Homeowner denied repair funds

Brooklyn resident sought City funds to repair damages allegedly caused by Super Storm Sandy. Christopher McCollum applied to the Build it Back program through the Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations for financial help to repair his house at 500 Marlborough Rd in Brooklyn. McCollum claimed that Super Storm Sandy, which hit New York City on October 22, 2012, damaged his home. McCollum claimed funds were needed to repair broken and cracked windows and damage … <Read More>


New Zoning Rules Adopted to Protect Coastal Areas from Climate Change

The citywide zoning changes will help to keep New York City coastal residents and businesses more prepared for climate change. On May 12, 2021, Mayor de Blasio announced new zoning rules to help protect homes and business located in New York City’s floodplain from climate change. The Zoning for Coastal Flood Resiliency, approved by the City Council earlier that day, helps to withstand and recover from major disasters and rising sea levels.


City Releases Rainfall-Based Flooding Analysis for Flood Preparedness

Climate change is projected to have a dramatic effect on rainfall in New York City through 2100; the new plan provides projections for being prepared for these changes. On May 14, 2021, Mayor de Blasio released New York City’s Stormwater Resiliency Plan. The plan provides the City’s first city-wide flood analysis caused by rain which can cause flooding in any part of the city.


East Side Coastal Resiliency Project Construction to Begin

The ambitious project will help to protect the East Side community and provide new improvements to many parks. On April 15, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced major construction on the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project. The $1.45 billion project will extend flooding protections and improve open spaces.  Neighborhoods that were heavily affected by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 will now be home to one of New York City’s most ambitious infrastructure and climate justice projects. … <Read More>


Mayor Announces John Scrivani as Expected Commissioner of Emergency Management

Scrivani is a 14-year veteran of the NYPD with extensive experience in emergency management. On March 17, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the expected appointment of John Scrivani as the Commissioner of New York City Emergency Management. The expected appointment follows the pending approval of current Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell as Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by the U.S. Senate. 


Mayor Appoints Keri Butler as Acting Executive Director of the Public Design Commission

Butler has been serving the Public Design Commission in various roles for 15 years. On December 16, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Keri Butler as the Acting Executive Director of the Public Design Commission (PDC). The Public Design Commission serves as the City’s design review agency. The Commission oversees the design of permanent structures, landscape architecture and art proposed on City-owned property, and considers the appropriateness of the design, the materials used, how the … <Read More>