Cover of the Where We Live Draft Plan. Image Credit: NYC Mayor’s Office

New Fair Housing Litigation Unit will use “secret shoppers” to test the housing market for discrimination and hold bad actors accountable. On January 7, 2020, the Office of the Mayor released the Where We Live NYC Draft Plan for public review. Where We Live NYC is a comprehensive plan to advance opportunity for New Yorkers by promoting fair housing and undo intentional policies and practices of segregation and inequity. The Draft Plan analyzes the state of the City’s fair housing and lays out a five-year action plan. New Yorkers can visit the Where We Live NYC website to read the plan and offer feedback to shape the final report here. (more…)

Rendering of Proposed La Hermosa Building/Image Credit: Department of City Planning/CPC

Council makes modifications to include only MIH Option One and a partnership with JOENYC to fund repairs and renovations for existing affordable units in La Hermosa’s district. On December 19, 2019, the City Council voted to approve a land use application that will facilitate the construction of a new 30-story mixed-use residential and community facility building. The new building will replace the existing three-story La Hermosa Church building at 5 West 110th Street in Harlem, Manhattan. The Council voted on the application with modifications made at the December 3 Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee vote.

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A rendering of the redesign of Montefiore Square, which will now extend into what was formerly Hamilton Place on the right. Image Credit: NYC DDC

The project will provide space for community events and green markets. On October 23, 2019, the New York City Department of Design and Construction announced a joint effort to restore and expand Montefiore Square into what is now Hamilton Place between Broadway and West 138th Street in West Harlem, Manhattan. (more…)

Solar Photovoltaic System Image Credit: DOB

Green Roofs and Solar Roof Systems should help buildings throughout the city maintain appropriate temperatures while cutting down on energy costs and emissions. On November 15, 2019, the Department of Buildings announced the effectiveness of Local Laws 92 and 94 of 2019. Local Law 92 (Intro 0276) was originally introduced by Council Member Donovan J. Richards on January 31, 2018 and Local Law 94 (Intro 1032) was introduced by Council Member Rafael L. Espinal, Jr. on July 7, 2018.  The bills were approved by City Council on April 18, 2019, adopted by the administration on May 19, 2019 and returned unsigned by the Mayor the next day. These bills were introduced to provide buildings with insulation and combat heat island effect. Heat island effect has been tied to increased energy demand, air conditioning costs, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, heat-related illness and deaths.

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Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett, Council Member Antonio Reynoso celebrate the announcement of a $2.7 million investment for renovations of Moore Street Market. Image Credit: NYC EDC

$2.7 Million in renovations to enhance facilities at one of Brooklyn’s oldest public markets. On August 20, 2019, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Council Member Antonio Reynoso and Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams announced $2.7 million dollars of improvements to enhance facilities at one of Brooklyn’s oldest public markets located on Moore Street. (more…)