Amended version of living wage law debated at Council

New proposal would limit applicability and duration of living wage mandate associated with development projects receiving City economic incentives. On November 22, 2011, the City Council’s Contracts Committee held a hearing on Intro 251- A, an amended version of the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act. The legislation would require certain employers connected to development projects receiving City financial assistance to pay employees a “living wage” linked to the consumer price index. The living … <Read More>


EDC seeks developer for Hunts Point industrial site

Opportunity to develop food-related or wholesale industrial use on 9.75- acre site near Fulton Fish Market. On June 2, 2011, the Economic Development Corporation issued an open request for proposals for the redevelopment of a City-owned site in Hunts Point, Bronx. The unimproved 9.75-acre parcel fronts Halleck Street and Food Center Drive, and is within the Hunts Point Distribution Center which includes the Hunts Point Produce Market, the Hunts Point Meat Market, and the New … <Read More>


Council considers proposed living wage law

G. Oliver Koppell

Proposed local law would impose wage mandates on certain businesses receiving City economic development incentives. On May 12, 2011, the City Council’s Contracts Committee held a hearing on the proposed Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act. The proposal, Intro 251-A, would require employers connected to a development project receiving at least $100,000 in financial assistance from the City to pay employees a mandated “living wage” that would be linked to a … <Read More>


Council examines City Charter’s fair share rules

Council held first oversight hearing on criteria established more than twenty years ago to ensure equitable distribution of public facilities. On April 12, 2011, the City Council’s Landmarks, Public Siting & Maritime Uses Subcommittee held the Council’s first oversight hearing to review the City’s Charter-mandated rules established to foster the equitable distribution of City facilities. Following the 1989 revision of the City Charter, the City Planning Commission promulgated the “fair share” criteria to encourage community … <Read More>


Grocery store zoning incentives debated

FRESH program would create incentives to encourage developing full-line grocery stores in underserved neighborhoods. On October 26, 2009, the City Council’s Zoning & Franchises Subcommittee heard testimony on the City’s proposed Food Retail Expansion to Support Health (FRESH) program. The program would provide zoning and financial incentives to encourage grocerystores in neighborhoods identified in a 2008 study as being underserved by stores offering a full range of fresh food. These neighborhoods are located primarily … <Read More>


City Island development seeks height waiver

Residents concerned that waiving height requirement would set bad precedent. On August 5, 2009, the City Planning Commission heard testimony on City Island Estates’ proposal to build a residential development at 226 Fordham Place on City Island. The 43-unit project, abutting the eastern shore of Long Island Sound, would be built on a 279,154 sq.ft. site and include 21 two-family detached homes and one single- family detached home. The plan called for building 17 of … <Read More>