Mayor and DOB Announce Overhaul of Sidewalk Construction Shed Rules

Sidewalk sheds stay up for an average of over 500 days, but some stay up for several years. On July 24, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo announced “Get Sheds Down,” an overhaul of the rules relating to sidewalk construction sheds (scaffolding). While the sheds are required for construction, facade inspections, and repairs, existing laws often enable property owners to leave up the construction sheds for a long time, and <Read More>


DOT Announces Second Round of 2023 Open Streets

On June 26, 2023, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced a second round of 2023 Open Streets, which will add 13 new Open Street locations throughout the City. Open Streets is a program that temporarily transforms busy city streets into a car-free oasis for pedestrians, cyclists and children engaging in recreational activities. The Open Streets program encourages utilizing streets in new ways that make them more accessible and enjoyable for all New Yorkers.


Shabbos Open Streets Are Coming to Staten Island

The Department of Transportation and the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island partner to launch two new Open Street locations during Shabbos. On May 31, NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced that the agency will be launching two new Open Street locations in Staten Island. The Open Streets will be located in the Castleton Corners neighborhood, one on Suffolk Avenue, between Queen Street and Harold Street, and the other on Vermont Court, … <Read More>


City Announces Expansion of Harlem River Greenway to the Bronx

On March 22, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced a plan to expand the Harlem River Greenway to the Bronx. Greenways are linear open spaces on public land available for pedestrian and cycling use and provide communities access to greenery. The expanded route will provide communities in the west Bronx with access to the waterfront via off-street paths and on-street bike facilities. The route will expand to seven miles, connecting Randall’s Island to Van Cortlandt Park.



CPC Hears Application for Mixed-Use Building in Gravesend

The applicants are seeking an alternative rezoning after pushback from the community board. On February 1, 2023, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for a mixed-use development at 58 Nixon Court in Gravesend, Brooklyn. The current site consists of four vacant lots between Nixon Court and Shore Parkway. Coney Island Hospital is located across Ocean Parkway from the proposed site. The applicants are represented by Erik Palatnik.