Mechanical Voids Zoning Text Amendment Summary and Impact

On Wednesday, May 29th, the New York City Council voted to amend the Zoning Resolution to cap exempt mechanical void space within new buildings in residential neighborhoods.

Continue reading

Final Decision for 180 East 88th Street

In a vote of 4-1 last week, the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) voted to deny our appeal of 180 East 88th Street. In their comments, Commissioners acknowledged the deficiency of the Zoning Resolution’s text regarding this issue, but eventually conceded that the Department of Buildings (DOB) acted within its right to approve the subdivision

Continue reading

BSA Update: Second Public Hearing for 180 East 88th Street

FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts and Carnegie Hill Neighbors’ fight against 180 East 88th Street continues. Next Tuesday, October 30th, the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) will hold a second public hearing to address our joint community challenge of the Department of Buildings’ (DOB) approval of a 10 foot by 22 foot portion carved out of

Continue reading

180 East 88th Street Has First Board of Standards and Appeals Public Hearing

This week FRIENDS, along with other New Yorkers concerned with the impact of megatowers on our city, has been advocating full force for the City to make good on its promises to enforce the misuse of zoning loopholes.

Continue reading

ADVOCACY ALERT: Next Tuesday, East and West Side Megatowers to be Heard at Board of Standards and Appeals

Next Tuesday, July 17th, will be a big day for New Yorkers concerned with the impact of megatowers on our city as two high profile projects on the Upper East and Upper West Sides will have their day at the Board of Standards and Appeals.

Continue reading

ADVOCACY ALERT: Manhattan Electeds and Advocates Call on City for Immediate Reform

In advance of Tuesday’s hearing, FRIENDS will join with elected officials and colleagues on the steps of City Hall to raise these issues to the citywide stage. The ability to freely sculpt zoning lots, as at 180 East 88th Street and 200 Amsterdam Avenue, that serve no purpose beyond circumventing zoning requirements

Continue reading

FRIENDS’ Fight Against Overdevelopment in the News!

FRIENDS recently joined State Senator Liz Krueger, Council Member Ben Kallos, and Carnegie Hill Neighbors in filing a lawsuit in New York County Supreme Court contesting the City’s approval of 180 East 88th Street, which is currently under construction.

Continue reading

Quality of life is fundamental to our Upper East Side. Help protect it today!

From 1939-1941, every building in New York City’s Five Boroughs was documented in a series of Tax Photos through a joint effort by the Works Progress Administration and the New York City Department of Taxation.

Continue reading

Buildings Department Halts Work on 180 East 88th Street

Responding to pressure from civic groups including Carnegie Hill Neighbors and FRIENDS, in addition to our elected officials Council Member Ben Kallos and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and the power of the press, the New York City Buildings Department has ordered a stop to all construction on the luxury

Continue reading

East 88th Street Tower: Zoning for New Heights Sinks to a New Low

An article in Monday’s New York Times, “4-Foot-Wide Lot, Carved Out by Developers, Causes Big Stir in Manhattan,” highlights a development project of serious concern to FRIENDS and other neighborhood advocates.

Continue reading