By: Philip Marcelo

New York’s first-in-the-nation plan to levy a hefty toll on drivers entering much of traffic-choked Manhattan was the focus of a legal battle that played out in federal court Friday.

A Manhattan judge heard arguments in lawsuits brought by unionized public school teachers and other New Yorkers seeking to put the brakes on the plan set to launch June 30.

But U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Liman didn’t issue any decisions following the daylong hearing, where the central question was whether transportation officials have sufficiently thoroughly studied — and come up sufficient plans to address — the negative health and environmental effects of the toll.

Most drivers in private cars, locals and tourists alike, heading into Manhattan south of Central Park should expect to pay about $15 during the daytime, with higher tolls for larger vehicles and lower rates for motorcycles and late-night entries into the city, according to the proposal finalized in March. Those who aren’t enrolled in a regional toll collection program will pay $22.50.

Alan Klinger, a lawyer representing lower Manhattan residents, said the toll amounts to a “cash grab” by transit officials looking to pump billions of dollars into the region’s creaky subway, trains and buses.

“There’s a desperate need to put funds into mass transit, and that is their overriding issue,” he said.

Lawyers for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the agency overseeing the congestion fee plan, didn’t dispute that the toll will provide a critical cash infusion of around $1 billion annually for the system, which carries about 4 million riders daily.

But they also argued that the toll will help reduce traffic and improve regional air quality by discouraging driving into Manhattan. The MTA also maintains it conducted extensive environmental reviews that found no significant effects to local communities that could not be addressed by focused mitigation efforts.

Klinger and other lawyers representing Manhattan residents argued Friday that the tolling scheme was given the green light by federal transportation officials without proper scrutiny.

Among other things, they noted that the Federal Highway Administration’s review was complete even before New York officials approved the toll’s final structure.

Toll opponents want the court to order transit officials to conduct a more comprehensive environmental study before rolling out the plan.

“This is supposed to be an all-encompassing process, and it has been anything but,” Klinger said.

Lawyers for the highway administration countered that New York transit officials had thoroughly analyzed the plan’s consequences and presented sufficient details for how they would address any harmful effects.

“None of these challenges have any merit,” said Zachary Bannon, a highway administration lawyer.

While the toll is expected to lead to an overall decline in traffic across greater New York City, some areas will see a “small degree” of increased congestion, acknowledged Elizabeth Knauer, an MTA lawyer.

The agency, she said, has committed to investing about $155 million over five years to offset those effects, including installing more roadside plants, parks, school air-filtration systems and more electric vehicle charging stations.

Other lawsuits argued Friday contend that low-income and minority communities already dealing with poor air quality will be particularly hard hit by the health effects of increased traffic through their streets.

They also argue drivers from other city boroughs and suburbs that lack adequate mass transit will take a disproportionate financial hit. Additionally, they claim, small businesses in the congestion zone will face higher operating costs.

(AP)

By: Serach Nissim

On Monday afternoon, the Manhattan district attorney’s office rested its case against former President Donald J. Trump. As reported by the NY Times, the prosecution’s case came to a close after 15 days of testimony from 20 witnesses. Next, the defense began on Monday afternoon to briefly make its case, after which the jury will take up the task of making a decision in the criminal trial. The judge, Justice Juan M. Merchan, announced Monday that closing arguments will be delayed until after the holiday weekend, on May 28.

Former President Trump faces felony charges in relation to the alleged reimbursement of a $130,000 hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels, a porn star who says she had relations with Mr. Trump in Lake Tahoe, Nev., in 2006. He is charged, in the NYC case, with falsifying 34 business records in connection to that alleged hush money. It is the first time in history that a former US president is tried on criminal charges. Mr. Trump, 77, has denied the charges and has said he did not have an encounter with Ms. Daniels. If convicted, Trump could potentially face prison or probation.

The last three days of the prosecution’s case included a heated cross-examination of star witness, Michael D. Cohen, Mr. Trump’s former fixer and personal lawyer. The defense then began its case on Monday, continuing to do its best to sully Mr. Cohen’s testimony, making his words less credible for the jurors.

Per the Times, on Monday afternoon the defense called up their first witness —Robert Costello, a former legal adviser to Mr. Cohen, who said that in 2018 Mr. Cohen told him that Mr. Trump “knew nothing” about payments to Ms. Daniels. After a handful of objections by the prosecution lawyers, however, Mr. Costello said “jeez,” awaking the ire of the judge.

