City Releases Rainfall-Based Flooding Analysis for Flood Preparedness

Climate change is projected to have a dramatic effect on rainfall in New York City through 2100; the new plan provides projections for being prepared for these changes. On May 14, 2021, Mayor de Blasio released New York City’s Stormwater Resiliency Plan. The plan provides the City’s first city-wide flood analysis caused by rain which can cause flooding in any part of the city.


$75 Million Enhancement of Staten Island Bluebelt Underway

Bluebelts improve the health of local waterways and increase nearby property values by managing stormwater and reducing flooding while protecting natural spaces. On October 1, 2020, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Vincent Sapienza, Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, and Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Lorraine Grillo announced that construction began on a $75 million enhancement of the Bluebelt program in the Mid-Island area of Staten Island.


New York City Green Roof Laws Take Effect

Green Roofs and Solar Roof Systems should help buildings throughout the city maintain appropriate temperatures while cutting down on energy costs and emissions. On November 15, 2019, the Department of Buildings announced the effectiveness of Local Laws 92 and 94 of 2019. Local Law 92 (Intro 0276) was originally introduced by Council Member Donovan J. Richards on January 31, 2018 and Local Law 94 (Intro 1032) was introduced by Council Member Rafael L. Espinal, Jr. … <Read More>


Cas Holloway Discusses Department of Environmental Protection Initiatives

Cas Holloway, as commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, is responsible for protecting the City’s environment. This includes ensuring that clean drinking water from upstate aqueducts reach the City’s 950,000 buildings and that the City’s 14,000 miles of water and sewer mains remain in good working order. The agency also plays a major role in implementing PlaNYC by promoting the use of modern, “green” infrastructure.

Holloway joined the Department of Parks and Recreation under … <Read More>


Court orders advance condemnation payment

Over one year after City took title of Staten Island property,owner had not received advance payment. As part of the 1989 stormwater management plan developed for Staten Island, the City began acquiring property consisting of stream corridors and wetlands collectively known as the Bluebelt. One property, owned by Ramfis Realty, was part of the eminent domain acquisition approved by the City Council in 2005. Although title had passed to the City in 2008, Ramfis had … <Read More>


Council Hears Proposal For Bruckner Expressway Development

Located in a low-density area with few affordable homes, the four proposed apartment buildings would require a controversial rezoning. On September 7, 2022, the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises held a public hearing to discuss a proposed rezoning in Throggs Neck, Bronx. If the rezoning is approved by the City Council, developer Throggs Neck Associates, LLC will construct four mixed-use apartment buildings at four different sites off the Bruckner Expressway. The project area … <Read More>