City Planning Commission Votes to Approve Permanent Open Restaurants Program Text Amendment

The zoning text amendment now moves on to City Council for approval. On November 15, 2021, the City Planning Commission voted to approve the Permanent Open Restaurants Program zoning text amendment in a special public hearing. The proposed Permanent Open Restaurants program will transfer the control of sidewalk cafes to the Department of Transportation from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (formerly Consumer Affairs) and aims to create a more streamlined approval process for <Read More>


Mayor de Blasio Appoints Tom Foley as Acting DDC Commissioner

Foley is a 23-year veteran of the agency. On October 28, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Tom Foley as the Acting Commissioner for the Department of Design and Construction (DDC). The appointment comes as Commissioner Jamie Torres-Springer, who had been appointed in March, prepares to depart on November 12th to become the President of Construction and Development at the MTA. 


City Planning Holds Public Hearing for Permanent Open Restaurants Program, Launches Design Public Engagement Process

Many residents and community board members complained of quality of life issues, including noise, trash, cigarette smoke, and loss of parking. On October 6, 2021, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for the Permanent Open Restaurants program. The Permanent Open Restaurants program will formalize a process for restaurants to operate sidewalk or roadway cafes in a shortened process. The proposed permanent program follows the popularity of the temporary open restaurants program, which was … <Read More>


LPC Holds Public Hearing for Two Proposed Historic Districts in Cambria Heights

Residents raised concerns about the cost and difficulty in maintaining special details and features. On September 14, 2021, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing for two proposed historic districts in Cambria Heights, Queens. The Cambria Heights-222nd Street Historic District and the Cambria Heights-227th Street Historic District are both well-preserved examples of the Tudor Revival and Storybook styles and of the 1930s suburban expansion in Queens. 


Landmarks Calendars Two Historic Districts in Cambria Heights, Queens for Designation

Both historic districts feature Tudor Revival row houses with whimsical features. On August 10, 2021, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar two historic districts in Cambria Heights, Queens for future designation. The Cambria Heights-222nd Street Historic District and the Cambria Heights-227th Street Historic District are both well-preserved examples of the Tudor Revival and Storybook styles and of the 1930s suburban expansion in Queens.