NYC NOW Morning Headlines: Developer Tied to Mayor Adams Campaign Wins City Lot, Federal Shutdown Delays Heating Aid, and NYC Street Vendors Push for More Licenses
Oct 30, 2025
In this engaging discussion, WNYC reporter David Brandon sheds light on the controversial selection of Brooklyn developer Sergey Ryback, linked to Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign, to develop a city-owned lot in Coney Island. He also highlights the impact of the federal shutdown, which is delaying heating assistance for over a million low-income residents. Additionally, Brandon reveals how NYC street vendors are advocating for the removal of license caps, expressing concerns about immigration crackdowns in their community.
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Developer Linked To Adams Wins Coney Island Lot
- Sergey Ryback bundled nearly $30,000 to Eric Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign but wasn't registered as a campaign intermediary.
- Ryback's company won control of a city-owned Coney Island lot to build 505 apartments, prompting questions about EDC selection.
Shutdown Delays Heating Aid Applications
- The federal shutdown is delaying New York's heating assistance applications until at least November 17th.
- This postponement could affect more than a million New Yorkers who rely on the program for heating costs.
Vendors Urge Lifting License Caps
- Street vendors want the City Council to remove caps on vending licenses to reduce illegal vending and immigration risk.
- Expanding licenses could protect vendors from crackdowns by allowing them to operate legally.