Community Wants More Zoning Protections in Union Square South SD Expansion

Hotel special permitting fails to address other types of development in the Union Square South area. On January 22, 2020, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing on an application by the Department of City Planning for an expansion of the Special Union Square District, and the establishment of a special permit requirement for new hotel development in the expansion area.


Environmental Control Board Finds Post Office Subject to City Jurisdiction

ECB found federal Postal Service not exempted from Noise Code on grounds of preemption.  On April 4, 2014 the Department of Environmental Protection issued a notice of violation against the Staten Island Main Post Office for operating an air conditioning unit in excess of the allowable decibel limit under the City Noise Code.  The Post Office contested the notice with the Environmental Control Board, arguing the United States Postal Service was “an independent establishment … <Read More>


Citizens Win Protection of Historic Tobacco Warehouse

Court ruled that the National Park Service unlawfully removed warehouse and adjacent building from park boundaries. In 2001, the National Park Service awarded to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to help fund a cove restoration project in Empire Fulton Ferry Park in DUMBO, Brooklyn. The Park Service’s grant was contingent on the State Office of Parks agreeing that the restoration project … <Read More>


City Requests Proposals for Hudson Square Affordable Housing and Rec Center Project

On February 14, 2025, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, joined by critical stakeholders, launched the requests for proposals for the 388 Hudson Street development project. The City hopes to transform the underutilized site in the Hudson Square neighborhood into a community-focused mixed-use development. This project is part of the City’s “Manhattan Plan”, which was first announced in his fourth State of the City address last month. The Manhattan Plan aims to create 100,000 new … <Read More>


Dept of Finance, Other Agencies to Host Info Sessions for Property Owners Facing Tax Debt

On February 12, 2025, the Department of Finance announced the launch of a series of outreach events to provide support and information for property owners who are at risk of having liens sold on their properties. The events will be held in partnership with other City agencies, the City Council, and non-profits. Property owners can learn more information about how to resolve outstanding property taxes, water and sewer fees, and other similar charges.


‘If You Build It, They Will Come’: City’s Chief Public Realm Officer Outlines Progress, Priorities

By Mark Chiusano

Ya-Ting Liu was appointed New York City’s inaugural chief public realm officer two years ago this month. How has the realm changed so far during her tenure? 

That was the subject of Liu’s talk at New York Law School’s 196th CityLaw Breakfast on Wednesday, during which she described well-used public space as “the secret sauce of cities” and how she thinks pedestrians should be “the main character” in New York City design. <Read More>