Privately-owned open space will be converted into a new City park that includes an aptly-placed Aids memorial across the street from the former-Saint Vincent’s Hospital. On August 13, 2015, the City Council approved West Village Residences, LLC and the Department of Parks and Recreation’s application to transfer ownership of WVR-owned open space to the City and officially map the space as City parkland. The open space is bounded by Seventh Avenue South, West … <Read More>
City Council
Council Approves Conversion of Henry Street Firehouse into Community Space
Community facility will provide on-site social services and improved access to need-based financial benefits. On August 13, 2015, the City Council adopted a resolution to rehabilitate a vacant firehouse and convert it into a community facility. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development submitted the Urban Development Action Area Project proposal to the City Planning Commission on March 31, 2015. The four-story firehouse is located at 269 Henry Street in the Lower East Side neighborhood … <Read More>
Public Housing Committee Holds Oversight Hearing on NYCHA Private Investment
NYCHA Chairwoman Shola Olatoye answered questions on the Triboro Preservation Partners agreement. On February 10, 2015 the City Council Committee on Public Housing held an oversight hearing on Triborough Preservation Partners, a public-private agreement between the New York City Housing Authority, L+M Development Partners, and BFC Partners. The venture was designed to rehabilitate six of NYCHA’s Section 8 properties containing nine hundred units: Bronxchester Houses, Saratoga Square, Campos Plaza, Milbank-Frawley, East 4th … <Read More>
Legislative Director Matt Gewolb on Overseeing the City Council’s Legislative Agenda
Matt Gewolb began serving as Legislative Director for the New York City Council under Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito in June 2014. Although he holds among the most powerful staff positions at the Council, Matt is revered for his modesty, incredible intelligence and for putting the goals of the Council before all else. The 32 year old already has amassed a resume with diverse experiences, achievements and outcomes, rich with advice that should be heeded by anyone … <Read More>
City Council Holds Oversight Hearing on Mayor’s Affordable Housing Plan
HPD, City Planning, NYCHA among those who answered questions on the results and direction of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan. On November 17, 2014, the City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings, joined by the Committee on Land Use and Committee on Community Development, held an oversight hearing on Housing New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s affordable housing plan. The Council heard testimony over the course of seven hours from Housing Preservation and Development … <Read More>
City Council to Hold Hearings on Controversial Astoria Cove Proposal
The project was approved by City Planning despite opposition from the Community Board, Borough President, and the local Council Member. On October 20, 2014 the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises will hold hearings on the proposed Astoria Cove mixed-use development project. The project, designed by Alma Realty, is the first project subject to Mayor de Blasio’s mandatory inclusionary zoning housing requirement. Despite the requirement, the project has faced opposition from community … <Read More>