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
🗽🐯🇳🇿🔰
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These are pragmatic steps for faster buses, fewer car crashes, less traffic, funds for transit, and a thriving city.
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
These are pragmatic steps for faster buses, fewer car crashes, less traffic, funds for transit, and a thriving city.
And let’s broaden out to create additional toll zones in Upper Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. These are the densest, most transit-rich areas that are still clogged with cars.
Decongesting them will deliver faster buses, less honking, safer streets, and funding for transit improvements.
Decongesting them will deliver faster buses, less honking, safer streets, and funding for transit improvements.
June 26, 2025 at 11:05 AM
And let’s broaden out to create additional toll zones in Upper Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. These are the densest, most transit-rich areas that are still clogged with cars.
Decongesting them will deliver faster buses, less honking, safer streets, and funding for transit improvements.
Decongesting them will deliver faster buses, less honking, safer streets, and funding for transit improvements.
Taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts are 35-50% of Manhattan’s vehicles, yet their riders pay only a tiny $0.75 or $1.50 congestion fee per ride. On a typical Uber ride, that’s only 4% of the total fare.
Let’s hike that up to a price that actually makes riders think twice before hopping in a cab.
Let’s hike that up to a price that actually makes riders think twice before hopping in a cab.
June 26, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts are 35-50% of Manhattan’s vehicles, yet their riders pay only a tiny $0.75 or $1.50 congestion fee per ride. On a typical Uber ride, that’s only 4% of the total fare.
Let’s hike that up to a price that actually makes riders think twice before hopping in a cab.
Let’s hike that up to a price that actually makes riders think twice before hopping in a cab.
The congestion price for Manhattan’s core is already scheduled to increase by $3 in 2028 and a further $3 in 2031.
But we don’t need to wait. Let’s bring these price increases forward to further deter unnecessary driving and unclog our streets.
But we don’t need to wait. Let’s bring these price increases forward to further deter unnecessary driving and unclog our streets.
June 26, 2025 at 11:05 AM
The congestion price for Manhattan’s core is already scheduled to increase by $3 in 2028 and a further $3 in 2031.
But we don’t need to wait. Let’s bring these price increases forward to further deter unnecessary driving and unclog our streets.
But we don’t need to wait. Let’s bring these price increases forward to further deter unnecessary driving and unclog our streets.
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...
It’s not even a very well-arranged green space! When I visited, most of the space was cordoned off and every seat/bench was occupied. We turned around and left immediately.
June 3, 2025 at 12:31 PM
It’s not even a very well-arranged green space! When I visited, most of the space was cordoned off and every seat/bench was occupied. We turned around and left immediately.
I wrote last year about the grassroots effort that started this ball rolling to make Third Avenue safer for all road users: www.sidewalkchorus.com/p/third-ave
It’s awesome to see what’s worked on the Upper East Side now get extended.
It’s awesome to see what’s worked on the Upper East Side now get extended.
How Third Avenue was made safer and faster for pedestrians, bus riders, and cyclists
Advocates built a movement that successfully convinced New York City's government to install a bus lane, bike lane, and intersection safety improvements on Third Avenue
www.sidewalkchorus.com
June 3, 2025 at 10:09 AM
I wrote last year about the grassroots effort that started this ball rolling to make Third Avenue safer for all road users: www.sidewalkchorus.com/p/third-ave
It’s awesome to see what’s worked on the Upper East Side now get extended.
It’s awesome to see what’s worked on the Upper East Side now get extended.
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.
For full details about the races and candidates, check out my latest blog post: sidewalkchorus.com/p/2025-primary
Then make a plan for how you’ll cast your vote!
Then make a plan for how you’ll cast your vote!
Who New Yorkers should elect in June 2025
Pro‑abundance picks for a more affordable, dynamic, and thriving city
sidewalkchorus.com
May 28, 2025 at 10:35 AM
For full details about the races and candidates, check out my latest blog post: sidewalkchorus.com/p/2025-primary
Then make a plan for how you’ll cast your vote!
Then make a plan for how you’ll cast your vote!
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.
The proposal will now go to Manhattan Borough President @marklevinenyc.bsky.social, and eventually the city council, where local council member @keithpowersnyc.bsky.social will have big influence.
I hope these officials will support the project, and say YES to great facilities in our neighborhood.
I hope these officials will support the project, and say YES to great facilities in our neighborhood.
April 12, 2025 at 1:26 PM
The proposal will now go to Manhattan Borough President @marklevinenyc.bsky.social, and eventually the city council, where local council member @keithpowersnyc.bsky.social will have big influence.
I hope these officials will support the project, and say YES to great facilities in our neighborhood.
I hope these officials will support the project, and say YES to great facilities in our neighborhood.
I’m excited about the hospital getting a modern emergency room, larger operating theaters, and a single-bed room for every patient. (Currently 60% of beds are in shared rooms 😭)
Ultimately 60% of CB8 members voted to disapprove the proposal, while I was in the 40% who voted in upgrade the hospital.
Ultimately 60% of CB8 members voted to disapprove the proposal, while I was in the 40% who voted in upgrade the hospital.
April 12, 2025 at 1:26 PM
I’m excited about the hospital getting a modern emergency room, larger operating theaters, and a single-bed room for every patient. (Currently 60% of beds are in shared rooms 😭)
Ultimately 60% of CB8 members voted to disapprove the proposal, while I was in the 40% who voted in upgrade the hospital.
Ultimately 60% of CB8 members voted to disapprove the proposal, while I was in the 40% who voted in upgrade the hospital.
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.
So pleased to see @alexbores.bsky.social supporting this bill. Looking forward to making AD73 and all of our city safer for pedestrians.
www.nysenate.gov/legislation/...
www.nysenate.gov/legislation/...
NY State Assembly Bill 2025-A3730
Provides that cities having a population in excess of one million shall not supersede state provisions relating to the state law prohibition on individuals standing or parking a vehicle within twenty ...
www.nysenate.gov
February 5, 2025 at 6:33 PM
So pleased to see @alexbores.bsky.social supporting this bill. Looking forward to making AD73 and all of our city safer for pedestrians.
www.nysenate.gov/legislation/...
www.nysenate.gov/legislation/...
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.