Conversion of apartments to dormitory use approved

Twelve residential buildings to be converted to dorms over opposition. St. John’s University proposed to convert 12 three-unit apartment buildings into dormitories, increasing the potential student occupancy from 108 to 162. St John’s currently uses the buildings, located along Union Turnpike in Flushing, Queens, as apartments for its students. The plan called for no alteration or enlargement to the buildings; however the use change would render the buildings noncompliant with the City’s 15-foot yard requirement, … <Read More>


Certificates of Occupancy revoked

Developer did not follow plans filed with Buildings. Between February and April 2002, Buildings issued C of Os for ten buildings within a multi-building residential development along 34th Avenue in Flushing, Queens. Buildings later found that the buildings were not built according to approved plans and sought to revoke the C of Os. Buildings argued that the approved plans incorrectly identified a floor as a mezzanine and that a fourth floor was inappropriately constructed as … <Read More>


Oakman-designed Tudor mansion designated

Fitzgerald-Ginsberg House designated. On September 20, 2005, Landmarks designated the Fitzgerald-Ginsberg House, located at 145-15 Bayside Avenue in Flushing, Queens. Built in 1924, the John Oakman design is a neo- Tudor style mansion featuring rusticated fieldstone walls, a multicolored slate roof and leaded glass windows. At the time of its construction, the house was located adjacent to an extension of Flushing’s Old Country Club and golf course. In approving, Landmarks noted that as one of … <Read More>


Governor’s Office Announces $27 Million Available for Ida Relief for Undocumented New Yorkers

The program offers assistance to those who cannot qualify for federal relief. On September 26, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $27 million will be available for relief from Hurricane Ida for undocumented New Yorkers. Undocumented New Yorkers who suffered from the historic flooding and storm damage are not eligible to receive storm recovery assistance through the FEMA Individual Assistance Program or other programs due to their undocumented status. The New York State Office for <Read More>


New Entrances to Prospect Park Completed

The entrances are part of a $40 million series of park improvement projects citywide. On January 27, 2021, the Parks Department cut the ribbon on two new completed entrances to Prospect Park along Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The new entrances are the first additional entrances added to Prospect Park since the 1940’s. NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been, Council Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo, Council Member <Read More>


Parks Dept Celebrates Renovations of Jackie Robinson Park

It is the second park to be renovated through the Parks Without Boarders program. Earlier this summer, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation completed a $4.7 million renovation of Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem. Jackie Robinson Park runs from W 155th Street to W 145th Street between Edgecombe and Bradhurst Avenues. The renovations include updated stairways, entrances, seating, lighting, and walking paths at the park’s southern and northern edges and entrances. New … <Read More>