Akins Station Brooklyn

News Brooklyn

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Mayor Mamdani Signs "Rental" Act

In one of his first major acts since taking office on January 1st, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed la law establishing "Rental" public hearings. The initiative allows Brooklyn tenants to testify directly about landlord abuses and hidden fees. Mamdani also appointed Dina Levy as the new Housing Commissioner, signaling a hardline progressive shift in the city’s approach to the ongoing housing crisis.

NYC Minimum Wage Rises to $17 per Hour

As of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage across Brooklyn and the rest of New York City has officially increased to $17.00 per hour. This planned hike aims to help workers keep pace with the city's high cost of living. Local business advocacy groups in neighborhoods like Park Slope are monitoring the impact on small businesses, while labor unions celebrate the milestone for low-wage earners.

Flatbush Real Estate Boom: Three New Superstructures Break Ground

Residential development in Flatbush reached a new milestone this week as foundations were poured for a massive seven-story mixed-use building at 1041-1049 Fla. Avenue. Two other nearby projects on Cortelyou Road and Rogers Avenue also reported significant progress. Once completed in late 2026, these developments will add nearly 100 new units to the neighborhood, though residents remain divided over the rapid pace of gentrification.

JanArtsNYC 2026 Kicks Off Brooklyn Performance Month

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment officially launched JanArtsNYC on January 3rd. This month-long festival features world premieres in theater, dance, and music across Brooklyn venues. Key highlights this week include the "Under the Radar" festival and "PROTOTYPE," which are bringing experimental opera and physical theater to audiences at BAM and other local center

Major Revocation of Adams-Era Divestment Policies

Standing before supporters on January 2nd, Mayor Mamdani revoked several controversial executive orders issued by the previous administration. Notably, he struck down orders that had prevented city institutions from divesting from Israel and scrapped the city's use of a specific intergovernmental definition of anti-Semitism. The move has sparked intense political debate among Brooklyn’s diverse constituency regarding the city's role in international affairs.

Brooklyn Marine Terminal Revitalization Enters New Era

RED HOOK — The NYC Economic Development Corporation announced Monday that the strategy to transform 122 acres of the Brooklyn waterfront is officially underway. The Brooklyn Marine Terminal project will include a 60-acre all-electric port and 6,000 new affordable housing units built above the floodplain. Officials touted the project as a "once-in-a-generation" economic engine for the Red Hook and Carroll Gardens communities.

Congestion Pricing Anniversary: Manhattan Speeds Increase

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — On the one-year anniversary of congestion pricing, released January 5th shows that traffic speeds on Flatbush Avenue approaching the Manhattan Bridge have increased by 6%. Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani celebrated the 11% overall reduction in vehicle traffic, claiming the $9 toll has successfully funded critical Brooklyn transit projects, including signal upgrades for the A and C subway lines.

State Senate Moves to Protect First-Time Homebuyers

ALBANY/BROOKLYN — The New York State Senate advanced a package of affordable housing measures this week specifically designed to aid first-time homebuyers in high-cost boroughs like Brooklyn. The legislation includes new tax incentives and down-payment assistance programs. Local Brooklyn representatives stated the goal is to prevent the "brain drain" of young families who are increasingly being priced out of their home neighborhoods.

Crackdown on "Junk Fees" and Subscription Traps

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Mayor Mamdani signed a new executive order on Monday targeting "subscription traps" and hidden junk fees that affect thousands of Brooklyn consumers. The order specifically cites difficulties residents face when trying to cancel gym memberships or app subscriptions. The city has already recovered over $600,000 for New Yorkers through recent enforcement actions against companies like Uber and Equinox.

Annie Leibovitz to Headline Major Literary Event

The Center for Brooklyn History announced that world-renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz will appear in conversation next week to discuss her new book, Women. Tickets for the event, which went on sale this morning, sold out in record time. The appearance is part of a broader push by Brooklyn cultural institutions to host high-profile intellectual and artistic programming throughout the winter season.

Local Politicians Clash Over Proposed BQE Toll Increase

A new state proposal to add congestion pricing tolls to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) has ignited a political feud between Brooklyn's council members and state legislators. Proponents argue it will reduce traffic and fund repairs, while opponents decry it as a regressive tax on residents and small businesses reliant on the artery.

Brooklyn Navy Yard Announces 500 New Manufacturing Jobs

The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation announced a major expansion, with two new manufacturing tenants set to occupy a refurbished shipbuilding hall. The move is projected to create over 500 permanent jobs in light industrial manufacturing, aerospace parts fabrication, and sustainable packaging by the end of next year.

Iconic Waterfront Concert Venue Gets a New Name and Owner

The waterfront music hall formerly known as Brooklyn Steel has been acquired by a national entertainment group. Rebranded as "The Anchor," the venue will undergo interior renovations and expand its programming to include more large-scale DJ events and comedy specials while retaining its indie rock bookings.

