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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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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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

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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

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ADVOCACY ALERT: Albany’s Sky-High Vision for Unchecked NYC Development…?

With support from Mayor de Blasio, the New York State Legislature is resurrecting a troubling amendment to New York City zoning that would dismantle the cap on the size of residential development that has been in place for nearly 60 years.

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FRIENDS’ Fight in the Public Eye!

Last week, FRIENDS’ Executive Director Rachel Levy was quoted in Crain’s New York Business! Click the link below to read the full article about the fight against supertall towers in residential neighborhoods.

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Our Advocacy is Getting Through!

At a recent Town Hall Meeting with Mayor de Blasio, sponsored by Council Member Ben Kallos, FRIENDS raised the issue of zoning loopholes. In response, Mayor de Blasio thanked FRIENDS for shining a light on the issue and emphasized the role of community organizations in highlighting specific challenges.

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