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SHOWING 131–140 ENTRIES
131
AUG 13, 2026 · NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK · CITY COUNCIL
New York City Council Stated Meeting – August 13, 2026

The New York City Council held its stated meeting on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, with Majority Leader Shaun Abreu presiding as President Pro Tempore. A quorum of 42 members was present. The council acted on a broad legislative agenda, including outdoor dining reforms, the "Scoop Act" for dog waste management, an office of insurance affordability, and multiple land use and zoning items. The meeting opened with an invocation by Father Eriz Cruz and the adoption of minutes from prior meetings. Consent Calendar - Adoption of the minutes of the Stated Meetings of June 30, 2026 and July 16, 2026. - Messages from the Mayor (M 0087-2026, M 0088-2026, M 0089-2026) nominating Lisa Garcia, Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, and John Mangin to various boards were referred to the Committee on Rules, Privileges, Elections, Standards and Ethics. - Communication from the City Clerk (M 0090-2026) certifying a charter petition as ineligible was received, ordered, printed, and filed. - The following items were approved by consent roll call: Int 0685-B (Office of Insurance Affordability), Int 0320-A (official flag of Staten Island), Int 0880-A (dog waste signage), Int 0935-A (quarterly firearm discharge reporting), Int 0857-A (dog waste bag dispensers), Int 0872-A (public education campaign on dog waste), Int 0917-A (sanitation requirements for roadway/sidewalk cafes), Int 0918-A (quarterly revocable consent fee payments), and resolutions for land use items including LU 0114/Res 0611 (Queens CD 2 Walk to Park), LU 0117/Res 0612 (Flatiron NoMad Major Concessions), and General Orders items Res 0613–0616 and T2026-0001 (Commissioner of Deeds). - The consent agenda as a whole passed 42–0. Public Comments & Testimony - None. The agenda listed no petitions or communications from the public. Discussion Items - Land Use Applications: Several zoning applications were discussed and voted on. LU 0115 & LU 0116 (200 Kent Avenue Rezoning) and LU 0118 & LU 0119 (47-03 108th Street Rezoning) were approved with modifications and referred to the City Planning Commission. LU 0120–LU 0128 were preconsidered and referred to the Land Use Committee and Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises. - Outdoor Dining Package (Int 0655-A, 0894-A, 0917-A, 0918-A): Councilmember Restler highlighted the restoration of year-round roadway dining, noting a 90% decline under prior rules and projected creation of thousands of jobs. Councilmember Brewer spoke in favor of winterization covers. The package passed with votes of 37–5 for Int 0655-A and 38–4 for Int 0894-A. - Scoop Act – Dog Waste Bills: Multiple councilmembers spoke in support. Councilmember Hanif emphasized public health and multilingual education (Int 0872-A). Councilmember Narcisse stressed enforcement via signage (Int 0880-A). Councilmember Epstein’s composting pilot (Int 0864-A) passed 37–4–1. - Certification of No Harassment (Int 0839-A): Councilmember Sanchez described making the pilot program permanent, expanding harassment definitions to include ICE threats, and strengthening exit criteria. Passed 36–5–1. - Insurance Affordability Resolutions: Councilmembers Dinowitz, Morano, and Brewer spoke in favor of Res 0389-A (auto insurance transparency), Res 0395 (capping homeowner rate increases at 25%), and Res 0387 (property insurance for affordable housing). All were adopted by voice vote. - General Discussion: Councilmembers introduced new bills on Legionnaires’ disease (testing, hotlines, cooling tower cleaning), police training on restraints (Int 0995), reporting on children at arrests (Int 0996), hearing protection for officers (Int 0997), pedestrian safety (Int 1004), retiree health care protections (Int 1008), and a 9/11 week of service (Int 1012). Several councilmembers also acknowledged summer interns and expressed condolences for recent events. Key Outcomes - Int 0655-A – Expanding access to roadway cafes: Adopted 37–5 (no: Carr, Felder, Marte, Vernikov, Wong). - Int 0839-A – Making certification of no harassment program permanent: Adopted 36–5–1 (no: Carr, Felder, Morano, Vernikov, Wong; abstain: Zhuang). - Int 0864-A – Pilot program for composting dog feces from dog runs: Adopted 37–4–1 (no: Carr, Felder, Morano, Vernikov; abstain: Brewer). - Int 0894-A – Vertical winterization coverings for sidewalk cafes: Adopted 38–4 (no: Carr, Felder, Vernikov, Wong). - Int 1002 – Temporary program to resolve outstanding ECB judgment penalties: Adopted 41–1 (no: Wong). - Res 0595 – Resolution approving new designations for expense budget funding: Adopted 39–3 (no: Carr, Morano, Vernikov). - Res 0592 & 0605 – SEQRA findings for Int 894-A and Int 655-A: Each Adopted 38–4 (no: Carr, Felder, Vernikov, Wong). - Res 0218 – Declaring August 2 as James Baldwin Day: Adopted by voice vote. - Res 0387, 0389-A, 0395 – Insurance-related resolutions: Adopted by voice vote. - Land use applications LU 0115, LU 0116, LU 0118, LU 0119 were approved with modifications and referred to the City Planning Commission. - The council also introduced 35 new bills and resolutions, all referred to appropriate committees, and two items (Int 1003 and Res 0596) were withdrawn.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 25% · PROCEDURAL 17% · PUBLIC SAFETY 13% · PUBLIC HEALTH 12%
132
AUG 13, 2026 · NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK · CITY COUNCIL
Committee Approves Bill to Codify Staten Island Flag on August 13, 2026

