Two WPA projects and firehouse designated. On June 20, 2006, Landmarks unanimously approved the designation of the Bronx’s Orchard Beach Bathhouse, Queen’s Astoria Play Center and a 1904 firehouse in Long Island City, Queens, home to Fire Engine Company No. 258, Ladder Company No. 115.
Both constructed in the midst of the Great Depression under Parks Commissioner Robert Moses and using the Works Progress Administration funds, the Orchard Beach Bathhouse and the Astoria Play Center … <Read More>
Building, designed by Christian de Portzamparc, will include a redesigned subway entry. 400 Park Avenue South, LLC sought a special permit and text amendment to develop a 475-foot, 40-story residential building on the southwest corner of East 28th Street and Park Avenue South. The 417,544 sq.ft. building will have street-level retail space, and include the relocation and redesign of the 28th Street Lexington Avenue subway entrance.
The 19,279 sq.ft. L-shaped site is currently occupied by … <Read More>
By Jeff Wice, Alexis Marking, & Jennifer Hutz.
This week- NYS Voting Rights Act Stricken; Election Turnout, Louisiana Redistricting
N.Y. VOTING RIGHTS ACT LITIGATION
New York Voting Rights Act Struck Down in Clarke v. Newburgh (Orange County)
The New York Voting Rights Act (NYVRA) was struck down in a decision from the Orange County Supreme Court. In January, three Black and three Hispanic residents of Newburgh filed this lawsuit. The residents alleged that … <Read More>
By Jeff Wice and Alexis Marking
VOTING RIGHTS
Attorney General To Intervene in Cheektowaga Voting Rights Act Challenge
New York State Attorney General Letitia James has informed the Erie County State Supreme Court that her office will intervene in the state voting rights act challenge filed against the Town of Cheektowaga over town board vote dilution. In that case, the town is challenging the constitutionality of the New York … <Read More>
REDISTRICTING
Orange County Legislature Fails to Advance New Map
The Orange County Legislature failed to advance three county legislative draft maps to the public hearing stage after a meeting on July 26th lost its quorum of legislators necessary to move the maps to the next stage. The county needs to have a new map in place before petitioning for the 2025 primary gets underway next year.
On December 19, 2023, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to designate two buildings as individual landmarks. The Barkin, Levin & Company Office Pavilion in Queens and the Modulightor Building in Manhattan, were the final designations of 2023.