ADVOCACY ALERT: Albany’s Sky-High Vision for Unchecked NYC Development…?

With support from Mayor de Blasio, the New York State Legislature is resurrecting a troubling amendment to New York City zoning that would dismantle the cap on the size of residential development that has been in place for nearly 60 years.

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Proposed 74th Street and Third Avenue Tower Draws Huge Turnout

On March 15th, FRIENDS and concerned neighbors from the Eastsiders for Sensible Development held a public meeting regarding the proposed 370 foot residential tower at 1297-1299 Third Avenue (betweeen East 74th and East 75th Streets).

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Make your voice heard! Tell Governor Cuomo to protect East Side parks

In December, FRIENDS filed a lawsuit alongside the Municipal Art Society, Carnegie Hill Neighbors, and CIVITAS in order to prevent the City from alienating a public park, the much-loved Marx Brothers Playground, to facilitate a massive, 1.3 million square foot private development that will rise over 700-feet on the site.

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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.

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FRIENDS’ Fight in the Public Eye!

Last week, FRIENDS’ Executive Director Rachel Levy was quoted in Crain’s New York Business! Click the link below to read the full article about the fight against supertall towers in residential neighborhoods.

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Our Advocacy is Getting Through!

At a recent Town Hall Meeting with Mayor de Blasio, sponsored by Council Member Ben Kallos, FRIENDS raised the issue of zoning loopholes. In response, Mayor de Blasio thanked FRIENDS for shining a light on the issue and emphasized the role of community organizations in highlighting specific challenges.

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A New Upper East Side Landmark in 2018…?

LPC calendars a new Upper East Side building for landmark designation! Yesterday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) voted to calendar the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York for potential landmark designation. The building was calendared not only for individual designation of the exterior, but for designation as an interior

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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.

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FRIENDS Challenges “Periscope” Tower at Second Avenue and 62nd Street

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.

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A Warm and Festive Evening at FRIENDS 14th Annual Ambassador to the Upper East Side Award Dinner

On Monday, September 25th, 250 friends from around the city gathered to honor the incomparable Ann Pyne at our Fourteenth Annual Ambassador to the Upper East Side Award Dinner. Since 2002, Ann has been a partner at McMillen Inc. Interior Design and Decoration, the oldest design firm in America, where

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