Sebastian Hallum Clarke
@sebthedev.com
New Yorker. Product manager on Google Maps. Secretary and Board Member of Manhattan Community Board 8. All posts are in my personal capacity. www.sebthedev.com
🗽🐯🇳🇿🔰
🗽🐯🇳🇿🔰
NYC’s congestion pricing is working really well, and now we need to go further. Ways to double-down on congestion pricing:
💲 Raising the toll
🚕 Charging taxis more
🗽 New zones for Upper Manhattan & Brooklyn
My latest post: www.sidewalkchorus.com/p/doubling-d...
💲 Raising the toll
🚕 Charging taxis more
🗽 New zones for Upper Manhattan & Brooklyn
My latest post: www.sidewalkchorus.com/p/doubling-d...
Doubling down on congestion pricing to free New York from gridlock
How bold congestion pricing moves could help New York capture even greater wins and make our streets thrive
www.sidewalkchorus.com
June 26, 2025 at 11:05 AM
NYC’s congestion pricing is working really well, and now we need to go further. Ways to double-down on congestion pricing:
💲 Raising the toll
🚕 Charging taxis more
🗽 New zones for Upper Manhattan & Brooklyn
My latest post: www.sidewalkchorus.com/p/doubling-d...
💲 Raising the toll
🚕 Charging taxis more
🗽 New zones for Upper Manhattan & Brooklyn
My latest post: www.sidewalkchorus.com/p/doubling-d...
So great to see @nyc-dot.bsky.social’s proposal to extend the Third Avenue bus lane into Midtown Manhattan.
I regularly take the bus up Third Avenue, and this will help me + thousands of riders each day get to our destinations more quickly.
I regularly take the bus up Third Avenue, and this will help me + thousands of riders each day get to our destinations more quickly.
June 3, 2025 at 10:09 AM
So great to see @nyc-dot.bsky.social’s proposal to extend the Third Avenue bus lane into Midtown Manhattan.
I regularly take the bus up Third Avenue, and this will help me + thousands of riders each day get to our destinations more quickly.
I regularly take the bus up Third Avenue, and this will help me + thousands of riders each day get to our destinations more quickly.
Great to see @keithpowersnyc.bsky.social leaning so heaving into building more homes in this mailer we received today. This is the leadership and ambition Manhattan needs for NYC to thrive.
Very easy to see why I’m recommending Manhattanites rank Keith Powers #1 for Borough President.
Very easy to see why I’m recommending Manhattanites rank Keith Powers #1 for Borough President.
May 28, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Great to see @keithpowersnyc.bsky.social leaning so heaving into building more homes in this mailer we received today. This is the leadership and ambition Manhattan needs for NYC to thrive.
Very easy to see why I’m recommending Manhattanites rank Keith Powers #1 for Borough President.
Very easy to see why I’m recommending Manhattanites rank Keith Powers #1 for Borough President.
In June, New Yorkers have the chance to elect pro-abundance government officials to build a more affordable and thriving city.
There’s a lot of names floating around out there. Ranked choice voting makes it even more complex.
Here’s my recommendations for who to vote for:
There’s a lot of names floating around out there. Ranked choice voting makes it even more complex.
Here’s my recommendations for who to vote for:
May 28, 2025 at 10:35 AM
In June, New Yorkers have the chance to elect pro-abundance government officials to build a more affordable and thriving city.
There’s a lot of names floating around out there. Ranked choice voting makes it even more complex.
Here’s my recommendations for who to vote for:
There’s a lot of names floating around out there. Ranked choice voting makes it even more complex.
Here’s my recommendations for who to vote for:
We’re just 5 weeks from election day, but almost two-thirds of District 4 likely voters have no idea who they’re planning to vote for. Time for the campaigns to kick into high-gear, and endorsements to make their mark.
New blog post from me: www.sidewalkchorus.com/p/d4-2025
New blog post from me: www.sidewalkchorus.com/p/d4-2025
63% of Manhattan East Side Voters Still Undecided on Their City Council Pick
Only one in five is ready to rank more than one candidate. The race for District 4 is wide-open.
www.sidewalkchorus.com
May 13, 2025 at 11:43 PM
We’re just 5 weeks from election day, but almost two-thirds of District 4 likely voters have no idea who they’re planning to vote for. Time for the campaigns to kick into high-gear, and endorsements to make their mark.
New blog post from me: www.sidewalkchorus.com/p/d4-2025
New blog post from me: www.sidewalkchorus.com/p/d4-2025
Fascinating to see how few voters have made up their minds in the upcoming race for Manhattan’s District 4 council seat.
Candidates have hundreds of thousands of dollars still to spend between now and June 24th — expect a flood of comms and ground game.
