Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Land Use
Mar 11, 2025
·
02:00 PM
1 hr 55 min
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Summary
A hearing on the Department of City Planning (DCP) and Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) preliminary budgets for fiscal year 2026.
Discussions focused on:
- DCP's staffing challenges
- Federal funding concerns
- Implementation of zoning initiatives like City of Yes.
For LPC, topics included budget allocations, historic preservation grants, and efforts to diversify landmark designations.
Features testimony from DCP, LPC, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Salamanca's opening remarks on DCP and LPC budget hearing
Council Member Rafael Salamanca provides opening remarks for the fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget hearing for the Department of City Planning (DCP) and Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). He discusses the …
0:00:35
·
4 min
Council Member Kevin Riley addresses neighborhood planning and investment concerns
Council Member Kevin Riley emphasizes the need for substantial investment in neighborhood planning, expressing concern about the lack of progress in initiatives like the SEED fund and the Neighborhood Development …
0:05:33
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157 sec
Introduction and opening remarks by DCP Director Dan Garodnick
Dan Garodnick, Director of the NYC Department of City Planning, opens the testimony by thanking the committee members and introducing his colleagues. He expresses excitement about discussing the DCP's preliminary …
0:08:19
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57 sec
City of Yes for Economic Opportunity: Zoning reform for business growth
Director Garodnick details the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity initiative, a major zoning amendment approved by the city council in June 2024. This reform aims to modernize outdated regulations …
0:09:16
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92 sec
City of Yes for Housing Opportunity: Addressing NYC's housing shortage
Director Garodnick discusses the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity initiative, approved by the city council in December 2024. This zoning plan aims to tackle New York City's housing shortage …
0:10:49
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145 sec
Additional planning initiatives and neighborhood-based plans
Director Garodnick outlines several other planning initiatives and neighborhood-based plans undertaken by the Department of City Planning in 2024 and early 2025. - Implemented Green Fast Track to streamline environmental …
0:13:17
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126 sec
New York City Industrial Plan and last mile facility text amendment
Director Garodnick discusses two important initiatives related to industrial development and last mile facilities in New York City. - Began work on the New York City Industrial Plan, the first …
0:15:23
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58 sec
Department of City Planning budget overview for FY2025 and FY2026
Director Garodnick provides a comprehensive overview of the Department of City Planning's budget for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, highlighting key figures and changes. - FY2025 adopted budget: $49.5 million, …
0:16:21
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167 sec
Federal funding for DCP and Community Development Block Grants
Council Member Salamanca inquires about the Department of City Planning's federal funding, particularly the Community Development Block Grants. Director Garodnick and COO David Parrish discuss the importance of this funding …
0:19:08
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3 min
DCP staffing levels and vacancy rates
Council Member Salamanca inquires about DCP's staffing levels and vacancy rates, particularly in relation to advancing the administration's housing growth and zoning goals. Director Garodnick provides an update on the …
0:22:14
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166 sec
Impact of staffing on project closings and application processing
Council Member Salamanca inquires about the impact of staffing levels on project closings and application processing at DCP. Director Garodnick explains the steps taken to improve efficiency and speed up …
0:25:00
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128 sec
Racial impact studies in the ULURP process
Council Member Salamanca inquires about the integration of racial impact studies into the ULURP process. Director Garodnick provides information on how these studies are conducted alongside environmental reviews. - Racial …
0:27:08
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54 sec
DCP budgeted positions and desired additional headcount
Council Member Salamanca inquires about DCP's current budgeted positions and any desired additional headcount. Director Garodnick provides information on recent budget allocations and staffing priorities. - DCP currently has 353 …
0:28:02
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53 sec
Office to residential conversions and related zoning changes
Council Member Salamanca inquires about DCP's efforts to facilitate office to residential conversions. Director Garodnick provides a comprehensive overview of recent policy changes and initiatives in this area. - Recent …
0:28:56
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171 sec
Last mile facilities and special permit process for e-commerce warehouses
Council Member Salamanca inquires about the progress on regulating last mile warehouses and creating a special permit process for e-commerce facilities. Director Garodnick provides updates on the administration's commitments in …
0:31:49
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96 sec
Tracking and publishing DCP commitments from City of Yes initiatives
Council Member Salamanca inquires about the transparency and tracking of commitments made by DCP as part of the City of Yes initiatives. Director Garodnick provides information on the current status …
0:33:24
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42 sec
Discussion on Zoning for Families proposal and its funding
