Chaim Simon
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chaimsimon.bsky.social
Chaim Simon
@chaimsimon.bsky.social
200 followers 1K following 12 posts
urban planner/transportation planner
Seattle | Albany | NYC
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Reposted by Chaim Simon
mjsdc.bsky.social
NEW: By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to assist immigration agents. A majority holds that he likely lacks authority to do so. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissent. www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25p...
The Government asked this Court to stay the District Court's order. After the response and reply were filed, JUSTICE BARRETT referred the application to the Court. We directed the parties to file supplemental letter briefs on an issue that the District Court had addressed but the parties' initial briefs had not: the meaning of the term "regular forces" in §12406(3). In its supplemental brief, the Government argues that the term refers to civilian law enforcement officers, such as those employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Federal Protective Service. Respondents, echoing the District Court, maintain that the term refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary. We conclude that the term "regular forces" in §12406(3) likely refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary. This interpretation means that to call the Guard into active federal service under §12406(3), the President must be "unable" with the regular military "to execute the laws of the United States." Because the statute requires an assessment of the military's ability to execute the laws, it likely applies only where the military could legally execute the laws. Such circumstances are exceptional: Under the Posse Comitatus Act, the military is prohibited from "execut[ing] the laws" "except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress." 18 U. S. C. §1385. So before the President can federalize the Guard under §12406(3), he likely must have statutory or constitutional authority to execute the laws with the regular military and must be "unable" with those forces to perform that function.
December 23, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
bubbaprog.xyz
The full spiked 60 Minutes CECOT package, clean & subtitled. 1/5
December 23, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
colinreports.bsky.social
⚠️ It’s official! New York has repealed the “100-foot rule” subsidy for new gas hookups, joining five other states that have ended similar subsidies.

Statement from Hochul:
GOVERNOR HOCHUL SIGNS LEGISLATION TO ELIMINATE UNFAIR UTILITY SUBSIDY THAT PASSES THE BUCK FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL GAS HOOKUPS TO ALL CUSTOMERS Legislation S.8417/A.8888 Will Do Away With Outdated 100-Foot Rule for Natural Gas Hookups That Cost New Yorkers Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Each Year Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to eliminate the “100-foot-rule” for new natural gas hookups that costs New Yorkers hundreds of millions of dollars a year. “It’s simply unfair, especially when so many people are struggling right now, to expect existing utility ratepayers to foot the bill for a gas hookup at a brand new house that is not their own,” Governor Hochul said. “I have made affordability a top priority and doing away with this 40-year-old subsidy that has outlived its purpose will help with that.” Each year, New Yorkers spend hundreds of millions of dollars on connecting new homes to the gas system. Currently, all existing ratepayers of a utility subsidize the first 100 feet of new gas lines. Under legislation S.8417/A.8888 signed by Governor Hochul, new applicants must pay 100 percent of the material and installation costs for gas service, as opposed to other ratepayers. State Senator Liz Krueger said, “Kathy Hochul just gave New Yorkers a $600 million Christmas present by signing our bill to repeal the 100-foot rule. This is a massive win for New York’s gas customers, and for clean air and a livable climate. In recent years the 100-ft rule has forced all ratepayers to subsidize gas hookups for new customers and a tidy profit for utility shareholders, at a cost of $600 million every year, which compounds many times as it is paid off on gas bills for years down the road. That burden on New Yorkers will now be lifted.” Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon said, “This is a victory for hard-working New Yorkers, our wallets, and our climate. Utility companies have had a blank check to expand polluting gas infrastructure and pass those co…
December 19, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
princetonyimby.bsky.social
Widening of NJ Turnpike Extension through Jersey City has been scrapped. Major news, a big win for advocates in Jersey City. www.nj.com/news/2025/12...
Murphy scraps controversial Turnpike widening through Hudson County
The most opposed part of the controversial $10.6 billion NJ Turnpike extension widening project will be dropped, Gov. Murphy announced.
www.nj.com
December 21, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
opennewyork.org
Queens, a borough of 2.4 million people, permitted just 3,240 homes last year, a bit over 1 boatload.

Austin, a city of less than a million people, permitted that same number every month last year.

The results?
Queens rents: ⬆️ 4.6%
Austin rents: ⬇️ 3.1%
opennewyork.org Open New York @opennewyork.org · 9d
NYC is not building “boatloads of housing”.

Last year, Manhattan permitted fewer units (2,347) than 1 boat (Icon of the Seas, 2,800 units)
Tweet from Nicole Gelinas: Finally, someone smart says the obvious ... NYC builds boatloads and boatloads and boatloads of housing. More than most American cities combined. Why doesn't that make housing cheaper? For the very reason that NYC builds the housing: it is built to meet new demand by the new top... Show more
December 16, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
cohenhouse.bsky.social
A new bombshell modeling report by the State of Minnesota has found that small single-stair buildings with smoke-separated stairwells are likely to be SIGNIFICANTLY SAFER than typical double-loaded apartment buildings
December 18, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
stephenjacobsmith.com
Consultants contracted by Minnesota found that an eight-story single-stair building with 6,000 sq. ft. per floor (building 4) has dramatically lower fire risk than a same-height code-compliant two-stair building with a larger floor plate (building 1) www.dli.mn.gov/sites/defaul...
December 12, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
gbrockell.bsky.social
I’ve heard from immigration attorneys that clients say ICE guards lay out the WRAP device (essentially a full-body straitjacket) on the tarmac as a threat — “do what we say or you’re getting the WRAP on the whole flight.”

