Qiana Mickie, the new Director of the newly launched Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture. Image Credit: Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture.

On September 23, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced Qiana Mickie will serve as director of the newly created Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture. (more…)

Council Member Marjorie Velazquez speaks at the Subcommittee hearing for the Bruckner Sites Rezoning application. Image Credit: City Council.

Located in a low-density area with few affordable homes, the four proposed apartment buildings would require a controversial rezoning. On September 7, 2022, the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises held a public hearing to discuss a proposed rezoning in Throggs Neck, Bronx. If the rezoning is approved by the City Council, developer Throggs Neck Associates, LLC will construct four mixed-use apartment buildings at four different sites off the Bruckner Expressway. The project area is bordered by Bruckner Expressway to the south, Crosby Avenue to the east, Balcom Avenue to the west, and Meyers Street to the north. (more…)

Mayor Bill de Blasio. Image credit: CityLand

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. (more…)

Mayor Bill de Blasio. Image credit: CityLand

On October 26, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced an investment of $110 million for a capital project to address the threat of storm surge and rising sea levels for Lower Manhattan. The proposed project will rebuild and raise the existing bulkhead and improve the drainage between the Brooklyn Bridge and Pier 17. The announcement was made with the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency.  (more…)

Interim flood barriers at Red Hook. Image Credit: NYC DDC

The protection measures consist of barriers that are capable to be opened or closed to mitigate the effects of storm surge flooding. On August 3, 2021, the New York City Emergency Management Department and Department of Design and Construction announced the completion of Interim Flood Protection Measures at the Atlantic Basin in Red Hook.  The Interim Flood Protection Measures program began in 2016 to protect facilities, infrastructure, and low-lying areas all located in New York City from flooding caused by hurricanes. (more…)