David F Brand
@davidfbrand.bsky.social
I’m a reporter covering housing for @wnyc.org and @gothamist.com | In a previous career, I was a licensed social worker
Reposted by David F Brand
Just Home is back.
At a presser this afternoon, Mamdani announced that the affordable housing project was going forward after the Adams administration had tried to stop it this fall.
83 homes for ppl leaving jail had hung in the balance in the mayors race.
At a presser this afternoon, Mamdani announced that the affordable housing project was going forward after the Adams administration had tried to stop it this fall.
83 homes for ppl leaving jail had hung in the balance in the mayors race.
January 19, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Just Home is back.
At a presser this afternoon, Mamdani announced that the affordable housing project was going forward after the Adams administration had tried to stop it this fall.
83 homes for ppl leaving jail had hung in the balance in the mayors race.
At a presser this afternoon, Mamdani announced that the affordable housing project was going forward after the Adams administration had tried to stop it this fall.
83 homes for ppl leaving jail had hung in the balance in the mayors race.
Reposted by David F Brand
Mamdani reverses city hall’s opposition to Bronx supportive housing project https://gothamist.com/news/mamdani-reverses-city-halls-opposition-to-bronx-supportive-housing-project
Mamdani reverses city hall’s opposition to Bronx supportive housing project
Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a press conference to discuss the Just Home project on the Jacobi Medical Center campus.
The Adams administration had urged the city council to not approve it, citing opposition from local residents. [ more › ]
gothamist.com
January 19, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Mamdani reverses city hall’s opposition to Bronx supportive housing project https://gothamist.com/news/mamdani-reverses-city-halls-opposition-to-bronx-supportive-housing-project
Does the Upper East Side suck or not? We’re getting mixed signals
January 19, 2026 at 3:04 AM
Does the Upper East Side suck or not? We’re getting mixed signals
Reposted by David F Brand
Here’s a gift link to an updated version of the @nytimes.com video analysis of the fatal shooting of Renee Good.
It incorporates ICE agent Jonathan Ross’s cell phone footage.
It still shows no indication that Ross was run over by Good’s SUV.
It incorporates ICE agent Jonathan Ross’s cell phone footage.
It still shows no indication that Ross was run over by Good’s SUV.
January 17, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Here’s a gift link to an updated version of the @nytimes.com video analysis of the fatal shooting of Renee Good.
It incorporates ICE agent Jonathan Ross’s cell phone footage.
It still shows no indication that Ross was run over by Good’s SUV.
It incorporates ICE agent Jonathan Ross’s cell phone footage.
It still shows no indication that Ross was run over by Good’s SUV.
A federal judge rejected the city’s attempt to delay the bankruptcy sale of Pinnacle’s ~5,000 rent-stabilized apartments, but a deeper analysis of the bidding company Summit Properties USA raises new questions…
like, is it connected to the Pinnacle owner’s brother?
gothamist.com/news/judge-r...
like, is it connected to the Pinnacle owner’s brother?
gothamist.com/news/judge-r...
Judge rejects Mayor Mamdani's bid to slow bankruptcy sale of 5,100 NYC apartments
The decision poses an early setback to Mamdani in his first full week in office.
gothamist.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:26 PM
A federal judge rejected the city’s attempt to delay the bankruptcy sale of Pinnacle’s ~5,000 rent-stabilized apartments, but a deeper analysis of the bidding company Summit Properties USA raises new questions…
like, is it connected to the Pinnacle owner’s brother?
gothamist.com/news/judge-r...
like, is it connected to the Pinnacle owner’s brother?
gothamist.com/news/judge-r...
Reposted by David F Brand
“NYC tenants don't want buildings sold to 'slumlords.' Can Mamdani stop it?” — apple.news/AKaESm3dYQ2K...
NYC tenants don't want buildings sold to 'slumlords.' Can Mamdani stop it? — Gothamist
City lawyers are asking a bankruptcy judge to delay the sale of 93 buildings owned by the real estate firm Pinnacle.
apple.news
January 7, 2026 at 11:37 PM
“NYC tenants don't want buildings sold to 'slumlords.' Can Mamdani stop it?” — apple.news/AKaESm3dYQ2K...
Reposted by David F Brand
A citywide coalition of tenants has been trying for months to prevent their homes from being sold by what they say is one bad landlord to another.
But they lack one key element: time.
More: gothamist.visitlink.me/5VRGYM
But they lack one key element: time.
More: gothamist.visitlink.me/5VRGYM
January 7, 2026 at 10:55 PM
A citywide coalition of tenants has been trying for months to prevent their homes from being sold by what they say is one bad landlord to another.
