Watch It Again: “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity: Impacts on Upper East & West Sides” with George Janes

Watch a recording of our online talk "City of Yes Explained" by urban planner and zoning expert George Janes held on January 18th and co-sponsored by FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts and Landmark West!

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What you need to know: “Faith Based Affordable Housing Act”

FRIENDS recently submitting testimony at the NYC Department of City Planning about the CITY OF YES FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY proposal to overhaul the 1961 Zoning Resolution. While we believe updating and modernizing the city’s zoning is certainly important and overdue, we think the zoning text amendments are just a series

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Advocacy Win: City’s Tech Office Explores Alternative Designs for Link5G Towers After Community Pushback

FRIENDS has learned that the city's proposed 32-foot tall Link5G towers will be subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

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FRIENDS testifies at City Hall Subcommittee Hearing

FRIENDS recently submitting testimony at the NYC Department of City Planning about the CITY OF YES FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY proposal to overhaul the 1961 Zoning Resolution. While we believe updating and modernizing the city’s zoning is certainly important and overdue, we think the zoning text amendments are just a series

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Advocacy Alert: Say NO to Lifting the FAR Cap

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,

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Hey Joe; There’s a nail salon in Apartment 5C!

FRIENDS recently submitting testimony at the NYC Department of City Planning about the CITY OF YES FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY proposal to overhaul the 1961 Zoning Resolution. While we believe updating and modernizing the city’s zoning is certainly important and overdue, we think the zoning text amendments are just a series

Continue reading

Advocacy Win vs. Link 5G towers

FRIENDS has learned that the city's proposed 32-foot tall Link5G towers will be subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Continue reading

Watch It Again: “City of Yes” with George Janes

Watch a recording of our online talk "City of Yes Explained" by urban planner and zoning expert George Janes held on January 18th and co-sponsored by FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts and Landmark West!

Continue reading

News from FRIENDS – Fall 2025

The Fall 2025 issue is here, delivering a powerful look at the most urgent preservation battles and victories shaping the Upper East Side. This issue dives into the crisis of affordable housing and development, featuring an Open Letter to Mayoral Candidates. You will also find an in-depth analysis of the

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Installation of Link5G towers to be halted until completion of Section 106 Review

FRIENDS has learned that the city's proposed 32-foot tall Link5G towers will be subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Continue reading