Protect Section 106: Defend the Public’s Voice in Historic Preservation
Since 1966, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act has required federal agencies to consider the effects of federally funded or federally permitted projects on historic and cultural resources before carrying them out. That simple requirement has protected countless historic places while ensuring that communities, preservation organizations, State Historic
Preserving Landmarks, Protecting Neighborhoods? Rethinking Transfer of Development Rights After City of Yes
Two years after the City of Yes zoning changes were adopted, their impact is no longer theoretical—it is beginning to reshape the Upper East Side in ways that FRIENDS and many residents feared. FRIENDS opposed the Adams administration's sweeping rezoning proposal and warned that it would fundamentally alter neighborhoods like
CPC Hearing: Affordable Housing Fast Track Rules
On April 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., the New York City Planning Commission (CPC) will hold a public hearing on proposed rules to implement the new Affordable Housing Fast Track program, one of the ballot proposals approved by voters in last November’s election. These rules will shape how neighborhoods are
Another Piece of Yorkville’s History Shattered: St. Elizabeth of Hungary to Be Replaced by Luxury Condos
For more than 130 years, St. Elizabeth of Hungary at 213 East 83rd Street served as a spiritual home and cultural cornerstone for generations of German and Slovak immigrants in Yorkville. Built in 1893, the church stood at the heart of the neighborhood’s working-class community, sustaining faith, language, and tradition
Opposition Mounts Against Proposed 5G Tower at 1150 Madison Avenue
FRIENDS expressed strong opposition to the installation of a Link 5G tower at 1150 Madison Avenue.
Watch It Again: 2025 Manhattan Borough President Candidates Forum
A recording is available of the Manhattan Borough President Candidates Forum that was held on April 16. This preservation-focused forum hosted BP candidates Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Keith Powers and focused on candidates' views on important preservation, planning, and development issues.
Watch It Again: 2025 Mayoral Candidates Forum with Preservation Organizations
A recording is now available of the 2025 Mayoral Candidates Forum focused on preservation issues. The forum was organized by FRIENDS of the Upper East Side and fellow preservation organizations across the city and featured candidates Michael Blake, Corrine Fisher, Brad Lander, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden.
Watch It Again: “Yorkville: Housing Laboratory” with Lucie Levine
Watch a recording of our illustrated webinar "Yorkville: Housing Laboratory" exploring Yorkville’s history as a testing ground for affordable and progressive housing schemes by historian Lucie Levine Lucie Levine held on February 18, 2025.
Affordable Housing Loss in Yorkville
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,
Yorkville Special
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,