–Parishioners at St. Mary’s say their final goodbyes to Father Neil Connolly. In the Bronx and on the Lower East Side, “Father Neil rallied his parishioners to confront their fears — and often landlords and politicians — and lift up their community from poverty, poor housing and ill health.” [New York Times]
–A string of East Village burglaries is described as a “crime wave” that has residents “living in fear.” [New York Post]
–An update on the the 1st Avenue collision last week that sent a bicyclist to the hospital. It looks like she’s going to make a full recovery. Meanwhile, the incident has focused new attention on safety issues in the often cluttered bike lane. [EV Grieve]
–The budget deal approved by the Legislature over the weekend renews a version of the old 421a tax abatement program. Local projects, including Essex Crossing, depend on the program to help finance affordable housing. Some lawmakers, including Sen. Brad Hoylman, say the backroom deal that led to the renewal is mostly about creating luxury housing. [The Real Deal]
–While acknowledging his conviction on federal corruption charges, the governor seems to be missing former Speaker Sheldon Silver in Albany. Andrew Cuomo told a radio host, “he was a longtime Albany pro. He had been speaker for a long time… So he had total control over the conference. They did what he said. Period.” [New York Post]
–Remembering David Peel, “downtown singer and marijuana evangelist.” [New York Times]
