Why isn’t the NYC subway system substantially larger than it was 80 years ago? (Photo by Joe R. Caronetti/CC)

Around NYC is a roundup of noteworthy local stories the StreetEasy editorial team read this week:

Black-owned bars and restaurants hold tight in the face of Brooklyn gentrification (Eater) — A look at three black-owned establishments in Clinton Hill, Bed-Stuy, and Crown Heights, and how they’re thriving despite the larger forces changing the borough.

Why did New York City stop building its subways? (CityLab) — The network we now know grew from a single line in 1904 to a massive network by the start of World War II. But as of Dec. 16, 1940, the city has not added a single major new line. Why?

Those new subway signals? They’re not helping matters on the F train (The New York Times) — The faulty signals on the line were installed way back in … 2006. So maybe don’t get too excited about those signal improvements everyone’s touting.

A brand-new soccer stadium in the Bronx? (New York Yimby) — A new plan proposes a $700 million, starchitect-designed soccer stadium, plus waterfront park, medical center, and affordable apartments. It’s called Harlem River Yards.

A Brooklyn assembly member has proposed naming a section of the borough Little Haiti (Brooklyn Daily Eagle) — No word on how it would or wouldn’t conflict with the “Little Caribbean” cultural district designated last year.

The cherry trees are blooming at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Brownstoner) — Does this mean that spring will finally come? Please?!
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