After a year and a half since the bill was introduced, the Council finally votes to create a permanent outdoor dining program. On August 3, 2023, the City Council voted to approve Int 31-C, which establishes a permanent outdoor dining program. The program will allow sidewalk cafes to operate annually and roadway cafes to operate seasonally, with removable furniture and decor replacing solid dining shed structures. The program follows the temporary outdoor dining program that … <Read More>
Monsignor Kett Playground Reopens After $9.5 Million Renovation
On July 26, 2023, Parks Department Commissioner Sue Donoghue, NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, and Community Board 12 joined community members to cut the ribbon on the renovated Monsignor Kett Playground in Inwood, Manhattan. The project—which required $9.5 million in funding from the Mayor’s Office—is the largest reinvestment the City has made in this open space.
Parks Dept Celebrates Reopening of Noble Playground in the Bronx
On August 1, 2023, the Parks Department announced the completion of a $2.5 million renovation to Noble Playground in the Van Nest section of the Bronx. The playground is located on Noble Avenue between Bronx River Avenue and East 177th Street.
Mayor Announces Expansion of “Big Apple Connect” to 17 New NYCHA Developments
On August 1, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and Office of Technology and Innovation Commissioner Matthew Fraser announced the expansion of “Big Apple Connect” to 17 new public housing developments across Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx. The Big Apple Connect program provides NYCHA residents with a free bundle of high-speed internet, including equipment, basic cable TV service, and common area Wi-Fi hotspots. The program aims to enhance digital equity by enabling New Yorkers to have access … <Read More>
Mayor Announces Successful Enforcement Action and Agreement with Four Landlords Over Lead Safety Violations
On August 1, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced the successful enforcement against safety violations found in over 5,000 apartments through an agreement between the city and four landlords that have resulted in almost $500,000 in civil penalties, and required the landlords to resolve all outstanding violations and comply with Local Law 1, the New York City Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act.
Small Business Advisory Commission Releases Report with Recommendations to Support Small Businesses
On June 30, 2023, the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) released the inaugural report of its New York City Small Business Advisory Commission (“SBAC”), highlighting eight recommendations to assist small businesses in New York City.