Court enjoins Washington Square renovation

Plans sent back to Community Board, Landmarks and Art Commission. Under Parks’ plan to renovate Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, the off-center fountain would be moved 22 feet to align it with the park’s famous arch at its Fifth Avenue entrance. The new fountain would be raised to grade level, have a 45-foot high water plume, and be 23 percent smaller than its current size. Parks received approvals for renovations from Manhattan’s Community Board … <Read More>


Court dismisses late challenge to Museum’s renovation plans

Opponents filed claim 31 months too late. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which leases the land in Central Park from Parks under an 1871 directive of the state legislature, proposed to renovate the museum in 2000 and presented a detailed plan to Parks and Landmarks. The plan called for a new loading dock, the addition of public cafeterias and new auditoriums. Parks Commissioner Henry Stern signed off on the plan in December 2002, noting that … <Read More>


Union Square challenge to restaurant dismissed

Union Square Park renovation plan. Image:Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates

Challenge to Union Square Park renovation dismissed. Image:Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.

Local group opposed Parks’ plan to relocate restaurant. Parks’ renovation of Union Square Park included a redesigned playground, a new comfort station, and a restored historic pavilion at the northern end of the park. The project also included moving a private seasonal restaurant, located south of the pavilion, into the pavilion. The Union Square Community … <Read More>


Governor Announces Funding for Almost 1,100 Affordable Homes Statewide, Including Brooklyn and the Bronx

On April 8, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul announced $412 million in bonds and subsidies to create and preserve nearly 1,100 affordable homes statewide, including four projects in the Bronx and Brooklyn. The awards are part of the Governor’s five-year $25 billion housing plan to preserve or create 100,000 affordable homes statewide with 10,000 supportive homes. 


HPD and DSS Announce Pilot Program to Renovate Chronically Vacant Rent Stabilized Units

On December 18, 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the Department of Social Services announced the start of a new pilot program that helps New Yorkers move out of shelters and into renovated rent-stabilized apartments. The program, Unlocking Doors, is now accepting applications from owners of rent-stabilized buildings with rental units that need repairs. 


City Releases Details for “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” Zoning Text Amendment

On September 21, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams released the details for his “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal. The proposal aims to increase the development of and access to affordable housing throughout New York City through changes to the City’s zoning code. The Mayor’s Office touts that the initiative could add 10,000 homes to expected housing production over the next 15 years, create 260,000 temporary and 6,300 permanent jobs, and provide $58.2 billion in … <Read More>