NYC Headlines: Atlantic Yards Developer Lawsuit Threat, Subway Cleaner Backpay, Pete Alonso's Record

Atlantic Yards Developer Fines Waived

• 🏢 New York State officials waived millions in fines against the developer of the Atlantic Yards affordable housing project.
• ⚖️ This decision came after the company, Greenland USA, threatened to sue state officials if penalties were enforced for missing a deadline.
• 📄 The original agreement in 2014 required nearly 900 units of affordable housing by May, with fines for delays.
• 💰 State officials stated that forgoing the fines would avoid costly litigation.

Subway Cleaner Backpay Settlement

• 🚇 Pandemic-era subway cleaners will receive $3 million in backpay.
• 🏛️ This follows a lawsuit filed by the city's controller office against the MTA for failing to pay statemandated prevailing wages.
• 🧼 During the COVID-19 pandemic, cleaners were hired under no-bid contracts but were often paid less than legally required.

Pete Alonso's Mets Home Run Record

• ⚾ Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has become the franchise's all-time home run leader.
• 🏆 He hit his 253rd career home run, surpassing Daryl Strawberry's long-standing record.
• 💥 The record-breaking home run was a two-run blast that contributed to the Mets' 13-5 victory over Atlanta.
• 👏 Alonso celebrated the milestone with teammates and acknowledged the cheering crowd.