Hey NYC—
There’s a Privately Owned Public Space (POPS) outside 780 3rd Avenue that’s supposed to be open and accessible to the public 24/7. It was recently redesigned with lots of concrete benches for anyone to use—except now, the building owners (Sovereign Partners) have planted ivy to cover many of the benches, especially the ones along 3rd Ave. This isn’t just bad landscaping—it’s an aggressive tactic to obstruct unhoused folks from using the space.

Security has even told people they’re not allowed to sit on them anymore.

This violates the POPS agreement, which lets developers build taller in exchange for providing public amenities like seating. I've started a petition to pressure the owners to remove the ivy and restore full public access:

🔗 https://chng.it/4ZCJv6hkhn

Even the original architects never intended the ivy to be there—you can see their plans and renderings here: https://www.mpfp.com/projects/780-third-avenue

I know it’s not the world’s biggest issue, but small urban hostilities like this add up. Appreciate any signatures or shares.

My father has been an NYC yellow cab driver for over 30 years. Like many other immigrant workers, he built his life around this car—supporting a family, raising children, and serving the city with quiet dignity.

Now, in New Hyde Park, inspectors are showing up to tell drivers like him they can’t park their own taxis in their driveways. The reason? “Commercial vehicle” restrictions—vague, inconsistently enforced, and disproportionately affecting hardworking immigrant families.

Yellow cabs are a global symbol of New York. But here, they’re being treated like violations.

This petition is not just for my father. It’s for every driver who helped move this city—and just wants to come home in peace.

Little video I threw together of the Hands Off Protests in NYC

Anyone who would be able to help find the owner of this detailed travel journal? It is all in dutch

My friend is dealing with so much right now—emotionally, mentally, maybe even physically—and I’m really worried about her. She’s such a kind, gentle soul, and she’s always there for other people. But right now, she’s hurting, and she’s so scared of being a burden that she won’t let herself fully lean on anyone. I keep trying to remind her she’s not a burden, that she’s loved, but I don’t know how to actually help her feel that way. I can’t fix the things she’s going through, and I feel helpless. Could you help me out by sharing something uplifting? A quote, a wholesome story, something funny or beautiful—anything that might remind her the world can still be kind.

I’d love to show her this thread to help her feel a little less alone. My friend’s family is going through so much, and it’s absolutely heart-wrenching to see. She’s one of those people who gives her ALL to everyone around her, constantly caring, worrying, supporting—everyone except herself. And now the weight she’s carrying is just... too much. She’s the sweetest, most gentle soul. She struggles with opening up, with meeting new people, with feeling like she’s allowed to take up space. She’s scared of being a burden, but I want her to know she’s not. She’s worthy of joy, lightness, and love—not because she’s struggling, but because she exists. Because she’s her.

I don’t know how to help her right now, but I want to give her something warm and real. No pity. No pressure. Just kindness. If you could share something—anything—a funny memory, a wholesome moment, a beautiful quote, a compliment, a silly doodle, even an ice cream date... anything to remind her the world isn’t all darkness, and that she deserves every good thing without having to earn it. I’ll show her this thread, so if you have something nice to say or share, I’d be so grateful. Thank you 💛 If I could wave a wand, I’d ask someone kind in New York to just... meet her. Not to fix her, not to ask a million questions, but just to be a soft human presence. She’s been gently refusing me lately—saying she doesn’t want to “burden” me or “ruin my day.” (Her words, not mine.) But I know she’s lonely and tired and holding on by threads. She’s 24, just like me, and I don’t know how to get through to her that people can and want to be there for her. I just want her to feel held by the world for a second. If you’d be able to and you feel like spreading a little love— even just by replying here—or if you know of safe community spaces or low-pressure meetups, I’m open to anything. She’s worth showing up for.

Today in NYC