NYC NOW Morning Headlines: Atlantic Yards Developer Threaten to Sue NYS, COVID-19 Subway Cleaners Win Backpay , and Pete Alonso Becomes Mets All-Time Home Run Leader
Aug 13, 2025
New York state officials backtrack on millions in fines for the Atlantic Yards developer after legal threats. Pandemic-era subway cleaners win a hard-fought $3 million in backpay thanks to a city comptroller lawsuit. In sports news, Pete Alonso hits a milestone, becoming the Mets' all-time home run leader, adding excitement to the season. These updates showcase major local impacts on housing, labor rights, and sports history.
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State Waived Fines To Avoid Litigation
- New York waived millions in fines against Greenland, USA rather than risk litigation after the developer threatened to sue the state.
- Officials framed the decision as avoiding costly court battles instead of strict enforcement of the 2014 agreement.
Developer Missed Deadline, Office Found Empty
- Greenland, USA missed a deadline to complete nearly 900 affordable units and faced monthly fines under a 2014 agreement.
- The developer threatened legal action and its Brooklyn office was empty when WNYC visited, and Greenland did not respond to requests for comment.
Cleaners Win $3M After Prevailing Wage Suit
- Subway cleaners hired during the COVID-19 emergency will receive $3 million in back pay after a comptroller lawsuit against the MTA.
- The settlement found many workers were paid less than state-mandated prevailing wages under no-bid contracts issued during the pandemic.