Mayor’s Office Announces Dozens of Resilient Building and Infrastructure Projects

On November 22, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the creation of a new pilot program to design and construct projects utilizing the NYC Climate Resiliency Design guidelines. The guidelines provide technical guidance for engineers and architects in the design of buildings, roads, sewer systems, public housing, and other forms of public infrastructure to anticipate worsening impacts from climate change including flooding, storm surge and intense heat.


City Council Passes Legislation to Require Certain Agencies to Enable Inspectors to Issue First-Time Warnings

The bill enables inspectors to check if violations have been issued in the past. On November 23, 2021, the City Council passed Int. 167 B-2018, a bill aimed at providing small businesses with relief from hefty fines and penalties for certain violations by making it easier for agencies to issue first-time warnings. The bill was sponsored by Council Member Alan Maisel. 


City Planning Holds Public Hearing for Permanent Open Restaurants Program, Launches Design Public Engagement Process

Many residents and community board members complained of quality of life issues, including noise, trash, cigarette smoke, and loss of parking. On October 6, 2021, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for the Permanent Open Restaurants program. The Permanent Open Restaurants program will formalize a process for restaurants to operate sidewalk or roadway cafes in a shortened process. The proposed permanent program follows the popularity of the temporary open restaurants program, which was … <Read More>


Lead poisoning claim goes to trial

Parent of two and one-half-year-old child found with elevated lead levels sued landlord. On September 13, 2004, a two and one-half-year-old child was diagnosed with lead poisoning after a test revealed his blood lead level to be four times greater than the City’s guideline.  The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene tested the child’s apartment located at 1727-29 Walton Avenue in the Bronx and discovered 47 positive findings of lead paint and 29 readings which … <Read More>


DEP Completes Drainage Upgrades at Throggs Neck Houses in the Bronx

The drainage chambers capture nearly two million gallons of stormwater annually. On August 16, 2021, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the completion of a drainage upgrade at the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Throggs Neck Houses in the Bronx. The $1.3 million project will decrease flooding and overflows into the East River.