FRIENDS Comments on Mayoral Charter Revision Commission
Mayor Adams has convened a new Charter Revision Commission (CRC) with the stated goal of addressing the city's housing crisis—but make no mistake: behind the headlines, this process could radically weaken public input and oversight over development in New York City. The NYC Charter is the foundational document that establishes
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.
FRIENDS Issues Joint Statement Opposing Lenox Hill Hospital Redevelopment Proposal
FRIENDS testified at the July 10 City Planning Commission Public Hearing on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the New York City Department of City Planning's suite of zoning text amendments meant to encourage and incentivize housing creation and address the affordability crisis in the city. Friends was among some
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,
LPC Calendars Breuer Building for Individual and Interior Landmark Consideration
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,
2025 Annual Awards: Call for Entries
This spring, FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts will celebrate outstanding achievement in preservation, architecture, and advocacy on the Upper East Side during our 2024 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony.
City Council Advances City of Yes for Housing Opportunity Zoning Amendments
FRIENDS testified at the July 10 City Planning Commission Public Hearing on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the New York City Department of City Planning's suite of zoning text amendments meant to encourage and incentivize housing creation and address the affordability crisis in the city. Friends was among some
City Council set to vote on “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity”
FRIENDS testified at the July 10 City Planning Commission Public Hearing on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the New York City Department of City Planning's suite of zoning text amendments meant to encourage and incentivize housing creation and address the affordability crisis in the city. Friends was among some
News from FRIENDS – Fall 2024
This past Tuesday, March 27th, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing on a new set of rules the agency has proposed to streamline the process of making changes to designated historic buildings.
2024 Ambassador to the Upper East Side Award Dinner
Kent Barwick is the quintessential civic agitator, preservationist, public servant, and New Yorker. The impact of his civic work is undeniable. His advocacy on behalf of parks, trails and waterways, and myriad preservation efforts extends throughout New York State.