2015 ended with widespread community opposition to Mayor de Blasio’s zoning proposals. Image credit: CityLand
1. Community Boards Vote Down de Blasio Affordable Housing Proposals: CityLand’s compilation of the first review stage for the Mayor’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing and Zoning for Quality and Affordability proposals
2. LPC Divided on Sugar Refinery Redevelopment: Landmarks Preservation Commission disputed plans to redevelop an old sugar refinery in Dumbo
3. City Council 421-a Oversight Hearing: City Council examined the program effectiveness at producing affordable housing during the rent stabilization renewal fight.
4. City Planning Approves One Vanderbilt: CPC modified and authorized plans to partially rezone Vanderbilt Avenue and construct a new commercial tower by Grand Central.
5. Council Committee Holds Hearing on Rent Stabilization: City Council held a hearing before authorizing a call to continue New York’s rent stabilization laws.
6. Community Boards: For Affordable Housing But Against Administration’s Solutions – What’s Going On?: Commentary by Fried Frank’s Carol Rosenthal and Theodore Clement on local reaction to MIH and ZQA.
7. City Planning Approves Conversion of JLWQA Building: CPC voted to permit renovation of a SoHo building and converting it from artist’s housing to market-rate residential use.
8. Community Opposes Fieldston Development: Landmarks hearing on a three-home development in the Fieldston Historic District received strong local objection.
9. Legislation Proposed to Establish Time Limits on Landmark Designation: City Councilmembers Koo and Greenfield sponsored bills to compel Landmarks hearings on calendared items to clear a 50-year backlog.
10. Proposal for Four Seasons Restaurant Renovation Substantially Denied: Landmarks rejected a proposal to make alterations to the landmarked Four Seasons interior.