But they lack one key element: time.
More: gothamist.visitlink.me/5VRGYM
But they lack one key element: time.
More: gothamist.visitlink.me/5VRGYM
Reposted by David F Brand
It's been less than a week since mayor Mamdani took office, but he's already made a lot of moves aimed at addressing the NYC housing crisis. Hear @davidfbrand.bsky.social recap all of the housing news from the last week. www.wnyc.org/story/mayor-...
Mayor Mamdani's First Moves on Housing | The Brian Lehrer Show | WNYC
WNYC and Gothamist housing reporter David Brand recaps the latest housing news coming out of the Mamdani administration including his executive orders, latest appointees, and more.
www.wnyc.org
January 6, 2026 at 8:54 PM
It's been less than a week since mayor Mamdani took office, but he's already made a lot of moves aimed at addressing the NYC housing crisis. Hear @davidfbrand.bsky.social recap all of the housing news from the last week. www.wnyc.org/story/mayor-...
NEW: NYC Mayor @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social is set to name Dina Levy as NYC’s new housing commissioner
Levy will lead the Dept of Housing Preservation & Development
She has worked as a top official at the NYS housing agency, the NYAG’s office and the nonprofit UHAB gothamist.com/news/mamdani...
Levy will lead the Dept of Housing Preservation & Development
She has worked as a top official at the NYS housing agency, the NYAG’s office and the nonprofit UHAB gothamist.com/news/mamdani...
Mamdani turns to state official to lead NYC's housing agency
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani will name state housing official Dina Levy to lead the Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
gothamist.com
January 4, 2026 at 3:12 PM
NEW: NYC Mayor @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social is set to name Dina Levy as NYC’s new housing commissioner
Levy will lead the Dept of Housing Preservation & Development
She has worked as a top official at the NYS housing agency, the NYAG’s office and the nonprofit UHAB gothamist.com/news/mamdani...
Levy will lead the Dept of Housing Preservation & Development
She has worked as a top official at the NYS housing agency, the NYAG’s office and the nonprofit UHAB gothamist.com/news/mamdani...
Reposted by David F Brand
Oldie, goodie:
![Breaking News Consumer's Handbook
1. In the immediate aftermath, news outlets will get it wrong.
2. Don't trust anonymous sources.
3. Don't trust stories that cite another news outlet as the source of the information.
4. There's almost never a second shooter.
5. Pay attention to the language the media uses.
- "We are getting reports"... could mean anything.
- "We are seeking confirmation"... means they don't haveit.
- "[News outlet] has learned"... means it has a scoop or is going out on a limb.
6. Look for news outlets close to the incident.
7. Compare multiple sources.
8. Big news brings out the fakers. And photoshoppers.
9. Beware reflexive retweeting. Some of this is on you.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:qjoddtmp5jxzkzvt3hoqz3tt/bafkreigi2e6uxrt67htjbrfcmtpbasfuz4jvetyyecnqvxxyt45zile72y@jpeg)
January 3, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Oldie, goodie:
I verified and mapped hundreds of 1- and 2-family homes sold at auction in NYC in 2025
The analysis reveals a familiar geographic pattern: Most of the homes are located in Southeast Queens and Central/South Brooklyn
For @wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/home-fo...
The analysis reveals a familiar geographic pattern: Most of the homes are located in Southeast Queens and Central/South Brooklyn
For @wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/home-fo...
Home foreclosures are rising in NYC. Here's our map.
The geography mirrors the 2008 mortgage crisis, with a particular impact on Brooklyn and Southeast Queens homeowners.
gothamist.com
December 30, 2025 at 8:04 PM
I verified and mapped hundreds of 1- and 2-family homes sold at auction in NYC in 2025
The analysis reveals a familiar geographic pattern: Most of the homes are located in Southeast Queens and Central/South Brooklyn
For @wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/home-fo...
The analysis reveals a familiar geographic pattern: Most of the homes are located in Southeast Queens and Central/South Brooklyn
For @wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/home-fo...
Reposted by David F Brand
The statistic was quietly posted online in a department report in recent days.
Use of Force By NYPD Officers Surged 20% Last Year
The 11,746 incidents of use of force in 2024 by police officers marked the highest number since detailed record-keeping began in 2016.
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 2:31 PM
The statistic was quietly posted online in a department report in recent days.
Reposted by David F Brand
Attorneys asked the judge to let them amend the complaint, a common practice in lawsuits, but the state, represented by the office of Attorney General Letitia James, argued (in a filing that misspelled the judge’s name) that the typos created a “jurisdictional defect.”
nysfocus.com/2025/12/22/p...
nysfocus.com/2025/12/22/p...