Candidates have hundreds of thousands of dollars still to spend between now and June 24th — expect a flood of comms and ground game.
New poll results out today on the race to represent Manhattan’s East Side in the NY City Council:
🤔 63% of voters remain undecided about who to vote for in the June primary
🗳️ @virginiamaloney.bsky.social is leading the pack, with 38% of first-choice votes among decided voters
🤔 63% of voters remain undecided about who to vote for in the June primary
🗳️ @virginiamaloney.bsky.social is leading the pack, with 38% of first-choice votes among decided voters
May 11, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Fascinating to see how few voters have made up their minds in the upcoming race for Manhattan’s District 4 council seat.
Candidates have hundreds of thousands of dollars still to spend between now and June 24th — expect a flood of comms and ground game.
Candidates have hundreds of thousands of dollars still to spend between now and June 24th — expect a flood of comms and ground game.
I spoke up in a contentious neighborhood debate and told a packed room that I disagreed with many of them.
At this week’s Manhattan Community Board 8 meeting, I spoke in support of Lenox Hill Hospital’s proposal to renovate and enlarge their building at 77th St between Park and Lex.
At this week’s Manhattan Community Board 8 meeting, I spoke in support of Lenox Hill Hospital’s proposal to renovate and enlarge their building at 77th St between Park and Lex.
April 12, 2025 at 1:26 PM
I spoke up in a contentious neighborhood debate and told a packed room that I disagreed with many of them.
At this week’s Manhattan Community Board 8 meeting, I spoke in support of Lenox Hill Hospital’s proposal to renovate and enlarge their building at 77th St between Park and Lex.
At this week’s Manhattan Community Board 8 meeting, I spoke in support of Lenox Hill Hospital’s proposal to renovate and enlarge their building at 77th St between Park and Lex.
Great to see so many candidates I believe in on @abundanceny.bsky.social’s list of recommendations for the upcoming NYC primary elections.
We need to get these abundance leaders elected! I’ve been donating and petitioning this week.
Read the full list here: abundanceny.substack.com/p/announcing...
We need to get these abundance leaders elected! I’ve been donating and petitioning this week.
Read the full list here: abundanceny.substack.com/p/announcing...
March 11, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Great to see so many candidates I believe in on @abundanceny.bsky.social’s list of recommendations for the upcoming NYC primary elections.
We need to get these abundance leaders elected! I’ve been donating and petitioning this week.
Read the full list here: abundanceny.substack.com/p/announcing...
We need to get these abundance leaders elected! I’ve been donating and petitioning this week.
Read the full list here: abundanceny.substack.com/p/announcing...
Last year, my wife and I hosted a houseparty to fundraise for Keith Powers’ campaign to be Manhattan’s next Borough President.
Despite never having done something like this before, it went really well! We raised $8k, and introduced a bunch of friends to NYC politics.
I wrote about our experience:
Despite never having done something like this before, it went really well! We raised $8k, and introduced a bunch of friends to NYC politics.
I wrote about our experience:
How we raised $8,100 for a New York political campaign — from our living room
Hosting a political fundraiser is easier (and more fun) than you think.
www.sidewalkchorus.com
March 10, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Last year, my wife and I hosted a houseparty to fundraise for Keith Powers’ campaign to be Manhattan’s next Borough President.
Despite never having done something like this before, it went really well! We raised $8k, and introduced a bunch of friends to NYC politics.
I wrote about our experience:
Despite never having done something like this before, it went really well! We raised $8k, and introduced a bunch of friends to NYC politics.
I wrote about our experience:
Reposted by Sebastian Hallum Clarke
“Yale’s Budget Lab estimates that the new tariffs will cost the average household anywhere from $1,600 to $2,000 a year.” www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
The Tariffs Are Real, and They Are Spectacularly Foolish
Taxing imports from Mexico and Canada will raise prices for American consumers while producing little economic or political benefit.
www.theatlantic.com
March 4, 2025 at 7:01 PM
“Yale’s Budget Lab estimates that the new tariffs will cost the average household anywhere from $1,600 to $2,000 a year.” www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
As a New Yorker with family in Canada, I am alarmed by Trump's plan to apply large tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico from tonight.
This will hurt NY, Canada, and the US – both economically and in terms of our relationships – for no good reason. 🫤🗽🇨🇦
This will hurt NY, Canada, and the US – both economically and in terms of our relationships – for no good reason. 🫤🗽🇨🇦
March 4, 2025 at 12:06 AM
As a New Yorker with family in Canada, I am alarmed by Trump's plan to apply large tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico from tonight.
This will hurt NY, Canada, and the US – both economically and in terms of our relationships – for no good reason. 🫤🗽🇨🇦
This will hurt NY, Canada, and the US – both economically and in terms of our relationships – for no good reason. 🫤🗽🇨🇦
Music to my ears from the man who I hope will be Manhattan’s next Borough President: @keithpowersnyc.bsky.social
@keithpowersnyc.bsky.social: “We have a mission in this city and that’s to build more homes and do it fast.
