JULY14—GOVERNOR HOCHUL ESTABLISHES TARIFF IMPACT REPORT

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TAKING ACTION ON TARIFFS: GOVERNOR HOCHUL DIRECTS NEW YORK STATE AGENCIES TO REPORT ON COST INCREASES AND SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS CAUSED BY TRUMP’S TARIFFS

By September 30, State Agencies Will Compile Data on Effects of Federal Tariffs on New York Consumers, Small Businesses, Farmers, Construction, Tourism and Other Sectors

State Officials Will Use Data Across Each Sector To Produce A Statewide Tariff Economic Impact Report by October 31

Read the New Memo to State Agencies Here

To Keep New Yorkers Up-To-Date on Programs Available for Tariffs Impact, Governor Launched Tariff Resource Guide

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced actions to assess cost increases and supply chain disruptions caused by the Trump Administration’s destructive tariff policies. At the Governor’s direction, Director of State Operations Kathryn Garcia sent a memo to State agencies, requiring them to compile key data and information regarding tariff impacts.

By September 30, State agencies will provide data on the specific impacts of Trump’s tariffs on New York consumers, small businesses, farmers, construction, tourism and other sectors of the state’s economy. New York State Empire State Development (ESD) and the Office of General Services (OGS) will then use the data provided by each agency to develop a statewide tariff economic impact report by October 31. Additionally, Governor Hochul launched a tariff resource guide to help New Yorkers navigate the chaos caused by Trump’s tariffs and provide resources on programs available to mitigate the impacts of tariffs.

“Trump’s tariffs are already inflicting pain and uncertainty on New York families and businesses — and that same economic chaos is being felt by millions more nationwide,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why we’re taking action to closely monitor and report on the impacts of these disastrous tariffs — and it’s why I’ll never stop fighting to put more money back in the pockets of everyday New Yorkers.”

Over the past six months, the Trump Administration has announced and imposed significant tariffs on imports of goods to the United States. These tariffs, including major trading partners, have been announced, implemented, paused and resumed haphazardly, creating uncertainty for families and business owners across the state.

The tariffs have increased prices for household goods, automobiles and housing, with the costs passed on to consumers. Such tariffs have also led to supply chain disruptions with increased costs for manufacturing industries, raising the price of supplies for small and large businesses across the state.

The Trump Administration’s tariff policy has increased costs for New York’s agriculture sector, including for our more than 30,000 family farms, while simultaneously reducing access to international markets for New York-grown and manufactured food products. Trump’s tariff policies have also caused a negative impact on U.S. to Canada trade and tourism, including a 25 percent decline in vehicular border crossings between Canada and New York State in May 2025, compared to the prior year.

To take action, the State will collect and report on key economic and social indicators to New York caused by Trump’s tariff policies. State agencies are encouraged to assess and submit information regarding tariff impacts on an ongoing basis. Additionally, Governor Hochul announced a tariff resource guide to keep New Yorkers up-to-date on programs available for small businesses that have been impacted by the tariffs.

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TONIGHT 7:30 IT’S WHITE PLAINS WEEK NIGHT THE JULY 11 REPORT WITH JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS — FIOS CH 45 AND WP CH 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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COMMON COUNCIL APPROVES  FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR GALLERIA CITY. TIMETABLE FOR APPROVAL  DRIFTS INTO 2026? COUNCIL CAN CHANGE PLAN AT ANY TIME GOMEZ ASSURES

NEW SURVEY INTRODUCES, STARTS DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI GENERATIONAL COMMUNITY CENTER FOR ALL AGES IN THE FUTURE DOWNTOWN! NO SITE AS YET.

OBJECTIVE:CONSOLIDATING THESE 4 DEPARTMENT OFFICES INTO THE NEW FACILITY TO COME, SEE ALL ABOUT IT

BEELINE BUSES IN COUNTY LOSING RIDERS EVERY MONTH–$1 MILLION IN LOST REVENUES EVERY MONTH. COUNTY EXECUTIVE JENKINS ASKS LEGISLATURE TO  SET FINES FOR FARE SKIP.

