Public Design Commission Announces Election of Deborah Marton as President

On July 18, 2023, Deborah Marton, Executive Director of the Van Alen Institute, was unanimously elected President of the NYC Public Design Commission (PDC). Marton, who served as a PDC Commissioner since 2020, will build on former PDC President Signe Nielsen’s legacy by reviewing City-owned property designs and advocating for innovative, sustainable, and equitable public spaces and civic structures citywide.


BID’s liability goes to trial

Pedestrian injured in slip and fall on City-owned land under maintenance of the Business Improvement District. The City of New York owns a plaza located near 54-55 Myrtle Avenue in Queens. The plaza is a small park-like area and contains a winding sidewalk lined with trees and other landscape. The City contracted with the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District to maintain the plaza, including the maintenance of its sidewalk.



DDC Announces Reopening of Stuyvesant Cove Park Following Renovations and Resiliency Upgrades

On May 31, 2023, Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley,  Economic Development Corporation Executive Vice President Josh Kraus, elected officials, and community leaders celebrated the opening of the northern section of Stuyvesant Cove Park. The opened section of the park runs from East 20th Street to East 23rd Street along the East River; the remaining section of the park from East 18th Street to East 20th Street is expected to open this summer. 


Parks Dept. Announces Completion of Renovations to Gerard P. Dugan Playground in New Dorp

On February 8, 2023, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced the ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Gerard P. Dugan Playground in New Dorp, Staten Island. The playground is located in the middle of the block with Isernia Avenue to the north, Tysens Lane to the south, Mill Road to the west and Weed Avenue to the east. Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue was joined by Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, Council Member David Carr, <Read More>


City Planning Commission Discusses Zoning for Carbon Neutrality Amendment Ahead of Public Review Process

Commissioners raised early questions about implementation and funding issues. On January 30, 2023, the City Planning Commission held a review session and overview discussion for the proposed Zoning for Carbon Neutrality amendment, one of the three City of Yes amendments proposed by Mayor Eric Adams last year. The Zoning for Carbon Neutrality amendment aims to reduce or eliminate unnecessary restrictions within the zoning text that inhibit a developer or building owner from using sustainable technology <Read More>