The sweeps will focus on approximately 1,100 sites performing facade work across New York City. On February 18, 2021, the Department of Buildings (DOB) announced the launch of a seven-week long facade and scaffold safety blitz. The campaign includes educational outreach to construction workers and other industry professionals and inspection sweeps of facade work sites citywide.
Mayor Appoints Lorraine Grillo as City “Recovery Czar”
Grillo has prior experience managing recovery efforts from after Superstorm Sandy. On February 22, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the appointment of Lorraine Grillo as the City’s Senior Advisor for Recovery. As “Recovery Czar”, Grillo will coordinate the City’s recovery agenda, “Recovery for All,” across City agencies and work with non-profits and the private sector. The “Recovery for All” agenda highlights vaccination efforts, addressing unemployment, inequality, neighborhood policing, environmental justice issues and … <Read More>
Mayor Announces Start of Environmental Justice Study
The process will be a comprehensive study of environmental justice issues with the goal of developing a citywide Environmental Justice Plan to combat the issues. On February 9, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the launch of the Environmental Justice for All Report, a comprehensive study of environmental justice issues. The report will study and collect information from various communities on environmental justice issues and work to formulate a plan to end the burden of … <Read More>
Mayor and SBS Launch “Shop Your City: BE NYC” to Support Local Black-Owned Businesses
The campaign aims to support businesses who have continued to serve their communities during the pandemic. On February 18, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Small Business Services Commissioner Jonnel Doris announced “Shop Your City: BE NYC,” a new targeted campaign aimed to encourage New Yorkers to support local Black-owned businesses. Between February and April 2020, Black businesses as a whole saw a 41 percent decrease in business activity. While the pandemic has hit all … <Read More>
NYCHA Announces $261 Million in Completed Renovations for Three Developments in the Bronx
The private and non-profit partnership allows for more funding while maintaining resident public housing rights. On February 17, 2021, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) announced the completion of upgrades in three NYCHA developments across the Bronx. The upgrades at the Baychester, Murphy, and Betances Houses impact 54 buildings and 1,810 units and are the home to an estimated 4,300 people. The renovations cost $261 million.
Parks Dept Seeking Operators for Recreational Facilities in Central Park
The City plans on finding new operators for two famous New York City staples from the 1950s. On February 5, 2021, New York City Parks issued two requests for operation and maintenance of facilities within Central Park: Wollman Rink and the Friedsam Memorial Carousel.