Landmarks Chair testified that changes could be better promulgated through agency rule-making rather than by legislative fiat. On September 9, 2015 the City Council held a hearing on two potential bills that would alter the Landmarks Law section of the Administrative Code. The hearing drew a crowd that filled the main Council chamber, with over 100 people filling out forms to testify on the proposals.
City Council
Construction of 171 Low-Income Senior Residential Units Approved for Mott Haven Site
West Side Federation will build new units adjacent to an existing, low-income residential building and add additional community and commercial space. On August 13, 2015, the City Council approved West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure application to build a development around the pre-existing Borinquen Court building, which is a low-income residential building geared towards senior citizens and physically-disabled individuals. The development would be located in Council District … <Read More>
Council Approves Conversion of Saint Vincent’s Triangle into City Parkland with AIDS Memorial
Privately-owned open space will be converted into a new City park that includes an aptly-placed Aids memorial across the street from the former-Saint Vincent’s Hospital. On August 13, 2015, the City Council approved West Village Residences, LLC and the Department of Parks and Recreation’s application to transfer ownership of WVR-owned open space to the City and officially map the space as City parkland. The open space is bounded by Seventh Avenue South, West … <Read More>
Council Hears Testimony on Amendment to Noise Control Code
Proposed law would restrict activities conducted on construction sites located in close proximity to a school while classes are being held. On June 25, 2015, the City Council Committee on Environmental Protection held a public hearing on Intro 420, which would restrict the level of permissible noise emitted from construction sites located within 75 feet of either a public or private school. The proposed law would prohibit construction noise above 45 decibels during normal … <Read More>
Council Amends Zoning Text to Accelerate Sandy Recovery
Amendment streamlines process for reconstruction, elevation of homes. On July 23, 2015 the City Council approved an amendment to the zoning text relating to homes in areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The amendment is designed to remove complications faced by 2,000 owners of one- and two-family homes in Staten Island, Southern Queens, and Southern Brooklyn who have been working to rebuild and elevate their homes in the event of another flood, while lowering the cost … <Read More>
Council Approves Hospital for Special Surgery Expansion
Expansion is designed to increase Hospital’s operating-room capacity. On July 23, 2015 the City Council approved a special permit for expansion of the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The expansion will increase HSS’ lot coverage by 2,820 square feet. The permit was unanimously approved by the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises on July 20 and by the Committee on Land Use on July 21.