Samir
@samir.nyc
Transit enthusiast and housing activist · he/him
Previously at Google, Twitter, and @opennewyork.org.
Previously at Google, Twitter, and @opennewyork.org.
Reposted by Samir
Parts of this almost meet the standard of being newsworthy (the president is saying it; the thing he’s saying is that the opposition should be killed).
However we must remember that there is a key countervailing fact (the president is Donald Trump, and he’s just a big ol’ joker, you silly goose).
However we must remember that there is a key countervailing fact (the president is Donald Trump, and he’s just a big ol’ joker, you silly goose).
November 20, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Parts of this almost meet the standard of being newsworthy (the president is saying it; the thing he’s saying is that the opposition should be killed).
However we must remember that there is a key countervailing fact (the president is Donald Trump, and he’s just a big ol’ joker, you silly goose).
However we must remember that there is a key countervailing fact (the president is Donald Trump, and he’s just a big ol’ joker, you silly goose).
Reposted by Samir
a lot of poor urban governance is because local politicians and powerful stakeholders like unions are simply incapable of grasping the concept of second-order effects of any policy (in this case, a ton of 99 unit affordable housing projects)
NYC Council has a veto-proof majority on a union-backed bill to set a $40/hour minimum average compensation for workers on city-funded affordable housing projects, kicking in at 100 units www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
Developers alarmed as council advances minimum wage for affordable housing projects
The Construction Justice Act would set a $40 wage-and-benefit floor, increasing the cost of building.
www.crainsnewyork.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:34 PM
a lot of poor urban governance is because local politicians and powerful stakeholders like unions are simply incapable of grasping the concept of second-order effects of any policy (in this case, a ton of 99 unit affordable housing projects)
Reposted by Samir
let's take a moment to appreciate what this goofy city council mailer is really saying: we can't get transit upgrades, parks, school upgrades etc unless a condo developer is involved.
October 28, 2025 at 3:29 PM
let's take a moment to appreciate what this goofy city council mailer is really saying: we can't get transit upgrades, parks, school upgrades etc unless a condo developer is involved.
Reposted by Samir
The last month of the anti-Mamdani campaign was an absolutely shameful undertaking, an attempt to rip the city and Democratic coalition apart and I'm very happy to see it failed.
November 5, 2025 at 3:15 AM
The last month of the anti-Mamdani campaign was an absolutely shameful undertaking, an attempt to rip the city and Democratic coalition apart and I'm very happy to see it failed.
Reposted by Samir
This to me is the game. I don’t care if Schumer doesn’t like Mamdani, but for him to stand silently by while sex pest Cuomo leans into gutter racism and Islamophobia while accepting endorsements from Trump, Musk and Miller is outrageous from the Senate Minority Leader.
Schumer had a chance to repudiate the gutter racism and Islamophobia of Cuomo's campaign and he just fucking didn't. And that is disqualifying. He should be ashamed and we the voters should make sure he feels that shame.
Reporter: Today is election day in New York City. Did you vote for Mamdani or Cuomo?
Schumer: Look, I voted. And I look forward to working with the next mayor to help New York City.
Schumer: Look, I voted. And I look forward to working with the next mayor to help New York City.
November 4, 2025 at 10:31 PM
This to me is the game. I don’t care if Schumer doesn’t like Mamdani, but for him to stand silently by while sex pest Cuomo leans into gutter racism and Islamophobia while accepting endorsements from Trump, Musk and Miller is outrageous from the Senate Minority Leader.
Reposted by Samir
As you prepare to vote, NYC, please read my op-ed about the importance of NYC voting yes on questions 2 through 5:
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/fli...
These changes aren’t about the needs of politicians. They’re about the needs of New Yorkers. /1
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/fli...
These changes aren’t about the needs of politicians. They’re about the needs of New Yorkers. /1
Vital City | Flip the Script, and the Ballot, for Housing
City Charter changes would help produce the affordable apartments New York desperately needs.
www.vitalcitynyc.org
October 29, 2025 at 11:43 AM
As you prepare to vote, NYC, please read my op-ed about the importance of NYC voting yes on questions 2 through 5:
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/fli...
