New signage in Quisqueya Plaza. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

On February 27, 2023, the New York City Department of Transportation announced an investment of $7 million to bring capital upgrades to Quisqueya Plaza in Inwood. Located on Dyckman Street between Broadway and Seaman Avenue, the plaza was the first Open Street location to become a permanent plaza in 2021.  (more…)

Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. Image Credit: Mayor Eric Adams/Twitter.

On February 16, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Ya-Ting Liu as the City’s first Chief Public Realm Officer. The role of the Chief Public Realm Officer will be to coordinate between government, community organization and the private sector to develop public spaces citywide. The Chief Public Realm Officer will help execute a plan to invest $375 million to develop public spaces citywide, as well as help develop the city’s permanent outdoor dining plan in partnership with the City Council. For more information about the permanent outdoor dining plan, click here.  (more…)

Signage for the new carshare spaces. Image Credit: NYC DOT.

On February 7, 2023, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) announced an expansion of a citywide curbside carshare program following a successful five-year pilot program. Carsharing allows participating members to access a vehicle for short-term use by hour or day whose cost includes maintenance. The cars are parked in publicly accessible locations to allow users to reserve vehicles, walk up to the reserved vehicle and use it, and then return it to the same spot. The agency will install new signage for 80 new dedicated curbside parking spaces in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens for carshare services.  (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…)

DOT Commissioner Rodriguez joins Council Member Crystal Hudson, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and community leaders for the ribbon cutting of the new expanded pedestrian plaza on Underhill Avenue. Image Credit: NYC DOT.

On January 21, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced the completion of a new pedestrian plaza on Underhill Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Street in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. Agency and elected officials joined community partners in celebrating the ribbon cutting for the new plaza, which includes an extension of Lowry Triangle into the roadway.  (more…)