NEW YORK CITY — This week a Staten Island grand jury voted not to indict the police officer caught on video putting Eric Garner in a deadly chokehold. The decision led to protests throughout the city, and about 300 arrests in two days.
Mayor Bill de Blasio promised more reforms to improve police-community relations and pointed to changes like the recent NYPD marijuana policy, which has led to a 60 percent reduction in arrests since mid-November.
Police union leader Patrick Lynch said Garner was responsible for his own death, adding that because Garner was speaking during the arrest, he could breathe.
"If you can speak, you can breathe," Lynch said.
For more of DNAinfo's Eric Garner coverage, click here.
Here’s a look at the week's other big stories:
Nearly 100 Sites Were in Danger of Being Removed From Landmarks Consideration
The Landmarks Preservation Committee planned to quietly remove sites, including the Long Island City Pepsi-Cola sign, from consideration, but backtracked after an outcry from the city’s preservation community.
People Will Put Up With a Lot to Live in a New York City Apartment
From using a toilet in the hallway to renting out the bottom a bunk bed, New Yorkers shared stories of sacrifices they’ve made to live in the Big Apple.
A Steampunk-Themed Luxury Building is Being Built in Manhattan
The Hudson Square development promises to provide steampunk-themed luxury in order to attract “rich hipsters.”
Ice Cream Truck Jingles Driving Residents Crazy
There have been nearly 200 more 311 complaints this year compared to last for music blasting from ice cream trucks.
“It doesn't wax and wane — at some point between 9 and 10 p.m. every night since the start of spring my wife and I have been greeted by this unrelenting demonic jingle,” said one Washington Heights resident.
Champion Boxer Charged with Killing Girlfriend
Golden Gloves champion boxer Trevis Hall was arrested for allegedly beating and stabbing his 31-year-old girlfriend to death. Margarita Rivera, the mother of two, was beaten in the head with a metal pipe and stabbed in her chest several times. Hall was found 3 miles away after her death, intoxicated in a dumpster.
City Puts Brakes on Spinning Playground Equipment After Injuries
The Parks Department welded rotating metal saucers into place at two separate playgrounds in Park Slope and made changes to or removed others citywide “in the interest of public safety.”
10 Festive Activities This Holiday Season
From Chanukah on Ice to Gingerbread Lane, there is plenty to do around the city in December.
Here are some ideas about what to get for everyone on your list, including a MetroCard pillow.
