Rendering of 2300 Cropsey Avenue, currently under construction. Image Credit: NYC CPC.

The densely residential area lacks many commercial spaces, including supermarkets. On March 16, 2022, the City Planning Commission heard an application that would allow for a supermarket to be added to a new 23-story tower currently under construction at 2300 Cropsey Avenue in Gravesend, Brooklyn.

Rendering of 840 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn. Image Credit: CPC.

The building will feature retail, commercial and residential uses to replace a manufacturing warehouse. On March 16, 2022, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for an application that would facilitate the construction of a ten-story mixed use residential and commercial building at 840 Lorimer Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The requested rezoning site is the six southernmost lots on the block with Nassau Avenue to the north, Manhattan Avenue to the east, Driggs Avenue to the south and Lorimer Street and McCarren Park to the west. The project site will occupy three of the six lots, replacing an old manufacturing warehouse owned by the applicant, Zucker Enterprises, LLC. Sheldon Lobel, P.C. represented the applicant.

Infographic from HPD about fire safety. Click image to enlarge. Image Credit: HPD.

The coordinated efforts will enhance inspections and increase fire safety outreach for residents, building owners and buildings. On March 20, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams signed a new Executive Order to strengthen fire safety enforcement and increase fire safety education. The executive order follows the aftermath of the Twin Parks fire this past January, where seventeen people were killed after a fire spread through an apartment building in the Bronx. 

A rendering of 145-93 Guy Brewer Boulevard. Image Credit: NYC CPC.

On March 16, 2022, the City Planning Commission voted to approve an application that would facilitate the construction of an eight-story mixed use building at 146-93 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard in Springfield Gardens, Queens. The building will be on the site of a vacant lot, which was formerly a gas station several decades ago. 

Rendering of 35-01 Vernon Boulevard. Image Credit: NYC CPC.

The building will offer permanent affordable housing and light manufacturing space for creatives in areas like photography and woodworking. On March 16, 2022, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for a rezoning application that would facilitate the construction of a nine-story mixed use building at 35-01 Vernon Boulevard in Astoria, Queens. The requested rezoning area consists of the northern portion of the block with 35th Avenue to the north, Vernon Boulevard to the west and 9th Street to the east. The existing site is a two-story manufacturing building for a business that handles auto parts that is relocating the business to the Bronx, where most of its employees already live. The requested rezoning area also includes an adjacent five-story residential building with a deli on the ground floor. 

Image credit: New York City Council.

State law requires rent stabilization laws to be renewed periodically based on housing vacancy rates. On March 10, 2022, the City Council voted to extend the City’s Rent Stabilization Law by providing more time to gather data to ensure the rent stabilization law is still necessary. The bill, Int. 70, was sponsored by Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez.