On February 14, 2025, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, joined by critical stakeholders, launched the requests for proposals for the 388 Hudson Street development project. The City hopes to transform the underutilized site in the Hudson Square neighborhood into a community-focused mixed-use development. This project is part of the City’s “Manhattan Plan”, which was first announced in his fourth State of the City address last month. The Manhattan Plan aims to create 100,000 new … <Read More>
Early Voting in the Crosshairs, But Program Remains Popular with Voters
Election administrators and policymakers are weighing various changes to New York’s nine-day early voting program, some of which may curtail access if enacted.
By Jarret Berg
More than 2.98 million New Yorkers voted early in the 2024 General Election, excluding mail-in ballots. That’s an increase of 20% (or more than 477,000 voters), compared to the 2.51 million New Yorkers who turned out during the 2020 early voting period. In 2024, the vast majority … <Read More>
Comptroller’s Audit Reveals Big Delays in HPD’s Tenant Interim Lease Program Projects
On February 14, 2025, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander revealed deficiencies in the New York City Department of Housing Preservation Tenant Interim Lease (TIL) program in a new audit. The audit shows that City Department of Housing Preservation and Development has only converted 13 buildings in the Tenant Interim Lease (TIL) program to co-ops since 2012. All of these projects incurred delays, some ranged from 15 to 87 months, and some delays were as … <Read More>
NY Elections, Census and Redistricting Update 02/24/25
By Jeff Wice, Alexis Marking & Michael Athy
This week: N.Y.C. Non-citizen Voting Appeal. N.Y.C. Submits Requests for VRA Preclearance, April 1 N.Y.C. Census 2030 Organizing Conference, Pennsylvania Considers Redistricting Reform
Oral Arguments Heard in Fossella v. Adams: Challenging
Non-Citizen Voting in N.Y.C Elections
On February 11th, the New York Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in Fossella v. Adams. The appeal was requested by the New York City Council, which approved Local … <Read More>
Dept of Finance, Other Agencies to Host Info Sessions for Property Owners Facing Tax Debt
On February 12, 2025, the Department of Finance announced the launch of a series of outreach events to provide support and information for property owners who are at risk of having liens sold on their properties. The events will be held in partnership with other City agencies, the City Council, and non-profits. Property owners can learn more information about how to resolve outstanding property taxes, water and sewer fees, and other similar charges.
HPD Announces Online App for J-51 Tax Relief Program Now Open
On February 12, 2025, the New York City Department of Housing, Preservation and Development announced that the online application for the J-51 R program, formally J-51, is now open. Since 2009, the J-51 tax relief program has resulted in the rehabilitation of more than 3,200 buildings, consisting of over 143,000 homes. In December 2024, the City Department of Housing, Preservation and Development created the updated version of J-51, “J-51 R”, available to property owners and … <Read More>