Council Member Kevin Riley inquires about the $1 million funding allocated for Zoning for Families in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Director Dan Garodnick explains that the proposal is still …
0:34:08
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57 sec
Overview of the NYC Seed Fund for neighborhood investments
Council Member Kevin Riley inquires about the NYC Seed Fund, which has replaced the prior administration's NDF fund for planning commitments in neighborhood rezonings. Director Dan Garodnick confirms that there …
0:35:05
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153 sec
Progress on new neighborhood studies and DCP's capacity
Council Member Kevin Riley inquires about the progress of new neighborhood studies for areas like Coney Island, East Flatbush, Harlem River North, and White Plains Road. Director Dan Garodnick provides …
0:37:38
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134 sec
Timeline for ADU regulations release and homeowner support
Council Member Kevin Riley inquires about the timeline for releasing ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) regulations and the support that will be provided to interested homeowners. Director Dan Garodnick provides information …
0:39:53
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57 sec
DCP's engagement with charter revision commissions on planning reforms
Council Member Kevin Riley inquires about the Department of City Planning's (DCP) engagement with the active charter revision commissions exploring potential reforms to the development and planning process. Director Dan …
0:40:49
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36 sec
DCP's efforts to reform and expedite application processing
Council Member Kevin Riley inquires about the Department of City Planning's (DCP) efforts to reform its application processing, particularly in light of the 'Get Stuff Built' report that identified slow …
0:41:26
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66 sec
Council Member Salamanca inquires about timeline for last mile special permit ULURP process
Council Member Rafael Salamanca follows up on the last mile special permit, thanking the Department of City Planning for confirming the upcoming environmental scope and asking for a commitment to …
0:42:32
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44 sec
Community engagement in City of Yes process and planning initiatives
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers inquires about DCP's efforts to ensure meaningful engagement of residents, particularly in outer borough communities, in the City of Yes process and other planning initiatives. Dan …
0:43:51
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175 sec
Prioritizing homeownership opportunities in outer borough communities
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks about DCP's plans to prioritize homeownership opportunities for working families, particularly in outer borough communities. Dan Garodnick outlines how the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity …
0:46:46
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127 sec
Council Member Sanchez questions DCP Director on neighborhood planning budget
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about the allocation of $5.9 million for DCP's neighborhood planning efforts, as committed in the City for All initiative. Director Dan Garodnick clarifies that …
0:49:01
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152 sec
Council Member Farias inquires about industrial strategic plans and Local Law 172 implementation
Council Member Amanda Farias asks Director Dan Garodnick for updates on industrial strategic plans and the implementation of Local Law 172. Garodnick provides details on the Department of City Planning's …
0:51:40
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132 sec
Council members discuss AAMUP rezoning, investments, and neighborhood planning funds
Council Member Crystal Hudson inquires about the AAMUP rezoning plan and associated investments, particularly in light of deputy mayor departures. Director Dan Garodnick assures continuity and commitment to the plan, …
0:54:03
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3 min
Council Member Riley questions DCP on flood risks and basement apartments
Council Member Kevin Riley inquires about DCP's building elevation dataset, its implications for flood risk assessment, and the city's plans for making basement apartments safe during extreme weather events. Commissioner …
0:57:21
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3 min
Council Member Brewer inquires about manufacturing considerations in Manhattan South plan
Council Member Gale Brewer questions the Department of City Planning about how the Manhattan South plan will consider existing manufacturing industries, particularly in the textile sector. DCP representatives explain that …
1:00:30
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164 sec
Council Member Kamillah Hanks discusses the Landmarks Preservation Commission's role and recent initiatives
Council Member Kamillah Hanks provides remarks on the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), praising their recent efforts to incorporate equity in their designation processes and take a more holistic view of …
1:06:08
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136 sec
Introduction and LPC's mission
Sarah Carroll, Chair and Commissioner of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), introduces herself and outlines the agency's mission to protect New York City's architectural, historical, and cultural resources. She emphasizes …
1:08:58
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81 sec
LPC's FY2026 preliminary budget overview
Sarah Carroll presents an overview of the Landmarks Preservation Commission's preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026. The budget allocation and its breakdown between city and federal funds are detailed. - …
1:10:20
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69 sec
LPC's departmental structure and staffing
Sarah Carroll outlines the Landmarks Preservation Commission's departmental structure and staffing levels for fiscal year 2026. The agency is described as primarily composed of professionals across various departments. - LPC …
