Policy

City looks to build mixed-use project with up to 900 homes on Hunter’s Point South parcel

Image courtesy of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development

June 18, 2025

City looks to build mixed-use project with up to 900 homes on Hunter’s Point South parcel

By Devin Gannon

The city is seeking a developer to build a mixed-use development on one of the last vacant parcels in the Hunter's Point South neighborhood of Long Island City. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development last week issued a request for proposals for Parcel E, the sixth of seven sites that are part of the city's 30-acre redevelopment of the waterfront. For this project, the city wants a multi-tower, mixed-use project with between 850 and 900 apartments, with up to 70 percent of them affordable.
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JFK AirTrain fare will be 50% off this summer to encourage public transit use

Credit: PANYNJ on Flickr

June 18, 2025

JFK AirTrain fare will be 50% off this summer to encourage public transit use

By Aaron Ginsburg

AirTrain fare will be 50 percent off this summer to encourage travelers to use public transit during peak construction at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The single ride fare will be reduced to $4.25 starting on June 30 through Labor Day, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced on Tuesday. With record-breaking travel expected and a $19 billion redevelopment underway, significant congestion around the airport is anticipated.
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Two areas of historic suburban Flatbush could be landmarked

Proposed Beverley Square West Historic District. Photo credit: NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission

June 17, 2025

Two areas of historic suburban Flatbush could be landmarked

By Aaron Ginsburg

Two well-preserved areas of historic suburban Flatbush could become New York City’s newest landmarked districts. The city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar the proposed Beverley Square West and Ditmas Park West Historic Districts, which together include 247 freestanding homes built between 1894 and 1910. The houses exemplify early 20th-century suburban architecture in Flatbush, like Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, or a mixture of the two.
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Mayor Adams wants to remove part of protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue

The protected bike lane at Bedford Avenue and Flushing Avenue. Streetview © 2024 Google

June 16, 2025

Mayor Adams wants to remove part of protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Eric Adams announced plans for the city to remove part of the protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn after concerns from local residents. Last year, a 1.5-mile protected bike lane was added to Bedford Avenue from Dean Street in Crown Heights to Flushing Avenue in Bed-Stuy, a section known for being unsafe due to speeding vehicles. But after several crashes between cyclists and pedestrians, particularly young children, the mayor said three blocks of the protected bike lane will be removed and returned to its original unprotected configuration. Following a lawsuit filed by Transportation Alternatives, a Brooklyn Supreme Court judge on Wednesday temporarily halted the removal of the protected bike lane until a hearing in August, Streetsblog reported.
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Bronx casino bid at former Trump-owned golf course can move ahead after Council vote

Photo courtesy of Dan DeLuca on Flickr

June 13, 2025

Bronx casino bid at former Trump-owned golf course can move ahead after Council vote

By Aaron Ginsburg

A plan to bring a casino to a Bronx golf course once owned by Donald Trump took a step forward this week. The City Council on Wednesday voted 32-12 to pass a home rule resolution that allows state lawmakers to advance legislation supporting Bally’s Corporation’s proposed casino at the city-owned Ferry Point Park golf course, according to the Bronx Times. The approval authorizes the state to "alienate" the roughly 16-acre public parkland, a requirement whenever city-owned park space is repurposed for private use.
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Policy

NYC unveils new intersection design to better protect cyclists, pedestrians

Credit: NYC DOT

June 12, 2025

NYC unveils new intersection design to better protect cyclists, pedestrians

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is rolling out a new intersection design aimed at better protecting pedestrians and cyclists at crash-prone locations. Unveiled Wednesday by Department of Transportation Commissioner (DOT) Ydanis Rodriguez, the design uses "hardened daylighting tools"—such as concrete barriers, planters, and other structures—to improve visibility at intersections, where roughly half of all traffic fatalities occur. The DOT plans to implement the design at select high-crash intersections alongside new and existing bike lanes across the city starting this year.
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New legislation would legalize NYC bodega cats

Photo by Seth Werkheiser via Wikimedia Commons

June 12, 2025

New legislation would legalize NYC bodega cats

By Devin Gannon

New legislation would protect some of New York City's most beloved residents: bodega cats. City Council Member Keith Powers on Thursday said he plans to introduce a bill that would legalize convenience store cats, which are technically barred from places that sell food, but have become neighborhood fixtures for their cuteness and ability to deter rodents.
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Policy

City Council approves Related’s Hudson Yards West plan for 4,000 apartments and no casino

Images courtesy of Related Companies

June 12, 2025

City Council approves Related’s Hudson Yards West plan for 4,000 apartments and no casino

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York City Council on Wednesday voted to approve zoning changes to allow for thousands of new apartments, but not a casino, on the undeveloped section of Hudson Yards. Related Companies' Hudson Yards West proposal includes four mixed-use towers, nearly seven acres of public green space, and 4,000 apartments. The original plan called for a casino run by Wynn Resorts, but Related scratched the gaming facility from the project last month amid strong opposition from community members and officials.
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Policy

