NYC Roundup: NYPD Officer Trial, Horse Carriage Ban Vote, Mayor Adams's Policy Influence, and 'Fan Man' Arrest

NYPD Officer Disciplinary Trial

• 🏛️ Dozens of elected officials are demanding a disciplinary trial for an NYPD officer involved in the 2016 killing of an unarmed man, Delron Small.
• ⚖️ The police union argues the officer, Wayne Isaacs, was off-duty and should not face discipline, especially after a judge recommended dropping charges.
• 🗣️ Public Advocate Jumaane Williams expressed hope that Mayor-Elect Eric Adams is communicating with the NYPD Commissioner about a new vision for accountability.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban Vote

• 🐎 A bill to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City was voted down by a city council committee.
• 💔 Council member Robert Holden advocated for the ban, citing animal cruelty concerns, particularly after a carriage horse died in August.
• 🤝 The union representing carriage workers opposes an outright ban, while Mayor-Elect Eric Adams supports ending the industry but seeks a just resolution for workers.

Roosevelt Island Housing and Development

• 🏘️ City and state officials are initiating a planning and engagement process for Roosevelt Island, including redeveloping a defunct steam plant site.
• 📜 The master lease for Roosevelt Island has been extended to 2078, signaling long-term development plans.
• 🏥 The redevelopment could include more housing and improved healthcare facilities for the island's long-term care campus.

Mayor Adams's Policy Influence on Mayor-Elect Adams

• 📉 Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams is reportedly using his final weeks to influence incoming Mayor-Elect Eric Adams's policy goals.
• 📊 This includes potentially appointing pro-real estate members to the Rent Guidelines Board, which could hinder Adams's promised rent freeze.
• 🚨 Adams is also adding over $300 million to the city budget for NYPD officer hires, which could create political optics challenges for the incoming mayor.
• 🌳 Another action involves declaring the Elizabeth Street Garden an official park, making it virtually impossible for the Mayor-Elect to build affordable housing there as planned.

'Fan Man' Arrested for Flying Fan-Powered Aircraft

• ✈️ Jonathan Warren, known as 'Fan Man', was arrested for flying a fan-powered aircraft over Gravesend Bay in Brooklyn.
• 🚁 Warren, who has completed an estimated 33 flights, uses a parachute with a motorized fan strapped to his back.
• 👮 The NYPD arrested him after a 911 call mistakenly reported he parachuted off a bridge, leading to the seizure of his $12,000 aircraft.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Warren is due in court on November 22nd, aiming to prove his hobby is legal and retrieve his equipment.

Studio Museum in Harlem Reopens

• 🖼️ The Studio Museum in Harlem is reopening after more than seven years, featuring a new seven-floor building.
• 🎨 The museum will showcase artists of African descent and include expanded programs for artisans and education.
• 🗓️ Admission is free on opening day, November 15th, with pay-as-you-wish Sundays and extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.