Image credit: New York City Council.

On January 19, 2023, the New York City Council voted to approve a bill that would help safeguard elderly renters. Int.673-2022, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would entitle renters over the age of 60 facing eviction or termination of tenancy full legal representation at no cost.

Rendering of 58 Nixon Court under the alternative R7A rezoning plan. Image Credit: CPC/Caliendo Architects.

The applicants are seeking an alternative rezoning after pushback from the community board. On February 1, 2023, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for a mixed-use development at 58 Nixon Court in Gravesend, Brooklyn. The current site consists of four vacant lots between Nixon Court and Shore Parkway. Coney Island Hospital is located across Ocean Parkway from the proposed site. The applicants are represented by Erik Palatnik.

The first session is tonight in Brooklyn, with additional sessions to follow. On February 3, 2023, the NYC Department of Finance announced a citywide series of Notice of Property Value (NOPV) information sessions. Property owners received a Notice of Property Value from Finance in January. The Notice of Property Value provides information about market and assessed value and other relevant information so that owners can review the information ahead of the finalization of the assessment roll in May. 

Rendering of the new ten-story building that will have over 150 units and serve as the new home for the Reform Temple of Forest Hills. Image Credit: NYC CPC.

On February 2, 2023, the City Council voted to approve a rezoning that would enable the redevelopment of the Reform Temple of Forest Hills to a ten-story mixed-use building that includes a new temple and residential space. The Reform Temple of Forest Hills is currently located at 71-11 112th Street in Forest Hills, Queens.

A map of current FRESH supermarkets. Image Credit: NYC DCP.

On February 1, 2023, the Department of City Planning updated the progress of the Food Retail Expansion to Support Health program with a new report, “FRESH By the Numbers.”. The Food Retail Expansion to Support Health (“FRESH”) program gives property owners the ability to construct slightly larger buildings in certain districts if the building includes a FRESH supermarket. The program targets neighborhoods that often lack access to fresh produce and other groceries, which can result in inequities and worse health outcomes for local residents.

Mayor Eric Adams announcing the citywide composting program. The smart composting bins and brown bins are also pictured. Image Credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office.

The program expands on a Queens pilot program that diverted 12.7 million pounds of compostable material from landfills. On February 1, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch* revealed a new roadmap for the creation and implementation of a citywide composting program. The program will be the nation’s largest and will roll out over the next 20 months.