
Locations like Zuccotti Park provide space for the public to enjoy nice weather. Image Credit: DCP.
More people are returning to in-person work throughout the city as the population adjusts to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Summer weather and the City’s open spaces make it possible to socially-distance responsibly, while getting some fresh air, as you take down your mask to eat lunch. The City has made it a goal to ensure all New Yorkers live within a 10-minute walk of quality open space, so most likely there is an option that is convenient for you. (read more…)

The Life Sciences sector has seen incredible growth in the NYC metro region. The Zoning for Economic Opportunity text amendment may change restrictions that make it easier for life sciences industries to expand and continue to grow. Image Credit: Tory Williams/EDC.
On Wednesday, June 1, Mayor Eric Adams outlined his, “City of Yes” initiative. This initiative is the next phase of his, “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent,” plan to stimulate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. “City of Yes,” is built around a series of three as-yet-unwritten zoning text amendments to modernize and simplify zoning resolutions to encourage business growth, stimulate housing creation, and reduce the city’s carbon footprint. (read more…)

The Zoning for Housing Opportunity text amendment may enable the creation of smaller units like the one above to provide more options for housing. Image Credit: Mayor’s Office
Still in its early stages, Mayor Adams’ proposed zoning text amendment aims to increase affordable housing in the city. On June 1, 2022, Mayor Adams announced his “City of Yes” plan consisting of three citywide zoning text amendments. One of these initiatives, “Zoning for Housing Opportunity,” addresses the city’s housing shortage. Although the text amendment has not yet been drafted, Mayor Adams listed four key housing proposals in his announcement. (read more…)

Changes to zoning restrictions may enable more bars and restaurants to have live bands and dancing. Image Credit: CityLand/Cassidy Strong.
On Wednesday, June 1, Mayor Eric Adams announced his plans for three citywide zoning text amendments aimed to bolster small businesses, expand affordable housing, and reduce carbon usage in the interest of sustainability. The first of these, “Zoning for Economic Opportunity,” aims to remove red tape for small businesses and includes removing restrictions on dancing that survived the Cabaret Law’s repeal. (read more…)

Image Credit: NYC Department of City Planning.
The Department of City Planning found that underserved communities do not have easy access to New York City’s waterfronts, and thus lose out on the benefits granted from waterfronts. On May 20, 2022, the Department of City Planning released a report and map detailing New Yorkers’ access to New York City waterfronts. The report, Assessing New Yorkers’ Access to Waterfronts, discussed the need for an increase in access to waterfronts, particularly for underserved communities. The map, Waterfront Access Map, noted the areas of publicly accessible waterfronts and allowed for viewers to interact with the map to determine bike, ferry, and subway transportation routes to the waterfronts. (read more…)