Advocacy Alert: Stand with FDNY Union for State Zoning Reform
On top of undercutting predictable development and the intent of zoning regulations, the inclusion of empty “mechanical” voids in the core of new buildings poses grave safety concerns for New York City’s firefighters and the citizens they protect every day.
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.
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.
Advocacy Update: Both City and State Move to Address Zoning Loopholes and Curb Supertalls
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.
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.
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