Environmental Control Board Finds Post Office Subject to City Jurisdiction

ECB found federal Postal Service not exempted from Noise Code on grounds of preemption.  On April 4, 2014 the Department of Environmental Protection issued a notice of violation against the Staten Island Main Post Office for operating an air conditioning unit in excess of the allowable decibel limit under the City Noise Code.  The Post Office contested the notice with the Environmental Control Board, arguing the United States Postal Service was “an independent establishment … <Read More>


Citizens Win Protection of Historic Tobacco Warehouse

Court ruled that the National Park Service unlawfully removed warehouse and adjacent building from park boundaries. In 2001, the National Park Service awarded to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to help fund a cove restoration project in Empire Fulton Ferry Park in DUMBO, Brooklyn. The Park Service’s grant was contingent on the State Office of Parks agreeing that the restoration project … <Read More>


City Announces Award of Over $70 Million in Grants for Electric School Buses, Electric Vehicle Charging at Hunts Point

On March 18, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams announced that New York City received $77 million in grants through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand the number of electric school buses and trucks citywide and the creation of the nation’s first freight electric vehicle charging hub. 


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. 


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.


DEP Begins Enforcement Push Against Delinquent Water Accounts

On February 13, 2024, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced new enforcement efforts to collect a total of $124 million owed by chronically delinquent water service accounts. The agency categorizes approximately 2,900 accounts as chronically delinquent. Previously, the agency ran a temporary amnesty program that allowed New Yorkers to pay off their water bill debts without interest and in addition granted $8 million in billing credits to low-income accounts. This saved … <Read More>