City Council set to vote on “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity”
FRIENDS testified at the July 10 City Planning Commission Public Hearing on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the New York City Department of City Planning's suite of zoning text amendments meant to encourage and incentivize housing creation and address the affordability crisis in the city. Friends was among some 200 New Yorkers--both advocates and concerned individuals--who came together to make their voices heard at the marathon hearing that lasted just under 15 hours.
News from FRIENDS – Fall 2024
This past Tuesday, March 27th, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing on a new set of rules the agency has proposed to streamline the process of making changes to designated historic buildings.
2024 Ambassador to the Upper East Side Award Dinner
Kent Barwick is the quintessential civic agitator, preservationist, public servant, and New Yorker. The impact of his civic work is undeniable. His advocacy on behalf of parks, trails and waterways, and myriad preservation efforts extends throughout New York State.
CPC approves “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity”
FRIENDS testified at the July 10 City Planning Commission Public Hearing on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the New York City Department of City Planning's suite of zoning text amendments meant to encourage and incentivize housing creation and address the affordability crisis in the city. Friends was among some 200 New Yorkers--both advocates and concerned individuals--who came together to make their voices heard at the marathon hearing that lasted just under 15 hours.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approves 2 Link5G towers on UES
FRIENDS has sent a letter to public officials raising our serious concerns about the planned installation of 32-foot Link5G towers and kiosks at 18 sites throughout the Upper East Side.
Council Approves Towering MSK Pavilion Despite Community Pushback
The City Council has approved the land use application for the massive 594-foot-tall Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Pavilion on York Avenue, between 66th and 67th Streets. Despite strong objections from FRIENDS, Carnegie Hill Neighbors, Civitas, and many local residents, MSK refused to budge on the building's towering height.
Advocacy Update: Landmark Denied: A Missed Opportunity for St. Elizabeth’s Church
For the fifth time in recent years, there is a fast-moving proposal at the State level to lift the longstanding cap on residential development in New York City. Lifting the 12 FAR cap would potentially unleash a flood of development rights that are likely to yield more supertall superluxury development, displace existing affordable units, and threaten livability in neighborhoods across the City.
FRIENDS comments on recently proposed Link5G towers
FRIENDS has sent a letter to public officials raising our serious concerns about the planned installation of 32-foot Link5G towers and kiosks at 18 sites throughout the Upper East Side.
FRIENDS testifies on MSK Pavilion at the City Council hearing
FRIENDS testified at the July 10 City Planning Commission Public Hearing on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the New York City Department of City Planning's suite of zoning text amendments meant to encourage and incentivize housing creation and address the affordability crisis in the city. Friends was among some 200 New Yorkers--both advocates and concerned individuals--who came together to make their voices heard at the marathon hearing that lasted just under 15 hours.
Using Historic Hotels and Preservation to Create New Housing
FRIENDS testified at the July 10 City Planning Commission Public Hearing on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the New York City Department of City Planning's suite of zoning text amendments meant to encourage and incentivize housing creation and address the affordability crisis in the city. Friends was among some 200 New Yorkers--both advocates and concerned individuals--who came together to make their voices heard at the marathon hearing that lasted just under 15 hours.