Regional Plan Association event featured a variety of discussions on how the New York metropolitan region might face climate change, tackle transportation advancements. The Regional Plan Association, a non-profit urban research and advocacy organization, focuses on planning for economic competitiveness, quality of life, and long-term sustainability in the region that includes New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Orange counties, western Connecticut and northern New Jersey. On April 19, 2013, the Association held its 23rd Annual Assembly to discuss the challenges the region faces, and to plan a livable, sustainable, and economically strong future for the area. The Association recently commenced work on its regional plan, which will be the fourth since the organization’s inception in 1929. The plan will address climate change, deteriorating infrastructure, population increases in urban centers, and the lack of affordable housing, among other issues.
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Elijah M. Hutchinson, the new Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. Image Credit: Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice.
On September 25, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams appointed Elijah M. Hutchinson as the new executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. (more…)
On September 19, the New York City Department of City Planning announced the date for the first public Jamaica Neighborhood Plan meeting. The meeting will take place at York College on September 30 at 11 a.m. and offer attendees the chance to learn about existing issues in the neighborhood and express what they would like to see changed. (more…)

Rendering of 534 Coney Island Avenue. Image Credit: NYC DCP.
On August 23, 2023, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for the 534 Coney Island Avenue project, an application that would enable the construction of a mixed commercial and residential use building in the Flatbush and Kensington area of Brooklyn. The proposed building site is currently a fast-food restaurant. The applicant seeks to rezone part of the block surrounded by Hinckley Place to the north, Coney Island Avenue to the east, Beverly Road to the south, and East 8th Street to the west. Middle School 890 is located across Hinckley Place from the proposed site. (more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.
On August 3, 2023, the City Council passed Int. 289-A, which requires the Department of Transportation to create a searchable map of the City’s bike lanes. The bill was sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera. (more…)