Kelly Mena
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Articles by Kelly Mena
Brooklyn party chair defends, champions leadership changes to organization Original
On Tuesday night, Brooklyn Democratic Party chair and Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn successfully proposed a rule expanding the executive committee of the party from 42 to 68. "I would just say don't count your chickens before they're hatched," she said. Critics said the changes were made to keep Bichotte Hermelyn in power after her allies lost primary races in June. She told NY1 that the changes were not about power but about representation.
Mamdani stands by DSA leader amid controversy over lifestyle and work history
Mayor Zohran Mamdani continued to defend a political ally this week who's facing controversy over his lifestyle and work history. Mamdani, a socialist, stood by the co-chair of the city's chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America Gustavo Gordillo. Gordillo has come under fire after reports that he had not previously disclosed that he lives in a $1.5 million home in Brooklyn and is no longer a union electrician.
Mamdani is back, defends administration while away Original
Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked his return to work Monday after enjoying family time in upstate New York last week. “It was a lovely time upstate. Bounced around. Missed the city, missed you guys. Happy to be home,” he said. To welcome him back was a pair of new lawsuits challenging his plan for city-run grocery stores. A group of business owners is arguing that the plan discriminates against minority-owned stores that won’t be able to compete with the city groceries’ discounted prices.
Subcontractors say new delivery worker bill will put them out of business Original
For some Amazon delivery workers in the Bronx, a typical day includes getting to the warehouse in the early morning, loading their trucks and getting ready to hit the road. It’s all part of the daily grind at Cazare Logistics, one of many subcontractors hired by Amazon. “I deliver packages for Amazon and FedEx in the New York City metro area.
Brooklyn Democrats blast chair over plan to overhaul key committee Original
The fallout to news that the leadership structure of the Brooklyn Democratic party is changing has been swift. "We're very disappointed in this and especially because this subverts what the voters went out and voted for in the primary when they picked these members to be district leaders," said Jay Brown, president of the Bay Ridge Democrats. "Voters made a clear choice and a clear signal in June.
Hunts Point market redevelopment stalls after lease talks fail
A redevelopment project at the Hunts Point Produce Market that was intended to improve air quality in the South Bronx has stalled after the cooperative that operates the market and the city failed to reach an agreement. The project is intended to transform the Hunts Point Produce Market into a state-of-the-art, all-electric distribution center. The goal was to reduce pollution for an estimated 13,000 Bronx residents while preserving the market and jobs in the community.
Officials tour planned site of first city-owned grocery store
New York City is kicking off a series of site visits as it moves ahead with plans to build city-owned grocery stores. On Monday, city officials visited a planned location in the South Bronx. The tour of The Peninsula site in Hunts Point included operators interested in running the stores. The site is set to be around 20,000 square feet, including multiple floors and a loading area. Officials have said the store there is expected to open by the end of 2027.
Gov. Hochul puts $7M toward legal services for immigrant minors Original
In the face of federal funding gaps, New York state is taking action. “When we lose sight of our shared responsibility to protect God’s children here on earth as human beings, as parents, then we lose part of who we are,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Wednesday. The governor announced that she would be investing more than $7 million toward legal services for unaccompanied immigrant minors.
Officials, advocates canvass Little Haiti as TPS protections end Original
Immigrant advocates are canvassing Little Haiti to inform Haitian immigrants about their rights as Temporary Protected Status protections end for thousands of people in the five boroughs. About a dozen volunteers, alongside City Councilwoman Farah Louis and Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, visited local businesses to reach people directly affected by the loss of TPS.
Mayor throws weight behind delivery worker bill Original
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is ramping up his fight with Amazon and some other big corporations, this time over worker protections. “Because if Amazon is delivering your packages, then they should follow the rules of every other delivery company,” said the mayor in a social media video on Monday.
Advocates demand answers after third death at ICE facility
Immigrant advocates rallied Saturday to demand answers and accountability from Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the death of a 39-year-old man in ICE custody at a New Jersey detention facility. Edwin Jovanny Lopez-Cornejo died earlier this month while detained at Delaney Hall in Newark. His death was the third reported death at the facility this year, raising concerns among immigrant advocates and families of people currently detained there.
