On Thursday, September 28, 2017, the Center for New York City Law at New York Law School hosted the 145th CityLaw Breakfast. The event speaker was New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.

Commissioner Trottenberg was introduced by Professor Sandler, the Director of the Center for City Law, and Anthony Crowell, Dean and President of New York Law School. When introducing Commissioner Trottenberg, Professor Sandler acknowledged the great amount of experience she has brought to the position.

Commissioner Trottenberg spoke of how the Department of Transportation is working to accommodate the “incredible boom” of workers, tourists, and residents using the City’s public transport. The Commissioner stated that “traffic is a sign of economic prosperity.” The Department is working to accommodate this growth, while also improving safety measures. When asked what her greatest achievement as Commissioner has been, Trottenberg praised the Department’s effort to make the streets safer through Vision Zero. (more…)

Vision Zero’s success relies not only on motorists but also cyclists. Image Credit: CityLand.

Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero initiative to substantially reduce traffic fatalities can only be achieved if all users of our roadways respect traffic rules. This needs to include bicyclists for their own safety and for the safety of others. On the streets of New York City compliance by bicyclists is not the norm. They frequently do not stop for a red traffic light, and often are seen bicycling against traffic flow, riding on the sidewalk and committing other infractions. What is needed is a more rational and appropriate way to promote compliance. Past culture-changing efforts in the City such as cleaning up after your dog, banning fireworks and restricting cigarette smoking have been remarkably successful. Changing the behavior of bicyclists also can be accomplished, but only with a new approach.

We recommend getting tougher and more lenient at the same time. Here’s how. (more…)

Finn Square, Tribeca, Manhattan. Image Courtesy of Tribeca Trust.

Since sprouting up during the Bloomberg administration, new pedestrian -friendly public plazas have served as urban pit stops, places where time pressed New Yorkers can people-watch, grab a bite and have some down time before heading back to school, work, or a rigorous day of shopping. (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…)

The first info session for the “City of Yes” amendments was held on 10/17. The next session is today, 10/27. Image Credit: DCP.

On October 17, 2022, the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) held an online information session to discuss Mayor Eric Adams’ “City of Yes” initiatives. The “City of Yes” was first announced back in June and focuses on three key areas of reform: Carbon Neutrality, Economic Opportunity, and Housing Opportunity. The amendments highlight the mayor’s desire to move away from “Not in My Backyard,” or “NIMBY” policies that restrict the development of housing, place restrictions on small businesses and where they can operate, and limits to how green technology can be implemented. In his initial announcement, Mayor Adams said, “We are going to turn New York into a ‘City of Yes’ — yes in my backyard, yes on my block, yes in my neighborhood.” (more…)