On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the New York City Council Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation, chaired by Gale A. Brewer, held a hearing and vote on Proposed Int. No. 320-A, a local law to codify the official flag of the borough of Staten Island. The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Frank Morano, would give official legal status to the flag that has been in use since 2016. The committee voted unanimously (7–0) to approve the bill, which had been amended during the committee process. Councilmembers from all five boroughs expressed support, with the entire Staten Island delegation backing the measure. Discussion Items - Proposed Int. No. 320-A (Codifying Staten Island's Flag): Chair Brewer noted that only Brooklyn and the Bronx currently have codified borough flags, and that the Staten Island flag to be codified has been in use since 2016, replacing a previously unpopular design. Councilmember Morano described the flag's design elements—including a woman representing New York City, Henry Hudson's ship the Half Moon, Native Americans, Dutch settlers, and the dates 1609 and 1898—as a "history lesson you can raise on a flagpole." He emphasized that the bill is about putting Staten Island alongside other boroughs, not above them, and that the entire Staten Island delegation (Councilmembers Morano, Minority Leader David Carr, and Majority Whip Camilla Hanks) worked together nonpartisanly. The bill had previously been amended by the committee before this vote. Key Outcomes - Vote: The committee voted 7–0 in favor of Proposed Int. No. 320-A. Voting aye were Chair Brewer and Councilmembers Dinowitz, Feliz, Morano, Stevens, Wilson, and Zhuang. No negative votes or abstentions were recorded. - Next Steps: Approval by the committee sends the bill to the full City Council for consideration. Councilmember Morano expressed hope that the flag will be officially raised as the borough's symbol after final passage.

PROCEDURAL 63% · HISTORIC PRESERVATION 37%
133
AUG 13, 2026 · NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK · CITY COUNCIL
NYC Council Transportation Committee Approves Outdoor Dining Legislation on August 13, 2026