These changes aren’t about the needs of politicians. They’re about the needs of New Yorkers. /1
www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/fli...
These changes aren’t about the needs of politicians. They’re about the needs of New Yorkers. /1
Reposted by Samir
@drichardsqns.bsky.social is right and the council is being duplicitous: Props 2-5 are the housing reforms we need, and the public will still have a voice. Vote yes. www.nydailynews.com/2025/10/17/w...
We must vote YES on affordable housing
Every New Yorker — from a renter in Crown Heights to a homeowner in Cambria Heights — knows that the rent (or mortgage) is too damn high.
www.nydailynews.com
October 17, 2025 at 6:21 PM
@drichardsqns.bsky.social is right and the council is being duplicitous: Props 2-5 are the housing reforms we need, and the public will still have a voice. Vote yes. www.nydailynews.com/2025/10/17/w...
Reposted by Samir
shout out to the “Hot Girls 4 Zohran” page for a great ballot question explainer and endorsement of voting YES on ballot measures 2-4
October 26, 2025 at 6:49 PM
shout out to the “Hot Girls 4 Zohran” page for a great ballot question explainer and endorsement of voting YES on ballot measures 2-4
Reposted by Samir
who creates the lively art and music scenes if the rent is too high? who makes cultural life? who serves you food or washes your dishes? who creates the fancy little restaurants that draw you to urban living? affordable housing is at the heart of what makes city life worthwhile.
October 26, 2025 at 6:04 AM
who creates the lively art and music scenes if the rent is too high? who makes cultural life? who serves you food or washes your dishes? who creates the fancy little restaurants that draw you to urban living? affordable housing is at the heart of what makes city life worthwhile.
Another year, another NYC Mayoral costume! This was by far the most I've ever been stopped on the street or had people recognize my costume.
So many "do you ride cabs?" "do you smoke cannabis?" and "who likes to slap fannies and kill grannies?"
Make sure to go to findmypollsite.vote.nyc and vote!
So many "do you ride cabs?" "do you smoke cannabis?" and "who likes to slap fannies and kill grannies?"
Make sure to go to findmypollsite.vote.nyc and vote!
October 26, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Another year, another NYC Mayoral costume! This was by far the most I've ever been stopped on the street or had people recognize my costume.
So many "do you ride cabs?" "do you smoke cannabis?" and "who likes to slap fannies and kill grannies?"
Make sure to go to findmypollsite.vote.nyc and vote!
So many "do you ride cabs?" "do you smoke cannabis?" and "who likes to slap fannies and kill grannies?"
Make sure to go to findmypollsite.vote.nyc and vote!
Reposted by Samir
So who’s the hater and who’s the waiter?
October 23, 2025 at 10:02 PM
So who’s the hater and who’s the waiter?
Reposted by Samir
This is reprehensible. It's blatant Islamophobia that is an afront to NYC's entire Muslim community. This hatred has no place in our city, our politics, or our party.
October 23, 2025 at 8:11 PM
This is reprehensible. It's blatant Islamophobia that is an afront to NYC's entire Muslim community. This hatred has no place in our city, our politics, or our party.
Reposted by Samir
it’s honestly crazy how the New York City council, at the behest of speaker Adrienne Adams, is illegally spending millions of your taxpayer dollars on an unhinged NIMBY propaganda campaign
if you live in NYC vote YES on measures 2-5 to make it easier to build affordable housing
if you live in NYC vote YES on measures 2-5 to make it easier to build affordable housing
my kink. getting my mouth taped shut by Vickie Paladino and Bob Holden when I try to build affordable housing in Queens
October 23, 2025 at 2:48 PM
it’s honestly crazy how the New York City council, at the behest of speaker Adrienne Adams, is illegally spending millions of your taxpayer dollars on an unhinged NIMBY propaganda campaign
if you live in NYC vote YES on measures 2-5 to make it easier to build affordable housing
if you live in NYC vote YES on measures 2-5 to make it easier to build affordable housing
Reposted by Samir
my kink. getting my mouth taped shut by Vickie Paladino and Bob Holden when I try to build affordable housing in Queens
October 23, 2025 at 2:32 PM
my kink. getting my mouth taped shut by Vickie Paladino and Bob Holden when I try to build affordable housing in Queens
Reposted by Samir
Gross that Council is spending public money on illegal electioneering.
