The first info session for the “City of Yes” amendments was held on 10/17. The next session is today, 10/27. Image Credit: DCP.

On October 17, 2022, the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) held an online information session to discuss Mayor Eric Adams’ “City of Yes” initiatives. The “City of Yes” was first announced back in June and focuses on three key areas of reform: Carbon Neutrality, Economic Opportunity, and Housing Opportunity. The amendments highlight the mayor’s desire to move away from “Not in My Backyard,” or “NIMBY” policies that restrict the development of housing, place restrictions on small businesses and where they can operate, and limits to how green technology can be implemented. In his initial announcement, Mayor Adams said, “We are going to turn New York into a ‘City of Yes’ — yes in my backyard, yes on my block, yes in my neighborhood.” (more…)

Samuel Gompers Industrial High School building. Image Credit: LPC.

The school was the first vocational high school in New York City. On September 20, 2022, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar the Samuel Gompers Industrial High School for consideration as an individual landmark. The school, located at 455 Southern Boulevard between East 145th to East 147th Streets in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, is a well preserved example of the Medieval Revival style. (more…)

Mayor Adams assists with the demolition of an abandoned dining shed at the press conference announcing the City’s new enforcement initiative on August 18th. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

Multiple lawsuits have challenged both the temporary and proposed permanent open restaurant programs. On August 18, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced a new enforcement initiative with multiple city agencies to remove abandoned outdoor dining sheds. The City’s temporary open restaurants program allowed for restaurants to build outdoor shed structures on sidewalks and in roadways to allow for safer outdoor dining during the pandemic. However, some of these structures have been abandoned by restaurants that have now shut down resulting in abandoned structures that have gotten many quality of life and safety complaints. (more…)

Angel Guardian Home, Main Building. Image Credit: LPC.

NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission heard a proposal to substantially renovate and convert Angel Guardian Home, an individual landmark, into a Yeshiva. On August 2, 2022, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing for an application that would substantially renovate the Angel Guardian Home located at 6301 12th Avenue in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. The proposal intends to convert Angel Guardian Home into a Yeshiva for the Gur International Chassidic Sect. For CityLand’s previous coverage on Angel Guardian Home’s designation as an individual landmark in 2020, click here. (more…)

Mayor Adams celebrates the opening of two major projects in Far Rockaway. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

In addition to 224 affordable homes, street safety improvements have been implemented in downtown Far Rockaway. On August 4, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced the completion of two projects in downtown Far Rockaway, delivering on key commitments in 2016’s Downtown Far Rockaway Roadmap for Action. Together, both projects brought $234 million in investment to the neighborhood. (more…)