The New York City Council's Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, chaired by Councilmember Shaun Abreu, convened on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Hearing Room 1 at 250 Broadway. The committee voted on four proposed local laws and two pre-considered resolutions related to the city's outdoor dining program. All items were considered together for the roll call vote. Discussion Items - Proposed Int. No. 655-A – Expanding Access to Roadway Cafes (sponsored by Councilmember Restler): In an opening statement, Councilmember Restler said the seasonal outdoor dining program established in 2023 had failed, causing a steep decline in participation. He cited that during COVID, 8,000 restaurants offered outdoor dining, while today the number is well under 800—a 90% drop. He attributed the decline mainly to the high cost of building, dismantling, and storing dining structures each winter. He stated the bill retains cleanliness provisions like removable furniture and weekly floor cleaning, and reduces operating hours from midnight to 11 PM to address quality-of-life concerns. He argued that the bill would boost the economy, referencing a City Controller study that found every restaurant adding outdoor dining adds one job. He thanked supporters including Open Plans, Transportation Alternatives, and the Hospitality Alliance. (The transcript spells the sponsor's name as 'Russell'/'Russler'; the agenda identifies Councilmember Restler.) - Proposed Int. No. 918-A – Quarterly Installments for Revocable Consent Compensation (sponsored by Councilmember Thomas-Henry): Councilmember Thomas-Henry explained that the bill would allow sidewalk and roadway cafe operators to pay their annual revocable consent fee in quarterly installments, easing the financial burden on small businesses. - Proposed Int. No. 894-A – Vertical Winterization Coverings for Sidewalk Cafes (sponsored by Councilmember Brewer) and Proposed Int. No. 917-A – Sanitation and Cleanliness Requirements (sponsored by Councilmember Sanchez): The committee voted on these bills, but no opening statements were captured in the transcript. Key Outcomes - All four bills were formally amended by the committee before the votes, as recorded in the minutes. Each approved bill requires agency rulemaking. - Int. 655-A was approved by roll call vote: 6 in favor (Abreu, Brooks-Powers, Dinowitz, Hanif, J. Sanchez, P.A. Sanchez), 1 against (Wong), 1 abstention (Marte). - Int. 894-A was approved by a vote of 7 to 1, with Wong voting no. - Int. 917-A was approved unanimously, 8 to 0. - Int. 918-A was approved unanimously, 8 to 0. - The committee also approved two pre-considered resolutions concerning environmental review findings. The minutes list these as Res. 0592-2026 and T2026-2397, both approved 8-0; the agenda identifies them as T2026-2397 (for Int. 655-A) and T2026-2398 (for Int. 894-A). This is a numbering discrepancy between the agenda and minutes. - Committee members absent or unavailable: Krishnan (absent), Won (medical), Louis (bereavement). Councilmembers Restler and Thomas-Henry also attended, though they are not listed as committee members.

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 43% · PROCEDURAL 37% · PUBLIC SPACE MANAGEMENT 20%
134
AUG 13, 2026 · NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK · CITY COUNCIL
New York City Council Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection Vote on Insurance Affordability Legislation - August 13, 2026

The New York City Council Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection, chaired by Councilmember Harvey D. Epstein, convened on August 13, 2026, at 10:45 AM in Hearing Room 1 at 250 Broadway. The meeting focused on voting on four pieces of legislation aimed at addressing rising insurance costs in New York City and state. All items were approved by a vote of 10 in favor and 0 opposed, with Councilmember Chi A. Ossé absent. (Note: The meeting transcript references a vote of nine in the affirmative, but the official minutes record ten affirmative votes from all present members.) Discussion Items - Int. No. 685-B (Office of Insurance Affordability): Chair Epstein introduced this legislation, sponsored by the Speaker, to establish an Office of Insurance Affordability within the New York City government. The office would work to mitigate the impact of rising insurance costs on New Yorkers and city agencies. The bill was amended twice during the legislative process before the final version (Proposed Int. No. 685-B) was voted on. - Res. No. 0387-2026 (Affordable Housing Property Insurance): Sponsored by Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, this resolution calls on the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign bills A.07828A/S.07939, A.9015, and A.9016A. Councilmember Brewer stated that these state bills would create a relief fund program to provide grants to eligible affordable housing projects for commercial insurance expenses and establish a task force to address the affordable housing insurance crisis. She noted that insurance is a major challenge for making affordable housing term sheets work. - Res. No. 0389-2026-A (Automobile Insurance Consumer Information Act): Sponsored by Councilmember Eric Dinowitz (who was present at the meeting), this resolution supports state legislation S.1196/A.3893. Councilmember Dinowitz highlighted that New Yorkers face an average annual auto insurance premium of $4,223, nearly twice the national average, and that the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) lacks a dedicated consumer advocate. The state bill would require DFS to publish premium and complaint information online, establish an Office of Insurance Consumer Advocate, allow municipalities to petition for rate reductions, and require insurers to justify proposed increases in a standardized format. - Res. No. 0395-2026 (Homeowners' Insurance Rate Cap): Sponsored by Councilmember Morano (who was not present), this resolution calls on the state legislature and Governor to pass S.6356/A.4188, which would prohibit homeowners' insurance rate increases exceeding 25% per year. Chair Epstein summarized the resolution's purpose. Key Outcomes All four items were approved by the committee with a vote of 10 in favor (Epstein, Aldebol, Ariola, Banks, Brewer, De La Rosa, Hanks, Krishnan, Schulman, Wilson) and 0 opposed, with Councilmember Ossé absent. The approved items will now proceed to the full City Council for consideration.