City warns retailers to stop selling illegal e-bikes Original
"We cannot and will not accept these dangerous vehicles on our city streets," said Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday during a news conference on illegal e-bike sales. He said he won't tolerate the sale of illegal e-bikes in the five boroughs. The mayor put companies on notice Wednesday, sending cease-and-desist letters to over 40 online retailers. Currently, the speed limit for e-bikes is 15 mph. Local law forbids the sale or operation of e-scooters that exceed 20 mph and e-bikes that exceed 25 mph.
Mamdani defends second home tax following deadline extension
Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday continued to defend the rollout of his new tax on luxury second homes, two days after his administration extended the deadline for exemption applications. “We’ve sent out 17,000 letters and now from that we’re receiving engagement from New Yorkers to assess what the final number is,” the mayor said. His comments come after the deadline to contest the tax was extended by a month.
Harlem residents, officials sue city over plans to redevelop healthcare center Original
West Harlem community members and officials are not giving up critical healthcare services without a fight. “There are people here who have children, there are people here who are uninsured, there are people here who are migrants, there are people here who are on Medicaid and people who are uninsured and they have no other place to go,” Alexa Donaphin said. “We’re here as families and we want to make sure that we have the best health that we can have next to us. That’s what America provides.
Fiscal watchdogs weigh in on Mamdani’s savings directive Original
In order to be ready for future shortfalls, the city is preparing early. “The reality is we have large budget gaps next year and they grow bigger,” said Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, an independent fiscal watchdog group. Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday directed all city agencies to identify 2.5% in savings for fiscal year 2027-28.
Landlords sue Rent Guidelines Board over rent freeze Original
Landlords of close to 1 million rent-stabilized apartments are fighting back. In a lawsuit filed on Wednesday, a group of building owners sued the city's Rent Guidelines Board over its decision to freeze rents for rent-stabilized tenants for up to two years. The plaintiffs contended that the board was stacked with Mayor Zohran Mamdani loyalists who were intent on fulfilling his campaign promise of freezing the rent.
Mamdani’s commission publishes proposals on bike and bus lanes, contracts, savings Original
After weeks of public hearings, Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Commission on Government Efficiency — also known as COGE — has come up with five potential ballot proposals.
Mamdani doubles down on comments to arrest Netanyahu Original
Mayor Zohran Mamdani continues to consider his legal options when it comes to arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. “If someone is charged with a warrant from the International Criminal Court for these types of crimes, that's something I believe should be honored," he said Monday.
Mamdani pushes specialized school admissions reform
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said more must be done to address racial disparities in New York City's specialized high school admissions after new Department of Education data showed only three Black students received offers to Stuyvesant High School's incoming freshman class. The number of Black students admitted to the school’s class of 777 ninth-grade students represents an even greater disparity than last year’s eight admitted and 10 the year before.
Mamdani announces new tech crews to make city services easier Original
Riding in on a go-kart, Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised that a new initiative will cut through bureaucratic red tape. “Instead of waiting years for new government technology only for it to work slowly, if it's not already outdated by the time it is released. Our 'PIT Ccews' will move ideas from implementation in a matter of months," he said Monday.
Mamdani administration aims to crack down on 'junk fees'
When booking a ticket, reserving hotel or buying a concert pass, there can be extra fees you never saw coming. “New Yorkers have enough to worry about without these hidden costs weighing on their minds. No longer will our city be a playground for those who think they can make a quick buck,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Friday.
Some DSA members call on campaigns, officials to stop working with Mamdani adviser
Democratic Socialist of America members from across the country are calling for campaigns to stop working with former Graham Platner adviser and Mayor Zohran Mamdani campaign manager, Morris Katz.
Legionnaires cluster grows to 18 cases on the Upper East Side Original
With cases growing, city officials continue their investigation into identifying the source of the legionnaires outbreak on the Upper East Side. “We’re absolutely taking this seriously and launched an investigation the moment that the possibility of a cluster was on the radar.," Dr. Alister Martin, Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said.
NYPD presence to increase for Fourth of July weekend Original
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch held a news conference on Wednesday to discuss security measures being taken to protect New Yorkers during the Fourth of July weekend. “At this time there are no specific and credible threats, and we are taking every possible precaution,” Mamdani said.
