Buildings Announces Return and Expansion of Summer No-Penalty Inspection Program

Buildings has conducted thousands of inspections since the program’s launch in 2005. On June 21, 2023, the Department of Buildings announced the return of the No-Penalty Inspection Program, which offers property owners the opportunity for a free, no-penalty visual inspection of certain parts of their property. The program encourages property owners to take proactive steps in ensuring their property is safe. 


HPD Announces Funding Secured to Convert Illegal Hotel to Single-Room Occupancy Units for Supportive Housing

235 West 107th Street will be converted to permanent supportive housing. The building was previously used as an illegal hotel. Image Credit: Google Maps.On March 29, 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced that $38 million in financing has been secured to change an Upper West Side illegal transient hotel into permanent supportive housing. The property, known as the Morningside Inn and located at 235 West 107th Street, was previously operated as an illegal hotel by the owner. The building will now help provide permanent housing through single occupancy units to adults facing chronic homelessness.



Proposed Council Bill to Increase Penalties for Sidewalk Parking in Manufacturing Districts

New penalties will range from $500 to $1,000. On February 2, 2023, Council Member Alexa Avilés introduced bill number 0900-2023 in the NYC Council. The bill proposes to increase penalties for illegal sidewalk parking by covered businesses in certain manufacturing (M1) zoning districts and arranged for bollards to be installed within selected areas of these zoning districts.