The public school building’s design and details set it apart from other school buildings built during the early 20th century. On June 9, 2020, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar Public School 48 in Jamaica, Queens for designation as an individual landmark. Public School 48, located at 155-02 108th Avenue, is an Art Deco style three-story public school building designed by Walter C. Martin.
Comptroller’s NYCHA Boiler Repair Audit Reveals Inspection Problems
Audit of NYCHA’s Controls over Heat Maintenance revealed inefficiencies in work order tracking system and inadequate boiler inspection. On May 28, 2020, the Office of the Comptroller released the results of its audit of the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) controls over heat maintenance. The audit report stated that NYCHA’s current system for tracking heating complaints is inefficient, and NYCHA’s system for tracking its boilers is inaccurate and uncomprehensive. NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer called … <Read More>
Mapping the New Senate, Assembly & Congressional Districts
New York State in 2021 must redraw the State’s senate, assembly and congressional districts. The process will be different from the process used to draw legislative and congressional district lines in the past. Previously, the State legislature redrew the districts for its own members and for the State’s congressional members. After years of efforts to reform a process seen as too self-interested, New York State voters in 2014 approved an amendment to the State constitution … <Read More>
Real Estate: Key Industry to Return to Work in Phase 2 of Reopening
Brokerages may show properties, under regulation, as part of Phase 2 reopening. On June 22, 2020, New York City officially entered Phase 2 of the State’s COVID-19 reopening plan. In addition to the opening of in-person retail and sidewalk seating for restaurants, the real estate industry was a key industry permitted to reopen. This applies to residential property management companies, real estate brokers, building inspectors, appraisers and related building operators.
City Announces Affordable Housing Tool Amid Gap in Capital Budget
NYC Housing Connect tool intends to make affordable housing searches a more user-friendly experience. On June 16, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the launch of “NYC Housing Connect,” an online tool for finding and applying for affordable housing. The new system provides upgrades from its predecessor through a collaborative effort by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, user-design experts and collected public feedback.
London Terrace case remanded
Landlord classified rental apartments as being destabilized and charged tenants market rate rents despite receiving J-51 tax benefits. London Terrace Gardens, located along West 23rd Street in Manhattan and built in 1930, occupies an entire block and has 1700 apartments. After the enactment of the Rent Regulation Reform Act of 1993, London Terrace Gardens began deregulating rent-stabilized apartments through high-rent vacancy decontrol. London Terrace Gardens subsequently received J-51 tax abatement and exemption benefits after … <Read More>