Proposed City of Yes for Housing Opportunity Amendment to Help Faith-Based Orgs Build Affordable Housing

On March 22, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams announced details about the plan to assist faith-based organizations and other mission-based nonprofits to build affordable housing citywide. As part of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan, the administration’s third proposed zoning text changes that will remove outdated and arbitrary language from the zoning text that will allow for the creation of more housing.



City Planning Approves Green Fast Track Rule to Expedite Some Environmentally-Friendly Housing Projects

On March 20, 2024, the City Planning Commission voted to approve the Green Fast Track for Housing rule, a new rule to reduce the cost and time to approve certain modest and eco-friendly buildings by exempting them from review under the State Environmental Quality Review or City Environmental Quality Review laws. State law permits city agencies to have the authority to propose new rules that can allow certain projects to undergo a more streamlined process. 


City Planning Commission Votes to Approve City of Yes for Economic Opportunity Amendment

On March 6, 2024, the City Planning Commission voted to approve the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity zoning text amendment. The amendment, the second of Mayor Eric Adams’ three City of Yes proposals, is a collection of eighteen changes to the zoning text designed to remove obstacles for small businesses looking to expand and create more vibrant streetscapes. 


City Reveals New Garbage Truck Design in Latest Push for Trash Containerization

On February 1, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced a twofold plan to move forward with the commitment made by Mayor Adams to store all street trash in pickup containers. The plan includes the introduction of automated, side-loading garbage trucks and a data-driven containerization strategy set to begin to take place in Manhattan Community Board 9 (Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, Hamilton Heights) this year. The pilot aims to containerize one … <Read More>


DOT Releases Final Rules for Permanent Outdoor Dining Program

Almost two years after the City Planning Commission’s zoning text changes, applications for the permanent program are expected to open next month. On February 2, 2024, the Department of Transportation released the final rules for the permanent outdoor dining program, “Dining Out NYC.”  Through the new program, outdoor dining will be expanded citywide on sidewalks year-round and in roadways seasonally from April through November.