NYC’s broker fee ban takes effect

Credit: Niklas Herrmann on Unsplash

June 11, 2025

NYC’s broker fee ban takes effect

By Aaron Ginsburg

Forced broker fees are officially banned in New York City. After a federal judge denied the Real Estate Board of New York's motion for an injunction, the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act took effect on Wednesday, meaning prospective tenants will no longer have to pay broker fees to real estate agents they did not hire. Passed by the City Council in November, the law shifts the payment of broker fees to the party who hired the real estate agent, transforming a longstanding system that forced renters to pay brokers a large upfront sum.
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Popular Articles

NYC to remove ‘floating jail’ in the Bronx, build new marine terminal

Image via WikiCommons

June 10, 2025

NYC to remove ‘floating jail’ in the Bronx, build new marine terminal

By Aaron Ginsburg

A decommissioned floating jail moored off the Bronx in the East River will soon be removed, clearing the way for a new marine cargo terminal. City officials announced the plan Monday outside the vessel in Hunts Point, known as the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, and said they will soon issue a request for proposals to remove the barge. The cleared space will house the new Hunts Point Marine Terminal, which will facilitate the transfer of freight from ships to final delivery.
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Policy

Flatbush Avenue overhaul includes center-running bus lanes and pedestrian islands

A rendering of the Flatbush Avenue bus lane proposal at Flatbush Avenue and Fourth Avenue. Images courtesy of NYC DOT

June 9, 2025

Flatbush Avenue overhaul includes center-running bus lanes and pedestrian islands

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City has proposed new center-running bus lanes along parts of Flatbush Avenue to improve safety and speed up service on one of the city’s most dangerous corridors. Unveiled Friday by the Department of Transportation (DOT), the project would convert two center car lanes into bus lanes from Livingston Street to Grand Army Plaza, better serving the nearly 70,000 daily bus riders who currently face average speeds of under 4 miles per hour—about the same speed as walking. The plan also includes pedestrian islands with covered public seating, shorter crossing times, and updated curb regulations to support local businesses.
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City unveils new public art on medians, sidewalks, and streets across NYC

“Aunties” by Fitgi Saint-Louis. Courtesy of NYC DOT

June 6, 2025

City unveils new public art on medians, sidewalks, and streets across NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City has commissioned five vibrant pieces of art, one in each borough, to enliven public spaces. On Wednesday, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced plans for temporary, site-specific pieces through the agency’s Community Commissions initiative. The projects range from sculptures to asphalt murals, including "Public Access" on Staten Island, "Aunties" in Manhattan, "Limes" in Brooklyn, "Weaving the Future: A Vessel of Water, Roots, and Community" in the Bronx, and "About a Living Culture" in Queens.
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Adams proposes 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes

Credit: Elvert Barnes on Flickr

June 5, 2025

Adams proposes 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes

By Aaron Ginsburg

Mayor Eric Adams wants electric bike riders to slow down. The mayor is proposing a 15 miles per hour speed limit for e-bikes, which currently can travel between 20 and 25 miles per hour. Adams announced the new rule on Thursday to renew pressure on the City Council to act on legislation he introduced last year that would create a Department of Sustainable Delivery to regulate delivery apps. The Council has yet to introduce the bill.
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New public space and skateboarding section open as part of revitalized Brooklyn Banks

Photos courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

June 5, 2025

New public space and skateboarding section open as part of revitalized Brooklyn Banks

By Aaron Ginsburg

Two more acres of public open space have opened beneath the Brooklyn Bridge in Chinatown, as part of the revitalization of skateboarding mecca Brooklyn Banks. Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced the expansion of "The Arches," along with an additional $50 million in funding to further enhance the park with new amenities, including public seating, plantings, lighting, and other upgrades. The new section includes a refurbished "Big Banks," which has been closed to skateboarders since 2010. The city began revitalizing and gradually reopening it as a public space in May 2023.
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West Harlem becomes first neighborhood in North America to fully containerize trash

Northwest corner of West 152nd Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Photo Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

June 2, 2025

West Harlem becomes first neighborhood in North America to fully containerize trash

By Aaron Ginsburg

Residents of West Harlem can expect cleaner sidewalks and fewer rats as it officially becomes the first neighborhood in New York City (and North America) to containerize 100 percent of its trash. On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Javier Lojan announced the first day of full service of the European-style on-street trash containers, dubbed Empire Bins, in Manhattan Community Board 9, which includes Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, and Hamilton Heights. As part of the pilot program, all residential buildings in the district are required to put trash in containers; buildings with 31 or more units will be required to use the Empire Bins.
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Policy

NYC starts expansion of Harlem River Greenway in the Bronx

Credit: NYC DOT on Flickr

May 30, 2025

NYC starts expansion of Harlem River Greenway in the Bronx

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City has kicked off the expansion of the Harlem River Greenway in the Bronx. City officials announced Wednesday that more than four lane miles of on-street protected bike lanes will be installed along the corridor in 2025. The project aims to create a seven-mile greenway from Van Cortlandt Park to Randall’s Island Park, better connecting Bronx residents to their waterfront with new open space and bike routes.
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East River Park section reopens with new passive lawn, picnic areas, and courts

