2022 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.
Call for Art: Beyond the Bricks
FRIENDS is joining forces with Art on the Ave and Manhattan Sideways to showcase the breadth and diversity of local businesses in the Yorkville neighborhood and highlight immigrant connections of both current and past retail and residential tenants. One element of this project is to spotlight local retail spaces themselves, including vacant ones, by bringing them to life with original art by local artists that is both hopeful and relevant. If you, or anyone you
Proposed Council Districts: Your Interests are About to Take a Backseat
New district lines for New York City’s 51 Council Districts are now being considered for adoption, and as proposed, big changes are coming to representation in local government for the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island.
More Buildings ≠ More Housing, and More Housing ≠ Affordable Housing
Earlier this year, four historic tenement buildings on the southeast corner of East 75th Street and Third Avenue were demolished to pave way for a new 214 foot tall building, developed by the EJS Group and designed by Beyer Blinder Belle.
1299 Third Avenue Update: FRIENDS Appeals DOB’s Endorsement of Segmented Approvals
In the last week there have been not one, but two, significant developments related to the long-stalled project at 1297-1299 Third Avenue between 74th and 75th Streets which has sat vacant for nearly three years.
BREAKING NEWS! Owner of Treadwell Farm’s Neglected Building Withdraws LPC Application
In an unexpected turn of events, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has decided to allow the applicant of 210 East 62nd Street to withdraw its application scheduled for tomorrow's public hearing.
Advocacy Alert: 210 East 62nd Street! Your voice needed at LPC this Tuesday
Next Tuesday, April 26th, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) will review the latest plans for 210 East 62nd Street located in the Treadwell Farm Historic District in a public hearing. The rowhouse dates to 1870 with 20th-century alterations, and has been the subject of a contentious renovation project since plans to remodel the front facade, demolish all the interiors, and build a bulky rooftop and rear addition first came forward in 2016.
Advocacy Update: State Legislators Reject Changes to the FAR Cap, Focus Shifts to Governor in Budget Talks
In response to the outcry from thousands of New Yorkers, as well as the advocacy of FRIENDS and our preservation colleagues, both the State Senate and Assembly have now rejected Governor Hochul’s budget proposal to supersize development in New York City.
40th Anniversary Annual Meeting and Awards
Every year, we look forward to gathering with members and friends to celebrate and recognize the fine restoration, renovation, and advocacy work completed on the Upper East Side. We're delighted to finally celebrate this year's award recipients in person again, at our 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting and Awards.
Advocacy Alert: Say NO to Lifting the Cap
For the third 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.