Developers violating stop-work orders now subject to greater fines, jail time. The City Council unanimously approved two bills, increasing the penalties for violating stop work orders or undertaking illegal demolition work on one- and two-family homes. Council Speaker Christine Quinn explained that the changes would improve construction safety by deterring builders from working without proper permits. Council Member Vincent Gentile noted that builders would no longer be able to write off fines and penalties as … <Read More>
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Babbo restaurant gets wine cellar
Variance required to expand restaurant. Babbo Realty, LLC, owner of the highly-rated Babbo restaurant at 110 Waverly Place in Greenwich Village’s R7-2 zone, sought to amend a 2002 variance to expand its cellar by 697 sq.ft. for wine storage. Babbo originally sought the 2002 variance because it was unclear from the certificates of occupancy whether the restaurant had operated continually at 110 Waverly. Under the site’s zoning, restaurants are prohibited unless it can be shown … <Read More>
DEP, DDC Celebrate the Completion of Rego Park and Forest Hills Water Main Upgrades Project
On May 1, 2024, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Design and Construction announced the completion of a $9 million infrastructure upgrade project in Rego Park and Forest Hills in Queens. The upgrades were made to ensure the long-term reliability of water service.
Mayor, Governor, and Port Authority Agreement to Support Port Authority Bus Terminal Replacement
On March 12, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced a deal to support the replacement and expansion of the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown. The 73-year-old facility currently serves over 200,000 people on an average weekday, but struggles to meet current needs. The replacement is expected to meet 2040-2050 commuter growth.
DOT, DEP, and DDC Finish $4.7 Million Infrastructure and Sidewalk Renovation Project in Westerleigh, Staten Island
On February 27, 2024, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), and NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced the completion of an infrastructure project in Westerleigh, Staten Island. The project upgraded water mains and sanitary sewers, added new storm sewers and improved roads and sidewalks. The entire project cost the City $4.7 million which was $1 million less than predicted and the project was finished on time.
City Selects Two Companies to Redesign Sidewalk Sheds as Part of City’s ‘Get Sheds Down’ Plan
On February 29, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams, Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo, and Mayor’s Office of Contract Services Director Lisa Flores announced the selection of two companies to redesign scaffolding sheds as part of the “Get Sheds Down” plan to improve sidewalk sheds. The companies, Arup US and Practice for Architecture and Urbanism, will work on six new designs to provide contractors with cost-effective options.