Council Subcommittee Hears Proposal for Two Mixed-Use Towers in Long Island City

Community members voiced concerns about infrastructure and affordability for the proposed addition of almost 500 units. On September 17, 2018, the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises heard an application by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) for a proposed two-building mixed-use, mixed-income project on Jackson Avenue in Long Island City, Queens. The developers, Lions Group NYC, and Fetner Properties, also applied … <Read More>


COMPLETE VIDEO – Open Space Dialogues: Parks & Transportation

On October 9, 2018, New York Law School hosted New Yorkers for Parks for their Open Space Dialogues: Parks & Transportation. The event was kicked off by Joel Steinhaus, Chairman of New Yorkers for Parks, who was introduced by Executive Director Lynn Kelly. Mr. Steinhaus began by welcoming everyone to the second year of Open Space Dialogues, with the focus of this year’s dialogues on parks, open space and the public realm. He … <Read More>


Extraordinary Community Efforts Lead to Landmarks Victory in Carroll Gardens

Carroll Gardens newest landmarks are a preservation of a rich history of service to the neighborhood. On September 18, 2018, the Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously approved individual landmark designation of the Hans S. Christian Memorial Kindergarten at 236 President Street and adjacent 238 President Street House in the Carroll Gardens community in Brooklyn. The approvals came following strong appeal from the community to designate the properties as landmarks in order to preserve not only … <Read More>


Owner Fined For Tenants’ Illegal Sublets

Tenants rented apartments for transient use without owner’s knowledge. Pamela Equities Corp. owns and operates a building with 94 apartments located at 132 East 45th Street, Manhattan.  On October 23, 2014, the Department of Buildings served Pamela Equities with a notice of violation for illegal conversion of apartments 4G and 9C from permanent residences to transient use.  Following a hearing, the Environmental Control Board imposed a civil penalty of $5,800 and an additional discretionary … <Read More>


“Love Your Block” Initiative Launched To Support Local Change Through Community

The NYC Service and Citizens Committee have launched program to provide grants to support 25 community groups in improving their neighborhood. On September 24, 2018, the NYC Service and Citizens Committee for New York City announced the launch of the 2019 “Love Your Block” Program which will provide $1,000 grants to 25 different community groups. The application requires community groups and leaders to provide a detailed action plan for engaging local residents in participating in … <Read More>


Greenpoint Hospital To Become Affordable Housing

Former hospital site will feature 512 affordable units and a new shelter for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. On September 13, 2018, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced that a team had been selected to transform the Greenpoint Hospital site into a mixed-use development. The new development located at 288 Jackson Street will feature approximately 512 affordable units and a new shelter for 200 New Yorkers.