CityLand’s Top Ten Stories of 2015

Welcome to CityLand‘s fourth annual top ten stories of the year! We have selected a range of our most popular and prominent stories, guest commentaries concerning New York City land use in 2015.  Our fourth year as an online publication was marked by rezoning in East Midtown, the fight to renew rent stabilization protections in the City, proposed reform of the landmarking process, and capped by the first stage of review for Mayor de Blasio’s citywide zoning proposals.  We at CityLand are excited to continue providing in-depth coverage of the latest land use projects, cases, and legislation in 2016 and look forward to seeing what the year will bring.  Thank you for all of your support and have a happy new year!

Community Board ZQA & MIH Vote Tracker. Image credit: CityLand

2015 ended with widespread community opposition to Mayor de Blasio’s zoning proposals.  Image credit: CityLand

1. Community Boards Vote Down de Blasio Affordable Housing Proposals: CityLand’s compilation of the first review stage for the Mayor’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing and Zoning for Quality and Affordability proposals

2. LPC Divided on Sugar Refinery Redevelopment: Landmarks Preservation Commission disputed plans to redevelop an old sugar refinery in Dumbo

3. City Council 421-a Oversight Hearing: City Council examined the program effectiveness at producing affordable housing during the rent stabilization renewal fight.

4. City Planning Approves One Vanderbilt: CPC modified and authorized plans to partially rezone Vanderbilt Avenue and construct a new commercial tower by Grand Central.

5. Council Committee Holds Hearing on Rent Stabilization: City Council held a hearing before authorizing a call to continue New York’s rent stabilization laws.

6. Community Boards: For Affordable Housing But Against Administration’s Solutions – What’s Going On?: Commentary by Fried Frank’s Carol Rosenthal and Theodore Clement on local reaction to MIH and ZQA.

7. City Planning Approves Conversion of JLWQA Building: CPC voted to permit renovation of a SoHo building and converting it from artist’s housing to market-rate residential use.

8. Community Opposes Fieldston Development: Landmarks hearing on a three-home development in the Fieldston Historic District received strong local objection.

9. Legislation Proposed to Establish Time Limits on Landmark Designation: City Councilmembers Koo and Greenfield sponsored bills to compel Landmarks hearings on calendared items to clear a 50-year backlog.

10. Proposal for Four Seasons Restaurant Renovation Substantially Denied: Landmarks rejected a proposal to make alterations to the landmarked Four Seasons interior.

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