Mayor Eric Adams with the signed “Small Business Forward” Executive Order. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

The executive order requires agencies to evaluate their most common summonses issued. On January 4, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams signed the “Small Business Forward” Executive Order to help small businesses face fewer fines and penalties as they continue to recover from the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The executive order requests that agencies like the Department of Buildings, Fire Department, Department of Consumer Worker and Protection, Department of Sanitation, Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene examine their business regulations to reduce fine schedules, allow cure periods, or provide warnings for first time violations.  (read more…)

Mayor de Blasio signs Int. 2317-A into law. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

The bill bans the use of gas in new buildings by the end of 2027. On December 22, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Int. 2317-A into law, which requires the phasing out of the combustion of fossil fuels in new buildings. The law is the first of its kind for a large cold-weather city like New York. The bill was sponsored by Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel. (read more…)

Mayor de Blasio, Deputy Mayor Vicki Been and others at ribbon cutting for a new affordable housing development in the Bronx from August 2021. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

The goal was part of a plan built to address the city’s lack of affordable housing. On December 22, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the City has reached the goal of building or preserving 200,000 affordable homes by the end of this administration.  (read more…)

Mayor de Blasio announced a $40 million allocation for the Prospect Park Vale. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

A previous public engagement process revealed the desire for flexible community space, restrooms, and an amphitheater. On December 16, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced an allocation of $40 million to restore parts of the Vale in Prospect Park. The Vale is a 26-acre stretch in the northeast corner of Prospect Park. The allocation is the largest in history for the Prospect Park Alliance, the non-profit that maintains the park in partnership with city government.  (read more…)

Mayor de Blasio speaks at the ribbon cutting for the final section of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Image Credit: Mayor’s Office.

The addition completes the park’s original design. On December 9, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio, elected officials and community leaders joined together to cut the ribbon on the final section of Brooklyn Bridge Park. The section, located underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, will be named Emily Warren Roebling Plaza after Emily Warren Roebling, whose work helped ensure the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge. The section connects the already completed DUMBO section and southern piers of the park. (read more…)