Good Morning, New York! NYC’s controversial composting program has paused its fines for smaller buildings until 2026 after backlash, Zeldin is criticizing Hochul’s new climate laws from his perch at the EPA, and a new poll shows Cuomo winning in the first round of a RCV simulation. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Monday, April 21st, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In Monroe County for a State of the State Affordability Agenda event and later in Albany.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Catholic Church and its first pope from the Americas, passed away this morning at the age of 88 in Vatican City. The Tammany Times joins millions around the world in mourning his loss and reflecting on his enduring legacy. ​

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— NYC's mandatory composting program just got paused. The city is ending fines for smaller buildings (30 units or less) until 2026, mere weeks after enforcement began. City Council members are fuming, accusing the Adams administration of sabotaging the Zero Waste Act by underfunding education efforts, while the administration insists the program is a success and will focus on outreach. (amNY)

— Is Brooklyn Assembly member Emily Gallagher silencing her critics? The Post say the Democratic socialist is accused of blocking constituents with opposing viewpoints from her social media pages, resulting in a First Amendment violation. Gallagher denies intentionally censoring anyone, but dared one critic to take her to court over it. (NY Post)

— Watch out, landlords and brokers: NYC is planning to fine those who illegally charge broker fees up to $2,000 per violation. This comes as the city gears up to enforce the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses Act, which aims to eliminate those hefty upfront costs for renters. While City Council supports the plan, the Real Estate Board of New York is fighting the law in court, arguing that it's unconstitutional. (Gothamist)

Capitol Gains

— Lee Zeldin is not a fan of New York's green energy law. The EPA chief calls Gov. Hochul's Climate Act 'delusional' and warns it's a 'catastrophe' for the state's economy and energy sector, especially after the Trump administration halted the Empire Wind Power project. According to Zeldin, the law is too reliant on wind and solar, features unattainable goals and shifts expenses to working class families. (NY Post)

— Letitia James is fighting back against Trump's nonprofit funding cuts, offering support to organizations facing budget slashes. Her office is rolling out resources for NY nonprofits, including food pantries and migrant services, that have been impacted by the cuts. A webinar on April 28 will detail available services and provide guidance to help these organizations continue serving their clients. (amNY)

— Andrew Cuomo is threatening to sue Charlotte Bennett, one of the women who accused him of sexual harassment, for defamation. Cuomo claims Bennett made false statements even after she dropped her lawsuit against him, while Bennett's lawyer says Cuomo is trying to silence his accusers. This legal move comes as New York considers a law that would make it more difficult for accused sex harassers to sue their alleged victims. (NY Post)

Trail Mix

— NY Pols are reacting to the death of Pope Francis this morning. Andrew Cuomo: “Pope Francis lived a life of charity & humbleness that transcended faith and was an example of true leadership and compassion.” Nicole Malliotakis: “We join the Catholic community & the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.” Tom Suozzi: “… Ad maiorem Dei gloriam – For the greater glory of God.”

— Andrew Cuomo's mayoral campaign snagged endorsements from nearly two dozen NYC clergy members on Easter. The religious leaders cited Cuomo's "compassionate touch," particularly his record on affordable housing, homelessness, and immigrant protections. (amNY)

— A new poll shows Cuomo nearing 50% in the first round, earning 45% of the vote in a new Honan Strategy Group poll. Zohran Mamani comes in at second with 22%, with both top candidates up 4% since their last poll. In the ranked choice simulation, Cuomo reached 53% of the vote before the simulation even begins.