New Upper East Side Individual and Interior Landmark!
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) unanimously voted to designate the (Former) Whitney Museum of American Art building at 945 Madison Avenue as both an Individual and Interior Landmark.
George M. Janes receives Ralph C. Menapace Award
Urban planner George M. Janes received the Ralph C. Menapace Award at the FRIENDS 2025 Annual Awards for his contributions to our advocacy work. FRIENDS rarely bestows the Menapace Award, named after Ralph Menapace, a seminal figure in New York City preservation. Click on the video above to listen to his acceptance remarks.
Ronda Wist on Colonial Dames
FRIENDS Board member Ronda Wist presented the FRIENDS Institutional Restoration Award to The National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York (NSCDNY) for the restoration of their headquarters. President Marguerite Morrison accepted the Award on behalf of NSCDNY
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.
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 the framework for city government and its processes, including how decisions about land use and development are made.
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 200 New Yorkers--both advocates and concerned individuals--who came together to make their voices heard at the marathon hearing that lasted just under 15 hours.
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, displace existing affordable units, and threaten livability in neighborhoods across the City.