Record Sale for Fort Greene Townhouse Sets New Neighborhood Benchmark

A meticulously restored, 5,800-square-foot Italianate townhouse on South Oxford Street in Fort Greene has sold for $12.75 million, a record price for the neighborhood. The sale, which closed all-cash, highlights the continued high demand for Brooklyn's historic, large-scale single-family homes in prime locations.

Sunset Park's Industrial Market Sees Unprecedented Warehouse Lease

A logistics company has signed a 10-year lease for a 200,000-square-foot warehouse in Sunset Park's Industry City complex. The deal, one of the largest industrial leases in Brooklyn this year, signals robust demand for last-mile delivery and storage space near the waterfront and major highways.

Mural Festival Transforms Browns. Facades
The "Bridges of Brownsville" mural festival concluded this weekend, leaving over 20 large-scale, vibrant new artworks on previously blank building walls. The project, funded by a mix of city arts grants and private donations, employed local artists and aimed to foster community pride through public art.

Major Film Complex Breaks Ground in East New York
Construction has officially begun on "Brooklyn Basin Studios," a new, full-service film and television production campus on a formerly vacant lot in East New York. The complex, featuring sound stages and post-production facilities, is expected to capitalize on New York's expanded film tax credits and bring significant below-the-line production jobs to the borough.

City Council Approves Controversial Rezoning for Mixed-Use Project in Crown Heights
The City Council voted to approve a contentious rezoning plan for a multi-block area near the Brooklyn Museum. The plan paves the way for a mixed-use development with market-rate and affordable housing, retail, and a public plaza, after years of community negotiation over height limits and affordability levels.

Electric Cargo Bike Delivery Service Expands Across North Brooklyn
A homegrown, emission-free delivery service specializing in electric cargo bikes has secured new venture capital funding. The company announced a major expansion of its service zone, now covering most of North Brooklyn, offering local businesses a faster, cheaper, and greener alternative to traditional truck delivery for last-mile logistics.

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Held in Brooklyn Jail

BROOKLYN — Following a dramatic U.S. military raid in Caracas over the weekend, deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park. Maduro appeared in federal court on Monday, pleading not guilty to narco-terrorism and drug-trafficking charges. The high-profile arrival has sparked intense activity in Brooklyn, with demonstrators gathering outside the facility to both celebrate his capture and protest the military intervention.

Mayor Mamdani Revokes Adams-Era Executive Orders

CITY HALL — In his first official act as the 112th Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani signed executive orders on January 1st to dismantle several policies from the previous administration. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, focused on tenant rights by relaunching the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants and revoking orders related to public safety and international affairs that he claimed fueled community distrust.

Nurses Issue 10-Day Strike Notice to Brooklyn Hospitals

BOROUGH-WIDE — The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) delivered official 10-day strike notices to several major hospitals, including facilities in Brooklyn, on January 2nd. Over 20,000 caregivers citywide are demanding better staffing ratios and wage equity. If a deal is not reached, the walkout would be the largest in New York City history.

Congestion Pricing Anniversary Shows 11% Traffic Drop

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Governor Kathy Hochul visited the Brooklyn Bridge gantry on Monday to mark the one-year anniversary of Manhattan’s congestion pricing. released shows 27 million fewer vehicles entered the toll zone in 2025. While officials celebrated a 20% reduction in air pollution, some local businesses continue to express concerns over the $9 peak-hour fee.

Full Redesign of McGuinness Boulevard Fast-Tracked

Mayor Mamdani announced Saturday that the city will complete the full safety redesign of McGuinness Boulevard "as soon as the weather warms." Reversing the previous administration's compromise, the new plan prioritizes bike lanes and pedestrian safety over vehicle throughput, responding to years of advocacy from local activists following a series of fatal accidents.

Brooklyn Ends 2025 with Historic Low in Gun Violence

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — The Brooklyn District Attorney's office released year-end this week showing that 2025 saw the fewest murders and shootings in the borough's recorded history. Officials credited "Project Restore," a community-led mentorship and therapy initiative, for successfully diverting young men from gang involvement in neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy .

Flu Cases Spike 38% Across Brooklyn Neighborhoods

BOROUGH-WIDE — Health officials reported a dramatic surge in influenza cases during the first week of January. Brooklyn has seen a 38% increase in hospitalizations compared to the final week of December. The Department of Health is urging residents to utilize local clinics for vaccinations as pharmacies report a shortage of certain antiviral medications.

Brooklyn Museum Debuts Massive Monet Exhibition

The Brooklyn Museum opened "Monet and Venice" this weekend, the city’s largest exhibition of the Impressionist's work in 25 years. The show features a rare reunion of 19 Venetian paintings and includes a multi-sensory symphonic score. Curators expect record-breaking attendance for the exhibit, which highlights the artist’s 1908 trip to the floating city.

Sunset Park Warehouse Fire Leads to Major Hazmat Response

A five-alarm fire at a furniture warehouse in Sunset Park on Thursday required a massive FDNY response, including hazardous materials units. Officials confirmed the storage of chemicals and lithium-ion batteries on-site, complicating the firefight and prompting air quality warnings for surrounding residential blocks, though no serious injuries were reported.

