Brooklyn News

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NYC Red Light Cameras Now at 600 Intersections

New York City has completed the expansion of its Red Light Camera Program, installing cameras at 600 intersections across all five boroughs, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn announced. The expansion reaches the maximum number of intersections permitted under current state law. According to NYC DOT, red light running has declined by more than 80% at camera locations, while injuries from rear-end collisions have fallen nearly 60% and injuries from T-bone crashes have decreased 70% since installation. The city selects camera locations based partly on crash and injury histories. Officials say the expanded program will strengthen efforts to prevent dangerous driving and improve street safety.

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NYC Expands $4.8M Violence Prevention Programs

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced an expansion of New York City's Crisis Management System to Bushwick, Harlem and Washington Heights/Inwood, strengthening community-based efforts to prevent gun violence. The initiative provides $1.6 million in city funding for each designated service area and supports trained outreach workers who mediate conflicts, prevent retaliation and connect residents with employment, education, mentorship and mental health resources. In Bushwick, funding will expand The Wick Against Violence, operated by Southside United. Harlem's Living Redemption will increase neighborhood outreach, while Grow Up Grow Out Jr., operated by United Way, will establish a new street-outreach team in Washington Heights and Inwood. The city's Crisis Management System currently operates across 46 neighborhood service areas.

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Brooklyn Opens Applications for 18 Community Boards

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso has opened applications for New York City residents interested in serving on Brooklyn's 18 community boards. The volunteer boards provide input on neighborhood issues including land use, liquor licenses, transportation projects and local development. Each board can include up to 50 members who live, work or have a significant interest in the community they represent. Residents age 16 and older are encouraged to apply before the February 8, 2027 deadline at 11:59 p.m. Reynoso said he wants the boards to reflect Brooklyn's diverse neighborhoods and has directed Borough Hall resources toward supporting their operations and long-term sustainability. Applications and additional information are available through the Brooklyn Borough President's Office.

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NYC Expands Free 2-K With 10,000 New Seats in 2027

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to add 10,000 free 2-K seats in fall 2027, expanding New York City's early childhood education program to 22 school districts across all five boroughs. The expansion will introduce programs in 17 additional districts, including neighborhoods in East New York, Brownsville, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Bushwick and parts of Queens, while extending coverage to every Bronx school district and all of Staten Island. The initiative builds on approximately 2,000 seats launched in fall 2026 and is supported by a $1.2 billion state investment. Programs are expected to operate full-day and full-year, with family application details to be announced in the coming weeks.

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CUNY Opens 14 NYC Campuses for 2026 Election Voting

The City University of New York will provide polling locations across 14 campuses for the November 3, 2026 general election, expanding access to voting across New York City. Ten CUNY locations will host early voting from October 24 through November 1, while seven locations will serve voters on Election Day. Participating campuses include Brooklyn College, Baruch College, Queens College, City College and Hostos Community College. Early voting hours vary by date, while Election Day polls are scheduled to operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. CUNY is also providing nonpartisan voter education through its CUNY Votes initiative. Residents should verify their assigned polling location through the NYC Board of Elections before traveling to a campus.

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CUNY Raises Record $312M in Donations, Up 26%

The City University of New York raised a record $312 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2026, a 26% increase from the previous year and the first time the university surpassed $300 million in annual fundraising. CUNY has raised nearly $1.1 billion over four years, with donations supporting scholarships, student assistance and career development across its colleges. The year's largest contribution was a $50 million gift from MacKenzie Scott to Lehman College. Brooklyn College raised $32.4 million, while Baruch College received $34.8 million. Community colleges collectively raised $36.7 million, up from $30.3 million the previous year. CUNY officials said the fundraising growth will expand resources that help students complete degrees and prepare for careers.

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Brooklyn Navy Yard-Based NYC Ferry Workers Join TWU

Technical supervisors at NYC Ferry, whose workforce is primarily based at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, voted unanimously to join the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU). The vote follows successful organizing efforts involving ferry captains, technicians and welders over the past three months. According to TWU, the union now represents hundreds of NYC Ferry employees who work for ferry operator Hornblower. The union is preparing to negotiate initial labor contracts covering the newly organized workers while continuing efforts to organize deckhands. NYC Ferry, which launched in 2017, operates six regular routes and one seasonal route across New York City.

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NYC Offers Free Pet Food at 22 Pantries Starting Oct. 19

New York City will begin distributing free dog and cat food at 22 city-funded food pantries across all five boroughs on October 19, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced. The initiative is supported by $500,000 in city funding and is intended to help residents struggling with the rising cost of caring for their pets. Participating food pantries will offer pet food alongside groceries, allowing households to access both services during the same visit. The program is part of the city's broader food assistance efforts, which include $78 million allocated for food distribution in Fiscal Year 2027. The participating locations include six pantries in Brooklyn, six in Manhattan, four each in Queens and the Bronx, and two on Staten Island.

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$270M Project Brings 385 New Apts to East New York

Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined community and development leaders to celebrate the completion of 385 permanently affordable apartments at Innovative Urban Village on the Christian Cultural Center campus in East New York, Brooklyn. The first phase includes 94 apartments reserved for households eligible for supportive services, including people experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic violence. Developers also marked the topping out of a second phase that will add 453 affordable homes and child care facilities. Together, the two phases will provide 838 apartments, with nearly 2,000 planned across the full development. The project will also include neighborhood retail, community programming, workforce development and publicly accessible open space.