Ballot proposals 2-4 push every neighborhood to add new affordable housing, and I'm disgusted to see Council waste money breaking the law instead of ensuring New Yorkers have the housing we desperately need.
Ballot proposals 2-4 push every neighborhood to add new affordable housing, and I'm disgusted to see Council waste money breaking the law instead of ensuring New Yorkers have the housing we desperately need.
October 13, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Gross that Council is spending public money on illegal electioneering.
Ballot proposals 2-4 push every neighborhood to add new affordable housing, and I'm disgusted to see Council waste money breaking the law instead of ensuring New Yorkers have the housing we desperately need.
Ballot proposals 2-4 push every neighborhood to add new affordable housing, and I'm disgusted to see Council waste money breaking the law instead of ensuring New Yorkers have the housing we desperately need.
Fuck this executive overreach. It's a BUS WAY. Calm tf down.
The DOT should not give into this pressure. Just ignore it and it'll go away, a la the congestion pricing threats.
The DOT should not give into this pressure. Just ignore it and it'll go away, a la the congestion pricing threats.
The US DOT is trying to prevent New York City from implementing a busway on a corridor that serves 28,000 daily bus riders www.nyc.gov/html/brt/htm...
US DOT has already tried to kill congestion pricing, put pauses on 2nd Ave Subway & Gateway Tunnel, & took policing money away from NYC transit.
US DOT has already tried to kill congestion pricing, put pauses on 2nd Ave Subway & Gateway Tunnel, & took policing money away from NYC transit.
October 17, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Fuck this executive overreach. It's a BUS WAY. Calm tf down.
The DOT should not give into this pressure. Just ignore it and it'll go away, a la the congestion pricing threats.
The DOT should not give into this pressure. Just ignore it and it'll go away, a la the congestion pricing threats.
Reposted by Samir
We're in an unprecedented housing shortage. We need more affordable housing in every neighborhood of NYC.
If you're not voting for Curtis Sliwa, you should vote @YesOnAffHousing.bsky.social Props 2-5!
If you're not voting for Curtis Sliwa, you should vote @YesOnAffHousing.bsky.social Props 2-5!
GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa says he opposes City of Yes and ballot props 2-5, which he says will "take away your homes and provide you with lithium ion batteries, which are like mini-Chernobyls"
Fact check: False. They won't do that, but they will make your rent more affordable.
Fact check: False. They won't do that, but they will make your rent more affordable.
October 17, 2025 at 2:07 AM
We're in an unprecedented housing shortage. We need more affordable housing in every neighborhood of NYC.
If you're not voting for Curtis Sliwa, you should vote @YesOnAffHousing.bsky.social Props 2-5!
If you're not voting for Curtis Sliwa, you should vote @YesOnAffHousing.bsky.social Props 2-5!
Reposted by Samir
You couldn't ask for a better endorsement of Ballot Props 2-5 than Sliwa going on an unhinged rant about them. Is Adrienne Adams still sure she wants to hitch her wagon to that sinking ship?
GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa says he opposes City of Yes and ballot props 2-5, which he says will "take away your homes and provide you with lithium ion batteries, which are like mini-Chernobyls"
Fact check: False. They won't do that, but they will make your rent more affordable.
Fact check: False. They won't do that, but they will make your rent more affordable.
October 17, 2025 at 2:00 AM
You couldn't ask for a better endorsement of Ballot Props 2-5 than Sliwa going on an unhinged rant about them. Is Adrienne Adams still sure she wants to hitch her wagon to that sinking ship?
Not a really tough choice on the ballot propositions... Vote YES on 2-5!
I do not want to be aligned with the Republican Candidate, Curtis Sliwa, and neither should you!
I do not want to be aligned with the Republican Candidate, Curtis Sliwa, and neither should you!
GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa says he opposes City of Yes and ballot props 2-5, which he says will "take away your homes and provide you with lithium ion batteries, which are like mini-Chernobyls"
Fact check: False. They won't do that, but they will make your rent more affordable.