Justice Merchan sent the jury out of the courtroom and admonished Mr. Costello for not displaying “proper decorum” and for giving him “side-eye.” He then cleared the entire courtroom of onlookers, and according to a transcript, told Mr. Costello that his conduct was “contemptuous” and said, “If you try to stare me down one more time I will remove you from the stand.” He also warned the defense lawyers, “I will strike his testimony, do you hear me?”

On Tuesday, the defense called up Costello again, per AP News. After brief testimony, the defense rested its case on Tuesday, without the Republican Presidential candidate taking the stand. Mr. Trump had formerly indicated that he would like to take the witness stand, but he was not required to do so and it would have been an unexpected move. The defense’s strategy throughout the case was to attack the credibility of the prosecution witnesses, rather than to establish Mr. Trump’s innocence. This is because the burden of proof in a criminal case lies with the prosecution. “They have no case,” Trump said Tuesday morning. “There’s no crime.”

On Tuesday, the jurors were sent home for a week, and will be expected back after Memorial weekend for closing statements. Also, on Tuesday afternoon, the attorneys and the judge met in the courtroom to discuss how the judge will instruct jurors to make their deliberations.

Edited by: TJVNews.com

A significant majority of locals are opposed to the idea of opening a casino in Times Square, a new survey reveals. According to information provided in a New York Post report that appeared on Thursday, the casino, backed by rapper Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, SL Green, and Caesars Entertainment, has been met with widespread resistance from residents who fear it would exacerbate traffic congestion and crime in the already bustling neighborhood.

According to the survey, which was released on Thursday and financed by the No Times Square Casino Coalition, 71% of registered voters living in or near Times Square are against the casino proposal. The report in the Post indicated that only 23% of respondents expressed support for the idea. The survey included residents from Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, Murray Hill, and Gramercy Park.

Jeff Daniel, Chief Strategy Officer of The Shubert Organization and a member of the coalition, emphasized the community’s strong opposition. “The neighborhood has spoken,” Daniel said, according to the Post. “Too often, people forget that in addition to being a major global destination, the Theater District and surrounding neighborhood are a real community. The people living in this neighborhood overwhelmingly believe a casino would create massive problems, erode their quality of life, and set back the progress making this a safe, welcoming place for families.”

Residents’ primary concerns center around increased traffic and crime. Times Square is already one of the most congested areas in New York City, and the addition of a casino could exacerbate these issues, the Post report noted. The area is a major tourist destination, known as “The Crossroads of the World,” and adding a casino is seen as a potential catalyst for more significant disruptions.

The opposition cuts across all major demographic groups, with particularly strong resistance from women and seniors. The findings highlight a broader apprehension about the impact of a casino on the community’s quality of life. Indicated in the Post report was that residents fear that the casino could lead to increased crime rates and strain local infrastructure, undermining the safety and family-friendly environment of the area.

The No Times Square Casino Coalition includes influential members such as the Broadway League of Theater Owners, which plays a crucial role in the cultural and economic landscape of the neighborhood, as per the information contained in the Post report. Their opposition calls attention to the potential negative impact on the theater district, which could face increased competition and logistical challenges if a casino were introduced.

The survey’s results are troubling for all parties bidding for one of up to three licenses to open a casino in the New York City region. Notably, half of the surveyed voters in midtown Manhattan expressed opposition to opening a casino anywhere in the five boroughs. This widespread resistance suggests that any casino proposal within the city could face significant public and political hurdles.

Conducted by Tulchin Research between April 22 and 24, the survey of 400 registered voters found that less than one in ten voters, or 9%, believe Times Square is the best location for a casino, the Post report said.

According to the Post report, the poll, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points, highlighted several critical concerns among respondents:

A striking 81% of voters are worried that a casino in Times Square would exacerbate traffic problems in an already congested area.

Edited by: Fern Sidman

The Upper East Side, historically known as the Silk Stocking District, is undergoing a significant transformation as it becomes a central hub for the Tristate region’s healthcare sector, according to a report on Thursday in the New York Post. This shift is driven by increasing demand for medical services, particularly for the aging population over 75. However, the rapid expansion of healthcare facilities in this affluent neighborhood has sparked controversy and discontent among local residents.

According to a recent report by CBRE, the Upper East Side is seeing a surge in healthcare-related developments. The report highlights that nearly 5.4 million square feet of new leases and expansions for health facilities have been established in Manhattan since 2018, with a substantial portion concentrated north of 59th Street on the East Side, according to the information provided in the Post report. This area is becoming the “central node” in the region’s health sector, driven by the growing need for advanced medical services.

The neighborhood is witnessing the rise of five major new hospital and medical projects, with three more large-scale and contentious proposals currently under city review. Indicated in the Post report was that each institution involved has argued that expansion is crucial for delivering state-of-the-art care both now and in the future. However, these developments have not been universally welcomed.

