Multiple lawsuits have challenged both the temporary and proposed permanent open restaurant programs. On August 18, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced a new enforcement initiative with multiple city agencies to remove abandoned outdoor dining sheds. The City’s temporary open restaurants program allowed for restaurants to build outdoor shed structures on sidewalks and in roadways to allow for safer outdoor dining during the pandemic. However, some of these structures have been abandoned by restaurants that have … <Read More>
Mayor
City Receives $7.25 Million Grant to Expand and Revitalize Greenways
For the first time in nearly 30 years, the city is developing a plan to expand and fill gaps in greenways across all five boroughs. On August 22, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced that New York City has received a $7.5 million grant from the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program that will be dedicated to plan for a major expansion of the greenway network citywide.
“Tommie L. Agee” Educational Campus Opens in Queens
Members of the 1969 “Amazin” Mets and the late outfielder’s family joined city officials at the opening of I.S. 419. On August 26, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams, the Department of Education (DOE), and School Construction Authority (SCA) celebrated the opening of the Tommie L. Agee Educational Campus, I.S. 419. Located at 111-12 Astoria Blvd in East Elmhurst, Queens, I.S. 419 will serve 646 students from grades 6-8 and help alleviate crowding in the area for … <Read More>
Mayor’s Office, SBS Launch Equitable Cannabis Industry Initiative
“Cannabis NYC” intends to boost the city’s economy while rectifying harm caused to Black and brown communities under cannabis prohibition. On August 22, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams and Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim announced the launch of Cannabis NYC. The initiative will support entrepreneurs and employees as the industry develops, providing the city’s first-ever technical assistance for cannabis license applicants and additional business services.
Mayor Announces $1.5 Million Investment in Small Business Resource Network
On July 26, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced a $1.5 million investment in the NYC Small Business Resource Network. Building on commitments from the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Blueprint, this investment will allow the resource network to extend programming through 2023.
Mayor Announces Completion of Two Far Rockaway Projects
In addition to 224 affordable homes, street safety improvements have been implemented in downtown Far Rockaway. On August 4, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced the completion of two projects in downtown Far Rockaway, delivering on key commitments in 2016’s Downtown Far Rockaway Roadmap for Action. Together, both projects brought $234 million in investment to the neighborhood.