COMMON COUNCIL SETS HEARING TO APPROVE SALE OF POST ROAD PROPERTY TO

WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL FOR $11.5 MILLION: PURPOSE TO BUILD  A SHARED PARKING GARAGE

CITY TAX BILLS ARRIVE ACROSS THE CITY

HEAVY OVERNIGHT RAINS OVERFLOW STORM DRAINS DESPOIL  WATERS OFF THE SOUTH SHORE OF THE COUNTY MAKING BACTERIA CONTENT THE SOUND BEACHES UNHEALTHY IN SEARING HEATWAVE THIRD BEACH CLOSING  IN A MONTH. 

AND MORE.

JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS

THIS WEEK EVERY WEEK ON

WHITE PLAINS WEEK FOR 24 YEARS

THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW UPFRONT AND  PERSONAL

TONIGHY FIOS 45 AND OPTIMUM CH 76 AND ON WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

 

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JULY 11 — REPORT FROM CONGRESS FROM GEORGE LATIMER THIS WEEK

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Rep. George Latimer's header image

Dear Neighbor,

 

I hope you had an enjoyable Fourth of July holiday. I spent time reflecting on how there is still more work to do, 249 years later, to protect and preserve the freedom and rights of all Americans.

 

On the 4th I attended a Dixieland concert by Long Island Sound in Larchmont and an Independence Day Ceremony at Quaker Meeting House in Rye, as well as participated in the Blessing of the Fleet by the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Mamaroneck Harbor, and a fireworks watch party in the Sutton Manor neighborhood of New Rochelle.

I am looking forward to my next quarterly virtual conversation, which has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 16th @ 6:30pm. You can RSVP and submit questions here: https://forms.gle/hwQckXjkDzA1hTUcA

Update from DC

You have likely read or heard about the Big Ugly Bill that House Republicans passed last week and President Trump has since signed into law. I voted NO because there are many policies I do not agree with and think will hurt our country. I am disturbed by how callous and cruel the policies are that are included in this legislation including billions of dollars in cuts to programs that help the working class access health care and food assistance all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.

 

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), more than 17 million people will lose their Medicaid or otherwise become uninsured because of this legislation. I recently spoke at the WMCHealth annual legislative breakfast and Medicaid cuts were all people wanted to talk about. WMC treats patients whether they are covered or not. With the federal government cutting funding, it is not clear whether or how much funding WMC will receive to cover the cost of required care. This will affect all patients, not just Medicaid recipients.

 

This legislation also cuts almost $300 billion in SNAP benefits, which could make it harder to put food on the table for the 317,000 New Yorkers who rely on SNAP, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. According to KFF, in 2022, 78% of people who received SNAP benefits were also covered by Medicaid. So these cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will affect the health and wellbeing of vulnerable Americans in our district and across the country.

 

And it’s not just Medicaid and SNAP.

The law “defunds” Planned Parenthood, leaving more than a million women without access to needed care like cancer screenings and birth control they would normally receive at Planned Parenthood.

The law also rescinds or phases out environmental protections. including phasing out clean energy production and investment tax credits and ending long-standing home energy efficiency tax credits. This will increase home energy costs for New York families by an average of $300 a year, according to Energy Innovation.

 

I am very concerned about how the policies included this law will be implemented and how it will affect the most vulnerable in our country. I will continue to find ways to make life easier and more affordable for New Yorkers.

In other news, I recently cosponsored Reps. Goldman and Espaillat’s No Secret Police Act to ban face masks for law enforcement and bring transparency and accountability to immigration enforcement.

Plain-clothed, masked ICE agents have approached and detained individuals without clear ID, leaving these individuals unable to verify who the agents are. Clear identification should be the bare minimum.

