Council in Agreement to Close Rikers, Questions Remain on Borough Based Jail Solution

Council received extensive testimony and differing perspectives on Borough Based Jails. On September 5, 2019, City Council’s Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses held a public hearing regarding the City’s application to close Rikers Island and create a Borough Based Jail System. The proposed sites are 124-125 White Street in Manhattan, 745 East 141St Street in the Bronx, 126-02 82nd Avenue in Queens and at 275 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.


City Planning Approves Borough Based Jail Application

Borough based jail proposal moves to City Council. On September 3, 2019, the City Planning Commission approved the Department of Corrections, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services’ application for a special permit to create a borough-based jail system with modifications. The application passed by a 9-3 vote with Commissioners Alfred C. Cerullo III, Orlando Marin and Raj Ramphershad voting against the proposal.


Bronx Point Development Approved by City Planning

Bronx Point could spark development in the South Bronx. On August 14, 2019, the City Planning Commission unanimously approved an Urban Development Action Area Project (“UDAAP”) application in the South Bronx. The project, more commonly referred to as “Bronx Point” was brought by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (“HPD”) to designate the property located north of East 150th Street, south of Mill Pond Park, west of Exterior Street/Major Deegan Expressway and east … <Read More>


City Planning To Hold Waterfront Planning Camp

The event kicks off the Commission’s program for the next Comprehensive Waterfront Plan. The Department of City Planning has announced a Waterfront Planning Camp for Saturday, August 17th. The camp will be hosted at Nolan Park on Governors Island and is open to all ages, free of charge. As it begins the process of crafting the future of the City’s 520 miles of waterfront, City Planning is inviting New Yorkers to participate in … <Read More>


DCP Launches Citywide Map for Supermarkets

Newest interactive tool helps communities evaluate supermarket needs. On August 2, 2019, the Department of City Planning launched the Supermarket Needs Index, a new interactive online map that shows fresh food store access across New York City. The map highlights which neighborhoods are underserved or lacking grocery store options.


City to Fund Renovation of Two Community Centers in Brooklyn

The renovated community centers will provide after-school activities, arts programming, and job skills training. On July 11, 2019, Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Committee on General Welfare Chair Stephen Levin, Committee on Public Housing Chair Alicka Ampry-Samuel, and Council Member Brad Lander announced that the City’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget includes funding to reopen the Gowanus Houses Community Center. Speaker Johnson and Council Member Levin also unveiled capital funding in Fiscal Year 2020 budget for … <Read More>