INSURANCE 42% · PROCEDURAL 30% · AFFORDABLE HOUSING 28%
135
AUG 13, 2026 · NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK · CITY COUNCIL
New York City Council Sanitation Committee Votes on Dog Waste Bills on August 13, 2026

On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the New York City Council Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, chaired by Justin E. Sanchez, held a hearing to vote on two proposed local laws addressing dog waste management. The committee previously heard testimony on both bills on May 19, 2026. Both items were approved by the committee. Discussion Items - Int. No. 857-A (sponsored by Speaker Julie Menon): A local law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, requiring the Department of Sanitation to install and refill dog waste bag dispensers on public litter baskets. An amendment was proposed and adopted by the committee. - Int. No. 872-A (sponsored by Councilmember Shahana Hanif): A local law to establish a public education and outreach campaign regarding the removal of dog waste. The bill includes a sunset provision and requires the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene to make materials available in English and all designated citywide languages, and to submit a report to the Speaker of the Council on the campaign's effectiveness. An amendment was proposed and adopted by the committee. Key Outcomes - Int. No. 857-A was approved by roll call with 10 affirmative votes (Sanchez, Hanif, Hankerson, Maloney, Santosuosso, Thomas-Henry, Ung, Vernikov, Wilson, and Zhuang) and 1 abstention due to bereavement (Louis). The transcript records a vote of 9 in the affirmative, zero in the negative, and no abstentions, with the roll held open; the final recorded roll call in the minutes shows 10 affirmatives. This discrepancy is noted. - Int. No. 872-A was also approved by roll call with the same 10 affirmative votes and 1 bereavement (Louis). The committee chair stated both items were adopted with no objections.

PROCEDURAL 60% · SANITATION AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 28% · LANGUAGE ACCESS 12%
136
AUG 13, 2026 · NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK · CITY COUNCIL
NYC Council Housing Committee Votes on Permanent No Harassment Certification (Aug 13, 2026)

On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the New York City Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings, chaired by Councilmember Pierina Ana Sanchez, held a meeting to vote on Proposed Introduction No. 839-A. This legislation would make the Certification of No Harassment (CONH) pilot program permanent and expand criteria for including certain buildings. The committee heard remarks from Chair Sanchez and then proceeded to a roll call vote. Discussion Items - Chair Sanchez explained that Int. No. 839-A responds to rising reports of landlords threatening to call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on tenants. The bill expands the definition of harassment to include such threats, monitors portfolios of owners with harassment findings, and requires owners to significantly improve living conditions before buildings can exit the program. Sanchez also clarified that basic maintenance repairs would not be delayed by the program. - Sanchez acknowledged the advocacy coalition (including ANHD and HPD), former Councilmember Brad Lander who led the original 2018 CONH pilot, and her staff for their work on the bill. Key Outcomes - The committee voted on Proposed Int. No. 839-A. According to the minutes, the vote was 9 in the affirmative, 1 in the negative (Councilmember Zhuang), and 1 absent (Councilmember Joseph). However, the transcript of the meeting records Councilmember Zhuang stating "I want to abstain my vote," while the minutes list a negative vote. This discrepancy is noted. The chair declared the item approved by the committee. - The approved bill will now proceed to the full City Council for consideration.