We have to aggressively and ambitiously tackle how much it costs in this city right now. We do that in two ways: good paying jobs, and build homes New Yorkers actually can afford."
We have to aggressively and ambitiously tackle how much it costs in this city right now. We do that in two ways: good paying jobs, and build homes New Yorkers actually can afford."
February 27, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Music to my ears from the man who I hope will be Manhattan’s next Borough President: @keithpowersnyc.bsky.social
I found this piece by Michael Lange to be an excellent summary of what could lie ahead for New York: all the options for removing a mayor, and how the timing could work out
The End of Eric Adams
What will happen to the Mayor of New York City?
open.substack.com
February 18, 2025 at 9:34 PM
I found this piece by Michael Lange to be an excellent summary of what could lie ahead for New York: all the options for removing a mayor, and how the timing could work out
I too have found that the NYC Department of Transportation is very quick to respond to my requests to replace destroyed flexposts. I wish we had more robust bollards, but I do at least appreciate that the flimsy posts we do have are quickly replaced when DOT gets notified.
Because city agencies are typically reactive, not proactive; crews aren’t scouring the city for downed flexposts. But in a rare victory for municipal services, explains @johnsurico.bsky.social, if you tell them, they will come.
You — Yes, You — Can Fix New York City's Flimsy Bollards - Streetsblog New York City
An easy Department of Transportation form will get most wrecked flexposts back upright, writes John Surico.
buff.ly
February 6, 2025 at 4:08 PM
I too have found that the NYC Department of Transportation is very quick to respond to my requests to replace destroyed flexposts. I wish we had more robust bollards, but I do at least appreciate that the flimsy posts we do have are quickly replaced when DOT gets notified.
Great to see the strong majority of Manhattanites and transit riders support congestion pricing. Despite all the turmoil, this is a great baseline for the toll’s popularity to grow from.
New poll results out today from the Third Avenue Institute on congestion pricing:
45% of voters support congestion pricing, vs 46% oppose it. Manhattanites are the most supportive, with 57% in favor vs 32% opposed. 66% transit riders support the policy. Drivers strongly oppose with 79% against.
45% of voters support congestion pricing, vs 46% oppose it. Manhattanites are the most supportive, with 57% in favor vs 32% opposed. 66% transit riders support the policy. Drivers strongly oppose with 79% against.
Manhattanites & Transit Riders Strongly Support NYC Congestion Pricing, New Poll Finds
Third Avenue Institute’s survey of registered voters finds NYC evenly split for and against Manhattan’s congestion relief zone, with support highest among transit users and Manhattan residents.
thirdavenue.substack.com
February 3, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Great to see the strong majority of Manhattanites and transit riders support congestion pricing. Despite all the turmoil, this is a great baseline for the toll’s popularity to grow from.
There’s been a flood of alarming political news this week. It’s easy to feel helpless and even easier to doomscroll.
Two things I find positive and empowering are:
💰 Donating to organizations that are working on issues I care about
🤝 Being involved in my local community on those issues
Two things I find positive and empowering are:
💰 Donating to organizations that are working on issues I care about
🤝 Being involved in my local community on those issues
January 22, 2025 at 12:04 PM
There’s been a flood of alarming political news this week. It’s easy to feel helpless and even easier to doomscroll.
Two things I find positive and empowering are:
💰 Donating to organizations that are working on issues I care about
🤝 Being involved in my local community on those issues
Two things I find positive and empowering are:
💰 Donating to organizations that are working on issues I care about
🤝 Being involved in my local community on those issues
Great to see these billboard along the border of the NYC congestion relief zone reminding drivers to not break the law.
Ensuring all vehicles have authentic and visible license plates helps keep everyone safe and paying tolls properly.
Ensuring all vehicles have authentic and visible license plates helps keep everyone safe and paying tolls properly.
January 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Great to see these billboard along the border of the NYC congestion relief zone reminding drivers to not break the law.
Ensuring all vehicles have authentic and visible license plates helps keep everyone safe and paying tolls properly.
Ensuring all vehicles have authentic and visible license plates helps keep everyone safe and paying tolls properly.
Last night I was sworn in as an officer of Manhattan Community Board 8. I have been elected as one of the Board’s secretaries.
I’m looking forward to supporting the smooth and efficient operation of the board’s meetings in 2025!
I’m looking forward to supporting the smooth and efficient operation of the board’s meetings in 2025!
January 16, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Last night I was sworn in as an officer of Manhattan Community Board 8. I have been elected as one of the Board’s secretaries.
