The city of New York has decided that police have better things to do than bust people for drinking in public. Cheers!
According to an article by Jillian Jorgensen, "the NYPD will no longer arrest most people who are caught drinking alcohol in public in Manhattan…"
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance announced the news, with additional detail as follows:
Unless it’s 'necessary for public safety reasons,' the NYPD will no longer arrest people for certain low-level offenses in Manhattan, including public consumption of alcohol, public urination, littering and riding between subway cars or taking up more than one subway seat—and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. will no longer prosecute those infractions…
Jorgensen provides additional insight into the reasoning behind the policy change, which is meant to lessen the burden on the criminal justice system presented by low-level crimes.
Alissa Walker picked up on the news for Gizmodo, arguing in favor of the change. Walker notes that only a few cities allow public drinking in the United States, while the rest of the United States is "puritanical to a fault." Meanwhile, "Great cities around the world allow residents and visitors to freely imbibe at parks and on beaches. And they’re better places for it."
FULL STORY: You Won’t Get Arrested for Public Boozing (or Urinating) in Manhattan Anymore
Open Container Laws Ditched in Cincinnati's The Banks Entertainment District
The trend toward the liberalization of outdoor drinking laws continues in Cincinnati. The turned is prevalent enough that this isn't even the first example of a "designated outdoor refreshment area" on the Ohio River.
Report Reveals Proposed NYC Congestion Pricing Details
The draft proposal indicates most drivers would pay $15 to enter the Central Business District.
Zero New Housing Permits Issued in Manhattan Last Month
July was a dead month when it comes to approving new housing units.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions