Comment from the contributor:

From New York Times --Beekeepers are popping up in increasing numbers around New York City, despite it's illegality.  The growing popularity of the hobby could be a reaction to widespread media reports of colony collapse disorder.

“ Though it’s almost impossible to keep a bee colony a secret, the number of New Yorkers taking the risk is growing: beehives are popping up in various neighborhoods, and seem particularly popular in Brooklyn, say those who track beekeeping. ”