Ground Broken on $5 Million Renovation of Beach 59th Street Playground in Queens

The Arverne, Queens community is receiving a renovated playground so they can use it for years to come. On August 12, 2022, NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Mike Dockett, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson, Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, representatives from Queens Community Board 14, and community members gathered for an official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement on the $5 million renovation of Beach … <Read More>


No rent abatement during shutdown

Hugo Boss store at Columbus Circle which was forced to close by COVID-19 executive order sought rent relief. Hugo Boss operates a retail store in The Shops at Columbus Circle in New York City. A/R Retail LLC is the landlord for this luxury indoor mall. Hugo Boss entered into a 13-year lease at the location as a way to gain visibility in the heavily trafficked location catering to premium market customers. Hugo Boss’s rent was … <Read More>



NYC’s Speed Cameras Go 24/7

Since the automated enforcement program launched in 2014, speeding violations dropped on average of 72 percent at camera locations. On August 1, 2022, all of the City’s speed cameras began operating 24/7/365. This change stems from June 24’s passage of a state law amending speed camera hours. The bill’s prime sponsors in the State Assembly and Senate were Assembly Member Deborah Glick and State Senator Andrew Gounardes, respectively.


DDC Announces First-Ever Pre-Qualified List for M/WBE General Contractors’ Benefit

On July 13, 2022, the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley announced the creation of the City’s first Pre-Qualified List, strictly for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises general contractors. The Pre-Qualified List was designed to provide Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises general contractors with first dibs over Department of Design and Construction projects between $500,000 and $2.99 million. In this way, construction contracts can be awarded faster and projects can be … <Read More>


Mayor’s Office Releases Homeowner Handbook

This comprehensive guide is designed to help more New Yorkers achieve home ownership, particularly in low income communities and communities of color. On July 27, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams released the “Homeowner Handbook: Protecting and Maintaining Home in NYC”. The handbook is designed to help New Yorkers navigate the responsibilities of homeownership, and provides resources for homeowners to protect and maintain their homes.