• Opening 24 new public school buildings  – We've opened 24 new state-of-the-art school buildings across New York City and created 11,000 additional seats for our students — the most in a single year in two decades. With innovative community spaces, music rooms, science labs, and more, these new classrooms add to the 20,000 seats we’ve created since coming into office and will set even more kids up for success.

• Creating safer streets for pedestrians – We announced that New York City is ahead of schedule to “daylight” at least 1,000 intersections by the end of 2024. Daylighting — or redesigning intersections to help pedestrians and drivers see more clearly — prevents traffic accidents and keeps people safe on our streets. The Department of Transportation has already daylit 300 locations, with the remaining 700 in development or near finalization, to improve traffic safety.

• Leading the nation in curbside EV charging – We secured a $15 million federal grant to build America’s biggest curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging program! This will fund 600 chargers across the five boroughs, with at least half serving low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods. Creating a more robust public charging network will reduce emissions and help more New Yorkers afford to drive and charge EVs.

↳ Three things to know this week:

1. You can explore and apply for 40+ free city programs all in one place with our new “Money in Your Pocket” online guide! This new one-stop shop lets New Yorkers like you find countless free resources to save money, including discounted subway rides, low-cost and free health insurance, free high-speed internet, and much more. 

2. Starting this fall, all buildings with one to nine residential units will need to use lidded garbage cans for trash pick-up. Our official NYC Bin is the cheapest bin of its quality and has free shipping and handling — get your NYC Bin here now! If you place your order before October 1, you’ll receive your bin just in time for the November 12 containerization program start date! 

3. An affordable food festival is coming to Times Square on Monday, September 9, from 5PM to 9PM! “Taste of Times Square” returns next week with bites from around the world. Most vendors serve up delicious deals between $3 and $6, and all are priced below $10.  

↳ FREE events this weekend:

...special pizza box trash cans are now in parks across all five boroughs? Our new uniquely-designed pizza box disposal bins will stop these bulky boxes from overflowing in our traditional trash bins, keep parks cleaner after New Yorkers enjoy an afternoon picnic, and reduce the presence of pesky rats. 

This is one of the many creative ways our administration is making strides in our “War on Rats.” If you want to join our hands-on efforts, become a Rat Pack member today! You’ll make a difference in your community and get a free t-shirt or hat to thank you for your service. 

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