HOUSING 56% · IMMIGRATION 24% · PROCEDURAL 20%
137
AUG 13, 2026 · NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK · CITY COUNCIL
NYC Civil & Human Rights Committee: James Baldwin Day Vote (Aug 13, 2026)

The Committee on Civil and Human Rights, chaired by Councilmember Sandy Nurse, met on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM to consider and vote on Resolution 0218-2026. The resolution, sponsored by Councilmember Crystal Hudson, would establish August 2 annually as James Baldwin Day in New York City, honoring the legacy of the essayist, novelist, playwright, poet, and civil rights activist. After brief opening remarks and testimony from the sponsor, the committee unanimously approved the resolution by a roll-call vote of 5–0. Discussion Items - Chair Sandy Nurse introduced the resolution, providing background on James Baldwin's life: born in Harlem on August 2, 1924; his early love of reading at the public library; his influential works including Notes of a Native Son, Nobody Knows My Name, and The Fire Next Time; and his request that his papers be returned to the Countee Cullen Library. - Councilmember Crystal Hudson, the resolution's sponsor, spoke about Baldwin’s fearless honesty regarding race, sexuality, and identity. She quoted Baldwin: "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." She emphasized that Baldwin’s legacy remains revolutionary and that declaring a day in his honor will inspire future generations to confront injustice. - Chair Nurse added further context about Baldwin’s advocacy alongside civil rights figures such as Medgar Evers, Maya Angelou, Nina Simone, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr., and noted Baldwin’s belief that no society can break the social contract without consequences. Key Outcomes - The committee voted on Resolution 0218-2026 by roll call. All five members present voted in the affirmative: Chair Nurse, and Councilmembers Abreu, Feliz, Hanif, and Stevens. There were no negative votes or abstentions. (Councilmember Hudson, the sponsor, attended but is not a committee member and did not vote.) - The resolution was approved by the committee and will proceed to the full Council. - Following the vote, Chair Nurse announced an upcoming inaugural Black Pride ball in the Bronx, linking the event to Baldwin’s legacy.

ARTS AND CULTURE 49% · RACIAL EQUITY 36% · PROCEDURAL 15%
138
AUG 12, 2026 · NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK · CITY COUNCIL
NYC Council Subcommittee Votes on Rezonings and Holds Hearings – August 12, 2026

The Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, acting under Acting Chair Shanel Thomas-Henry (with Chair Farah N. Louis absent on bereavement), convened on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM in a hybrid format. The subcommittee voted on three land-use applications (two with modifications) and held public hearings on four preconsidered items. All votes were unanimous (7-0) with one member medically excused and the chair absent. Votes / Key Outcomes - LU 0118-2026 & LU 0119-2026 (47-03 108th Street Rezoning, Queens): Approved by Subcommittee with Modifications and Referred to CPC. The applicant seeks a mixed-use residential development in Corona with approximately 119 apartments, of which 30 would be permanently affordable. The subcommittee modified the zoning map amendment to rezone to R7D instead of R7X, reflecting the surrounding low-rise context. Councilmember Thomas Henry (district sponsor) supported the modification. Vote: 7-0. - LU 0115-2026 & LU 0116-2026 (200 Kent Avenue Rezoning, Brooklyn): Approved by Subcommittee with Modifications and Referred to CPC. The proposal would enlarge and convert an existing commercial building (with a Trader Joe’s) into mixed-use with 143 apartments, 36 permanently affordable. Modification removed MIH Option 2, requiring affordability at an average of 60% AMI. Councilmember Lincoln Restler (district sponsor) voiced strong support. Vote: 7-0. - LU 0117-2026 (Flatiron NoMad Major Concessions, Manhattan): Approved by Subcommittee and Referred to CPC. The application, submitted by NYC DOT, expands the Flatiron District concession area boundaries managed by the Flatiron NoMad Partnership to include Broadway and Fifth Avenue from 19th to 31st Streets. Councilmember Keith Wilson (district sponsor) praised the BID’s stewardship and noted revenue generation for beautification, cleaning, and potential public restrooms. Vote: 7-0. - Preconsidered Items (T2026-2339 through T2026-2345): All six preconsidered land-use applications (four rezonings and two MIH text amendments) were heard and laid over without a vote. These include: 815 Hutchinson River Parkway (rezoning to C8-3 for a shopping center with potential supermarket); 862–868 Kent Avenue (mixed-use residential rezoning in Williamsburg, Brooklyn); 158-06 Northern Boulevard (mixed-use residential rezoning in Flushing, Queens); and 132 Melrose Street (mixed-use residential rezoning in Bushwick, Brooklyn). Each was presented by the applicant and discussed by council members, then deferred to a future meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - On 158-06 Northern Boulevard Rezoning: Four in-person speakers and one remote speaker testified. Opponents, including Kevin Morris and Maria Beche of the Broadway Flushing Homeowners Association, argued the 10-story building is out of character with the historic planned garden suburb, would worsen traffic (already funneled by the LIRR trestle), and conflicts with perpetual deed restrictions. Supporters, including Cindy Wang and Ming Wang, emphasized the severe housing crisis in Flushing, with rents reaching $3,000 for a three-bedroom and many families living in basements; they urged approval for much-needed affordable housing. The community board had voted disapproval, though 26% supported it. The applicant noted the rezoning would provide 73 apartments, 19 permanently affordable under MIH Option 1. Discussion Items - 815 Hutchinson River Parkway Rezoning (Bronx): Councilmember Sergio Aldabaal expressed support but raised concerns about traffic circulation, particularly at the mall entrance near the Whitestone Bridge and impacts from the planned Bally’s casino. Applicant Justin Jarbo (Rothkrug) explained that the rezoning would allow a supermarket anchor on the upper floor, with no increase in building height or footprint. A traffic mitigation plan (creating a left turn on Lafayette Avenue) was put on hold due to a proposed DOT bike lane. No public testimony was offered; the item was laid over. - 862–868 Kent Avenue Rezoning (Brooklyn): Councilmember Lincoln Restler praised the developer (who lives nearby) for including a synagogue, mikvah, and community facilities, and for designing a majority of units as two- to four-bedroom apartments. Applicant Eric Palatnik detailed two buildings (9 and 6 stories) with 74 units, 18 permanently affordable. The developer helped relocate two existing businesses (Lights Out moving to 73 Kent St., a confectioner to New Jersey). No public testimony; item laid over. - 158-06 Northern Boulevard Rezoning (Queens): Applicant Frank St. Jacques presented a 10-story, 73-unit building (19 affordable) on a transit-oriented corridor. Councilmember Thomas Henry questioned the inclusion of the Islamic Center lot in the rezoning area and the lack of R7A context nearby. Public testimony was heard (see above). The item was laid over. - 132 Melrose Street Rezoning (Brooklyn): Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez (online) noted the site was a former manufacturing business and that the applicant committed to retaining light industrial on the ground floor. Applicant Ron Mandel described five lots, three to be redeveloped into 18 residential units (up to 5 affordable) with maker spaces. The existing industrial business (electric parts distribution) relocated 24 employees to a nearby warehouse. The building will be all-electric with green roofs and high ceilings for industrial use. No public testimony; item laid over.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 30% · TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 16% · PROCEDURAL 10% · COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 10%
139
JUL 22, 2026 · NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK · CITY COUNCIL
Subcommittee Hearing on Queens CD2 Walk to Park Site Selection – July 22, 2026

