Ah, New York City politics—where the more things change, the more they stay the same. From Cuomo eyeing the mayor’s office to Trump’s latest play for Wollman Rink, it feels like history’s greatest hits are back on repeat, with the same familiar faces taking center stage. Buckle up, because we’re diving into how the past keeps finding its way into the present, one name at a time!
Grand Central Station(ed): Cristyne’s Birthday Bash
The room was Grand Central. Literally. The occasion? A birthday celebration for none other than Cristyne Nicholas—tourism powerhouse, PR maven, and friend to mayors past and present. Held inside the newly opened Grand Brasserie in Vanderbilt Hall, the event brought together generations of political personalities across boroughs and administrations, proving once again that Cristyne doesn’t just throw a party—she sets the scene.
Just moments after being appointed First Deputy Mayor, Randy Mastro walked into the party with the news still fresh on everyone’s phones—though not before NY Daily News editorial page editor Mike Aronson had a chance to carry the scoop through the room. Mastro’s return to City Hall comes after City Council previously rejected his nomination for Corporation Counsel over concerns he’d serve more as the Mayor’s personal attorney than an impartial advisor for the City. Now, those same council members will have to work with him—with even more power than before.
Also spotted: Kathy Wylde of Partnership for NYC, former Governor David Paterson and Mary Sliwa, and longtime friend of Cristyne’s through the Giuliani administration, Carrie Karabelas. Former Crain’s NY publisher Jill Kaplan, nursing an ACL tear but still working the room, chatted about her new civic tech project, Overlap Politics, with husband Wayne Katz of Proskauer nearby.
Charles Sullivan—who’s connected to the New England Patriots and has deep ties in the sports and venue world—was also among the mix, as were NYC Ferry operators Rafael Abreu and Mike Burke of Hornblower, and the ever-charming Alexandra AB Byrne, known for organizing early-morning GAP (Government Affairs Professionals) breakfasts at the Penn Club.
The Grand Brasserie itself—one of Nicholas & Lence Communications’ newest clients—is the latest venture from OTG founder Rick Blatstein, who started his empire by acquiring a single airport concession stand in Philadelphia in 1996. Now, with over 350 food and beverage locations across 11 airports, he’s teamed up with his son, Justin Blatstein, to make their mark in Grand Central. From the marble floors to the polished crowd, it was a night that reminded us: the city may change, but Cristyne Nicholas remains its evergreen connector.
Meatpacking Moves
In another corner of NYC power…
Jared Epstein, President of Aurora Capital Associates—the largest landlord in the Meatpacking District aside from Google—hosted a lively March Madness happy hour at his office. The space boasts a pickleball court, adding a sporty twist to the festivities. Attendees included former Lexington Democratic Club officers and law partners, brothers Darren and Bradley Marks, who engaged in discussions about men’s morning tennis and the evolving role of fathers in child-rearing. Also present were commercial real estate and fashion expert Sara Armet, and Cory Zelnik, Founder & CEO of Zelnik & Company Real Estate LLC, known for his weekly NYC real estate breakdowns on WABC Radio’s “Sid & Friends in the Morning.”
Later in the week, in a show of support for public transportation, Meatpacking District BID leader Jeffrey LeFrancois joined Governor Kathy Hochul and members of the Riders Alliance—comprising bus and subway riders—for a press conference. The group championed the benefits of public transit, holding signs proclaiming, “Traffic Down, Business Up,” highlighting the positive correlation between reduced traffic congestion and thriving local businesses.
Who is on Thin Ice?
City Hall is currently deliberating over a proposal from the Trump Organization to operate the iconic Wollman Rink. This consideration comes on the heels of rejecting a $120 million gift from the Central Park Conservancy. Notably, Parks Committee Chair Council Member Shekar Krishnan and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine have voiced their opposition to this idea, citing concerns over the rink’s management and the implications of re-engaging with the Trump Organization. Whether this moves forward or melts under public pressure remains to be seen.
Andrew Cuomo’s race to be Mayor of NYC is picking up steam.
He launched his campaign earlier this month, saying he’s “learned” from his past and is focused on public safety and affordable housing. Support is building—160+ Democratic lawmakers, activists and operatives, including a coalition of Black legislators from Queens, signed a letter endorsing him over Mayor Adams.
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn called him “tough and experienced”—a subtle nod that didn’t go unnoticed.
Staten Island Watch:
Over on the South Shore, radio personality Frank Morano is preparing a run to replace retired Council Member Joe Borelli. Morano’s already coming out strong against a proposed homeless shelter in the area. He’s expected to be a formidable contender.
Book Drop: Resilience in Print
Between book launches, benefit galas, and event prep, the city’s political-adjacent circles have had plenty to talk about this week. Wendell Jamieson, former New York Times Metro Editor, is out with a new memoir, Connecting Dots: A Blind Life—the extraordinary story of Joshua Miele, a Brooklyn scientist who was blinded as a child and went on to revolutionize accessible tech while building a life filled with humor, love, and impact. The book has already become a must-read among insiders looking for stories of real resilience.
Meanwhile, the countdown is on to the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation Gala at the New York Athletic Club, where Al Roker will take the mic as host. The buzz has us reminiscing about the 2018 gala, when Maurice DuBois famously did a handstand mid-emcee—yes, really. Here’s hoping for a worthy encore.
Andrew Rigie is in full-throttle prep mode for the New York Restaurant Show at the Javits Center, corralling restaurateurs and hospitality leaders from across the five boroughs and beyond.
Planning for Style Across the Aisle 2025 is officially underway. If you’re interested in modeling, know a local designer, want to be a sponsor, or are ready to join the steering committee—you know what to do.
Coming Up: Where You’ll Want to Be
- Monday, March 24th: NYC Hospitality Alliance Bash of the Boros at TAO Downtown
- Wednesday, March 26th: Family & Children’s Association Women in Philanthropy Breakfast on Long Island
- Thursday, March 27th: Shirley Chisholm Women of Distinction Celebration at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Political Personality of the Week:
Cristyne Lategano Nicholas, CEO, Nicholas & Lence Communications
Cristyne is a prominent public relations professional and influential figure in New York’s tourism sector. Born and raised in Brooklyn, she began her career in public service in the early 1990s. She gained widespread recognition as the press secretary for New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, making history as the youngest and second woman to hold that position at the age of 29. During her tenure, she played a key role in managing communications and public relations for the Giuliani administration, which included navigating the city’s response to high-profile crises.
In 1999, Cristyne was appointed president and CEO of NYC & Company, the city’s convention and visitors bureau. Under her leadership, the organization worked to boost tourism and promote New York City as a global travel destination. She served in this role until 2006, leaving a significant mark on the city’s tourism strategy.
Cristyne co-founded Nicholas & Lence Communications in 2007, a public relations firm that has been recognized among the top PR firms in New York, providing strategic communication services for clients in government, non-profit, and real estate sectors. She also serves as the Chair of the New York State Tourism Advisory Council (TAC), where she advises the state’s Economic Development Commissioner on tourism matters. She also leads the Broadway Association, focusing on the cultural and economic improvement of New York City’s Broadway theater district. Furthermore, she is a steering committee member of the Association for a Better New York (ABNY), which works to improve the business and quality of life environment in the city.
FUN FACTS:
At age 29, under Mayor Giuliani, Cristyne was the youngest communications director in history
Chair of The Broadway Association
Chair of the NYS Tourism Advisory Council, which she was appointed by Gov Cuomo
Co-Hosts a Radio Show Host with Kevin McCullough
