City Council Passes Law to Promote Transparency for Rental and Utility Emergency Assistance Grants

The bill promotes transparency of the program due to possible heightened need as the eviction moratorium is set to expire on January 15th. On December 15, 2021, the City Council passed Int. 2081-A, a bill that provides more transparency around emergency assistance grant programs. These grants, run by the Human Resources Administration (HRA), are “one shot deals” that can assist New Yorkers with rent or utility payments when they are facing an unforeseen situation or <Read More>


Council Votes to Create Supportive Housing Tenants’ Bill of Rights, Reporting Requirements

The bill of rights provides tenants with necessary rights and information to help them maintain their housing. On December 9, 2021, the City Council voted to approve two bills related to supportive housing. Supportive housing is a form of affordable housing with on-site social and supportive services targeted primarily at formerly homeless households. The bills, both sponsored by Council Member Stephen Levin, create a supportive housing tenants’ bill of rights and require the Department of <Read More>


Conflicts Board Adopts New Rules on Post-Employment Restrictions and Gifts

On October 8, 2020, the Conflicts of Interest Board adopted new and important changes to its post-employment rules that restrict former City employees from contacting their former City agencies. The Board, in addition, on May 21, 2021, adopted rules relating to the acceptance of gifts by City employees in certain recurring situations. This article examines these new rules.


GUEST COMMENTARY: Hudson Yards – Setting the Record Straight (or Don’t Doubt its Success)

I was motivated to respond to an article by Robert Kuttner on The American Prospect website that in general argued that a tax-subsidized project was facing impending collapse which could provide an opportunity for affordable housing. I have no problem with the author disliking Hudson Yards and he wouldn’t be the first or only one to do so. I believe, however, that the American Prospect piece contains misinformation on the Hudson Yards project. This article … <Read More>


Comptroller’s DOB Audit Reveals Failures to Combat Illegal Curb Cuts and Driveways

Buildings facilitated the installation of illegal curb cuts and driveways by approving work permit applications that did not meet Zoning Resolution requirements. On July 1, 2021,  New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer released an audit of the Department of Buildings, finding widespread deficiencies in Buildings’ efforts to combat illegal curb cuts and driveways.


DOB Announces Facade & Scaffold Safety Blitz

The sweeps will focus on approximately 1,100 sites performing facade work across New York City. On February 18, 2021, the Department of Buildings (DOB) announced the launch of a seven-week long facade and scaffold safety blitz. The campaign includes educational outreach to construction workers and other industry professionals and inspection sweeps of facade work sites citywide.