 

My DC and district offices are in the process of hiring interns for the Fall semester, but it’s not too late to apply. Interested applicants can find out more information here: https://latimer.house.gov/services/internships and must apply by Wednesday, July 16th at 5:00pm ET.

At Home: Westchester and the Bronx

In Rye, I joined my friends and colleagues Jim Himes and Tom Suozzi at a Long Island Sound Partnership event. During my time serving at local, state, county and now the Federal level, one of my priorities has always been to improve the water quality of the Sound. Over the last 40 years, we have seen significant progress. I’m encouraged by the signing of a new 10-year conservation and management plan to protect this critical resource.

I had the honor of presenting Co-op City Scholarships in honor of Rev. Dr. Robert A. Smith, to Carlos, Eric-Isaiah and Chisom. They have demonstrated educational success and are committed to making the Co-op City community better through volunteering. I wish all three the best of luck pursuing secondary education.

I recently attended a Revolutionary Westchester 250 event at Philipse Manor Hall, an historical landmark in downtown Yonkers. This event highlighted early Westchester residents in the lawless “Neutral Ground” and what their experiences were like during the Revolutionary War.

Also in Yonkers, I met with residents of Hudson Courts who are still dealing with unresolved flood damage from Hurricane Ida, which hit our region in 2021. My office and I are looking for ways to secure federal funding for this rebuilding project.

Unclaimed Funds

Did you know that our State Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, has an unclaimed funds program? Many New Yorkers have unclaimed funds and don’t even know it. According to the Comptroller’s office, they return $2 million a day to New Yorkers who submit a claim. If you are curious about whether you have any unclaimed funds, you can visit their website at: https://www.osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds

Floor Speeches

Social Post of the Week

Stay in Touch

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Twitter/X and YouTube to stay up-to-date on what I am working on. If this newsletter was sent to you by someone else, you can sign up for it here: https://latimer.house.gov/contact/newsletter-subscribe

 

As always, reach out to my offices with concerns or questions. We are here to serve you!

 

More soon.

Sincerely,
Rep. George Latimer's signature image

Rep. George Latimer

Member of Congress
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JULY 10 — WESTCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER REACHES NEW CONTRACT WITH INTERNS. STRONG NEW CONTRACT UNION SAYS.

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As New Interns Start, About 500 Doctors at pivotal Hospital Reach Agreement on Contract

Valhalla, NY—After about seven months of negotiations, resident physicians and fellows at Westchester Medical Center (WMC), unionized with the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR/SEIU), have reached a tentative agreement with Westchester Medical Center management, helmed by new CEO Dr. David Lubarsky.

While WMC negotiators were slow to address the physicians’ concerns, after months of consistent collective action–including a petition delivery and headline-making rally–the tentative agreement includes the doctors’ central demand for wage equity with nearby peers.  The deal comes as hundreds of new interns are starting their residency at WMC this summer.

 

The CIR members say their union actions forced hospital leadership to address their urgent needs, resulting in a contract that will support their well-being and significantly impact WMC’s ability to keep attracting talented doctors.

Along with wage increases that will put them on par with their peers in the region by 2026–with 22 percent in total wage increases over the five-year life of the contract–the final deal includes demands at the center of the doctors’ fight, like reimbursement for parking costs for off-site rotations.

“This new contract is a huge victory, because the truth is, we were really struggling just to pay our rent and for things like childcare–with some of us even taking on second jobs to pay the bills,” said Dr. Daniel Bassily. “I hope this shows Dr. Lubarsky that we are entering a new era at WMC–that we know our worth and that we will always fight for ourselves, our patients, and future doctors.”

Over the course of their negotiations, the doctors took more action than they have in years, marching on the CEO to deliver a petition, rallying outside the hospital with the support of their union siblings and elected officials, and mass-calling Dr. Lubarsky.

Through their actions, they also won several critical new benefits, including Juneteenth as a paid holiday and a hospital-paid Uber service to keep physicians safe after long shifts.

