DDC Announces $15.5M in Restoration of Montefiore Square in West Harlem

The project will provide space for community events and green markets. On October 23, 2019, the New York City Department of Design and Construction announced a joint effort to restore and expand Montefiore Square into what is now Hamilton Place between Broadway and West 138th Street in West Harlem, Manhattan.


Reflections on the 2018 Charter Revision Process

The 2018 New York City Charter Revision Commission, appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, recommended three proposals, all of which were approved by the voters in the November 2018 general election.  The proposals related to campaign finance, civic engagement and community boards, and were largely a result of the Charter Revision Commission’s process that emphasized accessibility for all, including those who historically have not had their voices fully considered as part of the Charter revision … <Read More>


Inwood NYC Action Plan Progress Update Released

The Plan will use over $200 million in public investment. On October 2, 2019 Deputy Mayor Vicki Been, NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett and City Officials from NYC Parks, Department of Cultural Affairs, Department of Education, Department of Small Business Services, Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), New York Public Library, and Council Member Ydanis Rodríguez shared an update on the Inwood NYC Action Plan.


Council in Agreement to Close Rikers, Questions Remain on Borough Based Jail Solution

Council received extensive testimony and differing perspectives on Borough Based Jails. On September 5, 2019, City Council’s Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses held a public hearing regarding the City’s application to close Rikers Island and create a Borough Based Jail System. The proposed sites are 124-125 White Street in Manhattan, 745 East 141St Street in the Bronx, 126-02 82nd Avenue in Queens and at 275 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.


Plans for Broadway Junction’s Transformation and Revitalization are Revealed

The Vision Document represents the first effort by the City and the Brooklyn community to solely focus on Broadway Junction. On August 15, 2019, Council Member Rafael L. Espinal, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) commissioned a Vision Document, Broadway Junction: Vision for the Future that serves as a guide to supporting the transformation of Broadway Junction in Brooklyn. The Vision Document is the first step … <Read More>


Ennis Playground in Brooklyn Reopens

The Playground received $2.9 million in improvements. On July 17, 2019, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver joined City Council Member Brad Lander and local community members to officially reopen Ennis Playground in Brooklyn. The project was funded by a $1.85 million allocation from Council Member Lander, $650,000 from Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and $484,000 from Mayor Bill de Blasio. With nearly $3 million in upgrades, the new and improved Ennis Playground … <Read More>