Protest Halts Demolition of Crown Heights Cultural Center

A planned demolition of the former Elks Lodge on Bergen Street, a community hub for decades, was halted Friday when dozens of protestors linked arms in front of excavators. Developers seek to build condos, while activists demand landmark status for the building, citing its history in the Caribbean-American community.

New York City FC Announces Stadium Plans in Willets Point, Adjacent to Brooklyn

While not in Brooklyn proper, the major announcement that New York City FC will build a new 25,000-seat soccer stadium in Willets Point, Queens, directly across from Citi Field, has significant implications for Brooklyn soccer fans, promising a more accessible home venue and increased local rivalry with the Red Bulls.

Tech Breaks Ground in Downtown Brooklyn

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held for "The Atrium," a 15-story tech hub and startup incubator on Jay Street. Backed by city and state grants, the project promises to create over 1,000 permanent jobs and includes affordable commercial space for local tech entrepreneurs, aiming to solidify Downtown Brooklyn's "Silicon Alley" expansion.

Legendary Peter Luger Steakhouse Settles Wage Theft Lawsuit

The famed Peter Luger Steakhouse in Williamsburg agreed to a $1.2 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit filed by waitstaff and other employees. The suit alleged the institution systematically withheld wages and failed to pay proper overtime over several years.

MTA Launches Full-Scale Redesign of Brooklyn Bus Network

The MTA released its final, sweeping redesign plan for Brooklyn's entire bus network—the first in a century. The plan aims to increase speed and reliability by reducing redundant routes, adding new direct lines, and implementing more bus lanes, with changes set to be phased in starting next year.

Northside Festival (Innovation + Music)

When: June 10-16

Where: Various venues in Williamsburg & Greenpoint

What: A premier festival celebrating the convergence of innovation, music, and culture. The week features industry speaker panels, startup showcases, and a weekend of concerts with buzzy indie and rock acts.

Food Festival

When: Saturdays, starting April 6 (Ongoing)

Where: Marsha P. Johnson State Park,

What: The iconic open-air food festival returns, featuring over 80 local vendors serving everything from innovative fusion dishes to classic desserts. A must for food explorers.

Brooklyn Public Library's "Books in the Booth"

When: Select Saturdays, 11 AM - 2 PM (Check schedule)

Where: Various subway stations (e.g., Atlantic Ave-Barclays, Jay St-MetroTech)

What: Librarians set up pop-up booths inside subway stations to offer free library card sign-ups, book recommendations, and giveaways, bringing literature directly to commuters.

Prospect Park Bike Tour & Picnic

When: Sunday, June 9, 10 AM - 2 PM

Where: Meet at Grand Army Plaza Arch

What: A guided, leisurely bike tour through the s and hidden gems of Prospect Park, culminating in a communal picnic. BYO bike and blanket (rentals available nearby).

Brooklyn Folk Festival

When: June 7-9

Where: St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, Brooklyn Heights

What: An intimate festival celebrating American roots music—folk, blues, old-time, and global traditions—featuring workshops, jam sessions, and performances in a stunning, historic church.

Industry City Night

When: Thursday, June 13, 5-10 PM

Where: Industry City Courtyards, Sunset Park

What: An evening market featuring food from across Industry City's diverse eateries, live music, outdoor games, and extended hours for the complex's unique shops and artisanal vendors.

Outdoor Movie: "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"

When: Friday, June 14, Sundown (~8:30 PM)

Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Empire Fulton Ferry Lawn

What: Part of the "Movies With a View" summer series. Bring a blanket, enjoy the iconic Manhattan skyline view, and watch this Oscar-winning Brooklyn-made film under the stars.

Brooklyn Designs 2024

(Home Furnishings Show)

When: May 17-19

Where: Industry City, Sunset Park

What: The borough's premier showcase for contemporary furniture and lighting design, featuring exhibits and products from dozens of Brooklyn-based designers and studios.

Open Streets: Fifth Avenue (Park Slope)

When: Sundays, May-October, 11 AM - 6 PM

Where: Fifth Avenue between 9th & 18th Streets

What: A weekly pedestrianization of a major commercial strip, allowing for outdoor dining, live music, pop-up play streets for kids, and strolling without car traffic.

Brooklyn Book Festival Bookend Event: Author Talk with Colson Whitehead

When: Wednesday, June 26, 7 PM

Where: Central Library, Grand Army Plaza

What: A pre-festival event featuring the Pulitzer Prize-winning Brooklyn author in conversation about his work. Part of the lead-up to the main Brooklyn Book Festival in the fall.

J'Ouvert Celebration

When: Labor Day, September 2, Pre-dawn (e.g., 4 AM start)

Where: Predominantly along Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights

What: The massive, historic, and culturally significant pre-dawn street celebration marking the start of the West Indian American Day Carnival. Features paint, powder, music, and vibrant costumes.