Plaza near 54-55 Myrtle Avenue as seen in September 2014. Image Credit: Google Maps.

Pedestrian injured in slip and fall on City-owned land under maintenance of the Business Improvement District. The City of New York owns a plaza located near 54-55 Myrtle Avenue in Queens. The plaza is a small park-like area and contains a winding sidewalk lined with trees and other landscape. The City contracted with the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District to maintain the plaza, including the maintenance of its sidewalk. (more…)

Part of a rendering for upgrades on Parsons Boulevard. Image Credit: NYC DOT.

On May 26, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams, the Department of City Planning, and the Department of Transportation announced the “Jamaica Neighborhood Plan,” a study that will identify new ways to create jobs, housing, and design improvements to streetscapes in Jamaica, Queens through a community-led planning process. (more…)

A flood gate is installed in the northern section of the park in February 2022. Image Credit: DDC.

On May 31, 2023, Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley,  Economic Development Corporation Executive Vice President Josh Kraus, elected officials, and community leaders celebrated the opening of the northern section of Stuyvesant Cove Park. The opened section of the park runs from East 20th Street to East 23rd Street along the East River; the remaining section of the park from East 18th Street to East 20th Street is expected to open this summer.  (more…)

The renovated Dugan Playground. Image Credit: Office of Council Member David Carr.

On February 8, 2023, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced the ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Gerard P. Dugan Playground in New Dorp, Staten Island. The playground is located in the middle of the block with Isernia Avenue to the north, Tysens Lane to the south, Mill Road to the west and Weed Avenue to the east. Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue was joined by Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, Council Member David Carr, community members, and students and representatives from the St. Charles School for the ribbon cutting.  (more…)

An example from the Dept. of City Planning’s presentation, highlighting how a change to a facade for better insulation may be hindered by floor area ratio restrictions. Click to enlarge. Image Credit: NYC DCP.

Commissioners raised early questions about implementation and funding issues. On January 30, 2023, the City Planning Commission held a review session and overview discussion for the proposed Zoning for Carbon Neutrality amendment, one of the three City of Yes amendments proposed by Mayor Eric Adams last year. The Zoning for Carbon Neutrality amendment aims to reduce or eliminate unnecessary restrictions within the zoning text that inhibit a developer or building owner from using sustainable technology and design in their properties. While the official text of the amendment is not finished at this time, this hearing provided an overview about the goals of the amendment and highlighted common issues to be addressed by the amendment. Department of City Planning Director of Zoning Frank Ruchala presented the overview of the amendment to the commission. (more…)