New Zoning Rules Adopted to Protect Coastal Areas from Climate Change

The citywide zoning changes will help to keep New York City coastal residents and businesses more prepared for climate change. On May 12, 2021, Mayor de Blasio announced new zoning rules to help protect homes and business located in New York City’s floodplain from climate change. The Zoning for Coastal Flood Resiliency, approved by the City Council earlier that day, helps to withstand and recover from major disasters and rising sea levels.


Penn Triangle Park Reconstruction Completed

The renovations include new play equipment and trees. On March 15, 2021, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Prospect Park Alliance announced the completion of the Penn Triangle reconstruction in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The project is a part of the Community Parks Initiative, which aims to create thriving equitable public places through the reconstruction of smaller local parks.


Landmarks Announces Historic Preservation Grant Recipients

Recipients will receive between $15,000 and $35,000 for repairs and restorations, the Landmarks Preservation Commission will also be providing hands-on assistance with the project. On March 2, 2021, the Landmarks Preservation Commission announced five new grant awards through the Historic Preservation Grant Program. The Grant Program is set up to assist homeowners and non-profit organizations with building restoration.


City Reaches Settlement Agreement with Verizon FiOS Regarding Expansion

The new agreement stresses the need for internet access. On November 24, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announce efforts to tackle the digital divide in New York City by ensuring that Verizon builds out its FiOS footprint to 500,000 additional householders, making high-speed fiber broadband available to more New Yorkers. Verizon failed to meet the terms of its current cable franchise agreement made with the Bloomberg administration to build out its FiOS network.


Housing Rights Civic Tech Competition Winners Announced

NYC[x] Co-Labs challenge hopes to address housing rights of NYC’s most vulnerable communities. On November 12, 2020, the New York Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the NYC Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants, and the communities of Inwood and Washington Heights announced the winners and the honorable mentions for the NYC[x] Co-Labs Housing Rights Challenge. This challenge invited innovative … <Read More>


Landmarks Designates Angel Guardian Home as Individual Landmark

The landmark highlights the history of social services in Brooklyn. On November 10, 2020, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to designate the Angel Guardian Home as an individual landmark. The Angel Guardian Home, located at 6301 12th Avenue in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, is a former orphanage operated by the Sisters of Mercy. It is the first individual landmark in Dyker Heights.