Mamdani takes victory lap on rent freeze Original
“If you’re one of the more than 2 million New Yorkers who lives in a rent stabilized apartment, your rent is going to be frozen next year,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Friday. He has been racking up a slew of wins this week — the latest one being getting credit for the rent freeze on 1 million rent-stabilized apartments.
NY-7 candidates make final pitch to voters before Election Day Original
From door knocks to the ballot box, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso took his campaign straight to voters on Monday. Reynoso is running in the competitive primary in New York’s 7th Congressional District, which covers parts of Brooklyn and Queens. With only one day to go until Election Day, Reynoso was at the Ravenswood public housing complex in Astoria securing additional support. “I’m Antonio Reynoso and I’m running for Congress," he said.
Mamdani, Sanders rally for congressional candidates ahead of primary Original
After spending much of the day celebrating with the New York Knicks, Mayor Zohran Mamdani shifted from sports to politics Thursday night, joining Sen. Bernie Sanders at a rally in Brooklyn for three candidates he is backing ahead of next week's primary election. The excitement in the city extended beyond the Knicks championship parade and into Kings Theatre, where supporters gathered for a final show of support for a slate of candidates running in state and federal primaries.
Voters cast first ballots in primary season as early voting begins Original
Polls have officially opened for this year’s primary election season. Voters were out from Queens to Manhattan on Saturday, casting the first ballots.
Council revises school buffer zone bill after mayoral veto
The council has revived their legislative push to create security perimeters around schools. The revised bill was introduced Thursday as local lawmakers and Speaker Julie Menin look to overcome a previous mayoral veto and First Amendment concerns.
Mamdani stands by schools chief during contract investigation
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is standing by Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels after reports that he is under investigation for his handling of a no-bid contract while serving as a Department of Education superintendent. At issue is Samuels' approval of a $180,000 contract with Language Learning Network, a company that provides language teachers to schools. The contract was split into multiple payments that allowed it to bypass the city's competitive bidding process, according to The New York Times.
DSA looks to grow their political power in Brooklyn
Eon Huntley believes the second time is the charm when it comes to winning a key state Assembly seat in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. “This is me taking another step to deliver more when I see my community struggling," he said.
Mamdani launches government efficiency commission Original
Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he has killed a relic of the past: former Mayor Eric Adams’ so-called “zombie” Charter Revision Commission. “With this decision, we are bringing what was an extension of that prior administration to an end," he said.
Immigrant advocates push for permanent safeguards at 26 Federal Plaza Original
Lawyers for immigrants held at 26 Federal Plaza asked a federal judge Wednesday to make permanent improvements at the building as overcrowding concerns continue at the Manhattan facility. “This case was always about reaffirming a more universal truth, which is that if you believe that we are all humans, then we all deserve not just due process but dignity,” said Harold Solis, co-legal director of Make the Road New York.
Mamdani details his plan to create and preserve thousands of affordable homes Original
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has unveiled his plan for tackling the affordable housing crisis in New York City. “The city is putting forward the most ambitious plan for affordable housing this city has ever seen," he said.
Council plans revised school buffer zone bill after mayoral veto
In a bid to work around a mayoral veto, the City Council plans to introduce an amended bill aimed at creating security perimeters around schools, despite criticism from some First Amendment advocates. “We had the votes to do an override, but to jam through an override on an issue where even members who were going to support the override had concerns, I don’t think that’s a responsible path forward,” Council Speaker Julie Menin said.
New York City prepares for 2026 World Cup Original
In less than a month, the city will welcome thousands of soccer fans to watch the men’s soccer World Cup. “Everyone is welcome in New York. We welcome our immigrants. This is going to be an incredible, fun, safe summer,” Maya Handa, World Cup czar, said.
Eric Adams' charter commission moves forward without Mamdani's support Original
Eric Adams may no longer be mayor, but one of his commissions is very much alive. On the final day of his administration, Adams created a City Charter Revision Commission, which is now moving forward with its plans to review and potentially make recommendations to change the city’s governing document, NY1 has learned.