The New York City Council Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, Resiliency and Dispositions, chaired by Councilmember Christopher Marte, met on July 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM in a hybrid format to consider Land Use Application LU 0114-2026. The application, submitted by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services and the Department of Parks and Recreation, seeks approval for the acquisition and site selection of 37 privately owned properties (7 primary vacant sites and 30 secondary built sites) for future park development in Queens Community District 2 (CD2), which includes Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, Blissville, and West Maspeth. The hearing focused on the city’s new “Walk to a Park” initiative aimed at closing open space gaps. The subcommittee heard testimony from Parks Department officials and Councilmember Julie Won, and ultimately laid over the item without a vote. Discussion Items - Parks Department Presentation: Colleen Alderson (Chief of Parklands and Real Estate), Gabriella Capo, and Julia Dowling presented the application. They explained that CD2 has one of the city’s lowest open space ratios (0.38 acres per 1,000 residents) and approximately 26,000 residents—out of the city’s over 1 million unserved—do not live within walking distance of a park. The initiative aims to pre‑approve site acquisition authority so that when a willing seller emerges, the city can move quickly. The 37 sites were selected based on criteria including minimum 5,000 sq ft, no active DOB permits, and suitability. A 10‑year sunset clause is included; if acquisition does not occur within that time, a new ULURP would be needed. Parks noted that a similar approach was previously approved for Brooklyn CD5 and Queens CD3 in late 2025. - Councilmember Questions (Chair Marte relaying for Councilmember Julie Won): Chair Marte asked clarifying questions about the voluntary nature of acquisitions (all voluntary), the lack of a set annual target, and the inclusion of Industrial Business Zone (IBZ) sites (Parks confirmed they benefit workers and some residents). Councilmember Won’s questions, read by Chair Marte, sought confirmation that the application only authorizes acquisition—not development—and asked about engagement with property owners. Alderson reported that “loader letters” were sent to all owners; one property owner on Queens Boulevard expressed potential interest, another was not interested. Won also asked about funding: Parks stated they have approximately $30 million in capital funds for this effort, though more may be needed, and that additional state grants could be pursued. - Councilmember Julie Won’s Testimony: Speaking after the panel, Councilmember Won (District 26) highlighted CD2’s severe park deficit: it ranks 57th out of 59 community districts, with only 0.38 acres per 1,000 people, falling 275 acres short of the city’s 2.5‑acre goal. She noted that Sunnyside and Woodside have the deepest deficits (128 and 122 acres of need respectively) but that only 3 of the 37 sites are in Sunnyside (all secondary sites) and 15 in Woodside (12 secondary). She expressed concern that the initiative “will have limited impact without the appropriate neighborhoods that need new parks now,” especially South Sunnyside which has zero parks. She referenced Community Board 2’s recommendations calling for baseline capital funding, broader planning with rezonings, transparency, and ongoing engagement. She concluded that while the proactive approach is welcome, the district needs parks “now, not in five to ten years.” Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public (other than Councilmember Won, who testified as the local elected official) signed up to speak. The public hearing was closed after no remote or in‑person speakers came forward. Key Outcomes - Hearing Held, Item Laid Over: The subcommittee heard the application and public testimony, then formally laid over LU 0114‑2026. No vote was taken. The item will be considered again at a future subcommittee meeting. - No Immediate Acquisition Authorized: Parks officials reiterated that approval would simply grant authority to negotiate with willing sellers over the next 10 years; no parks will be built without additional capital funding and community design processes (estimated 6–12 months for acquisition, 3 years for design and construction).

