Permanent Open Restaurant Program Proposal Continues Through Public Review Process

Over 11,000 restaurants are currently participating in the Open Restaurant Program. Earlier this year, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced four citywide zoning amendment proposals to support small businesses, create more grocery stores and improve accessibility in transit. One of the proposals, the permanent open restaurant zoning text amendment, seeks to establish a permanent open restaurant program by removing the geographic restrictions on where sidewalk cafes can be located.


DOT Set to Launch E-Scooter Pilot Program in the East Bronx

Over two years, the program will serve an area of over 500,000 residents in the East Bronx. On August 17, 2021, the Department of Transportation’s E-Scooter Pilot program will launch in the East Bronx. Through the program, E-Scooter companies Bird, Lime, and Veo will bring 3,000 e-scooters in the first phase of the program, with an additional 3,000 scooters to be rolled out in Phase 2 of the program next year. 


NYCEDC Seeking Architect for New Bronx Museum of the Arts Wing

The Bronx Museum, a cultural hub, is looking for a creative partner to help modernize the Bronx Museum.  On July 7, 2021, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) released a Request for Proposals to solicit plans from interested architects to design a new South Wing Atrium and entrance for the Bronx Museum of the Arts in the Concourse Village section of the Bronx.


Commentary: Remote Hearings are Over – What Happens Now?

On June 23, 2021 Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the state’s COVID-19 emergency orders, which are set to expire today will not be renewed. One of the provisions within the emergency order adjusted the requirements of the Open Meetings Law to allow public hearings to be held remotely via telephone or video conference or other similar service. As of Friday, June 25th, the Open Meetings Law will again require all meetings to be held in-person.



First HomeFix Project Helps Make Critical Home Repair in Canarsie

The HomeFix project helps to provide affordable financing and loans in order to help family homeowners make necessary repairs. On May 10, 2021, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced the first rehabilitation project completed by the HomeFix project. The HomeFix project is a program that provides affordable financing for essential home repairs in small family-owned properties located across New York City.