Grassroots campaigns are actively opposing the three proposed projects, citing potential long-term damage to the neighborhood’s economic and social fabric. Residents are also voicing concerns about temporary nuisances caused by ongoing construction. The report in the Post said that complaints range from construction noise and dangerous conditions to disruptions in the relatively low-rise, residential character of the Upper East Side.

At the construction site of a new 16-story Weill Cornell graduate student residence hall at 1393 York Ave. at East 74th Street, residents are particularly frustrated, the Post reported. Bright, uncovered construction lights have been keeping nearby apartment dwellers awake for months. “It even comes through my shades,” complained a bleary-eyed neighbor of Realty Check, highlighting the immediate impact on the quality of life.

Residents fear that the influx of medical facilities could alter the neighborhood’s identity, which has long been characterized by its upscale homes and high-end shops. The economic and social fabric of the area is perceived to be at risk as these large-scale developments could attract a different demographic and change the local economy’s dynamics.

In recent years, institutions have either acquired or decided to develop parcels they owned along First, Second, and Third Avenues, much to the surprise of local residents. The Post first reported on three major projects:

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Tower: A 12-story tower spanning the FDR Drive at East 70th Street.

Extell-Developed Medical Building: A 30-story building at First Avenue and East 79th Street, leased to HSS for medical offices and treatments.

Iron Horse Labs: Located on East 94th Street, developed by Elevate Research Properties, a subsidiary of Taconic Partners.

Additionally, the Post report said that the 15-story Northwell Health Victoria and Lloyd Goldman Health Care Pavilion for outpatient care recently broke ground at the corner of Third Avenue and East 77th Street, and the Weill Cornell graduate student residence hall is nearing completion.

By: Mario Mancini

Curtis Priem, co-founder of the chip-making giant Nvidia, is spearheading a transformative initiative at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) by funding a groundbreaking quantum computer system. Priem, 64, has donated over $75 million to the Albany-area college to acquire the IBM-manufactured quantum computer, marking the first deployment of such a device on a university campus globally, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Priem’s vision extends beyond RPI’s campus in Troy; he aims to turn the surrounding Hudson Valley into a leading technology hub. “We’ve renamed Hudson Valley as Quantum Valley,” Priem told the Journal. “It’s up to New York whether they want to become Silicon State — not just a valley.”

Quantum computing, which uses subatomic quantum bits or “qubits,” promises to process data at speeds far exceeding those of conventional binary computers. These advanced systems are anticipated to significantly contribute to the development of cutting-edge AI technologies. Priem’s ambitious project includes covering the $15 million annual cost to rent the quantum computer, housed in a former chapel on RPI’s campus.

RPI President Martin Schmidt confirmed that the university will incorporate the quantum computer into its curriculum and ensure that students have access to this pioneering technology. This initiative positions RPI at the forefront of quantum computing education and research, providing students with hands-on experience in a rapidly evolving field.

Curtis Priem, an electrical engineer by training, co-founded Nvidia in 1993 alongside Jensen Huang, the current CEO, and Chris Malachowsky. Priem served as the company’s Chief Technology Officer until his retirement in 2003. Post-retirement, he sold most of his Nvidia shares and established a charitable foundation. As vice chair of RPI’s board, Priem has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to the university, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to advancing technology and education.

Nvidia, the company Priem helped establish, has become a cornerstone of the tech industry, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. Nvidia’s chips are essential for AI development, driving the company’s value to unprecedented heights. Since January alone, Nvidia’s stock has surged by 95%, reaching nearly $942 per share. The company’s market capitalization now exceeds $2.3 trillion, ranking it as the third-most valuable company globally, following Microsoft and Apple. In November 2023, Forbes estimated that if Priem had retained his Nvidia shares, his personal fortune would be around $70 billion, making him one of the world’s richest individuals.

Priem’s investment in quantum computing at RPI is a testament to his forward-thinking approach and dedication to fostering innovation. By establishing the first university-hosted quantum computer and promoting the Hudson Valley as a tech powerhouse, Priem is not only enhancing the educational landscape but also positioning the region as a leader in the next wave of technological advancement. This initiative promises to attract top talent and businesses, driving economic growth and cementing New York’s status as a technological epicenter.

As quantum computing becomes more mainstream, the Hudson Valley, now dubbed “Quantum Valley,” is poised to become a significant player in the tech industry, potentially rivaling other major tech hubs. Curtis Priem’s contributions and vision are set to transform the region, making it a beacon of innovation and technological progress