A Judge Tossed a Prison Sex Abuse Lawsuit Over Typos
The state plans to ask a court to dismiss some 500 prison sexual assault lawsuits for not strictly abiding by filing requirements.
nysfocus.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Attorneys asked the judge to let them amend the complaint, a common practice in lawsuits, but the state, represented by the office of Attorney General Letitia James, argued (in a filing that misspelled the judge’s name) that the typos created a “jurisdictional defect.”
nysfocus.com/2025/12/22/p...
nysfocus.com/2025/12/22/p...
Stuck at home for Christmas:
A broken elevator means house arrest for New Yorkers with disabilities
NYC elevator complaints have soared over the past 4 years, even as the number of buildings with broken elevators has decreased
@wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/strande...
A broken elevator means house arrest for New Yorkers with disabilities
NYC elevator complaints have soared over the past 4 years, even as the number of buildings with broken elevators has decreased
@wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/strande...
Stranded at home by a broken elevator. NYC lift complaints keep rising.
A Gothamist analysis finds elevator complaints have steadily risen since 2021, especially in the Bronx.
gothamist.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Stuck at home for Christmas:
A broken elevator means house arrest for New Yorkers with disabilities
NYC elevator complaints have soared over the past 4 years, even as the number of buildings with broken elevators has decreased
@wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/strande...
A broken elevator means house arrest for New Yorkers with disabilities
NYC elevator complaints have soared over the past 4 years, even as the number of buildings with broken elevators has decreased
@wnyc.org @gothamist.com
gothamist.com/news/strande...
Reposted by David F Brand
Five years after it was introduced, the City Council passed a revised version of the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, or COPA, which supporters say will give mission-driven groups a leg up when affordable and distressed buildings come up for sale. citylimits.org/nyc-passes-b...
NYC Passes Bill Giving Nonprofits First Chance to Buy Certain Buildings - City Limits
Five years after it was introduced, the City Council passed a revised version of the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, or COPA, which supporters say will give mission-driven groups a leg up when ...
citylimits.org
December 19, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Five years after it was introduced, the City Council passed a revised version of the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, or COPA, which supporters say will give mission-driven groups a leg up when affordable and distressed buildings come up for sale. citylimits.org/nyc-passes-b...
Reposted by David F Brand
In immigration court today DHS lawyers moved to toss peoples' asylum claims en masse, arguing they should seek asylum in countries they may have never set foot in instead.
h/t to @hellgatenyc.com who first reported on the Trump administration's latest tactic.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/18/a...
h/t to @hellgatenyc.com who first reported on the Trump administration's latest tactic.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/18/a...
Trump Administration Moves to Send Asylum Seekers to Uganda, Honduras and Ecuador
Citing agreements with the three countries, Department of Homeland Security attorneys at 26 Federal Plaza are now asserting that immigrants have no right to apply for asylum in the United States.
www.thecity.nyc
December 18, 2025 at 11:32 PM
In immigration court today DHS lawyers moved to toss peoples' asylum claims en masse, arguing they should seek asylum in countries they may have never set foot in instead.
h/t to @hellgatenyc.com who first reported on the Trump administration's latest tactic.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/18/a...
h/t to @hellgatenyc.com who first reported on the Trump administration's latest tactic.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/18/a...
NEW: Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social pledged to “Freeze The Rent” for tenants in 1M rent-stabilized apartments
Mayor Eric Adams is making that goal a lot more difficult
Adams is adding 2 new members to the Rent Guidelines Board and reappointing 2 others
gothamist.com/news/mayor-a...
Mayor Eric Adams is making that goal a lot more difficult
Adams is adding 2 new members to the Rent Guidelines Board and reappointing 2 others
gothamist.com/news/mayor-a...
Mayor Adams appoints 4 Rent Guidelines Board members in move to stymie Mamdani
The move will ensure a majority of Adams appointees remain on the board during the first year of Mamdani’s term.
gothamist.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:41 PM
NEW: Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social pledged to “Freeze The Rent” for tenants in 1M rent-stabilized apartments
Mayor Eric Adams is making that goal a lot more difficult
Adams is adding 2 new members to the Rent Guidelines Board and reappointing 2 others
gothamist.com/news/mayor-a...
Mayor Eric Adams is making that goal a lot more difficult
Adams is adding 2 new members to the Rent Guidelines Board and reappointing 2 others
gothamist.com/news/mayor-a...
Reposted by David F Brand
AAAAHHHHH www.nj.com/essex/2025/1...
