Advocacy Win: City’s Tech Office Explores Alternative Designs for Link5G Towers After Community Pushback
FRIENDS has learned that the city's proposed 32-foot tall Link5G towers will be subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
FRIENDS testifies at City Hall Subcommittee Hearing
FRIENDS recently submitting testimony at the NYC Department of City Planning about the CITY OF YES FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY proposal to overhaul the 1961 Zoning Resolution. While we believe updating and modernizing the city’s zoning is certainly important and overdue, we think the zoning text amendments are just a series of bandaids upon bandaids, a voluminous series of tweaks, many of which will have unintended consequences.
42nd Annual Meeting and Awards
On Thursday, March 28th, we gathered with members and friends to celebrate and recognize the fine restoration, renovation, and advocacy work and leadership on the Upper East Side.
Advocacy Alert: Say NO to Lifting the FAR Cap
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.
Hey Joe; There’s a nail salon in Apartment 5C!
FRIENDS recently submitting testimony at the NYC Department of City Planning about the CITY OF YES FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY proposal to overhaul the 1961 Zoning Resolution. While we believe updating and modernizing the city’s zoning is certainly important and overdue, we think the zoning text amendments are just a series of bandaids upon bandaids, a voluminous series of tweaks, many of which will have unintended consequences.
Advocacy Win vs. Link 5G towers
FRIENDS has learned that the city's proposed 32-foot tall Link5G towers will be subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Watch It Again: Jacob Wrey Mould and the Artful Beauty of Central Park
Watch a recording of an illustrated talk, "Jacob Wrey Mould and the Artful Beauty of Central Park" by architectural historian Francis R. Kowsky.
Watch It Again: “City of Yes” with George Janes
Watch a recording of our online talk "City of Yes Explained" by urban planner and zoning expert George Janes held on January 18th and co-sponsored by FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts and Landmark West!
2024 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.
News from FRIENDS – Fall 2025
The Fall 2025 issue is here, delivering a powerful look at the most urgent preservation battles and victories shaping the Upper East Side. This issue dives into the crisis of affordable housing and development, featuring an Open Letter to Mayoral Candidates. You will also find an in-depth analysis of the Mayor’s Charter Revision proposals going to a November vote, with FRIENDS urging a NO vote on measures #2, 3, and 4 that threaten to weaken