Catalina Gonella

5 days ago | gothamist.com | Catalina Gonella

It’s spring in New York City and pigeons are in the air. And on sidewalks, in parks, and on statues, buildings and benches. It's pigeon breeding season, and the birds are more active as they look for mates.So are the New Yorkers who — helpfully or harmfully — feed them by spreading corn, peas or other goodies around while they enjoy the warm weather. Pigeons are as iconic to New York as pizza and taxi cabs — but much more controversial.

1 week ago | gothamist.com | Catalina Gonella

New Yorkers lamented the impending closure of their local Rite Aid stores this week, as news spread that the drugstore chain will soon shutter all its locations. The company filed for bankruptcy a second time this week and will proceed to sell all of its assets — including its prescriptions, pharmacy and front-end inventory — a spokesperson for the company confirmed. In the next few months, all Rite Aid distribution centers will close and all stores will either close or be operated by a new owner.

1 week ago | gothamist.com | Catalina Gonella

A brutal dog attack on the Upper West Side has sparked calls for new legislation from some New York City lawmakers, who said current laws fail to protect pets and hold negligent dog owners accountable. Penny, a 10-year-old chihuahua mix and service dog, returned home from the hospital Monday evening after being mauled by two larger dogs while out for a walk Saturday night. Penny’s owner Lauren Claus said the pit bulls’ handlers did nothing to stop the attack before fleeing the scene.

1 week ago | gothamist.com | Catalina Gonella |Phil Corso

A Queens judge has cleared the way for a protected bike lane along Review Avenue in Long Island City, ruling that the city’s Department of Transportation acted lawfully and dismissing a legal challenge brought by a group of local businesses. In a decision entered into court records Friday, Justice Kevin Kerrigan denied all claims brought by LeNoble Lumber and several nearby property owners.

1 week ago | gothamist.com | Catalina Gonella

This Sunday is a time to think about death. Green-Wood Cemetery’s first-ever “Sunday in the Cemetery” will bring together end-of-life professionals, artists, caregivers and community members for free open-house style conversations and workshops on death and remembrance. The events are designed to encourage people to engage candidly with topics that people tend to shy away from, said Gabrielle Gatto, Green-Wood’s manager of public programs.