–The Bowery Mission has closed its “Code Blue” program, which made extra space available to homeless men on very cold evenings in the chapel and cafeteria. And it’s a time of significant change for the organization: “The mission has faced recent budget shortfalls and is looking for a new president to replace David P. Jones, who stepped down just before Thanksgiving… (In the past 5 years) the mission doubled the number of people enrolled… in its residential recovery programs, absorbing the Goodwill Rescue Mission in Newark, N.J., and the New York City Rescue Mission in Tribeca. But as it expanded its footprint, the Bowery Mission also cut back on some efforts.” [New York Times]
–The City Council approved a large new development project to be built on the ashes of Beth Hamedrash Hagadol, the historic Norfolk Street synagogue. [Cityland]
–City Council Member Carlina Rivera comes out against an air rights transfer to allow developers to build an office tower on St. Marks Place. [Gothamist]
–City Council members questioned the mayor’s affordable housing schemes at a budget hearing, arguing that neighborhood rezoning are turbo-charging gentrification. [Gotham Gazette]
–Former Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen assails “shortsighted” politicians for blocking the city’s aggressive development agenda. [Daily News]
–ICYMI: The Lower East Side boasts some impressive wine bars. “Skin Contact” on Orchard Street is a new entry from a pioneer in the natural wine movement. [Eater]
–There’s a fundraiser tonight to help the groups displaced by the devastating fire at 70 Mulberry St. [Facebook]
