
Renderings of Timbale Terrace (left) and the East Harlem Multi-Service Center/Beacon site (right). Image Credit: HPD
The two developments will have almost 600 affordable units between them. On August 13, 2021, the New York City Department of Housing Development and Preservation (HPD) announced its plan to develop nearly 600 affordable homes, a new Afro-Latin Music and Arts (ALMA) Center and to renovate the East Harlem Multi-Service Center in East Harlem. The project will include two mixed-use developments, located at 413 East 120th Street and at the former 25th Precinct parking lot on Park Avenue between East 118th and East 119th Streets. (more…)

Rendering of 133 Beach 116th Street. Image Credit: NYC CPC.
The proposed rezoning will allow for the facilitation of a new physical cultural establishment and the promotion of vibrancy and public engagement. On July 28, 2021, the City Planning Commission approved a zoning map amendment proposed by Beach 116th Associates LLC to facilitate the development of a gym located at 133 Beach 116th Street in Rockaway Beach. To facilitate the creation of the gym, the applicant requested a zoning map amendment to change the present residential district that allows for a local retail space to a residential area that allows for more diverse businesses like gyms, theatres, and more. (more…)

Rendering of the proposed new building at 250 Water Street, which will replace a parking lot. Image Credit: NYC LPC
Zoning is under attack in New York City. Not here or there, in this location or that, but the concept itself. This has been the long game of the city’s real estate interests, and after a decade of raids those interests have launched a full assault on several fronts. The historic city should expect no quarter. (more…)

Artist’s rendering of the new Rego Park Branch of the Queens Public Library. Image Credit: DDC
The new library will be over double the size of the existing one. On July 28, 2021, Department of Design and Construction Commission Jamie Torres-Springer joined elected officials and the Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott to reveal the design for the new Rego Park Library. Located at 91-41 63rd Drive, the new library will replace the current one-story library that has operated since 1975. The Rego Park branch currently serves nearly 200,000 people a year and lends approximately 190,000 items annually, making it one of the busiest library branches in Queens. (more…)

The Kimlau War Memorial. Image Credit: NYC LPC.
The designations are the latest in the agency’s efforts for more inclusive designations. On June 22, 2021, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to designate the Kimlau War Memorial in Chinatown and the Aakawaxung Munahanung (Island Protected from the Wind) Archaeological Site in Staten Island. The designations mark the first New York City designated landmarks to recognize Chinese American and Native American history. (more…)