City Celebrates Opening of Far Rockaway Library

On July 30, 2024, Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, Representative Gregory W. Meeks, and other critical stakeholders celebrated the grand opening of the new Far Rockaway Library. The new library is located at the intersection of Central and Mott Avenues. This project was designed by architectural firm Snohetta. This project cost $39 million to be designed and constructed.


DEP Launches Lead Service Line Replacement Program in the Bronx

On July 24, 2024, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection announced the commencement of a free lead service line replacement program. This program involves replacing privately-owned water service lines made of lead or galvanized steel at eligible properties in the Bronx. Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of their property’s service lines that connect directly to the City’s water mains. Service line replacements cost roughly over $10,000. This $24 million project is … <Read More>


Council Approves City of Yes for Economic Opportunity Amendment

On June 6, 2024, the City Council voted to approve the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity zoning text amendment. The amendment is one of three City of Yes zoning text amendments proposed by the Adams administration to address outdated provisions within the zoning text that unnecessarily restrict or limit housing, the implementation of green technology and infrastructure, and economic development. 


Council Passes Bills to Address Parking Garage Safety

On May 23, 2024, the New York City Council passed a package of bills to improve parking garage safety by identifying and addressing parking garage structural deficiencies. These bills, Int. 135-A, 170-A, and 231-A, were created in response to a parking garage that collapsed at 57 Ann Street in Lower Manhattan on April 18, 2023, which killed garage manager Willis Moore and injured five others.



Small Business Services Launches Grant Program to Help Small Businesses Purchase Resiliency Protection, Disaster Risk Assessment

On April 2, 2024, the Department of Small Business Services announced a new grant program to support small businesses in dealing with natural disasters. The Business Preparedness and Resiliency Program will offer free risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and issue grants of up to $5,000 for small business owners and commercial property owners to use for infrastructure protection or upgrades, like generators or flood barriers.