This Week in New York – Council Passes School Speed Camera Legislation, Democratic Candidates for Governor and Attorney General Hold Debates & New NYC Ferry Route

City Council Reactivates 140 Cameras Near Schools

On Wednesday, the New York City Council convened an unusual end-of-summer stated meeting to approve legislation receiving speed cameras at 140 locations in NYC school zones, in partnership with Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo. The council's bill also gives the city authorization to double the amount of cameras and extend hours of operation. In 2014, the state legislature passed a bill to implement speed cameras near schools, but the law expired last July and the state legislature failed to come to an agreement to renew the measure before their session ended in June. On Monday, Governor Cuomo issued an executive order to reinstate the law and allow the city to work with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles to resume enforcement. The speed cameras are anticipated to be up and running by September 5th, the first day of school for the New York City public school system.

First Cuomo / Nixon Debate

On Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Cynthia Nixon squared off in their first and only debate before the New York primary election on September 13th. The two candidates discussed topics ranging from their views on reforming the Metropolitan Transit Authority to legalizing marijuana, while engaging in heated exchanges about personal finances and their vision for the Democratic Party. Both candidates declined to say whether they want an endorsement from Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Democrat Attorney General Candidates Debate

On Tuesday, the Democratic candidates for attorney general faced on in their first televised debate. US Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, NYC Public Advocate Letitia (Tish) James, Fordham law professor Zephyr Teachout and former Cuomo aide and Verizon executive Leecia Roberta Eve are all seeking the nomination. The candidates each expressed their willingness to take on any legal challenges from the Trump Administration and the importance of remaining independent from the Governor. Teachout was heavily criticized throughout the debate for her objections to the Safe Act, a gun control measure passed in 2013 and James for her close relationship with Governor Cuomo. The candidates will face each other again in another televised debate on September 6th.

NYC Ferry's New Route

This week, NYC Ferry announced its sixth route, the Lower East Side route. The route will connect Long Island City in Queens to Manhattan's Lower East Side and Financial District, with stops at 34th Street, Stuyvesant Cove and Corlears Hook. Mayor de Blasio said the city will decide by the end of the year if NYC Ferry will add more routes.