De Blasio Administration Expands Benefits of Rent Freeze Programs

The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act makes it possible to freeze rents at preferential rates for qualifying New Yorkers. On September 18, 2019, the de Blasio administration released guidance regarding renter rights under the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act. This guidance will allow New Yorkers who pay preferential rents in rent-stabilized apartments to benefit from the City’s Rent Freeze Programs.


Public Advocate’s Landlord List Upheld

The Public Advocate identified and ranked the City’s 100 worst landlords based on public data compiled by various City agencies. Public Advocate Letitia James annually published “The 100 Worst Landlords in New York City,” or the “Watchlist.” James identified and ranked landlords based primarily on the total number of open violations each landlord received from the Department of Buildings and Housing Preservation and Development.
Kamran Hakim, owner of two residential buildings in Manhattan, appeared on … <Read More>


Louise Carroll Appointed Commissioner of HPD

Carroll previously worked with HPD on housing incentives. On May 2, 2019, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Louise Carroll as the new Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Carroll, whose career in public service includes prior work with HPD to protect tenants, will work on preservation to avoid tenant displacement and work with the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.


CityLand’s Top Ten Stories of 2018

Welcome to CityLand‘s seventh annual top ten stories of the year! We have selected a range of our most popular and prominent stories, and guest commentaries concerning New York City land use in 2018. Our 2018 coverage was highlighted by articles concerning approvals for affordable housing, proposals for rezoning developments, legislation providing the right to housing counsel, and a guide on barbecuing in the city. We at CityLand are excited to continue providing in-depth … <Read More>


U.S.A. v. NYCHA: Judge Pauley Rejects the Proposed Consent Decree

The New York City Housing Authority’s efforts to settle with the U. S. Attorney over NYCHA’s mismanagement of public housing came to an abrupt end on November 14, 2018 when U.S. District Court Judge William H. Pauley III rejected the proposed consent decree. The U.S. Attorney had charged NYCHA in a civil complaint with fraud, deception and filing false lead inspection reports. The complaint also charged NYCHA with systematically tolerating dangerous and unhealthy contamination of … <Read More>


Seven Buildings South of Union Square Enter Designation Process

The buildings feature various architectural styles and were home to garment manufacturers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. On September 25, 2018, the Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously voted to add seven buildings to its calendar for consideration as individual landmarks. The buildings are located at 817 Broadway, 826 Broadway, 830 Broadway, 832 Broadway, 836 Broadway, 840 Broadway, and 841 Broadway. All of the buildings are south of Union Square in Manhattan.