While things are going so well, here are the big, thoughtful stories shaping New York that we’ll monitor, before we get distracted with Mandarin ducks and alien light shows.

Transportation

1. L train shutdown: No L trains between Brooklyn and Manhattan for 15 months starting in April, to fix damage from Superstorm Sandy. New bus, ferry and bike services will help fill the gap.

2. Scooters and e-bikes: The City Council wants to legalize more of them but Mayor de Blasio is resisting, citing safety concerns.

Criminal Justice

3. Recreational marijuana: The governor wants to fast-track legalization. He and the mayor say it will reduce discriminatory policing. Supporters tout the tax revenue, but critics say health concerns remain.

Schools

4. Integration: Mayor de Blasio wants to increase racial diversity at public schools. This has led to a debate over admission criteria for the city’s most competitive schools. The mayor is, in a way, leading from behind.