Interview with Thong Leng of Artara Coffee
Artara Coffee, New York City’s first Cambodian Coffee Shop, opened in August 2025 at 214 East 82nd Street. Thong and Lynn Leng, the husband and wife duo behind Artara, named the shop after their daughter. That personal, family touch is part of how they run their business, and part of
Upper East Side Named to City’s Affordable Housing Fast Track
On April 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., the New York City Planning Commission (CPC) will hold a public hearing on proposed rules to implement the new Affordable Housing Fast Track program, one of the ballot proposals approved by voters in last November’s election. These rules will shape how neighborhoods are
Yorkville’s Affordable Housing Is Disappearing—and the City’s Fair Housing Strategy Isn’t Saving It
FRIENDS has been sounding the alarm for years: Yorkville is losing its affordable housing as older, lower-rise buildings—many of them rent-regulated and relatively affordable—are demolished and replaced with luxury towers.
HPD Fair Housing Strategy: The Upper East Side Deserves a More Thoughtful Approach
Since 1966, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act has required federal agencies to consider the effects of federally funded or federally permitted projects on historic and cultural resources before carrying them out. That simple requirement has protected countless historic places while ensuring that communities, preservation organizations, State Historic
6 East 67th Street
A Beaux-Arts style building designed by James E. Ware and constructed in 1880-1881, with updates made to the façade by Clinton & Russell in 1923. Application is for the installation of two flagpoles and flags serving the ambassador's residence and offices of the Slovak Republic.
939-941 Madison Avenue
A neo-Grec style rowhouse designed by Silas M. Styles and built in 1876. Application is to modify storefront infill.
Protect Section 106: Defend the Public’s Voice in Historic Preservation
Since 1966, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act has required federal agencies to consider the effects of federally funded or federally permitted projects on historic and cultural resources before carrying them out. That simple requirement has protected countless historic places while ensuring that communities, preservation organizations, State Historic
Interview with Zura Alavidze of Oda House
At Oda House (406 East 73rd Street), one of the first Georgian restaurants in Manhattan, Michelin-recognized chef Maia Acquaviva and co-owner Zura Alavidze offer traditional Georgian food and wine, showcasing tastes and techniques that have been passed down for generations. When it comes to food, Zura nods to his grandmother:
56 East 93rd Street
A neo-Regency style townhouse designed by Walker and Gillette and built in 1932; and two rowhouses designed by A.B. Ogden & Sons, and built in 1890, and altered in the neoGeorgian style by Moore & Landsiedel in 1932. Application is to alter the Madison Avenue facades, construct rooftop and rear