At least $350 million of federal stimulus money—and at least $65 million of annual subsidies—will be directed towards 21 New York City housing projects to pay for much-needed renovations. The major allocation of cash will allow workers to fix facades, roofs, heating systems, elevators and other problems in buildings where 20,000 New Yorkers reside, according to DNAinfo. Some tenants feared the stimulus money was a sign the buildings would shift away from low-income housing, but Mayor Bloomberg told the Daily News: "Nothing is going to change, except for the better." According to the Lo-Down, he added: "While other cities are blowing up public housing, we are preserving it." more ›

As the deadline nears for NYC and NY State approve congestion pricing and qualify for $354 million in federal money, the anti-congestion pricing contingent is working hard to convince constituents it's not a good idea. Streetsblog reveals there are automated robocalls asking New Yorkers to oppose congestion pricing. A Streetsblog commenter transcribed part of the call:

"[Do you trust the MTA]...the council members who support congestion pricing do. Every dollar in fees goes to the MTA. As for the promise that funds will only go for improvements, the MTA admits that 67% will be spent on everything BUT new bus and subway lines. Also, the MTA just canceled new improvements promised when fares were raised. Don't trust the MTA and call your council member and tell them not to trust them either."