 

The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) is the largest house staff union in the United States. A local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing over 40,000 resident physicians and fellows. Our members are dedicated to improving residency training and education, advancing patient care, and expanding healthcare access for our communities.

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JULY 9–COUNTY EXECUTIVE TESTIFIES AGAINST PROPOSED RATE INCREASES BY CON ED

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Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins testified in-person at a New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) hearing to voice the County’s strong opposition to proposed rate increases by Con Edison.

The hearing provided Westchester residents with a critical opportunity to speak on the record and demand accountability from the utility giant.

Jenkins, who previously testified at a virtual PSC hearing, has remained a vocal critic of the proposed hikes. He recently signed legislation—unanimously passed by the bipartisan Westchester County Board of Legislators—officially making Westchester a party to the state’s major rate case against Con Edison.

Jenkins said: “The proposed Con Edison rate increases are unfair, unaffordable and unacceptable.  Families across Westchester are being pushed to the breaking point. Seniors on fixed incomes, working parents and small business owners cannot afford to pay more for an essential service while wages stay flat and inflation rises. Forcing people to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table is simply wrong.”

Jenkins emphasized that while he supports investment in reliable infrastructure and clean energy, such progress must not come at the expense of affordability.

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JULY 9– RAIN CLOSES BEACHES ON LONG ISLAND SOUND

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BEACH CLOSURES DUE TO RAIN IN NEW ROCHELLE, MAMARONECK AND RYE

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Health Department has closed the following beaches preemptively for today due to 0.67 inches of rainfall over the last 24 hours:

NEW ROCHELLE: Hudson Park Beach, Davenport Beach Club, Greentree Country Club and Surf Club on the Sound

 

MAMARONECK: Harbor Island Park, Beach Point Club, Orienta Beach Club and Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club

 

RYE: Coveleigh Club

Beach patrons are advised to avoid the water at these beaches today due to bacterial contamination from road runoff into drainage outfalls near these beaches. The beaches can reopen tomorrow.

The County remains committed to maintaining high standards of environmental health and safety across its recreational facilities.

 

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JULY 8 — CON ED PUBLIC INPUT HEARINGS THIS WEEK

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Dear EDITOR

 

Property owners, co-ops, condos, and homebuilders alike have been alarmed by Con Edison’s request to increase its electricity delivery charges by 11.4% and its natural gas delivery charges by 13.3%. Thanks to the intervention of our local elected officials—including State Senator Shelley Mayer and the Albany delegation, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, and the Westchester County Board of Legislators—there will be two public statement hearings in Westchester hosted by the Public Service Commission (PSC), the regulatory body that will accept or reject Con Edison’s proposed increases.

 

We strongly urge all BRI members who wish to go on the record with the PSC to attend one of these two in-person hearings:

 

Tuesday, July 8

1:00–6:00 PM

Cortlandt Town Hall

 

Wednesday, July 9

1:00–6:00 PM

Westchester County Center

 

Planning to give a statement? Let the BRI know here.

 

The PSC requires those wishing to provide testimony to sign up for a speaking slot in person, on a first-come, first-served basis. Testimony is typically limited to three minutes or less, and no written material is required. If you’ve never spoken at a PSC hearing before, there are several resources to help you prepare:

 

·    BRI staff is available to help you edit your statement. Please use the response link above.

·    PULP has produced a helpful guide, which you can download here: PULP Guide to Participating in Rate Case Hearings.

 

These double-digit proposed rate increases would have a major impact on the operating expenses of homes and buildings—and on affordability across Westchester for individuals, families, organizations, and businesses. We strongly encourage you to participate and make your voice heard!
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JULY 7 — COUNTY LOSING $1 MILLION A MONTH IN UNPAID BUS FARES. COUNTY EXECUTIVE ASKS COUNTY BOARD FOR $50 FINE FOR FIRST VIOLATION. $100 FOR SECOND FARE BEATING OFFENSE

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Watch the Press Conference Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pjgzzp-RpE

 

 

NEW LAW INTRODUCED TO HELP CURB FAIR EVASION ON BEE-LINE BUSES

 

Proposed Legislation Would Establish Civil Penalty for the Theft of Services on Bee-Line Buses

(White Plains, NY) – In an effort to promote fare compliance and ensure the safety and sustainability of Westchester County’s Bee-Line Bus System, the County has introduced a proposed local law that would establish a civil penalty for the theft of services on the Bee-Line.

The proposed legislation—submitted for adoption to the Westchester County Board of Legislators—would amend the Laws of Westchester County by adding a new Chapter 643, creating a non-criminal enforcement mechanism for individuals who fail to pay the required fare to ride the Bee-Line.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Fare evasion is costing us about $1 million dollars a month, and it poses a serious threat to the safety, fiscal integrity, and the long-term success of our Bee-Line system. This legislation is about accountability, not criminalization. It provides a fair and proportionate response to a growing problem that affects all riders. This is about protecting the integrity of the system while being mindful of who’s riding, and why they might not be paying.”

According to a 2018 report by the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation, the Bee-Line serves approximately 100,000 riders per day at over 3,000 bus stops throughout the County. The system is a vital resource for students, seniors, commuters and residents who rely on public transit every day.

Currently, fare evasion falls under New York State’s Penal Law Section 165.15 (Theft of Services), a Class A Misdemeanor. However, Westchester County is now seeking to address the issue through local civil penalties rather than criminal charges.

Key provisions of the proposed local law include:

  • A civil fine of $50 for a first offense of fare non-payment.
  • A fine of $100 for each subsequent offense.
  • Authorization for County and local law enforcement to issue appearance tickets.
  • The option for violators to either pay the fine or appear in local court.

The County urges the Westchester County Board of Legislators to adopt the proposed local law and support the continued reliability and equity of the Bee-Line Bus System.

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JULY 5—-CONGESTION PRICING 6 MONTH REPORT FROM GOVERNOR HOCHUL. IT’S WORKING NEW YORK

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SIX MONTHS IN, GOVERNOR HOCHUL HIGHLIGHTS SUCCESS OF CONGESTION PRICING: TRAFFIC IS DOWN, BUSINESS IS UP, AND CRITICAL INVESTMENTS ARE BEING MADE TO IMPROVE TRANSIT

State of New York Has Succeeded in Blocking Federal Attempts to Unwind the Effective Program

Traffic is Down Throughout the New York City Region; Quality of Life Has Improved; Transit Ridership Has Surged to Post-Pandemic Highs

Economic Activity Has Increased in New York City in the First Six Months of 2025

Program Will Fund $15 Billion in Transit Improvements From the Hudson Valley, to Long Island, to New York City

Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that in its first six months, New York City’s congestion pricing program has succeeded in reducing traffic and raising revenues to fund transit improvements across the region, while economic activity in New York City has flourished. Activated at 12:00 am on January 5th, the nation’s first urban congestion pricing program reduces gridlock in Manhattan’s Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ) below 60th Street by charging motorists to enter the zone. Revenue from congestion pricing is on track to reach the forecasted $500 million in 2025, allowing the MTA to advance $15 billion in critical capital improvements to mass transit on its subway, bus, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North Railroad systems.

“Six months in, it’s clear: congestion pricing has been a huge success, making life in New York better,” Governor Hochul said. “In New York, we dare to do big things, and this program represents just that – traffic is down throughout the region, business is booming, transit ridership is up, and we are making historic upgrades to our transit system. We’ve also fended off five months of unlawful attempts from the federal government to unwind this successful program and will keep fighting – and winning – in the courts. The cameras are staying on.”