Exclusive: Bronx congressman calls for investigation into ICE’s actions Original
Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres wants U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials' actions investigated. In the letter fired off to the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security and exclusively shared with NY1, Torres calls for investigations “into two deeply chilling videos demonstrating grotesque actions taken by ICE agents in the Norwood section of the Bronx.” What You Need To Know Bronx Rep.
Mamdani announces $31M judgment against Bronx landlords over building conditions
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Wednesday that New York City secured a $31 million judgment against the owners of two Bronx apartment complexes accused of allowing hazardous living conditions and hundreds of housing violations to persist for years. The judgment targets conditions at the Robert Fulton Houses and Fordham Towers, where tenants have long complained about deteriorating apartments, broken fixtures and unsafe living conditions.
Brooklyn couple reunited after ICE detainment Original
It was a moment of celebration, elation and more than anything, reunification. After more than 150 days in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention, Allan Dabrio Marrero is back in New York City.
Brooklyn officials, immigrant advocates question NYPD-ICE relationship Original
Brooklyn officials stood together on Monday, passionately calling into question the relationship between federal immigration officials and the city police department. “We are a sanctuary city. So we don’t want the NYPD helping ICE in any way, shape or form,” Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said. “In this country, even undocumented people have rights,” Rep. Nydia Velazquez said.
Mamdani, Menin reach deal to extend budget deadline, ask for more state help
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin have reached a deal to push back the deadline for the mayor’s executive budget. The two elected officials on Tuesday also called on Albany to help close the city’s multibillion-dollar budget gap. What You Need To Know Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin have reached a deal to push back the deadline for the mayor’s executive budget The two elected officials also called on Gov.
NYC immigration commissioner talks Trump, immigration crackdown Original
Faiza Ali was born and raised in Brooklyn, the daughter of Pakistani immigrants. That personal connection is part of the foundation Ali is using to lead the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, a position she was appointed in February.
Adams' last-minute charter commission holds first meeting Original
A panel full of familiar faces from Mayor Eric Adams’ administration lined the seats of the newly convened Charter Revision Commission. The commission’s first meeting included Adams’ former press secretary, former senior advisor and former first deputy mayor.
Mamdani endorses Lindsey Boylan, first Cuomo accuser, in special election Original
Mayor Zohran Mamdani continues to throw his political weight around; this time he’s jumping into a City Council race. On Friday, he endorsed Lindsey Boylan in a competitive special election for Council District 3 that covers Chelsea, Hudson Yards and Hell’s Kitchen, among other neighborhoods. What You Need To Know On Friday, Mayor Mamdani announced that he was endorsing Lindsey Boylan in the special election to fill an open city council seat in Manhattan Boylan is known for being ex-Gov.
Doormen authorize potential strike, demand better pay and benefits Original
The clock is now ticking for building owners to come to a contract agreement with the union that represents thousands of doormen and other workers. That after dozens of members of 32BJ, stood together to authorize a strike when their contract ends on Monday night.
Mayor Mamdani balances governing with delivering on affordability agenda Original
The 112th mayor came into office with a big smile and even bigger plans — those aimed at making the city more affordable for every resident, but especially working-class New Yorkers. “I promise you this: If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said during his inauguration.
Mayor, City Council clash over competing plans to close budget gap
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the City Council are locked in a budget battle over how to close a multibillion-dollar deficit, with starkly different visions emerging ahead of a June deadline. Mamdani has proposed raising property taxes and tapping into the city’s reserves, while the council argues that re-estimates and spending cuts offer a more sustainable path forward.
City Council proposes $6B savings plan to plug budget gap Original
The City Council on Wednesday unveiled its own $6 billion savings plan to plug the city’s budget gap. City Council Speaker Julie Menin revealed the proposal as an alternative to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s approach that calls for possible increased property taxes and dipping into the city’s savings.
Mamdani uses fast food feast to bring attention to worker rights Original
Mayor Zohran Mamdani likes to make sure workers in New York City are being valued. He also likes food. “City Hall’s first-ever mukbang. Here we are," he said. He combined those messages in an unusual press conference on YouTube Tuesday, in which he took bites of Dunkin’ and Taco Bell before singling out two franchise owners.
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