Iconic Anheuser-Busch eagle sign leaving Newark when brewery closes
The 15-ton neon landmark will be relocated to St. Louis headquarters after serving as a beloved beacon for motorists and air travelers for decades.
www.nj.com
December 17, 2025 at 7:21 PM
AAAAHHHHH www.nj.com/essex/2025/1...
The City Council will NOT be voting on a bill to loosen short-term rental restrictions for 1- and 2-family homeowners at tomorrow’s final meeting
Al Sharpton, a bill supporter issued a blistering statement criticizing presumptive Speaker Julie Menin for working behind the scenes to kill the bill:
Al Sharpton, a bill supporter issued a blistering statement criticizing presumptive Speaker Julie Menin for working behind the scenes to kill the bill:
December 17, 2025 at 11:06 PM
The City Council will NOT be voting on a bill to loosen short-term rental restrictions for 1- and 2-family homeowners at tomorrow’s final meeting
Al Sharpton, a bill supporter issued a blistering statement criticizing presumptive Speaker Julie Menin for working behind the scenes to kill the bill:
Al Sharpton, a bill supporter issued a blistering statement criticizing presumptive Speaker Julie Menin for working behind the scenes to kill the bill:
Reposted by David F Brand
This week’s @onthemedia.bsky.social is not to be missed, as usual — especially @micahloewinger.bsky.social’s conversation with a Pentagon reporter who agreed to the new restrictions www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm...
Covering the Pentagon, from Sy Hersh to Laura Loomer | On the Media | WNYC Studios
The New York Times has sued the Pentagon for restricting access to journalists. On this week’s On the Media, meet the new cast of right wing influencers and conspiracy theorists repla...
www.wnycstudios.org
December 8, 2025 at 12:29 AM
This week’s @onthemedia.bsky.social is not to be missed, as usual — especially @micahloewinger.bsky.social’s conversation with a Pentagon reporter who agreed to the new restrictions www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm...
Reposted by David F Brand
heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy — www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/...
Housing production increases 23% in first year of City of Yes
The Adams administration has released figures on accessory dwelling units, affordable housing and more to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the plan's passage.
www.crainsnewyork.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:13 PM
heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy — www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/...
Reposted by David F Brand
Investor activity and rising prices continue to push homeownership further out of reach for many New Yorkers.
This issue isn’t new.
But our latest data shows the gap is widening.
Coverage via @davidfbrand.bsky.social for @gothamist.com
This issue isn’t new.
But our latest data shows the gap is widening.
Coverage via @davidfbrand.bsky.social for @gothamist.com
In NYC's hyper-competitive real estate market, a new report finds cash is king
More than 60% of homebuyers paid for the entire property upfront in the first half of the year.
gothamist.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Investor activity and rising prices continue to push homeownership further out of reach for many New Yorkers.
This issue isn’t new.
But our latest data shows the gap is widening.
Coverage via @davidfbrand.bsky.social for @gothamist.com
This issue isn’t new.
But our latest data shows the gap is widening.
Coverage via @davidfbrand.bsky.social for @gothamist.com
Reposted by David F Brand
An investigation by @nysfocus.bsky.social & @gothamist.com found a widespread irregularity in NY’s court system — one costing homeowners facing foreclosure millions.
All under the noses of judges, court referees & regulators nysfocus.com/2025/12/03/n... w/
@davidfbrand.bsky.social
All under the noses of judges, court referees & regulators nysfocus.com/2025/12/03/n... w/
@davidfbrand.bsky.social
Big Banks Accused of ‘Systematic Fraud’ in New York Foreclosure…
An investigation by New York Focus and Gothamist found lenders are using a disputed method of calculating debts in thousands of foreclosures and taking…
nysfocus.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:53 PM
An investigation by @nysfocus.bsky.social & @gothamist.com found a widespread irregularity in NY’s court system — one costing homeowners facing foreclosure millions.
All under the noses of judges, court referees & regulators nysfocus.com/2025/12/03/n... w/
@davidfbrand.bsky.social
All under the noses of judges, court referees & regulators nysfocus.com/2025/12/03/n... w/
@davidfbrand.bsky.social
Reposted by David F Brand
"the cuts resulted in the Food Bank for New York City receiving 10 million fewer pounds of food this year" and "Children’s Aid eliminating a program delivering weekly bags of food to 1,000 people" gothamist.com/news/nyc-non...
NYC nonprofits brace for more federal funding cuts after already scaling back programming
The city’s organizations have lost millions in pounds of food, staff and programs, according to a new report.
gothamist.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:52 PM
"the cuts resulted in the Food Bank for New York City receiving 10 million fewer pounds of food this year" and "Children’s Aid eliminating a program delivering weekly bags of food to 1,000 people" gothamist.com/news/nyc-non...