New York State and the MTA have successfully fought off repeated legal challenges to congestion pricing and have stood up to block the unlawful attempts of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Trump Administration to terminate the program. In May, a preliminary injunction was issued in the case of Metropolitan Transportation Authority v. Duffy, keeping congestion pricing in effect pending further court proceedings and enjoining the federal government from taking retaliatory measures in response.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “Congestion relief is a massive success and validation of the initiative keeps pouring in. The program is achieving all of its goals in terms of traffic reduction, increased travel speeds, safety, noise reduction and more. And not only is Congestion Relief delivering all the projected benefits – and more – it’s also proving that New York State government can effectively execute major, ambitious initiatives that improve the quality of life in ways New Yorkers notice and appreciate.”

MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, “In addition to all of the benefits New Yorkers are already feeling on our streets, Congestion Relief is delivering accessibility at 25 subway and railroad stations, modern subway signals for AC and BDFM riders, new subway and rail cars, and countless other essential projects for our public transit system. The new MTA is hard at work advancing these projects better, faster, and cheaper.”

Since the congestion pricing program took effect on Jan. 5, it has delivered a wide array of benefits according to data from the MTA and other reports and studies from business groups and other data sources.

Congestion pricing is reducing traffic and improving quality of life

In just six months, congestion pricing has succeeded in reducing traffic, speeding up the flow of traffic, and reducing delays – not just in the Congestion Relief Zone but throughout the region. The number of vehicles entering the zone is down by 11% since congestion pricing started. Every day, 67,000 fewer vehicles enter the zone, and since the program started, more than 10 million fewer vehicles have entered the zone compared to last year.

According to a report from the Regional Plan Association and Waze, traffic delays are down in the Congestion Relief Zone by 25% and across the metropolitan region by 9%. Delays are also down by 10% in the Bronx and 14% in parts of Bergen County, NJ. Time lost to traffic jams is down 12%, giving seven minutes for every hour spent in traffic in 2024 back to commuters’ lives. Travel times on river crossings have decreased by 6% to as much as 42% in 2025 compared to 2024. In the Holland Tunnel, rush hour delays are down by 65% since congestion pricing began. In the Lincoln Tunnel, MTA express buses are traveling almost 24% faster than in 2024. Roads and highways approaching the Congestion Relief Zone, including Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn and the Long Island Expressway, are also moving faster than last year.

Reduced gridlock has improved quality of life in New York City. Crashes in the Congestion Relief Zone are down 14%. Traffic injuries are down by 15% in the zone, and the safety benefits are being felt citywide. Just this week, the New York City Department of Transportation released data showing that pedestrian fatalities on New York City streets are at historic lows, matching levels last seen in 2018.

Additionally, air quality has improved and noise pollution has reduced since the program was launched. Honking and vehicle noise complaints to 311 are down by 45% in 2025. A new report from the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released on July 2 showed steady or decreasing levels of fine particle air pollution (or PM2.5) at most sites, both inside and outside the Congestion Relief Zone.

Transit service and ridership are on the rise

Transit ridership across all modes has increased from January-May 2025 when compared to the same period last year. All MTA modes of public transportation have had post-pandemic record high ridership in the first half of 2025.

  • Subway: +7%
  • Bus: +12%
  • LIRR: +8%
  • Metro-North: +6%
  • Access-A-Ride: +21%

Transit service has steadily improved in 2025 to near record levels. In May, subway On-Time Performance was 85.2%, the best non-pandemic month in recorded history. Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North On-Time Performance have consistently been at or near 97% and 98% respectively in 2025. Buses are moving faster thanks to congestion pricing. Bus speeds have increased by an average of 3.2% within the CRZ, with some routes increasing by as much as 25%.

Governor Hochul and the MTA have also made historic investments to improve bus service. Service was increased on eight key Express Bus routes in March and on 14 high-ridership local bus routes on June 29th. The MTA also launched the first phase of the Queens Bus Network Redesign on June 29th, bringing more frequent and direct service with better connections to 800,000 Queens bus riders. Phase 2 will launch on August 31.

Economic activity in New York City is up

Gridlock is bad for the economy. According to a report from the Partnership for New York City before congestion pricing was launched, businesses and individuals were wasting hundreds of hours sitting in traffic, costing the economy $20 billion per year. Congestion pricing is a locally developed solution to a generational challenge. 

