Planning Commission Approves Retail Conversion on Upper East Side

City Planning approved a special permit for a retail establishment in the bottom floor of a 17-story building on the Upper East Side. On October 4, 2017, the City Planning Commission issued a favorable report on an application for a special permit from the 19 East 72nd Street Corporation—owner of 19 East 72nd Street in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The application sought a special permit to modify the use regulations of Section 22-10 and the … <Read More>


Planning Commission Approves More Retail in Broadway Corridor

City Planning approved a special permit for a retail establishment in the lower floors of a five-story building in the SoHo neighborhood. On October 4, 2017, the City Planning Commission issued a favorable report on an application for a special permit from 449 Broadway LLC—owner of 449 Broadway in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. The application sought a special permit to modify the use regulations of Section 42-14(D)(2)(b) of the Zoning Resolution to allow retail uses on … <Read More>


City Planning Approves Eight-Story Building in Bedford-Stuyvesant

The City Planning Commission approved a new eight-story mixed-use building with 75 units in Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. On October 4, 2017, the New York City Planning Commission issued a favorable report on an application for a zoning map and zoning text amendment to facilitate the development of an eight-story mixed-use building consisting of 81,951 square feet of residential space for 75 residential units. The applicant, JMS Realty Corp., proposed that the site be up-zoned and designated … <Read More>


Council Approves Harlem African Burial Ground

The Harlem African Burial Ground, affordable housing, and commercial space will replace the 126th Street Bus Depot. On September 27, 2017, City Council approved the 126th Street Bus Depot redevelopment by a vote of 42-0. The land use application, by NYC Economic Development Corporation, includes a zoning map amendment, zoning text amendment, city map change, and future disposition of city-owned property. This action will facilitate the development of affordable housing, commercial space, and the Harlem <Read More>


Council Approves Construction Safety Training Requirement

City Council unanimously passed a landmark construction safety bill mandating worker training. On September 27, 2017, City Council voted 42-0 to pass Int. No. 1447-C, which will implement mandatory construction safety training standards citywide with equal accessibility. This bill was a controversial aspect of a package of construction safety bills, some of which were passed in May 2017. For CityLand’s prior coverage on this matter, click here.

This bill drew the most debate <Read More>


Schneiderman Announces Sentencing of Harassing Manhattan Landlord

Schneiderman announces one-year jail sentence and $5 million settlement with major New York City landlord who fraudulently refinanced loans and committed tax fraud. On October 3, 2017, New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the sentencing of landlord Steven Croman who owns more than 140 apartment buildings across Manhattan. In June 2017, Croman pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third, Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree and Criminal Tax Fraud in … <Read More>