The Vertical Shift: Supertalls Push Into the Upper East Side

A new generation of supertall towers — some soaring well beyond 1,000 feet — is pushing north from Midtown and reshaping the neighborhood’s identity. Even just beyond the UES line, projects like the proposed 1,240-foot tower at 625 Madison Avenue illustrate how supertalls are edging ever closer, pressing against the

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Mayor’s Charter Revision Push Goes to Voters This November

This November, New Yorkers will not only vote for elected officials—they will also decide on a series of ballot measures that could significantly expand mayoral authority and reshape longstanding mechanisms for community oversight in the city’s land use and development process. Behind the bureaucratic language of “streamlining” and “fast-tracking,” the

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Advocacy Alert: Write to state lawmakers about concerning provisions in Faith-Based bill

The misleadingly named “Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act” has once again moved to the forefront in Albany — and it poses a serious threat to historic preservation and the character of neighborhoods across New York City.

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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

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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

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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,

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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,

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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

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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

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CPC approves “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

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