I’m looking forward to supporting the smooth and efficient operation of the board’s meetings in 2025!
I’m looking forward to supporting the smooth and efficient operation of the board’s meetings in 2025!
Governor Hochul has made some perplexing moves in the past related to the subway, but I’m actually pretty please with her proposals announced yesterday:
👮♀️ More police on subway trains, especially overnight
🛤️ Adding protective barriers at the platform edge at 100 stations
💰Modernizing fare gates
👮♀️ More police on subway trains, especially overnight
🛤️ Adding protective barriers at the platform edge at 100 stations
💰Modernizing fare gates
January 15, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Governor Hochul has made some perplexing moves in the past related to the subway, but I’m actually pretty please with her proposals announced yesterday:
👮♀️ More police on subway trains, especially overnight
🛤️ Adding protective barriers at the platform edge at 100 stations
💰Modernizing fare gates
👮♀️ More police on subway trains, especially overnight
🛤️ Adding protective barriers at the platform edge at 100 stations
💰Modernizing fare gates
Great to see such positive data from congestion pricing. It’s still early days, but all signs are pointing to solid reductions in congestion and vehicles in Manhattan — which means faster buses, cleaner air, and a Manhattan focused on people, not cars.
Congestion Relief Zone tolling has been in effect for a week.
Here's what the data says so far ⬇️
Here's what the data says so far ⬇️
January 14, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Great to see such positive data from congestion pricing. It’s still early days, but all signs are pointing to solid reductions in congestion and vehicles in Manhattan — which means faster buses, cleaner air, and a Manhattan focused on people, not cars.
These are such important reforms to make it possible to build more homes and reduce housing costs in NY.
I’m especially focused on the environmental review process, which I’ve blogged about last year.
I’m especially focused on the environmental review process, which I’ve blogged about last year.
Introducing Open New York's Top 3 for '25: Three ready-to-go bills to address our state’s housing crisis!
Faith-based housing, a revolving loan fund, and an overdue fix to our environmental review process are all ready for the State Legislature and Governor to act. 🧵
Faith-based housing, a revolving loan fund, and an overdue fix to our environmental review process are all ready for the State Legislature and Governor to act. 🧵
January 14, 2025 at 11:57 AM
These are such important reforms to make it possible to build more homes and reduce housing costs in NY.
I’m especially focused on the environmental review process, which I’ve blogged about last year.
I’m especially focused on the environmental review process, which I’ve blogged about last year.
Reposted by Sebastian Hallum Clarke
ICYMI: Midtown is begging Mayor Adams for a busway + wider sidewalks on the Deuce nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/01/10/m...
Midtown to Adams: It's Time For A 42nd Street Busway! - Streetsblog New York City
"This project would significantly improve the efficiency and livability of 42nd Street," the chairs of Community Boards 4, 5 and 6 wrote to Mayor Adams.
nyc.streetsblog.org
January 13, 2025 at 3:35 PM
ICYMI: Midtown is begging Mayor Adams for a busway + wider sidewalks on the Deuce nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/01/10/m...
Reposted by Sebastian Hallum Clarke
norovirus is surging in NYC, and after years of COVID-prevention autopilot, it's time to learn a new set of rules if you're hoping to avoid that virus that's always wreaking havoc on cruise ships nygroove.nyc/how-to-preve...
PSA: Norovirus is surging, and protocols are very different than COVID
Your masks and hand sanitizer are no good here
nygroove.nyc
January 9, 2025 at 3:23 PM
norovirus is surging in NYC, and after years of COVID-prevention autopilot, it's time to learn a new set of rules if you're hoping to avoid that virus that's always wreaking havoc on cruise ships nygroove.nyc/how-to-preve...
Great to see this enforcement to ensure cars are correctly displaying their license plates www.nydailynews.com/2025/01/08/n...
NYPD issues 113 tickets, seizes 10 cars in six-hour congestion toll crackdown
The NYPD issued over 100 summonses in a six-hour period in Manhattan Wednesday morning to drivers trying to stiff the newly implemented congestion toll, police said.
www.nydailynews.com
January 9, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Great to see this enforcement to ensure cars are correctly displaying their license plates www.nydailynews.com/2025/01/08/n...
This evening Manhattan Community Board 8 will be considering a cool proposal to legalize building housing on 13 blocks of the Upper East Side which are currently zoned only for manufacturing and commercial uses.
www.cb8m.com/wp-content/u...
www.cb8m.com/wp-content/u...
December 18, 2024 at 3:09 PM
This evening Manhattan Community Board 8 will be considering a cool proposal to legalize building housing on 13 blocks of the Upper East Side which are currently zoned only for manufacturing and commercial uses.
www.cb8m.com/wp-content/u...
www.cb8m.com/wp-content/u...