PARKS AND RECREATION 70% · PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 18% · PROCEDURAL 12%
140
JUL 21, 2026 · NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK · CITY COUNCIL
New York City Council Zoning Subcommittee Hears Three Rezoning and Concession Proposals on July 21, 2026

The New York City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, chaired by Council Member Farah N. Louis, held hearings on three land use applications on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM. All hearings were held and the items were laid over without a vote. No members of the public testified on any of the proposals. Discussion Items Flatiron NoMad Major Concessions (LU 117) - The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), along with the Flatiron Nomad Partnership, presented a proposal to expand the existing major concession area from 38,500 square feet to 162,345 square feet along Broadway and Fifth Avenue between 19th and 31st Streets in Manhattan. The expansion would allow the Business Improvement District to manage and maintain an expanded public realm, including plazas, shared streets, and pedestrian spaces, as part of the broader Broadway Vision effort. - Council Members Epstein and Wilson expressed strong support, noting the importance of public space activation, safety, and collaboration with the BID. They asked about oversight, environmental practices, public seating, and capital improvements. DOT committed to quarterly reporting, environmental compliance, and integration of public restrooms and water fountains in future capital phases. - DOT detailed the types of concessions: commercial events, sponsorships, subconcessions for kiosks and markets, and concession seating (up to 50% of plaza area under the major concession). The capital redesign includes physical separation of bike lanes, planting, and tactile surfaces. - Council Member Felder raised questions about City Bike usage and helmet requirements. DOT offered to provide data on bike usage and connect with helmet giveaway programs. - The hearing was closed, and the application was laid over. 47-03 108th Street Rezoning (LUs 118 & 119) - The applicant, 108 Realty Group Inc., proposes to rezone a site on 108th Street in Corona, Queens, from R6B to R7X with a C2-4 commercial overlay, and establish a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) area. The plan includes a 13-story mixed-use building with approximately 119 apartments, of which 30 would be affordable under MIH Option One (25% of residential floor area at a weighted average of 60% AMI, with 10% at 40% AMI). - Council Member Thomas Henry, in whose district the project falls, noted that the building would be the tallest in the area, twice the height of surrounding structures. She questioned the unit mix, community engagement, and potential use of MIH Option Three for deeper affordability. The applicant expressed openness to design changes, collaboration with other developers on the corridor, and investing in local parks. - The applicant confirmed an all-electric building with sustainability features and willingness to incorporate bioswales and rain gardens. Community Board 4 had not supported the project, and direct community engagement outside the ULURP process was limited. - The borough president's conditions (30% MWBE goal, local hiring, reporting) were accepted. The applicant is considering tenants for community facility space. - The hearing was closed, and the items were laid over. 200 Kent Avenue Rezoning (LUs 115 & 116) - The applicant, 206 Kent LLC and Kent Investor LLC, seeks to rezone a property on Kent Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, from M1-4 to M1-4A/R7X with a Special Mixed Use District (MX-8) and map an MIH area. The project involves converting an existing commercial office building and enlarging it to create approximately 143 apartments, with 29 to 43 permanently affordable units under MIH Options One or Two. - The existing building, largely vacant, houses a Trader Joe's at the basement level, which will remain open during construction. The building was structurally designed to support an overbuild, allowing for a shorter construction timeline (estimated 12-15 months). Construction is expected to begin in 2027. - Questions focused on the absence of manufacturing uses in the proposal, bike parking improvements, and the applicant's commitment to identify light manufacturing tenants. The applicant committed to working with local organizations (Evergreen, North Brooklyn Business Exchange, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center) and to best efforts to reconfigure bike parking with Trader Joe's. The use of the 485X tax abatement program remains undecided. - Community Board 1 and the Brooklyn Borough President voted favorably with conditions. The City Planning Commission approved unanimously. Council Member Restler (district representative) was not present but had submitted questions. - The hearing was closed, and the items were laid over. Key Outcomes - All three public hearings (Flatiron NoMad Major Concessions, 47-03 108th Street Rezoning, and 200 Kent Avenue Rezoning) were held by the subcommittee and then laid over, meaning no vote was taken. The subcommittee will consider these items at a future meeting. - No public testimony was offered on any of the proposals. - The St. Augustine proposal, although listed, was not called up for council review and was not heard.

PUBLIC SPACE MANAGEMENT 22% · AFFORDABLE HOUSING 22% · TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 12% · PROCEDURAL 11%
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