NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Signs COVID-19 Relief Bills Into Law

Local Law addressing personal liability provisions in commercial leases raises constitutional law discussion. On May 26, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed seven COVID-19 relief bills into law during New York City’s first ever virtual bill signing. Among the laws, Local Law 55 of 2020, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, temporarily prevents the enforcement of personal liability provisions in commercial leases or rental agreements involving COVID-19 impacted tenants.  The law also makes it a … <Read More>


LPC Calendars Update to Kingsland Homestead’s Landmark Designation

Landmark’s works to make sure Kingsland Homestead’s designation is accurate. On May 19, 2020, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar a proposed amendment that would update Kingsland Homestead’s landmark designation to its current location. Kingsland Homestead was built in 1785 on tract of land located near Block 5270 in Flushing, Queens. In 1965, the two-story home was designated as a landmark at 40-25 155th Street in Flushing. Shortly after, in 1968, Landmarks approved a … <Read More>


Mayor de Blasio Closes Beaches for Swimming

“No swimming, no parties, no sports, no gatherings.” On May 17, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the City will not open its beaches for swimming on Memorial Day weekend or in the foreseeable future. The Mayor explained during a press conference that despite this decision, people will be permitted to walk the beach so as long as they do not congregate. This weekend and going forward, beach patrons can expect … <Read More>


NYCHA Earns Over $2.6 Million By Transferring Hobbs Court Development Rights

NYCHA seeks to raise revenue for capital repairs by selling transferrable development rights on NYCHA properties. On March 5, 2020, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) announced the finalization of an agreement to transfer approximately 9,000 square feet of development and parking rights at the Hobbs Court development, located at 315 E 102nd Street in East Harlem, Manhattan.


Office of Environmental Remediation Announces Updated Mapping Tool

The updated SPEED tool will give community a better understanding of development and environmental measures taken in their neighborhood. On April 23, 2020, The Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation released an update to its SPEED environmental mapping tool. The SPEED 2.0 environmental mapping tool allows New York City property owners, developers and community members to create maps of environmental information at a city, borough, neighborhood or site level. All of SPEED’s data is regularly updated … <Read More>


New York City Council Approves Two Bills Limiting Third-Party Delivery Service Fees

Council Bills intended to support the restaurant industry and small business. On May 13, 2020 the New York City Council voted to approve two bills intended to restrict the amount of fees third-party delivery services can charge restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic and restaurant closures. Intro 1898-A, which essentially prevents fees to restaurants when no actual transaction results, was approved with 47 votes in the affirmative and three votes in the negative. Intro 1908-B, which … <Read More>