Rendering of the new building at171 Calyer Street, with a red line indicating the change in height from the previous proposal. Image Credit: NYC LPC

Landmarks approved the demolition and new construction on the condition that applicants fine-tune design details with the Commission. On September 15, 2020, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for the demolition and construction of a new commercial building at 171 Calyer Street, in the Greenpoint Historic District of Brooklyn.

315 West 103rd Street (Center building). Image Credit: Google Maps

Neighbor asks the Landmark Preservation Commission to review their neighbor’s completed renovations. Richard Robbins lives in an apartment on West 103rd Street. Robbin’s next-door neighbors at 315 West 103rd Street received permission in 2008 from the Department of Buildings to enlarge their home. In 2009, Buildings ordered the neighbor to stop working on the addition, at a point when only the roof and the backyard expansion had been completed. In 2015 The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the neighborhood. The new Riverside-West Historic District included both Robbins and his neighbor’s homes, and both homes contributed to the historic status.

Work on the Bluebelt begins. Image Credit: NYC DEP

Bluebelts improve the health of local waterways and increase nearby property values by managing stormwater and reducing flooding while protecting natural spaces. On October 1, 2020, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Vincent Sapienza, Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, and Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Lorraine Grillo announced that construction began on a $75 million enhancement of the Bluebelt program in the Mid-Island area of Staten Island.

The vacant lot at 2286 Church Street in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Formerly the site of PS 90, but will soon be the location of new affordable housing. Image Credit: Google Maps

The development is on the site of a former landmark. On October 9, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Member Mathieu Eugene announced plans to develop affordable housing in Flatbush, Brooklyn to add approximately 130 affordable apartments. This new site would be located at 2286 Church Avenue and is the site of former Public School 90.

A dedicated bus lane. Image Credit: NYC DOT

The changes affect four bus lines connecting ten major subway lines in the Bronx and Manhattan. On October 9, 2020, Mayor de Blasio announced major bus and bike improvements in the Bronx furthering the Better Buses Restart plan and keeping the City on track with de Blasio’s recovery agenda.

Water main upgrades in Brooklyn. Image Credit: NYC DEP

Nearly seven miles of new water mains will be added to improve water distribution. On September 16, 2020, the New York City Departments of Environmental Protection and Design and Construction announced the new upgrades to the Gravesend and Sheepshead Bay areas. The $30 million project includes replacing nearly seven miles of century-old water mains, 108 fire hydrants, and installing 17 new fire hydrants. The project is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2021 and covers the areas along Avenue S, between Coney Island and Ocean Avenues, as well as portions of East 12^th St., Homecrest Avenue, East 13^th St. – East 19^th St., Avenue T, Avenue U, Avenue V, and Gravesend Neck Road.