Fact check: False. They won't do that, but they will make your rent more affordable.
October 17, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Not a really tough choice on the ballot propositions... Vote YES on 2-5!
I do not want to be aligned with the Republican Candidate, Curtis Sliwa, and neither should you!
I do not want to be aligned with the Republican Candidate, Curtis Sliwa, and neither should you!
Reposted by Samir
Finally.
Hopefully the city can do the sidewalk extensions in concrete rather than paint and planters. The planters usually end up hogging all of the added pedestrian space.
bsky.app/profile/vinb...
Hopefully the city can do the sidewalk extensions in concrete rather than paint and planters. The planters usually end up hogging all of the added pedestrian space.
bsky.app/profile/vinb...
NYC DOT has unveiled a proposal for safety and public space upgrades along Canal Street. See the block-by-block proposal here: www.nyc.gov/html/dot/htm...
And either come to one of the in-person meetings or fill out the online survey with your feedback.
And either come to one of the in-person meetings or fill out the online survey with your feedback.
September 17, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Finally.
Hopefully the city can do the sidewalk extensions in concrete rather than paint and planters. The planters usually end up hogging all of the added pedestrian space.
bsky.app/profile/vinb...
Hopefully the city can do the sidewalk extensions in concrete rather than paint and planters. The planters usually end up hogging all of the added pedestrian space.
bsky.app/profile/vinb...
Reposted by Samir
This is so easy and sensible.
Somehow @schumer.senate.gov and @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social will find reasons not to even try.
Why would they want to get Republicans on record in support of racial profiling?
Somehow @schumer.senate.gov and @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social will find reasons not to even try.
Why would they want to get Republicans on record in support of racial profiling?
A provision banning racial profiling of Hispanics by ICE in reaction to yesterday's SCotUs action should immediately be added as a non-negotiable position for any kind of CR.
*Force* the GOP to *demand* racial profiling of Hispanics and make them threaten to shut down the government over it
*Force* the GOP to *demand* racial profiling of Hispanics and make them threaten to shut down the government over it
September 9, 2025 at 6:43 PM
This is so easy and sensible.
Somehow @schumer.senate.gov and @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social will find reasons not to even try.
Why would they want to get Republicans on record in support of racial profiling?
Somehow @schumer.senate.gov and @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social will find reasons not to even try.
Why would they want to get Republicans on record in support of racial profiling?
Reposted by Samir
This is undemocratic and brazenly illegal.
This Board of Elections coup could deny NYC voters the chance to help end our housing crisis.
This Board of Elections coup could deny NYC voters the chance to help end our housing crisis.
September 5, 2025 at 12:53 AM
This is undemocratic and brazenly illegal.
This Board of Elections coup could deny NYC voters the chance to help end our housing crisis.
This Board of Elections coup could deny NYC voters the chance to help end our housing crisis.
Reposted by Samir
This would be an outrageous abuse of the Board of Elections role in order to override the democratic process.
N.Y.C. Elections Board May Block Ballot Proposals on Housing
www.nytimes.com
September 5, 2025 at 12:15 AM
This would be an outrageous abuse of the Board of Elections role in order to override the democratic process.
Reposted by Samir
Here you have a developer arguing against a broad upzoning.
Politically connected and deep-pocketed developers actually benefit from strict zoning, because it puts up barriers to competition for small fry who could compete with them.
YIMBY is anti-monopoly.
Politically connected and deep-pocketed developers actually benefit from strict zoning, because it puts up barriers to competition for small fry who could compete with them.
YIMBY is anti-monopoly.
Strange quote from Giuliani’s city planning director to close this piece that seems to reflect the mindset that helped get us into this housing shortage.
August 15, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Here you have a developer arguing against a broad upzoning.
Politically connected and deep-pocketed developers actually benefit from strict zoning, because it puts up barriers to competition for small fry who could compete with them.
YIMBY is anti-monopoly.
Politically connected and deep-pocketed developers actually benefit from strict zoning, because it puts up barriers to competition for small fry who could compete with them.
YIMBY is anti-monopoly.