Mayor Announces Guidelines for Upcoming Open Culture Program

The newly announced program and its guidelines will allow artists and performers of all kinds to return to work safely. On February 8, 2021, Mayor de Blasio released guidelines for the upcoming Open Culture Program. The program will open up city streets for outdoor cultural performances and events throughout the five boroughs. The new program is modeled after a prior successful initiative lead by the city, the Open Streets Program. For CityLand’s prior … <Read More>


City Awards $38 Million in Infrastructure Grants for City Science Institutions

Four New York City leading scientific research facilities are receiving infrastructure grants to advance innovation and public health. On January 21, 2021, Mayor de Blasio announced that Columbia University, Montefiore-Einstein, the New York Stem Cell Foundation, and Rockefeller University are the four winners of $38 million in infrastructure grants for research and development departments. These grants come as a part of LifeSci NYC, a $500 million project with the goal of establishing New York … <Read More>


DDC and DEP Complete Water Connection to Randall’s and Wards Islands

The newly completed water connection will bring reliable water to the public buildings located on Randall’s and Wards Islands. On January 5, 2021, the Department of Designs and Construction (DDC) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the completion of a water connection upgrade to Randall’s and Wards Islands. The DEP funded the project while the DDC managed construction.


DCP Launches Updated Digital Land Use Portal, Online Application Tracker

The updated portal improves transparency and public access to the land review process. On January 14, 2021, the Department of City Planning (DCP) announced that the Zoning Application Portal (ZAP) has been expanded and updated. The Zoning Application Portal allows New Yorkers to review land use applications that are within public review. 


City Council Passes Several Bills Regarding Buildings, Public Housing

The bills provide extended compliance deadlines and information for tenants and property owners. This month, the City Council passed several bills concerning public housing and buildings. The bills touch a variety of issues, from providing NYCHA residents with information about the Mold Ombudsperson, to the Department of Buildings establishing interim certificates of occupancy, and an extension of deadlines for compliance with local laws regarding carbon monoxide detectors and gas system inspections to accommodate the pandemic.