Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed a 10-year affordable housing plan that set the tone for land use in 2014. Image credit: NYC.gov

Welcome to CityLand‘s third annual top ten stories of the year! We have selected a range of our most popular and prominent stories, guest commentaries and profiles concerning New York City land use in 2014.  Our third year as an online publication was marked by a new Mayor, a new Council, and a massive push to address the City’s housing shortage.  We at CityLand are excited to continue providing in-depth coverage of the latest land use projects, cases, and legislation in 2015 and look forward to seeing what the year will bring.  Thank you for all of your support and have a happy new year!

1. Tear Down the Chrysler Building? – Anthony C. Wood’s guest commentary on preserving Manhattan’s skyline.

2. The Williams:  Single Room Occupancy Housing Rights in New York City – The July/August CityLaw cover article on the legal complexities surrounding single-room occupancy units in New York City

3. Garages – A Hidden Housing Asset –  Alexander Garvin’s guest commentary on permitting property owners to convert their garages into affordable apartments.

4. Council Member Works to Combat Illegal Home Conversions  – Council Member Vincent Gentile spoke with CityLand on halting the industry of illegally converting private homes to house multiple tenants.

5. Preserving the Past While Looking to the Future: LPC Executive Director Kate Daly on Community Outreach and Partnership –  CityLand profile of Kate Daly, Executive Director of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

6. Mayor de Blasio’s Land Use Appointments Carousel Continues  – To further his administration’s affordable housing plan, new Mayor Bill de Blasio significantly restructured the City’s land use administrative hierarchy.

7. Landmarks Names New Executive Director – Sarah Carroll was named as the new Executive Director of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, succeeding Kate Daly.

8. Weisbrod Highlights East New York as Test for Affordable Housing – Ross F. Moskowitz’s guest commentary on CPC Chairman Carl Weisbrod’s plan to redevelop neighborhoods, beginning in East New York, Brooklyn.

9. City Council Approves Astoria Cove Project –  City Council approved rezoning for the controversial Astoria Cove development in Astoria, Queens, the first development subject to Mayor de Blasio’s mandatory inclusionary zoning housing requirement.

10.  City Council Holds Oversight Hearing on Mayor’s Affordable Housing Plan – The City Council Committees on Housing and Buildings, on Land Use, and on Community Development held a joint hearing on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s affordable housing plan.