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.

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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.

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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.

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Image Credit: Michael Korfhage

Breaking News: De Blasio Administration to Finally Propose Void Solution

Following the Department of Building’s (DOB) reversal of prior zoning approval at 36 West 66th Street last week, it seems the city is prepared to move forward on proposing a solution to close loopholes in the zoning resolution related to unregulated mechanical void space in new developments.

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Buildings Department Halts Work on 180 East 88th Street

Responding to pressure from civic groups including Carnegie Hill Neighbors and FRIENDS, in addition to our elected officials Council Member Ben Kallos and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and the power of the press, the New York City Buildings Department has ordered a stop to all construction on the luxury

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East 88th Street Tower: Zoning for New Heights Sinks to a New Low

An article in Monday’s New York Times, “4-Foot-Wide Lot, Carved Out by Developers, Causes Big Stir in Manhattan,” highlights a development project of serious concern to FRIENDS and other neighborhood advocates.

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Celebration of all things Yorkville!

A Celebration of all things Yorkville!

On Saturday, April 30th, FRIENDS and the Historic Districts Council hosted “Yorkville: A Celebration of Home” at the lovely Bohemian National Hall, an individual New York City landmark. Held in the Hall’s stunning Grand Ballroom, Majda Kallab Whitaker of the Bohemian Benevolent & Literary Association provided a fascinating overview of the Hall’s history and careful restoration.

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FRIENDS Featured in TV Segment about Zoning

The Board of Directors of FRIENDS of the Upper East Side Historic Districts is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Levy as Executive Director.

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Join FRIENDS to Learn How YOU Can Help Shape the Future of Our Community!

The Upper East Side: A Framework for the Future of Five Neighborhoods FRIENDS remains steadfast in its pro-active commitment to preserve the character of the Upper East Side in spite of development pressures stemming from the completion of the Second Avenue Subway, the City Planning Commission’s proposed zoning changes, and

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Fighting Super Tall Towers with FRIENDS

Council Member Ben Kallos hosted a panel discussion about fighting superscrapers on Thursday, July 23rd.

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