City Council Votes to Approve Outdoor Dining Plan

After a year and a half since the bill was introduced, the Council finally votes to create a permanent outdoor dining program. On August 3, 2023, the City Council voted to approve Int 31-C, which establishes a permanent outdoor dining program. The program will allow sidewalk cafes to operate annually and roadway cafes to operate seasonally, with removable furniture and decor replacing solid dining shed structures. The program follows the temporary outdoor dining program that <Read More>


City Planning to Hold Public Info Session for City of Yes for Economic Opportunity Text Amendment

On June 13, 2023, the Department of City Planning will host a public information session to discuss the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity zoning text amendment. The proposed amendment is one of three “City of Yes” zoning text amendments first proposed last summer that aim to modernize zoning rules and remove unnecessary obstacles for the production of housing, job growth, and implementation of green energy measures. 



Department of Transportation to Double On-Street Carshare Program

On March 29, 2023, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced a major expansion on the citywide curbside carshare program. The expansion will add 270 new parking spaces to the already-existing 230-space pilot. The program, which began in 2018, is part of an effort by the city to cut greenhouse gas emissions by reducing car ownership and vehicle miles traveled.


City Announces Plan to Protect Vulnerable Landmarks

On April 7, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams, along with Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll and Buildings Acting Commissioner Kazimir Vilenchik announced a new action plan to improve enforcement tools to preserve historic buildings in New York City. The plan aims to protect landmarked buildings that are at risk of unknown structural conditions, neglect from owners, and negligence by contractors who work on site. The plan aims to enhance communication between Landmarks and Buildings to <Read More>


DOT Announces Expansion of On-Street Carshare Program Following Successful Pilot

On February 7, 2023, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) announced an expansion of a citywide curbside carshare program following a successful five-year pilot program. Carsharing allows participating members to access a vehicle for short-term use by hour or day whose cost includes maintenance. The cars are parked in publicly accessible locations to allow users to reserve vehicles, walk up to the reserved vehicle and use it, and then return it to the <Read More>