Mechanical Voids Zoning Text Amendment Summary and Impact
On Wednesday, May 29th, the New York City Council voted to amend the Zoning Resolution to cap exempt mechanical void space within new buildings in residential neighborhoods.
New York Times Covers FRIENDS’ Challenge of 1059 Third Avenue
As reported in April 2019, FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts filed a zoning challenge against 1059 Third Avenue, at the corner of East 63rd Street.
Advocacy Update: City Planning Voids Hearing March 13th – Join Us to Speak Out!
On Wednesday, May 29th, the New York City Council voted to amend the Zoning Resolution to cap exempt mechanical void space within new buildings in residential neighborhoods.
Voiding the Voids on the Upper East Side
FRIENDS has been sounding the drum about the mechanical void loophole for over two years, along with sustained joint efforts from civic-minded advocacy groups like Landmark West!, the Municipal Art Society, Carnegie Hill Neighbors, and CIVITAS, as well as invaluable and tireless support from our fellow local champion, Council Member Ben Kallos.
Final Decision for 180 East 88th Street
In a vote of 4-1 last week, the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) voted to deny our appeal of 180 East 88th Street. In their comments, Commissioners acknowledged the deficiency of the Zoning Resolution’s text regarding this issue, but eventually conceded that the Department of Buildings (DOB) acted within its right to approve the subdivision
BSA Update: Second Public Hearing for 180 East 88th Street
FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts and Carnegie Hill Neighbors’ fight against 180 East 88th Street continues. Next Tuesday, October 30th, the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) will hold a second public hearing to address our joint community challenge of the Department of Buildings’ (DOB) approval of a 10 foot by 22 foot portion carved out of
180 East 88th Street Has First Board of Standards and Appeals Public Hearing
This week FRIENDS, along with other New Yorkers concerned with the impact of megatowers on our city, has been advocating full force for the City to make good on its promises to enforce the misuse of zoning loopholes.
ADVOCACY ALERT: Manhattan Electeds and Advocates Call on City for Immediate Reform
In advance of Tuesday’s hearing, FRIENDS will join with elected officials and colleagues on the steps of City Hall to raise these issues to the citywide stage. The ability to freely sculpt zoning lots, as at 180 East 88th Street and 200 Amsterdam Avenue, that serve no purpose beyond circumventing zoning requirements
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.
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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