Advocacy Update: State Legislators Reject Changes to the FAR Cap, Focus Shifts to Governor in Budget Talks

In response to the outcry from thousands of New Yorkers, as well as the advocacy of FRIENDS and our preservation colleagues, both the State Senate and Assembly have now rejected Governor Hochul’s budget proposal to supersize development in New York City.

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Advocacy Alert: Say NO to Lifting the Cap

For the third 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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Preservation Alert: 21 East 65th Street demolished due to emergency order

In mid-December 2021 FRIENDS learned the disturbing news that the upper stories of 21 East 65th Street, a historic building located in the Upper East Side Historic District, were being demolished due to the appearance of an 8-inch-wide crack in floors 3-5 of its front facade. The Department of Buildings

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Blood Center Approval: Political Pressures Prevail Over Common Sense

Today the New York City Council voted 43-5 to approve the modified Blood Center/Longfellow tower over the extensive and persistent opposition to the plan by the community and Council Member Ben Kallos.

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Demand that the City Council Represent Communities and Respect Member Deference

Use the form below to remind the New York City Council of the importance of representing their communities and maintaining member deference. We all need a meaningful seat at the table when it comes to overreaching developments in our neighborhoods.

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“A Really Sketchy Deal”: New Details About the Blood Center Rezoning

Council Member Ben Kallos explained his opposition to the altered proposal of the Blood Center rezoning. FRIENDS will continue to stand with the electeds and community in opposition to this project, and the prospect of forever weakening member deference, the only bit of leverage average New Yorkers have against powerful

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Today in the Daily News: This debate is not about blood. And it’s not just about shadows either. It’s about a meaningful seat at the table.

Council Member Ben Kallos explained his opposition to the altered proposal of the Blood Center rezoning. FRIENDS will continue to stand with the electeds and community in opposition to this project, and the prospect of forever weakening member deference, the only bit of leverage average New Yorkers have against powerful

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Blood Center Approval Over Local Council Member’s Objection Would Pose Direct Assault on Community Voices Citywide

Yesterday the Land Use and Zoning committees of the City Council votes to approve a slightly modified version of the rezoning for the New York Blood Center/Longfellow commercial tower. The deal entailed some small "gives" from the applicant: 100 feet shaved off the original proposal for an adjusted height of

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PRESS RELEASE: City Planning Commission Approves Blood Center Rezoning

On Wednesday, September 22, 2021 the New York City Planning Commission voted 8-2 to approve the rezoning application by the New York Blood Center, despite significant and unified opposition from local politicians, civic groups, and residents.

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Elected Officials and Community Members Voice Their Opposition Against the Blood Center Rezoning

Last week, the City Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on the rezoning of the New York Blood Center site. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Council Member Ben Kallos, and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer were among the many community members that spoke against the 334 foot commercial tower.

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