Image credit: GoogleMaps
The City Planning Commission approves the rezoning of five-acres on the waterfront of the Harlem River. On August 23, 2017, the City Planning Commission approved an application by the New York City Economic Development Corporation to establish a Special Harlem River Waterfront Subdistrict for future development in the Bronx. The application included the sale of city-owned property to the Development Corporation, a zoning map and text amendment, and a special permit to reduce parking requirements. (read more…)
Rendering of Queens Far Rockaway Branch Public Library by Snøhetta. Image credit: NYC EDC
City Council approved a 22-block rezoning of Downtown Far Rockaway, Queens. On September 7, 2017, the City Council approved a large-scale rezoning and development plan for Downtown Far Rockaway by a vote of 46-0. The resolutions will create a Special Downtown Far Rockaway district, a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area, and an Urban Renewal Area. $288 million has been secured to grant amenities this community has been requesting for over 40 years. (read more…)
Tin Building Rendering, South Street Seaport. Image Credit: SHoP Architects.
The Tin Building will be elevated to bring it out of 100-year flood plain, and it will be restored to its market use as part of the larger Seaport development. On March 22, 2016, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered and approved a proposal to dismantle the Tin Building, built as part of the Fulton Fish Market in 1907, and move, restore and reconstruct the structure within the South Street Seaport Historic District. The building, once the main market building for the Fulton Fish Market, lies at the foot of Pier 17, facing South Street. The building’s renovation and reactivation will be done as part of the larger redevelopment of the Seaport being undertaken by the Howard Hughes Corporation. Landmarks previously approved the demolition of a mall on Pier 17, and the creation of a new retail building with public amenities in 2012. (read more…)
Pratt Center for Community Development
Study discusses solutions for achieving the expansion of affordable housing without sacrificing high-paying industrial jobs. On May 8, 2015 the Pratt Center for Community Development released a study, “Making Room for Housing and Jobs”. The study analyzed the relationship between land use policies and the declining trend of industrial expansion across the city. The study also discussed the possible consequences of the Administration’s plans to add additional mixed-use districts which they hope will provide for the creation of new affordable housing. Earlier this month the City Council’s Land Use committee held an oversight hearing on land use policy, specifically, the protection of the city’s industrial sector.
(read more…)
HPD Commissioner Vicki Been addresses the annual luncheon of Women in Housing and Finance. At right: WHF board member Arianna Sacks Rosenberg. Image credit: Women in Housing and Finance
HPD will permit architect self-certification and expand M/WBE developer opportunities. On October 7, 2014, Commissioner Vicki Been of the NYC Housing Preservation and Development gave the keynote address to the annual luncheon of Women in Housing and Finance. Commissioner Been elaborated on and announced new HPD initiatives to advance Mayor Bill de Blasio’s affordable housing plan.
(read more…)
John C. Liu
The City’s Economic Development Corporation is famous for doling out corporate welfare without making sure that the companies that get those tax breaks and subsidies produce jobs.
Our latest discovery, however, shows just how wasteful and disgraceful that agency’s actions can be.
My Audit Bureau uncovered a secret deal that the EDC made in 1998 with the Marriott Marquis Hotel that could cost our taxpayers at least $345 million. In fact, it may be the worst deal since Manhattan was sold for $24.
(read more…)
