DDC Announces First-Ever Pre-Qualified List for M/WBE General Contractors’ Benefit

On July 13, 2022, the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley announced the creation of the City’s first Pre-Qualified List, strictly for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises general contractors. The Pre-Qualified List was designed to provide Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises general contractors with first dibs over Department of Design and Construction projects between $500,000 and $2.99 million. In this way, construction contracts can be awarded faster and projects can be … <Read More>


Small Business Services Awards $3.8 Million in Nonprofit Grants

Funding from the Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 grant programs will be awarded to 24 nonprofits working towards pandemic recovery in low to moderate income neighborhoods. On July 13, 2022, the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) announced it will award $3.8 million in multi-year grants through the Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 programs. This investment will be divided among 24 community-based development organizations working in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods.


Construction Co. loses noise case

OATH Appeals Board overturns Hearing Officer’s earlier determination. On October 14, 2020, in front of 159 West 48th Street in Manhattan, an officer from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) detected unreasonable noise from steel street plates permeating from Triumph’s Construction site, an indication that the steel plates were installed improperly.  The officer measured the noise decibels emitting from the steel plates, confirmed it exceeded the mandated limit, and issued Triumph Construction a summons.


COMMENTARY: Could Landmarks Have Saved Dangler House? City Should Conduct Post-Demolition Official Review

On July 21, 2022, the Jacob Dangler House at 441 Willoughby Avenue in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, was demolished less than two weeks after the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing to consider its designation as an Individual Landmark. Despite the attempt by Landmarks to save the Dangler House by commencing the designation process, the Commission has been criticized for not acting quickly enough. Could Landmarks have actually done more?


Mayor’s Office Releases Homeowner Handbook

This comprehensive guide is designed to help more New Yorkers achieve home ownership, particularly in low income communities and communities of color. On July 27, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams released the “Homeowner Handbook: Protecting and Maintaining Home in NYC”. The handbook is designed to help New Yorkers navigate the responsibilities of homeownership, and provides resources for homeowners to protect and maintain their homes.


City Announces Start of Construction for 103 Affordable Unit Development in Mount Hope

The $55 million mixed-use development in Mount Hope will house 103 low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers. On July 20, 2022, NYC Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the beginning of construction on an affordable housing development in Mount Hope, Bronx. The new building will be adjacent to the existing Mount Hope Community Center on Walton Avenue.