Already, the benefits of congestion pricing are improving New York City’s economy. Commuters are saving as much as 21 minutes each way. Time savings help businesses make deliveries and save costs. The annual value of these time savings could be as high as $1.3 billion. In May, business district pedestrian activity within the Congestion Relief Zone increased by 8.4% compared to May 2024. This growth is much faster than for business districts outside of the zone, which saw an increase of 2.7%.

Business is booming in the Congestion Relief Zone in 2025. Broadway just posted its biggest season ever with $1.9 billion in ticket sales; retail sales are on track to be up $900 million in 2025 compared to 2024; Hotel occupancy was 87% in April 2025 compared to 85% in April 2024; Commercial office leasing in 2025 Q1 is up 11% compared to 2024 Q4 and up 80% since 2024 Q1. At the same time, New York City now has the most jobs in its history – nearing 4.86 million in April 2025. That represents 1.6% growth over April 2024, outpacing the national average of 1.1%.

The MTA is investing in transit improvements funded by congestion pricing

By enabling the MTA to issue $15 billion in bonds to fund projects in its 2020-2024 Capital Plan, congestion pricing is powering improvements across the MTA network. Improvement projects funded by congestion pricing include:

  • 435 additional R211 subway cars – including 80 additional open-gangway cars
  • 44 new, more reliable dual-mode locomotives for the Long Island Rail Road
  • 300 new M9A cars for Metro-North and the Long Island Rail-Road
  • Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signal upgrades on the A and C lines between Downtown Brooklyn and Ozone Park, allowing for more frequent and reliable service
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades at 23 subway stations, including new elevators, reconstructed platforms, and other improvements

Additionally, funding from congestion pricing allows the MTA to move forward with the tunneling contract for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway, which will be awarded in the second half of 2025.

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BASEBALL AT THE ALL STAR BREAK– THE SIESTA

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WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK By “Bull” Allen. July 5, 2025:

Hello there everybody, THIS is Bull Allen.

I am sitting in the Mel Allen Honorary Broadcast Booth in the open mezzanine under the Upper Deck in the Ghost of The  Big Ball Park  (Red used to the stadium that in its glory days) Macoombs Dam  Park at 161st and River Avenue in The Bronx in Heaven

I am looking at the Home of Champions stretching out in the endless green carpet of the outfield of yesterday where the legends played: The Babe, The Rabbit, The Old Crow, The Mick, the Lou’s, The Jet, The Moose, Ellie, Old Country, Roger, Bernie, The Stick, Poosh Em Up, The Chairman of the Board,  Prince Hal, Steady Eddie The Super Chief, The Yankee Clipper, Lefty,  Red, King Kong, Bob Meusel, Willie, E-5,  played  pitched and still play in this Ghost of a Ball Park in Heaven.

I am seeing a second straight season of altered baseball, a Yankee team lose 15 of their last 21 games. Leave  634 runners on base, the most in the major leagues. Lose 12 of 18 1-run  ball games in the last 3 weeks, and lose 5 extra inning games, winning only 1.

The bullpen, I am tempted to  rename the “Gashouse Gang” has blown 9 saves.

The same offenders keep throwing away 1 run leads with throwing high strikes for leadoff hits, compounding that felony with walks and fat homers. 3-run homers which rebuild the lead  after the Yankees tie it up. The pitchers that do this, consistently seem to do it, but instead of blown saves, they get losses on their record.

The Homer happy Bombers have now lost 5 in a row to Toronto and now the Mets on 4th of July.

The batters have a consistent problem. They leave runners in scoring position with 2 outs a lot. The team does not have a  hitters that can hit to the opposite field to advance the runner. They swing for the fences and hit homers with the bases empty and not when there are two on.

I have not seen a season of inept Yankee baseball like this in my 65 years of watching the Yankees play.

