City Council Passes Legislation in Increase Value of Rental Assistance Vouchers

The increased voucher amounts help take advantage of decreased rents. On May 27, 2021, the New York City Council passed legislation that increases the number of apartments available to homeless New Yorkers and helps move more New Yorkers out of shelters and into permanent housing.  The legislation, titled Int. 146-C, requires the City to pay higher rates to homeless New Yorkers receiving rental assistance vouchers and eliminates the program’s previous five-year cap for vouchers. … <Read More>


HPD Announces Affordable Housing and Library Project in Inwood

The new Eliza project will bring 174 affordable homes and a state-of-the-art public library to the Inwood community. On June 10, 2021, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced the Eliza, a mixed use development featuring affordable housing and a public library, and education space, located at 4790 Broadway in Inwood. The project has been fully financed and is moving forward.


Commentary: Remote Hearings are Over – What Happens Now?

On June 23, 2021 Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the state’s COVID-19 emergency orders, which are set to expire today will not be renewed. One of the provisions within the emergency order adjusted the requirements of the Open Meetings Law to allow public hearings to be held remotely via telephone or video conference or other similar service. As of Friday, June 25th, the Open Meetings Law will again require all meetings to be held in-person.



Landmarks Designates Holyrood Church, Educational Building

Both buildings were landmarked as part of the agency’s Equity Framework. On May 18, 2021, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to unanimously designate Holyrood Episcopal Church-Iglesia Santa Cruz in Washington Heights and the Educational Building in Greenwich Village as the City’s newest landmarks. The two buildings were landmarked as part of Landmarks’ new Equity Framework, which highlights the agency’s efforts for designations that represent the city’s diverse and inclusive history.


Public Beaches Open for Memorial Day Weekend

The full opening of beaches follows last year’s limited and restricted summer season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 28, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that eight public beaches across the city will be open for swimming starting Saturday, May 29 and will be open through Sunday, September 12, 2021. Swimming will be permitted when lifeguards are on duty between 10 AM to 6 PM and is prohibited when lifeguards are off duty.