Render of the modular housing to be constructed to provide affordable homeownership opportunities in Southeast Queens. Image Credit: HPD.

On March 9, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced updates to two infrastructure and affordable housing projects in Southeast Queens.  (more…)

The zoning text amendment will allow the operation of sidewalk cafes in areas previously excluded under the zoning text. Image Credit: NYC DOT

City Council still needs to pass legislation establishing the program. On February 24, 2022, the City Council voted to approve the zoning text amendment that will remove geographical restrictions where sidewalk cafes can operate across the city. This vote completes the first step in the creation of a permanent open restaurant program.  (more…)

Roadway dining, like at this restaurant in Bay Ridge, will look like this and move away from enclosed sheds under the proposed permanent open restaurant plan. Image Credit: NYC DOT

Many elected officials raised concerns about DOT’s ability to handle the scale and capacity of a citywide permanent open restaurants program. On February 8, 2022, the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises held a joint hearing with the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection on the proposed permanent open restaurant program. The proposed permanent open restaurant program will replace the temporary program and establish a new streamlined program for the creation, management and enforcement of sidewalk and roadway cafes operated by the Department of Transportation.  As of the writing of this article, 12,133 restaurants and cafes are participating in the temporary open restaurant program, which is set to expire at the end of 2022. For CityLand’s prior coverage of the permanent open restaurants program approval process, click here. (more…)

Rendering of the new building at 98-81 Queens Boulevard. Image Credit: NYC CPC.

The developers agreed to seek deeper affordability prior to the City Planning public hearing. On January 19, 2022, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for a rezoning application that would allow for the construction of a mixed use residential and commercial building at 98-81 Queens Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens. The rezoning site is on a triangular shaped block with 66th Avenue to the north, 99th Street to the east, and Queens Boulevard to the southwest, and extends each street. The project site currently features one- and two- story commercial buildings, including the Tower Diner and former Trylon Theater. Several of the businesses on the block have already permanently closed.  (more…)

The upgraded Montefiore Plaza. Image Credit: NYC DDC.

Some of the upgrades include new benches, lighting, and trees. On January 27, 2022, the Departments of Design and Construction (DDC), Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection (DEP), and Parks and Recreation announced the completion of renovations to Montefiore Square in Harlem. Montefiore Square is a triangular plaza located between West 138th Street, Hamilton Place and Broadway. (more…)