They only win when they put up 7 to  10  runs, and even then that kind of lead is not safe with this group of  bullpen and inconsistent starters.

Now fans, I know you scoff at my criticism of the new rules in baseball.

The Yankee performance this summer  is a replay of what the team started doing last July when the same thing appeared. Sleepy ball. You recall they got hot against a soft schedule in September and finished first. But when they hit the World Series against good pitching from the Dodgers, the bullpen collapsed and the Yankees lost in 5.  The obvious Yankee need going to this season was more starting pitching and bullpen improvement.

However, due to injuries, the bullpen has been inconsistent and I am being generous here with that adjective

Going to the 9th with a lead in Yankee Stadium today, is excruciating for fans in the upper deck who do not leave the game early. This is not Manuel Rivera coming out of the bullpen. And they know it. The stadium is silent with anxiety. It is never a 1-2-3 inning. It’s usually a 10 batter inning and the visitors have a big winning lead.

But when the Yankees fall behind early because of inept pitching or “Hold the lead” pitchers do NOT hold the lead. The game becomes “unwatchable.”

Yankee Starters are barely giving 4 good innings. Before they leave giving up 4 runs. And then….and then, the bullpen parade starts. The Yankee bats fail to get the big hit.

Toronto the first strong team the Yankees have played in awhile, swept them four games and scored 36 runs in 4 games off Yankee pitching. There was no good pitching.

The Mets also having trouble in June (it must be a New York thing), have seen pitching and bullpen problems too.

I remember in the time George Steinbrenner was running the Yankees, if they were going bad the manager was gone in midseason. He fired Billy Martin and brought in Bob Lemon in 1978 with the Bombers 14 games behind the Red Sox. The Yankees caught them and won the playoff in Fenway on Bucky’s homerun.

At this point, the Yankee manager has worn out his bullpen, the guys come in every day he has to use so many pitchers. He has no confidence in any of them and this wears down the pitchers’ confidence. When you warm up you throw 20 pitches…then you come in and throw 20 more in action. This wears down  arm and control which is evident from pitcher performances the last 2 months.

The manager has not learned. The pitchers have to go out every day. There arms are ready to fall off. The starters are demoralized.

The Yankees score a lot of runs but the last month that has been sporadic. And when they do hit the other team hits more. This is an insoluble dilemma.

The front office has the option of trading for pitching (ONE 7 inning stsrter please, 2 would be great and closer)

The  confidence of the young pitchers on this staff  is shot. One has 4 blown saves for example. He has been ruined.

The team needs a pitching coach or manager who knows how to handle pitching. It’s not pitch counts that make pitchers. It’s knowing how to pitch.

“Stuff” makes good pitchers.

“Control” makes pitchers effective.

“Confidence” makes pitchers tough.

“Toughness’ instills fear in the hitter as Sandy Koufax once said.

Right now the bullpen needs rehab, rest. The Yankees could lose 8 more games  before the daily horror of the next game ends. The Yankees have Mets for two games. The Seattles for 3 games and the Cubs for 3. The Yankees will  roll the dice every time one of their in-shock relievers is summoned.

It is not enough to say “We’re the best team in the league right now.” (The manager said that yesterday.}

The Tigers and the Astros are.

The Yankees are praying for 6 rainouts this week.

The manager has proven to be inept and not learn from his mistakes.

The players may like him. But he is the worst manager the Yankees have had in decades.

If the Yankees would exhume Billy Martin’s coffin and put Billy back in the dugout in the corner the present manager could consult with Billy through the coffin and we might improve.

It is time to relieve the general manager and the manager who refuse to recognize their mistakes.

It is time for sportswriters to explore the fatigue in the bullpen. It is time to question strategy. It is time to question the week hitting bench with the lack of clutch pinchitters like Oscar Gamble and  Enos Slaughter of the past, and an infield prone to crucial errors and failure to turn Double Plays in the clutch.  you cannot run a baseball team on stats analysis and projection.

Heart counts.

It is time.

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