Mayor Announces Reform for Over 100 Business Violations

On May 15, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced reforms to 118 city regulations relating to small businesses. In January 2022, Mayor Adams signed the “Small Business Forward” executive order that required several city agencies to review their business regulations to determine which regulations could have reduced fines, extended cure periods, or be repealed to assist small businesses in their recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The new announcement reveals the 118 regulations that will be <Read More>


Mayor Announces Restart of No-Penalty Inspection Initiatives for Business Signs, Retaining Walls

On April 27, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced the relaunch of two initiatives aimed at improving building safety while removing financial penalties. The No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program and the No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program incentivizes small business owners and other property owners to ensure their buildings are safe without the worry of a penalty if there is an issue to be fixed. 


CPC Holds Public Hearing for Mixed Use Building with Light Manufacturing Uses in Astoria

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 <Read More>



City Council Approves Zoning Text Amendment for Permanent Open Restaurants Program

City Council still needs to pass legislation establishing the program. On February 24, 2022, the City Council voted to approve the zoning text amendment that will remove geographical restrictions where sidewalk cafes can operate across the city. This vote completes the first step in the creation of a permanent open restaurant program.