🌱 COVID Hits MTA + NYC Housing 2022 + 27-Hour New Year's Event

Good morning, Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO! Your usual curator, Dashiel, is off today, but I am here to fill in and keep you up-to-date on all of your local happenings. Now, here's what you need to know, in 5 minutes or less. — Danielle Fallon

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First, today's weather:

Variable clouds; not as cool. High: 51 Low: 42.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO today:

1. The latest COVID-19 surge has delivered another blow to the MTA workforce, with a growing number of positive tests among transit employees threatening to chip away at subway and bus service. According to internal MTA data, 169 subway workers reported testing positive for COVID over the seven days ending Dec. 16 — a 156% increase from two weeks earlier, when 66 workers tested positive. The agency's online subway performance dashboard shows that 92.4% of scheduled weekday trains ran during peak hours in November, the fourth consecutive month that service delivery climbed. Performance statistics for December are not yet available. (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
2. Homebuyers and renters in New York City are going to have it a bit tougher in 2022. The past two years for the NYC housing market have been quite split: home prices have skyrocketed with an increase in demand while landlords have offered deep rental discounts. Experts predict that in 2022, the sales market will continue to correct itself, and pandemic rental discounts will end. (Time Out New York Kids)
3. When looking for a concert, Avant Gardner in Brooklyn may be on your list. The acclaimed 80,000 square-foot site is home to The Brooklyn Mirage, The Great Hall, The King's Hall, and The Lost Circus, allowing the renowned venue to host multiple shows in one night. It's also hosting a 27-hour New Year's Eve and New Year's Day event called the Cityfox Odyssey, which will feature performances from a multitude of artists. (Forbes)

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Today's Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO!

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Today in Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO:

• DUMBO Holiday Tree + Santa's Mailbox - The Archway Under The Manhattan Bridge (All Day)

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From my notebook:

• Dumbo's elves were delighted to fulfill holiday wishes last week, bringing cheer to families while supporting local small businesses. (Instagram)
• Park gardens are dynamic spaces. The natural processes of growth, death, and relocation allow plants to follow their impulses and support regional wildlife. Of course, sometimes the gardeners at Brooklyn Bridge Park have to edit and help. (Instagram)
• Meet the co-founders of the Cadman Park Conservancy, a nonprofit with a mission to preserve the park's historical integrity through special programs and events. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a writer who loves using her creativity to fuel her passion for communication. She is an employee of content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.