Council considers proposed living wage law

G. Oliver Koppell

Proposed local law would impose wage mandates on certain businesses receiving City economic development incentives. On May 12, 2011, the City Council’s Contracts Committee held a hearing on the proposed Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act. The proposal, Intro 251-A, would require employers connected to a development project receiving at least $100,000 in financial assistance from the City to pay employees a mandated “living wage” that would be linked to a … <Read More>


Elected officials testify against Solow project

Solow’s plan covers one of the largest development sites in Manhattan. On December 5, 2007, the Planning Commission heard testimony regarding Solow Properties’ plans to construct a mixed-use development ground in the southeastern portion. Solow left the parking component of its plans intact.

Chair Amanda Burden and Commissioner Irwin G. Cantor both focused on the height of the proposed towers, some of which are significantly taller than the nearby United Nations headquarters. Solow’s attorney, Gary … <Read More>


Ikea Development Approved; Sent to Council

Ikea to build a 346,000-square-foot waterfront store in Red Hook. The City Planning Commission approved an application by Ikea Property, Inc., for the development of a 346,000-square-foot furniture store and three ancillary buildings on a 22-acre site along the Red Hook, Brooklyn waterfront. The store, Ikea’s first in New York City, will be its largest store in the United States. The Commission also approved 70,000 sq.ft. of retail and restaurant space and a … <Read More>


City Launches $50 Million Initiative for Minority-Business Enterprise Developers to Work on Affordable Housing

On March 4, 2024, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Housing Preservation Development (HPD) Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr., and New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Eric Enderlin announced an initiative to provide up to $50 million to help Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) overcome financial barriers and participate in developing much needed affordable housing for New Yorkers. The “New York City Minority Business Enterprise Guaranty Facility” is established in partnership … <Read More>


Mayor, Governor, and Port Authority Agreement to Support Port Authority Bus Terminal Replacement

On March 12, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced a deal to support the replacement and expansion of the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown. The 73-year-old facility currently serves over 200,000 people on an average weekday, but struggles to meet current needs. The replacement is expected to meet 2040-2050 commuter growth. 


City Planning Commission Votes to Approve City of Yes for Economic Opportunity Amendment

On March 6, 2024, the City Planning Commission voted to approve the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity zoning text amendment. The amendment, the second of Mayor Eric Adams’ three City of Yes proposals, is a collection of eighteen changes to the zoning text designed to remove obstacles for small businesses looking to expand and create more vibrant streetscapes.