Council Votes to Make Open Streets Program Permanent

The program began as a way to provide more public space during the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 29, 2021, the City Council voted to pass Int. 1933-A, a bill to make a permanent Open Streets program. The Open Streets program closes streets for a given time period to provide pedestrians and cyclists with open street space free of vehicular traffic. 


City Planning Launches Open House Webpage for Public Engagement with Four Future Bronx Metro-North Stations

The Department’s ongoing study uses community feedback to assess land use needs in the East Bronx. On April 30, 2021, the Department of City Planning released a new public engagement website for four new future Metro-North train stations in the east Bronx. The Metro-North Stations are planned for the Hunts Point, Parkchester/Van Nest, Morris Park and Co-Op City neighborhoods and will connect with Penn Station and locations further north. Currently, there is information for the <Read More>


DEP Building Upgraded and Facade Maintained

The Brooklyn building houses the Department of Environmental Protection water tunnel and shaft maintenance staff. The Department of Design and Construction, along with the Department of Environmental Protection, announced the completion of the refurbishment and upgrades to the historic Flushing Avenue building at 350 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn. The $31.6 million project was funded by the Department of Environmental Protection while the Department of Design and Construction managed the construction of the project.


East Side Coastal Resiliency Project Construction to Begin

The ambitious project will help to protect the East Side community and provide new improvements to many parks. On April 15, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced major construction on the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project. The $1.45 billion project will extend flooding protections and improve open spaces.  Neighborhoods that were heavily affected by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 will now be home to one of New York City’s most ambitious infrastructure and climate justice projects. … <Read More>


Ben Furnas Appointed Director of the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Sustainability

The new office combines the Mayor’s Office of Climate Policy and Programs with the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to streamline environmental justice and sustainability efforts more efficiently. On April 19, 2021, Mayor de Blasio appointed Ben Furnas as the Director of the Mayor’s office if Climate and Sustainability. The new office combines the Mayor’s office of Climate Policy and Programs with the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. The new office will streamline and build upon the … <Read More>


Mayor Appoints Rachel Loeb as Acting EDC President

Outgoing EDC President James Patchett returns to the private sector while Acting EDC President Rachel Loeb is appointed and works to help NYC recover, rebuild, and reemerge in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, March 8, 2021, Rachel Loeb assumed the position of Acting President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) after being appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio. Loeb succeeds James Patchett, who worked for the City for seven … <Read More>