permit requirements for the Adirondack Mountain Reserve on Route 73 started Saturday ...The reserve is private land, owned by members of the Ausable Club, and has allowed hikers access to gems including Rainbow Falls and Indian Head for decades. Safety concerns from the state and local officials about users parking along the busy Route 73 corridor and walking in along the highway have led to more enforcement, added signage and now a parking reservation system. #UpstateAmerica HIGH: An anonymous guardian angler saved a Washington County boy from drowning. #UpstateAmerica LOW: An entertainer at a child's birthday party was punched and robbed of a Tigger costume over a face painting dispute. | | | |   | | |
| | FROM THE DELEGATION | | "Voting rights group: Problems in Brindisi-Tenney House race worse than reported," by Syracuse.com's Mark Weiner: "The number of voters who had their ballots disqualified last year in New York's 22nd Congressional District election is higher than previously disclosed in court, according to data compiled by a voting rights group. Election officials tossed out the ballots of at least 273 registered voters in the House race between Rep. Claudia Tenney and Anthony Brindisi, simply because those voters showed up at the wrong polling place, the new data shows. The total is substantially more than the 128 disqualified affidavit ballots that election officials disclosed in a series of court hearings. ... The group Vote Early NY uncovered the new data from the 2020 election through freedom of information requests to state and local boards of election." | | TRUMP'S NEW YORK | | "Rudy Giuliani slams raid on apartment as 'out of control,' says feds trying to 'frame' him," by Fox News' Brooke Singman : "Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani denied allegations that he violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act, telling Fox News on Monday that federal investigators are 'trying to frame' him. Federal investigators seized electronic devices from Giuliani's New York City apartment last week after executing a search warrant as part of a federal probe into whether he violated the law by lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of Ukrainian officials in 2019. Giuliani has served as former President Trump's personal attorney on a number of high-profile matters." | | | | JOIN TODAY FOR A CONVERSATION ON SMALL BUSINESSES AFTER COVID-19: About one in six small businesses in the U.S. closed their doors since the pandemic began. The ones that remained open are getting by with fewer employees after laying off workers or a hiring freeze. What is ahead for small businesses in 2021 as they try to weather the ongoing economic uncertainty? And how does President Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package intend to support small-business owners? Join POLITICO for a virtual conversation with White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein and Joyce Beatty, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, on what small businesses need to survive and thrive beyond the Covid economic crisis. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | AROUND NEW YORK | | — The hiring freeze in New York state government formally ended last month. — All state judges and their staffs are expected to be back to working at their assigned courthouses in three weeks. — Sex crimes advocate Marissa Hoechstetter is endorsing Alvin Bragg for Manhattan DA. — Prosecutors have ended an investigation into possible campaign impropriety by disgraced ex-lawmaker Hiram Monserrate without bringing any charges. — Cambridge Central School District has hired an outside firm to help guide discussions about whether its mascot — the Cambridge Indians — should be retired. — Dominican New Yorkers continue to expand their political base as more are gaining the right to vote. | | SOCIAL DATA BY DANIEL LIPPMAN | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Hank Greenberg … Eliot Nelson … Reuters' Ted Hesson … Kelly Love … Allison Bormel … CNN's Polson Kanneth (h/t Tim Burger) … UTA's Darnell Strom MAKING MOVES — Lauren Kamm is now head of communications at Spotify's Locker Room. She most recently was VP for publicity at CBS's "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." … Madison Heuston is now a director at SKDKnickerbocker. She most recently was a publicist at The New Yorker. WEEKEND WEDDING — Alexandra DeSanctis, a staff writer at National Review, and Nicholas Marr, who works at the Federalist Society, got married Saturday at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Notre Dame's campus. They met at Notre Dame. (h/t POLITICO Playbook) | | A message from CVS Health: Throughout the pandemic, in New York and across the country, CVS Health has been delivering essential care. Thanks to the efforts of our employees, we opened 4,800 COVID-19 test sites and administered over 15 million tests at our stores and through partners in underserved communities. With many still staying home, we increased access to prescription delivery, virtual visits and mental health services. Now, we're offering vaccines in nearly 6,000 stores across 49 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Every day, CVS Health works to bring quality, affordable health care closer to home—so it's never out of reach for anyone. That's health care, from the heart. Learn more. | | |
| | SOCIAL DATA BY DANIEL LIPPMAN | | "SoHo/NoHo rezoning opponents lawsuit against de Blasio administration short-lived," by amNewYork's Mark Hallum : "A judge denied on Monday a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit against Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Department of City Planning based on its claims that the plan for rezoning SoHo and NoHo launched during the pandemic as a violation of due process. The suit, seeking an Article 78 declaration in New York County Supreme Court and filed on Friday, claims the city cut corners in facilitating public input over virtual sessions on the matter before sending it the City Planning Commission where it awaits their approval."
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