DDC Announces Opening of New Library Branch on Roosevelt Island

The new site is ADA-compliant and meets LEED Silver Certification standards. On January 25, 2021, NYC Department of Design and Construction (“DDC”) Commissioner Lorraine Grillo announced the opening of a new library on Roosevelt Island. The new library, located at 504 Main Street, is located near its former site. The new 5,200-square-foot library is more than double the size of the former NYPL branch.


Reducing Racial Bias Embedded in Land Use Codes

Even though the Supreme Court struck down race-based land use controls over a hundred years ago in Buchanan v. Warley, 245 U.S. 60 (1917) it has long been known that zoning continues to create or increase racial and economic segregation. Today communities across the U.S. are reexamining their zoning regulations to create more equal, equitable, inclusive, and resilient communities by removing requirements, limitations, or prohibitions that disproportionately and negatively impact individuals based on race … <Read More>


Council Holds Hearing on DOT COVID-19 Response

Council looks to revamp the private street mapping process in hopes of addressing private streets in disrepair. On September 8, 2020, the City Council Committee on Transportation held a public hearing on the Department of Transportation’s response to COVID-19, the Open Streets Program, and two introductory bills. The bills would effectively establish permit requirements for the mapping of private streets and additionally provide for their maintenance. The bills are sponsored by Council Members Steven Matteo, … <Read More>


Parks Dept Announces Completion of Portion of Shore Road Bike Path Renovation

The portion is part of a larger reconstruction project. On August 19, 2020, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation announced the completion of a portion of the Shore Road Bicycle Path in Bath Beach, Brooklyn. The newly repaved path was completed four months ahead of schedule, and spans approximately 2100 ft between Bay 8th and Bay 14th Street. The $575,000 in funding for this project was secured by City Council Member Justin … <Read More>


DOT, DDC, DEP and Elected Officials Celebrate “Great Street” Grand Concourse Renovation

Phase 4 of the project will begin in April 2021. On August 12, 2020, the Department of Transportation, Department of Design and Construction, and Department of Environmental Protection, along with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Council Member Vanessa Gibson, announced the completion of Phase 3 of the reconstruction of Grand Concourse in the Bronx.


UPDATED: Mayor’s Office Outlines Further Guidance as City Enters Phase One Reopening

Starting June 8th, retail, manufacturing, construction and other industries can resume operations with restrictions. On May 28, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio laid out the additional guidance for industries that will be allowed to reopen under Phase One of the State’s reopening plan, NY Forward. While other parts of the state have already been allowed to reopen, New York City has remained shut down to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As the number of … <Read More>