DOT Announces Second Round of 2023 Open Streets

On June 26, 2023, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced a second round of 2023 Open Streets, which will add 13 new Open Street locations throughout the City. Open Streets is a program that temporarily transforms busy city streets into a car-free oasis for pedestrians, cyclists and children engaging in recreational activities. The Open Streets program encourages utilizing streets in new ways that make them more accessible and enjoyable for all New Yorkers.



Court upholds verdict that City at fault for man who drowned in pool

Parents of deceased son win damages against the City. On July 13, 2011, Bohdan Vitenko drowned in Lyons Pool in the Tompkinsville section of Staten Island. Lyons pool is owned and operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Vitenko, then 21-years old, was exercising in the pool with his friend Jonathan Proce for an extended period of time. The Olympic-sized pool measured 165 feet by 100 feet. It was 3.5 feet … <Read More>


City Celebrates Groundbreaking for Animal Care Center in Baychester

On May 18, 2023, Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley, Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan, and Animal Care Centers of NYC Chief Executive Officer Risa Weinstock joined community members and advocates to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new Animal Care Center at 2050 Bartow Avenue in the Baychester section of the Bronx. The Animal Care Centers are overseen by the Department of Health and operated by Animal Care Centers of <Read More>


DCP Announces New Zoning Relief Proposal for South Richmond Homeowners

On April 3, 2023, the New York City Department of City Planning announced its South Richmond Zoning Relief proposal after years of planning with Staten Island communities in the Special South Richmond Development District of the South Shore. The proposal will simplify the approval process for simple home projects that require zoning clearances, such as pool installations or other home improvements. The proposal will also enhance preservation efforts on larger land spaces and allow the … <Read More>


Mayor Appoints Jimmy Oddo as DOB Commissioner; Molly Wasow Park as DSS Commissioner

On April 27, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced his appointments for Commissioners for the Department of Buildings and Department of Social Services. Jimmy Oddo will be the new commissioner of the Department of Buildings, and Molly Wasow Park will be the new commissioner for the Department of Social Services, after serving as Acting Commissioner since March 2023. 

Jimmy Oddo – Department of Buildings Commissioner

Jimmy Oddo received a bachelor’s degree in history from Fordham University <Read More>