On November 22, 2023, the Department of Small Business Services announced the launch of Live NYC Map, an interactive database that includes a searchable map of the city’s small businesses and public-facing locations. The map launches ahead of Small Business Saturday, the part of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend where consumers are encouraged to explore and support local businesses for their holiday shopping.
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City Awarded $15 Million in Federal Funding to Plant and Maintain City Trees
On September 26, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded $15 million to the City to plant and maintain the City’s trees.
Council Passes Bill to Further Crack Down on Illegal Smoke Shops
The Council passed the bill the same day Governor Hochul announced additional state measures to address illegal smoke shops. On June 22, 2023, the City Council Committee on Public Safety passed a new bill to address New York City’s ongoing problem with unlicensed smoke shops. Int. 1001-B (2023), sponsored by Council Member Lynn Schulman from Queens, will hold landlords accountable for knowingly leasing a commercial premises to an unlicensed tenant who sells controlled substances or … <Read More>
Mayor Announces $6 Million Investment to Rehabilitate City’s Newest Landmark
On May 23, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced a $6 million investment to rehabilitate the former Colored School No. 4, the city’s newest landmark which was designated earlier that day. The school building, located at 128 West 17th Street in Chelsea, is the last remaining school building that exclusively served African American students. For CityLand’s coverage of the Landmarks vote and to learn more about the building’s history, click here.
Council Adopts Law to Extend Waivers of Accessory Sign Violations
On March 19, 2023 the New York City Council adopted Local Law 43 (2023). The measure was originally introduced as Introduction 886 by Council Member Keith Powers in January 2023. The law extends a freeze on issuing penalties to property owners who are in violation of certain rules that govern accessory signage through January 1, 2025. A previous freeze was already put into place via Local Law 28 (2019) which started June of 2019.
Mayor Appoints New Board of Standards and Appeals Chair and Vice Chair
On December 30, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Shampa Chanda as the new Chair of the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) and Salvatore Scibetta as the new Vice Chair. The Board of Standards and Appeals hears individual applications for exceptions and changes to zoning regulations that may overly restrict specific properties where a broader change to the zoning text and map is unnecessary.