All photos courtesy of DDC

May 30, 2025

East River Park section reopens with new passive lawn, picnic areas, and courts

By Aaron Ginsburg

City officials on Thursday celebrated the opening of new public spaces in East River Park, just in time for summer. Closed since 2021 as part of the project to protect the Lower East Side from rising sea levels, the south end of the park's new amenities include picnic and barbecue areas, six tennis courts, two basketball courts, a passive lawn, a nature exploration area, and a multi-use area. These areas are currently only accessible via the new Delancey Street pedestrian bridge.
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4, 5, and G subway lines to get expanded cell service

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

May 29, 2025

4, 5, and G subway lines to get expanded cell service

By Aaron Ginsburg

More subway riders will soon no longer have to wait until their train reaches the next station to get cell service. During the MTA’s monthly committee meetings on Wednesday, CEO and Chair Janno Lieber announced that 5G coverage will be added to the 4 and 5 train tunnels between Bowling Green in Manhattan and Borough Hall. Expanded service is also planned for the G line between Court Square and Hoyt-Schermerhorn. Both projects are expected to be completed within one to two years, according to Lieber.
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4,600 new homes coming to Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights after NYC Council approves Atlantic Ave rezoning

Rendering of Atlantic Avenue’s improved, and safer streets, courtesy of DCP

May 29, 2025

4,600 new homes coming to Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights after NYC Council approves Atlantic Ave rezoning

By Aaron Ginsburg

Thousands of new homes will be built along a largely industrial stretch of Atlantic Avenue in Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights. The New York City Council on Wednesday voted to approve the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan, which rezones 21 blocks to allow for 4,600 apartments, including 1,900 permanently affordable units, more affordable housing than has been constructed in the area over the last decade. The plan also comes with $235 million in community investments, park renovations, and infrastructure upgrades.
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Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from ending congestion pricing

Credit: André Eusébio on Unsplash

May 28, 2025

Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from ending congestion pricing

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has scored a legal win against the Trump administration as the battle over congestion pricing continues. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman issued a temporary restraining order on Tuesday blocking the administration from withholding federal funding for New York transit projects, which it had threatened if the MTA didn’t end the program by May 28. Liman ruled that the federal government cannot withhold any funding until the MTA’s lawsuit over the toll program is resolved.
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NYC wants to turn vacant lots into public parks and playgrounds

Greenacre Park in Midtown is one of the city’s most famous pocket parks. Opened in 1971, the park was pieced together from three lots and includes a 25-foot-high waterfall. Photo by Jim.henderson on Wikimedia

May 28, 2025

NYC wants to turn vacant lots into public parks and playgrounds

By Aaron Ginsburg

Vacant lots across New York City could soon become lush green spaces. Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday announced plans to transform underutilized and abandoned lots into parks, playgrounds, and green space in neighborhoods lacking open public space. The $30 million proposal includes going through the city's uniform land use review procedure (ULURP) to allow for multiple locations in a neighborhood to be reviewed in one application. Earlier this month, the Parks Department submitted applications for 44 sites in the first two community districts identified, Brooklyn Community District 5 and Queens Community District 3.
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Policy

Rent Guidelines Board revotes on rent hikes for NYC’s stabilized apartments, lowers range for two-year leases

Credit: Tyler Donaghy on Unsplash

May 27, 2025

Rent Guidelines Board revotes on rent hikes for NYC’s stabilized apartments, lowers range for two-year leases

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Rent Guidelines Board on Tuesday voted to lower the range of potential rent hikes for New York City's one million stabilized apartments. In a rare redo, the board revised its preliminary range of increases for two-year leases to between 3.75 percent and 7.75 percent, down from the 4.75 percent and 7.75 percent range approved on April 30. All other proposed guidelines, including for one-year leases, remain the same.
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Policy

NYC expands reservation-only Rockaway ferry service this summer, hikes price

Rockway Line NYC Ferry. Photo: Benjamin Kanter/Mayoral Photo Office on Flickr

May 22, 2025

NYC expands reservation-only Rockaway ferry service this summer, hikes price

By Aaron Ginsburg

Riding the New York City ferry to the beach will be easier this summer, but it’ll cost more. NYC Ferry and the city's Economic Development Corporation on Wednesday announced plans to expand the popular "Rockaway Rocket" and "Rockaway Reserve" programs, offering more reserved seats at a new price of $12 per ticket, up from $10. The expanded service will let beachgoers reserve spots on the crowded ferries in advance, a response to rising demand as the city's public beaches saw 11.6 million visitors in 2024—an increase of over 230,000 people from the previous year, according to the city's Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).
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Central Park launches new Ranger Corps to encourage better public behavior

Credit: Central Park Conservancy

May 22, 2025

Central Park launches new Ranger Corps to encourage better public behavior

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new team of park rangers has been patrolling Central Park for the past six weeks, helping visitors and ensuring the beloved green space remains safe, clean, and welcoming. Managed by the Central Park Conservancy, the Ranger Corps has been on duty since early spring, addressing visitor concerns and quality-of-life issues, including noise complaints, illegal vending, assisting unhoused individuals, reuniting lost children with their families, and more.
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