
105-19 37th Avenue. Image Credit: Google Maps.
On April 4, 2023, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar three buildings connected to the growth of jazz music; 105-19 37th Avenue in Corona, Queens, which served as the home for famous trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie; the Hotel Cecil & Minton’s Playhouse Building in Harlem; and 935 St. Nicholas Avenue in Hamilton Heights, which was the home of jazz legends Duke Ellington and Noble Sissle. (more…)

City officials and development partners celebrate the ribbon cutting at 1101 and 1089 President Street as residents move in to the two new residential buildings. Image Credit: HPD.
On March 21, 2023, officials from the New York City Department of Housing preservation and Development (HPD), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) joined development partners to celebrate the opening of 1101 and 1089 President Street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. New residents moved into the new two affordable buildings that were part of the redevelopment of the Bedford Union Armory. (more…)

Comptroller Brad Lander. Image Credit: Office of the Comptroller.
On January 9, 2023, the Office of Comptroller Brad Lander released a new report “Turn Up the Heat,” which reviews the City’s efforts in addressing chronic heat complaints. By law, from October 1 through May 31, landlords are required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees in the daytime when outdoor temperatures are below 55 degrees, and at least 62 degrees indoors at night, regardless of the outdoor temperature. Hot water must also be provided at 120 degrees year-round. When landlords fail to meet these requirements, tenants can file complaints with 311, which can result in interventions by city agencies. The new Comptroller’s report examines the effectiveness of these interventions and what the city can do to improve its response, especially for the worst offending buildings. (more…)

Image Credit: NYC DOB.
On September 14, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams and Buildings Commissioner Eric A. Ulrich announced two initiatives to refocus the Department of Buildings on providing improved customer service and supporting economic recovery. (more…)

Map showing the four proposed buildings. Click for larger image. Image Credit: CPC.
On September 7, 2022, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for the 280 Bergen Street Rezoning project, an application that would enable the construction of a four-building mixed use development in the Boerum Hill section of Brooklyn. The applicant seeks to rezone the majority of the block surrounded by Bergen Street to the north, Wyckoff Street to the south, Nevins Street to the west and Third Avenue to the east. (more…)