City Planning Creates Plan Responding to Bushwick’s Rapid Development

The plan will address community concerns including affordable housing, open space, transportation safety, and economic development. On April 24, 2019, Department of City Planning Director Marisa Lago released the Bushwick Neighborhood Plan Update. The plan was created in response to the neighborhood’s rapid development, population growth, resident displacement, and lack of affordable housing from an increase in market-rate construction.


Closing Rikers Island: A Catalyst for Criminal Justice Reform

Former New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, speaking at a CityLaw Breakfast on January 23, 2019, powerfully argued that the time has come to close Rikers Island, New York City’s notorious jail located on an island in the East River. Judge Lippman’s remarks echoed the 2017 recommendations of the Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform which Judge Lippman chaired. Judge Lippman spoke at the breakfast in a question and <Read More>


HPD Announces Partners for Two Senior Affordable Housing Projects in the Bronx and Brooklyn

There will be over 350 affordable units for seniors between the two projects. On March 11, 2019, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) announced the selection of partners for the development of two 100 percent senior affordable housing projects in the Bronx and Brooklyn. The projects are a part of HPD’s Senior First strategy, a three-prong strategy to ensure safe and affordable housing for seniors … <Read More>


De Blasio Administration Promises to Eliminate Childhood Lead Exposure

LeadFreeNYC’s programs will be fully in place within 24 months. On January 28, 2019, Mayor Bill de Blasio along with Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, announced the LeadFreeNYC plan, a Roadmap to Eliminating Childhood Lead Exposure. The plan was put together following a 90-day review of all City agencies’ policies related to lead prevention. The plan builds upon the City’s current commitment to lowering lead exposure. The Mayor aims to use the full powers of … <Read More>


Construction Begins at The Doe Fund’s New Bronx Affordable and Supportive Housing Development

The development will provide onsite supportive services for residents. On December 7, 2018, The Doe Fund broke ground at 3188 Villa Avenue, located in the Bedford Park/Special Grand Concourse District of the Bronx to begin construction of a 68-unit affordable and supportive housing development. The Doe Fund is partnering with Chase Community Development Banking to finance the construction, as well as the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, NYCHA, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, and … <Read More>


Community Advisory Committee Formed to Guide Amazon Headquarters Project

The Committee will advise on issues related to construction and infrastructure priorities, and develop workforce strategies to ensure New Yorkers have access to the 25,000-plus jobs the project is expected to create. On December 11, 2018, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the formation of a 45-member Community Advisory Committee to the guide the Amazon Headquarters project. Local elected officials recommended community and citywide stakeholders to be Committee members. A Steering … <Read More>