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
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.
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.
“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
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
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
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.
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.
The Fight Continues: Make Your Voice Heard Once Again on July 29 at the City Planning Commission
Our battle to stop the New York Blood Center/Longfellow 334 foot tall commercial tower continues. Last week, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer held a public hearing on the issue, and while her recommendation isn't due until July 28th, the City Planning Commission has already scheduled its public hearing for July
Advocacy Alert: Tell CPC You’re Against the Blood Center Rezoning
FRIENDS created this form to streamline the submission of written testimony to the City Planning Commission. While we highly encourage you to submit your own personalized testimony in opposition to this project, you can also fill in this form and we commit to upload each submission to the City Planning