On March 22, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced a plan to expand the Harlem River Greenway to the Bronx. Greenways are linear open spaces on public land available for pedestrian and cycling use and provide communities access to greenery. The expanded route will provide communities in the west Bronx with access to the waterfront via off-street paths and on-street bike facilities. The route will expand to seven miles, connecting Randall’s Island to Van Cortlandt Park.
HPD Announces Funding Secured to Convert Illegal Hotel to Single-Room Occupancy Units for Supportive Housing
On March 29, 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced that $38 million in financing has been secured to change an Upper West Side illegal transient hotel into permanent supportive housing. The property, known as the Morningside Inn and located at 235 West 107th Street, was previously operated as an illegal hotel by the owner. The building will now help provide permanent housing through single occupancy units to adults facing chronic homelessness.
Council Passes Bill to Create Accessibility Advisory Board in Shelters
On February 2, 2023, the City Council passed Introduction 92 of 2022. The new law introduced by Council Member Diana Ayala will establish an advisory board to identify, report on, and advise on issues relating to accessibility at homeless shelters. Mayor Eric Adams signed the bill in Local Law 23 of 2023 on February 21.
Council Hears Bill to Add Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Open Garages and Lots
On January 24, 2023, the New York City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings held a public hearing on Introduction 150-2022. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan from Brooklyn, creates requirements for electric vehicle charging stations in open lots and garages.
City Commits $3.1 Million Over Four Years to Combat Source of Income Discrimination
On March 2, 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced that$3.1 million will go towards efforts to combat source-of-income discrimination for New Yorkers who rely on rental assistance. Source-of-income discrimination is an illegal practice by landlords, owners, and real estate brokers who refuse to rent to current or prospective tenants seeking to pay for housing with vouchers, subsidies, or other public assistance.
City Council Introduces Bill to Shorten Street Resurfacing Timelines
The proposed change would require the Department of Transportation to ensure that all street resurfacing work is completed within two weeks of the start of the work, and to provide the community with notice and updates if additional time is needed for underlying work. On February 2, 2023, Council Member Justin L. Brannan introduced Introduction No. 905 of 2023 in the New York City Council. The bill aims to ensure that all street resurfacing work … <Read More>