Peaceful protests, protected by the First Amendment, are fundamental to our constitutional system and to democracy. Peaceful protest marches and rallies have been instrumental in bringing about significant change in racial, gender, LGBTQ and economic equality; reproductive rights; climate policy; capital punishment; housing; criminal justice, and voting rights. Yet in recent years appropriate venues have been unavailable for large peaceful protests, raising the question of whether City practices inappropriately limit the exercise of First Amendment … <Read More>
Search Results for: Special Permit
How to Enjoy Fireworks in NYC Legally this Summer
All types of fireworks are illegal throughout New York City and any person who violates the law could be subject to fines and/or jail time. There is something special when a firework is lit and sent into the sky, exploding with a beautiful array of colors. Each firework is unpredictable. The noise can be too much to bear for some, but for others it is like you are a kid again when you see fireworks … <Read More>
Community Block Parties
Local Community Boards are an integral part of the approval process to close down a City street for a block party. As the cold, gray dreariness of winter in New York City subsides and the summer weather brings the City streets back to life, block party season is right around the corner. Throughout the streets of New York City, thousands of street related-events are held annually. In the interests of ensuring safety and maintaining … <Read More>
Barbe-“Cues” For NYC BBQs This Summer; What The Law Says You Can And Can’t Do
The NYC Gas and Fire codes strictly regulate the use of barbecue grills by residents within the five boroughs. According to the Department of Buildings there are several different types of barbecues that are regulated by the NYC Gas and Fire codes including propane, electric, charcoal, and natural gas grills. For each type of barbecue different safety standards and regulations may apply. It is essential to comply with the safety standards outlined by the codes … <Read More>
City Council Subcommittee Hears Jerome Avenue Rezoning Plan
Amidst opposition from community members and organizations, the Jerome Avenue Rezoning plan had its day at the City Council. On February 7, 2018, the City Council’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises held a public hearing on the application by the Department of City Planning and Department of Parks and Recreation for a zoning text amendment, zoning map amendment, and City Map amendment to de-map a portion of Corporal Fischer Place and to map new parkland … <Read More>
Four-Story Addition to Recently Designated Landmark Proposed
Developer’s representatives said application was presented as alternative to hardship application to demolish landmark; proposed four-story addition would celebrate and honor history of building. On January 9, 2017, Landmarks held a hearing for proposed work on 827-831 Broadway, an individual City landmark. The twin buildings—completed in 1867 and designed by Griffith Thomas—were recently designated landmarks for their commercial history, original cast-iron Italianate architecture, and their connection to 20th century art. The buildings … <Read More>