And here’s proof, from Seattle livestream today via @lalabote.bsky.social.
A screenshot of an Embraer 145 from ICE flight contractor Key Lime Air/Denver Air Connection on a tarmac with with guards and detainees . In the lower right hand corner is a contraption with a bunch of nylon straps and metal fasteners. A closeup of the contraption
December 11, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
celticsbakitbol.bsky.social
THE SPURS HAVE A LUKE KORNET BLOCK CELLY SHIRT 😭😭😭💖 they passed them out in the locker room
de'aaron fox wearing a headset and a black t-shirt with a black-and-white image of luke kornet pointing at the sky.
December 11, 2025 at 5:51 AM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
yonahfreemark.com
One cool reform element related to parking minimums has impacted previously planned projects:

“In the Bronx, a 94-unit project will not include the 25 parking spots previously required, & in Brooklyn, a more than 500-unit project will not include the previously required 140 parking spots.”
December 5, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
yonahfreemark.com
Major announcement in just-posted board documents: DC's Metro is moving fast toward automation.

Over 15 years, Metro plans full automation & platform screen doors, which the agency says will improve safety, reliability, & travel times—at reduced costs.
www.wmata.com/about/board/...
Building blocks of modernization and automation Modernization allows Metro to deliver more service at lower cost Roadmap to modernize Metro How rail modernization increases capacity
November 17, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
reinventalbany.bsky.social
Report: 94% of World’s Transit Lines Operated by One Person

Hochul Should Veto Bill Requiring Two

See our statement on the new, important report out from NYU Marron's Transit Costs Project

buff.ly/Umk9Dc0
Report: 94% of World’s Subways Operated by One Person. Hochul Should Veto Bill Requiring Two - Reinvent Albany
NYU Marron Center Report Shows 94% of the World’s Subway Systems Use One Person – Or Are Automated   Gov. Hochul Must Veto Wasteful, Politically-Motivated Bill Requiring Two Train Operators   An…
reinventalbany.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
kromandavid.bsky.social
Katie Wilson has been elected Seattle's next mayor
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Katie Wilson elected Seattle’s next mayor
Wilson took a 1,976-vote lead over Bruce Harrell. With a maximum of 1,320 ballots remaining, it is mathematically impossible for Harrell to catch up.
www.seattletimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
sahilkapur.bsky.social
A direct email exchange from 2011 between Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, just released by House Oversight Committee Democrats.
November 12, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
theurbanist.org
🚨🚨 Just in: Katie Wilson has expanded her lead in the Seattle mayor race. She is now leading by 1,346 votes.
November 12, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
atrupar.com
Jeffries: "It's unbelievable that for 7 plus weeks Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva has been denied the ability to serve more than 800,000 people in Arizona because Republicans are running a pedophile protection program."
November 11, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
theurbanist.org
Katie Wilson gained significantly on incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell in Friday's vote count, pulling within two points, with a 4,300-vote gap to close. With around 50,000 votes remaining to be counted, her campaign says she's on course to pass him and win.

Story: www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/07/w...
Wilson Pulls Within Two Points of Harrell in Friday Count » The Urbanist
# Urbanist-endorsed progressive challenger Katie Wilson gained significantly on incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell in Friday's count, pulling within two points, with a 4,300-vote gap to close. With around ...
www.theurbanist.org
November 8, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
opennewyork.org
NEW: ALL FOUR PRO-HOUSING BALLOT QUESTIONS PASS!!!

For the first time, New Yorkers had the chance to choose more housing at the ballot box—and they chose it overwhelmingly. This is a historic victory for housing that will help make NYC more affordable. 🧵
Graphic: VICTORY FOR PRO-HOUSING BALLOT MEASURES!
November 5, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
Congratulations, Andrew Cuomo!

I know how hard you worked for this.
Red Trump-style graphic with images of Donald Trump and Andrew Cuomo. At the top it says, "I'm going to pick [Cuomo]." - Donald Trump, 60 Minutes Interview, 11-2-25 Then beneath it TRUMP ENDORSES CUOMO
November 3, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
phillewis.bsky.social
BOSTON (AP) — Judges order the federal government to use contingency funds for SNAP food aid payments during the shutdown.
October 31, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
yonahfreemark.com
Illinois transit plan would include:
—$860 m from state motor fuel sales tax
—$200 m in interest from state road fund
—$400 m from 0.25% sales tax increase in Chicago metro area (needs RTA approval)

