A switch to remote work for many companies has left more office space vacant, and possibly available for different uses. On December 15, 2021, the City Council voted to approve Int. 2246-A, which creates a task force to study the potential of conversion of vacant and/or commercially unviable office space for different uses. The bill aims to address questions about how to best handle changing uses of office space for businesses, many of whom have … <Read More>
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DCP Announces New Comprehensive Waterfront Plan
A new plan is released every ten years. On December 19, 2021, the Department of City Planning released the Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, a 10-year vision for the 520 miles of waterfront citywide. The plan aims to provide more equitable access to waterfronts.
Mayor Signs Bill to Ban Gas Usage in New Buildings
The bill bans the use of gas in new buildings by the end of 2027. On December 22, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Int. 2317-A into law, which requires the phasing out of the combustion of fossil fuels in new buildings. The law is the first of its kind for a large cold-weather city like New York. The bill was sponsored by Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel.
City Council Votes to Require Short-Term Rental Registry
The bill will prevent the listing of illegal short term rentals on sites like AirBnb. On December 9, 2021, the City Council voted to approve Int. 2309-A, which requires short term rentals to register with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement. The bill helps in the City’s fight against illegal short term rentals like AirBnbs. The bill was sponsored by Council Member Ben Kallos.
Mayor’s Office Announces Dozens of Resilient Building and Infrastructure Projects
On November 22, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the creation of a new pilot program to design and construct projects utilizing the NYC Climate Resiliency Design guidelines. The guidelines provide technical guidance for engineers and architects in the design of buildings, roads, sewer systems, public housing, and other forms of public infrastructure to anticipate worsening impacts from climate change including flooding, storm surge and intense heat.
Comptroller Releases Post-COVID-19 Transit Policy Recommendations
Recommendations include increasing affordable housing near subway stations and increasing service on subway routes and high-ridership bus routes. On October 10, 2021, Comptroller Scott Stringer released “Beyond Rush Hour: COVID-19 and the Future of Public Transit,” a new report reviewing changes in public transit ridership due to the pandemic.