
Matt Gewolb, Legislative Director, NYC Council.
Matt Gewolb began serving as Legislative Director for the New York City Council under Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito in June 2014. Although he holds among the most powerful staff positions at the Council, Matt is revered for his modesty, incredible intelligence and for putting the goals of the Council before all else. The 32 year old already has amassed a resume with diverse experiences, achievements and outcomes, rich with advice that should be heeded by anyone interested in pursuing or continuing a career in New York City law and government. (more…)

Proposed Rendering for 112 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn. Image Credit: BKSK Architects.
Testimony in opposition to new 4-story brick-clad building focused on contemporary design and size of bulkhead. On November 18, 2014, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered a proposal to construct a new building at 112 Atlantic Avenue, at the corner of Henry Street, in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill Historic District. The site is currently occupied by a 1960s gas station. The applicants proposed a new four-story residential building, with ground-floor commercial uses, and a garage for residents. (more…)

Rendering of 2 Fillmore Place Project. Image Credit: Christoff Finio
Applicants say wood in proposed façade would mirror the tone of the historic district’s primarily masonry fabric in contemporary language. On July 8, 2014, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, in its first meeting headed by new Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan, considered a proposal for a new building on a vacant lot at 2 Fillmore Place, at the corner of Driggs Avenue, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The site lies in the Fillmore Place Historic District, a 29-property district that was designated in 2009. The proposed structure would be used as preschool, utilizing the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy. (more…)
On June 19, 2012, one lone gunman entered a small pharmacy in Medford, Long Island. Seven gunshots later, four people lay dead—killed at close range without signs of resistance. Three days later, David Laffer and his wife, Melinda Brady, were arrested. Laffer was charged with first-degree murder. Melinda Brady, driver of the getaway car, was charged with third-degree robbery. (more…)

Ross Sandler
On Thursday, March 20, 2014, a lively audience filled the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College to discuss Mayor John V. Lindsay. The occasion was the publishing of Summer in the City, John Lindsay, New York and the American Dream, edited by Hunter College Professor Joseph P. Viteritti. The audience came to hear two star-studded panels, the first moderated by Sam Roberts of the New York Times with Richard Ravitch, Lilliam Barrios-Paoli and Vincent Cannato. The second moderated by Errol Louis of NY1 and featuring former close Lindsay aides, Sid Davidoff, Ronnie Eldridge, Peter Goldmark and Jay Kriegel. The audience was not disappointed. (more…)