The bill reduces or eliminates some fines. On June 17, 2021, the City Council voted to pass a bill that reduces fines and allows opportunities to remedy certain violations for 185 civil penalties. Int. No. 2233-A, sponsored by Council Member Vanessa Gibson, provides civil penalty relief from 185 different sanitation, health, transportation, consumer affairs, noise control and buildings violations.
Comptroller’s DOB Audit Reveals Failures to Combat Illegal Curb Cuts and Driveways
Buildings facilitated the installation of illegal curb cuts and driveways by approving work permit applications that did not meet Zoning Resolution requirements. On July 1, 2021, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer released an audit of the Department of Buildings, finding widespread deficiencies in Buildings’ efforts to combat illegal curb cuts and driveways.
UPDATED: Work on apartment tower to continue after appeal
NOTE: This article was written for and previously appeared in an issue of CityLaw earlier this year, and was chosen for publication to CityLand prior to the issuance of a recent appeal decision that has now overturned this case. Please wait for future coverage of this issue.
Developer received permit to build record-setting skyscraper on the West Side of Manhattan. In November 2017, Extell Development Company unveiled plans to build a massive residential tower for … <Read More>
City Planning Holds Public Hearing for Addition of Dialysis Center to Nursing Home in Sheepshead Bay
The application will add square footage in the basement but not change the height of the building. On July 14, 2021, the City Planning Commission heard an application for an upgrade in residential rezoning to allow for the construction of a dialysis center and other changes at the Sheepshead Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at 2840 Knapp Street in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.
City’s POPS Reopen after COVID Restrictions Lifted
The spaces were closed to prevent the spread of COVID. As of July 1st, the Department of City Planning announced that all Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS) have reopened to the public. POPS are public spaces owned and maintained by private property owners under various zoning regulations at no cost to the City. There are nearly 600 POPS in existence today, in the forms of indoor and outdoor atriums, plazas, walkways, and other … <Read More>
Parks Dept Begins Little Neck Playground Upgrades with Accessible Play Equipment
Upgrades include new swings, sensory play equipment and new pavement. On July 15, 2021, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced the groundbreaking for renovations at Challenge Playground on 251 Street between 61st and 63rd Avenues in Little Neck, Queens. The upgrades will make the playground more accessible and inclusive.