This would close Chicago region’s transit fiscal cliff + allow substantially expanded operations.
chicagotribune.com Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · Oct 31
With the clock running down to avert Illinois’ impending public transit fiscal cliff, state lawmakers late Thursday brought forward a new plan that excludes most of the broad taxes and fees that tanked previous versions.
Illinois lawmakers bring forth latest plan to overhaul Chicago-area public transit as deadline looms
House Democrats’ latest plan includes a state motor fuel sales tax, using interest from the state’s road fund, a sales tax increase in the Chicago metro area and a sharp increase in tolls on …
trib.al
October 31, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
colinreports.bsky.social
👀 NYPA moving forward with nuclear:

The Power Authority issued solicitations this morning for (1) communities interested in hosting a new nuke plant, and (2) developers interested in partnering on building one. Both due on Dec. 11
For Immediate Release: 10/30/2025 New York Power Authority Issues First Solicitations for Advanced Nuclear Project Requests for Information Solicit Interested Host Communities and Developers to Support Governor Kathy Hochul’s Call to Build at least 1 GW of Nuclear Energy in Upstate New York NYPA to Hold Virtual Webinar for Community Members on November 6th The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today issued its first solicitations as part of a new initiative to develop 1 gigawatt (GW) of advanced nuclear energy. The two solicitations include a Request for Information (RFI) for Upstate New York communities interested in hosting an advanced nuclear project developed by the Power Authority, and an RFI seeking information from potential development partners with experience developing, constructing, operating or servicing nuclear power projects. The Power Authority will hold an informational webinar on November 6 at 10 a.m. for communities interested in responding to the RFI. Registration for the webinar can be found here. The Power Authority’s initiative was spurred by Governor Kathy Hochul who in June called on the Power Authority to develop at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in Upstate New York to address growing reliability, affordability and clean energy capacity concerns. NYPA immediately commenced pre-feasibility efforts and began discussions with a range of stakeholders, including labor organizations on workforce development needs for the initiative. The Power Authority’s nuclear initiative is intended to deliver firm, zero-emission power that complements renewable generation, strengthens grid reliability, prioritizes affordability and advances an energy policy of abundance that prioritizes energy independence and supply chain security. “At the Power Authority, we recognize that the success of this transformative advanced nuclear initiative hinges on our ability to collaborate with communities, governmental agencies at the state and fe… RFI for Interested Communities Following the Governor’s initial announcement, the Power Authority heard informally from several community leaders and elected officials willing and eager to host an advanced nuclear facility. By issuing an RFI, NYPA has formalized a process to receive information from interested communities and learn more about potential sites that meet the requirements for hosting a nuclear power facility. This RFI will shape the Power Authority’s nuclear initiative, aligning it with stakeholder feedback and local economic and social objectives. At a minimum, responding communities should: Identify at least one site in Upstate New York with strong potential for a nuclear new build as it relates to size, water access and protection from external hazards. Demonstrate support from community members and key stakeholders. Responses will help NYPA and potential development partners identify and prioritize communities that are both technically suitable and willing to host a nuclear facility. Responses should be no more than 10 pages in length and should be received by December 11, 2025. RFI for Interested Developers Through a second RFI for nuclear project developers and partners, the Power Authority seeks information regarding viable project concepts that include technology recommendations, siting considerations, cost and timeline assumptions, ownership structure and partnership models. The responses should demonstrate a credible path to delivering at least 1 GW of advanced nuclear capacity as soon as possible, with construction start by 2033. Interested parties should respond and demonstrate a track record of developing, constructing, operating or servicing nuclear power projects. Both RFIs and related materials can be found online at: nypa.gov/Procurement. The RFIs are neither contract offers nor requests for proposals and do not commit NYPA to award a contract or pay any costs incurred by a party in the preparation of a re…
October 30, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
stephenjacobsmith.com
So bus fare evasion explosion actually did not start as soon as the MTA started collecting fares after the Covid free buses period – at that point, evasion was not that different from pre-Covid. It was more closely associated with the OMNY rollout, which starting getting people off of passes.
yonahfreemark.com Yonah Freemark @yonahfreemark.com · Oct 27
An interesting investigation in @upshot.nytimes.com today evaluating some of the challenges to improving buses in NYC—whether through speed or fares www.nytimes.com/interactive/... (gift link!)

Interesting tidbit: Bus ridership is basically back to pre-pandemic levels—but fare payment is way down.
Ridership on New York City's bus system, showing share paying versus non-paying.
October 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
sfchronicle.com
Wiener, a state lawmaker who has championed efforts to build housing and LGBTQ rights, had previously said he would run only once Rep. Nancy Pelosi announced her retirement.
Scott Wiener is running for Congress. Nancy Pelosi won’t say whether she’ll be his opponent
Wiener, a state lawmaker who has championed efforts to build housing and LGBTQ rights, had previously said he would run only once Rep. Nancy Pelosi announced her retirement.
bit.ly
October 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Reposted by Chaim Simon
serviceurbanisme.bsky.social
Single-stair buildings up to 6 stories are legal in Baltimore City! Headed to Mayor Scott's desk for signature.
October 20, 2025 at 10:17 PM