City Continues Push in Crackdown Against Illegal Smoke Shops

On November 27, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced the City’s latest efforts in the push against illegal smoke shops citywide. The New York City Sheriff’s Office Joint Compliance Task Force to Address Illegal Smoke contacts landlords and owners whose tenants have previously received violations for selling tobacco or cannabis products without a proper license. The task force consists of the Sheriff’s Office, the NYPD, and the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement. 


City Planning Hears Application for Mixed-Use Commercial, Manufacturing and Residential Development in Crown Heights

On November 15, 2023, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for a rezoning application at  962 Pacific Street in Crown Heights. The applicant seeks to rezone the lot bound by Pacific Street to the north, Classon Avenue to the east, Dean Street to the south, and Grand Avenue to the west. The rezoning would enable the development of a mixed-use residential, commercial, and community space. The proposed site is currently a vacant lot.



DOB and Health Dept Respond to Overdoses in Construction Industry

On October 30, 2023, the Department of Buildings announced a new initiative to help combat overdoses among construction workers. A recent Department of Health survey Health revealed that construction workers led occupational groups in overdose deaths. In response to the Department of Health’s survey, both the Health and Building Departments are taking action to address the dangers of substance abuse and highlight the tools provided by the City to construction workers. Staff from both agencies … <Read More>


Governor Celebrates Opening of 96-Unit All-Electric Affordable Housing Development in Fordham Heights

On November 3, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a new all-electric affordable and supportive housing development in the Fordham Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. The housing development, named the 2050 Grand Concourse, was awarded funding from the State’s Buildings of Excellence Competition. The aim of the Competition was to advance zero-carbon multifamily buildings in the State.


City Announces $4.2 Million Won in Settlement of Three Lawsuits Against Landlord

On October 26, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city has now won around $4.2 million in three lawsuits against Daniel Ohebshalom, a/k/a Daniel Shalom, and his affiliates. This week, the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) won $1.1 million in payments of penalties and fines from a settlement agreement. The city had sued Ohebshalom alleging that he was engaging in tenant harassment and illegal short-term rentals in three buildings in Midtown and Hell’s … <Read More>