CPC Approves Mixed-Use Development with Community Gardens in East Harlem

A three-building mixed-use project will create 655 affordable housing units, 4 community gardens, an elevated public courtyard, space for Mt. Sinai medical offices and a DREAM charter school in East Harlem. On October 2, 2017, the City Planning Commission issued a favorable report on the Sendero Verde application submitted by NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (“HPD”). The application will facilitate the development of three mixed-use buildings containing 655 affordable units, commercial and community … <Read More>


Panel Discusses Right to Counsel for Eviction Cases in NYC Housing Court

On November 2, 2017, the Impact Center for Public Interest Law and the Center for New York City Law hosted a discussion on the newly enacted local law which will insure that all low income persons facing eviction will have counsel in Housing Court. Professor Andrew Scherer, Policy Director of the Impact Center, moderated the panel featuring: Marika Dias, Director of Tenant Rights Campaign at Legal Services NYC (LSNYC); Carmen Vega-Rivera, Tenant Leader of … <Read More>


Historic Buildings Identified as Potential Landmarks ahead of East Harlem Rezoning

Potential individual landmarks added to the Commission’s calendar include two schools and a former meat packing plant. On November 14, 2017, Landmarks voted to add three items in East Harlem to its calendar for consideration as individual City landmarks. The three buildings are: The Richard Webber Harlem Parking House, at 207 East 109th Street; the former Public School 109, at 215 East 99th Street;  and the former Benjamin Franklin High School, at 260 <Read More>


Council Passes Contentious Pfizer Sites Rezoning in Williamsburg

A former Pfizer factory site in South Williamsburg will be developed into a mixed-use building and public plaza. On October 31, 2017, the City Council passed the Pfizer Sites Rezoning land use actions by a vote of 38-6. The zoning map and text amendments will convert the former Pfizer factory site, currently used for parking, into a mixed-use building and plaza. The project area, totaling 182,366 square feet, is bounded by Walton Street to the <Read More>


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>


Twin 19th-Century Buildings Associated with Abstract Expressionism to be Considered as Landmark

Twin 1867 structures served as home for Willem de Kooning, as well others associated with Abstract Expressionism. The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to add two buildings to its calendar for consideration as an individual City landmark at its meeting on September 19th, 2017. The significance of the twin buildings, collectively labeled the 827-831 Broadway Buildings, largely derives from their association with Abstract Expressionist artists in post-World War II-era, particularly Willem de Kooning. The buildings … <Read More>