Council Passes Bill to Require Reports on Lifeguard Training and Emergency Events at Pools and Beaches

On September 14, 2023, the City Council voted to approve a bill that addresses a national spike in drownings. The bill, effective as of last month, requires all public pools and beaches to submit a lifeguard training and emergency report. Bill 1017-A, sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, will require the Parks Department to submit an annual report to the Mayor and City Council, detailing lifeguard staffing levels and training for the city’s pools and … <Read More>


Governor Celebrates Opening of 96-Unit All-Electric Affordable Housing Development in Fordham Heights

On November 3, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a new all-electric affordable and supportive housing development in the Fordham Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. The housing development, named the 2050 Grand Concourse, was awarded funding from the State’s Buildings of Excellence Competition. The aim of the Competition was to advance zero-carbon multifamily buildings in the State.


Council Bill Proposes Increased Safety and Responsiveness Requirements for Tree Risk Management

On September 14, 2023, New York City Council Member James Gennaro introduced Int. 1169 to set stricter safety standards, timelines, and procedures under the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Tree Risk Management Program. The bill amends Local Law 20 – passed by the City Council on January 9, 2022 – that governs tree inspection and health assessments by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Pursuant to Local Law 20, a member of the general public … <Read More>


HPD Launches HomeFix 2.0, Searching for Partners

On October 24, 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) announced that they are in search of a partner organization to expand their program, HomeFix, geared towards helping low to moderate income homeowners repair their properties. The repairs covered by the program include upgrades and improvements to protect homes from extreme weather and flooding. Interested parties are asked to submit proposals with ideas for the program that are in line with Mayor Eric … <Read More>


City Announces Affordable Housing Credit Checks No Longer Needed for Tenants Using Rental Assistance Vouchers

On October 5, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) announced that households using housing vouchers will no longer have their credit checked during the process of affordable housing selection. A renter who is using rental assistance vouchers is guaranteed to pay rent either through a rental subsidy which they are qualified for or connected to the affordable unit. It is an unnecessary and … <Read More>


HPD Provides Guidance and Safety Tips at Start of 2023-2024 Heat Season

On October 3, 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced the launch of the 2023-2024 heat season. Heat season runs from October 1st to May 31st. During heat season, building owners must maintain specific indoor temperatures depending on the outdoor temperature. Owners must maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when outdoor temperatures are below 55 degrees during the daytime and a minimum of 62 degrees indoors overnight regardless of the outdoor temperature. Hot <Read More>