
The Carbon Neutrality amendment will help address obstacles and restrictions that currently limit the installation of green technology and infrastructure like solar panels. Credit: NYC DEP
On March 8, 2023, the New York League of Conservation Voters and NYLCV Education Fund released the 2023 New York City Policy Agenda, which cited support for Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality zoning text amendment. The New York League of Conservation Voters is a statewide environmental organization that advocates for clean water and air, renewable energy and open spaces. (more…)

Part of the proposed Linden Street Historic District. Image Credit: LPC.
On February 28, 2023, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing for the proposed Linden Street Historic District, located in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The proposed district consists of 32 brick and brownstone row houses located from 3 through 13 Linden Street on the south side of the street and 15 through 55 Linden Street on the north side of the street between Bushwick Avenue and Broadway. The proposed historic district would be the first in Bushwick. (more…)

A picture from Atlantic and Franklin Avenue, that could be redesigned following a community-led proposal currently seeking feedback and ideas. Image Credit: NYC DCP.
The series of meetings start this week and aims to help shape a future formal rezoning for 2024. On February 10, 2023, Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick and Council Member Crystal Hudson announced a series of three public group meetings for the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan to be held this week. (more…)

An example from the Dept. of City Planning’s presentation, highlighting how a change to a facade for better insulation may be hindered by floor area ratio restrictions. Click to enlarge. Image Credit: NYC DCP.
Commissioners raised early questions about implementation and funding issues. On January 30, 2023, the City Planning Commission held a review session and overview discussion for the proposed Zoning for Carbon Neutrality amendment, one of the three City of Yes amendments proposed by Mayor Eric Adams last year. The Zoning for Carbon Neutrality amendment aims to reduce or eliminate unnecessary restrictions within the zoning text that inhibit a developer or building owner from using sustainable technology and design in their properties. While the official text of the amendment is not finished at this time, this hearing provided an overview about the goals of the amendment and highlighted common issues to be addressed by the amendment. Department of City Planning Director of Zoning Frank Ruchala presented the overview of the amendment to the commission. (more…)

Julius’ Bar. Image Credit: LPC.
Located at the corner of West 10th Street and Waverly Place, Julius’ holds great significance in NYC’s LGBTQ+ history and is undergoing Individual Landmark consideration. On November 15, 2022, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing to discuss landmarking Julius’ Bar, located at 159 West 10th Street in Manhattan. The building was previously calendared for Individual Landmark consideration on September 13. (more…)