Rendering of the future protected bike lane on the Brooklyn Bridge, set to begin construction on Monday, June 21st. Image Credit: NYC DOT

The protected bike lane will provide safety from cars for cyclists and provide more room on the promenade for pedestrians. On June 21, 2021, the Department of Transportation will begin constructing protected bicycle lanes on the Brooklyn Bridge. The project will begin with removing the innermost Manhattan-bound vehicular lane and transforming it into a two-way protected bicycle lane. Currently, pedestrians and cyclists share access to the bridge on the bridge’s promenade. The two-lane promenade, only divided by a painted line, is often overcrowded and can be potentially dangerous for both cyclists and pedestrians. (more…)

Rendering of proposed flood resiliency infrastructure prior to the Project’s approval. The construction will now begin. /Image Credit: DDC, Parks, DOT, DEP, and Mayor’s Office of Resiliency/CPC

The ambitious project will help to protect the East Side community and provide new improvements to many parks. On April 15, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced major construction on the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project. The $1.45 billion project will extend flooding protections and improve open spaces.  Neighborhoods that were heavily affected by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 will now be home to one of New York City’s most ambitious infrastructure and climate justice projects. For CityLand’s prior coverage of the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project, click here. (more…)

Department of Design and Construction Logo Image Credit: DDC

The Department of Design and Construction has been able to complete capital projects quicker while still adhering to budgets and utilizing Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise while under COVID-19 contracting rules. On March 30, 2021, the New York City Department of Design and Construction released a report on how construction under the less restrictive procurement and contracting rules put in place due to the pandemic has helped to complete City capital projects much quicker than normal. The report, entitled DDC 2020: Delivering Innovation In A Challenging Year, explains how the Department was able to use alternative construction methods normally not available. (more…)

Jamie Torres-Springer. Image Credit: NYC DDC

Torres-Springer, the former First Deputy Commissioner of the department, will be succeeding Senior Advisor for Recovery and outgoing Commissioner Lorraine Grillo. On March 23, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Jamie Torres-Springer as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction. Torres-Springer will be succeeding Lorraine Grillo. Former Commissioner Grillo left the position earlier in March to serve as the City’s Senior Advisor for Recovery. (more…)

The new play equipment at Penn Triangle. Image Credit: NYC Parks/Daniel Avila

The renovations include new play equipment and trees. On March 15, 2021, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Prospect Park Alliance announced the completion of the Penn Triangle reconstruction in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The project is a part of the Community Parks Initiative, which aims to create thriving equitable public places through the reconstruction of smaller local parks. (more…)