1:11:29
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42 sec
CDBG funding allocation
Sarah Carroll explains how the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding is allocated within the Landmarks Preservation Commission's budget. The funding supports various critical functions and programs. - About 82% …
1:12:12
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30 sec
Recent landmark designations
Sarah Carroll highlights a recent landmark designation made by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in the first half of fiscal year 2025. The designation aligns with LPC's equity framework and focuses …
1:12:42
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56 sec
Ongoing landmark designation hearings
Sarah Carroll provides information on recent public hearings for proposed landmark designations. These hearings demonstrate LPC's ongoing efforts to protect significant architectural and cultural sites in New York City. - …
1:13:40
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31 sec
Preservation and permitting operations overview
Sarah Carroll provides an overview of the Landmarks Preservation Commission's preservation and permitting operations. She emphasizes the importance of effective regulation and an efficient, accessible process for applicants. - The …
1:14:12
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108 sec
Launch of Portico online application portal
Sarah Carroll introduces Portico, the Landmarks Preservation Commission's new online application portal launched in March 2024. The portal aims to improve the user experience for people applying for permits to …
1:16:01
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65 sec
Expedited review services and efficiency improvements
Sarah Carroll highlights the Landmarks Preservation Commission's expedited review services and recent efficiency improvements in permit processing. These initiatives aim to streamline the application process and provide faster service to …
1:17:10
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45 sec
Outreach and education efforts
Sarah Carroll emphasizes the importance of outreach and education in the Landmarks Preservation Commission's work. These efforts aim to make information accessible to all New Yorkers and improve communication with …
1:17:56
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83 sec
Historic Preservation Grant Program
Sarah Carroll provides details on the Historic Preservation Grant Program, a federally funded initiative administered by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The program aims to support low and moderate-income homeowners and …
1:19:20
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38 sec
Conclusion and commitment to equitable, efficient, and transparent preservation
Sarah Carroll concludes her testimony by summarizing the Landmarks Preservation Commission's commitment to the future of preservation in New York City. She emphasizes the agency's efficient use of resources and …
1:19:59
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42 sec
Federal funding for LPC's historic preservation grant program
Council Member Salamanca inquires about the federal funding for LPC's historic preservation grant program. Commissioner Carroll explains that the funding has remained consistent, with about $689,000 in CDBG funds allocated …
1:20:48
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73 sec
Staffing and administration of LPC's grant program
Council Member Salamanca inquires about the staffing and administration of LPC's grant program. Commissioner Carroll provides details on the personnel involved and the management of funds. - Most staff administering …
1:22:01
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64 sec
Recent recipients of LPC's historic preservation grants
Commissioner Carroll provides details on the number and types of grant recipients for LPC's historic preservation program in recent fiscal years. - FY 2023: 4 homeowner grants and 1 nonprofit …
1:23:05
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85 sec
Eligibility of religious institutions for LPC's grant program
Commissioner Carroll explains the eligibility criteria and limitations for religious institutions applying for LPC's historic preservation grants. - Religious institutions are eligible to apply, but with specific restrictions - Grants …
1:24:30
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90 sec
LPC's approach to monitoring and designating religious properties as landmarks
Commissioner Carroll explains LPC's approach to monitoring and potentially designating religious properties as landmarks, addressing Council Member Salamanca's concerns about church closures and alterations. - LPC conducts annual surveys of …
1:26:00
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3 min
Discussion on Save America's Treasures grant and federal funding for LPC
Council Member Hanks inquires about the use of the Save America's Treasures grant by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). Chair Carroll explains that the $88,000 federal funding will be used …
1:29:27
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147 sec
Update on the Vulnerable Buildings Action Plan
Council Member Hanks inquires about the status of the Vulnerable Buildings Action Plan announced by Mayor Adams in April 2023. Chair Carroll confirms that the plan is still active and …
1:31:56
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124 sec
Landmark designations for African American and black cultural significance
Council Member Hanks inquires about ongoing efforts to recognize and celebrate places of African American and black cultural significance through landmark designations. Chair Carroll provides an overview of recent designations …
1:34:00
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118 sec
LPC staffing levels and vacancy details
Council Member Hanks inquires about the current staffing levels and vacancies at the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). Chair Carroll provides details on the current situation and how it compares to …
1:35:58
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81 sec
LPC enforcement complaints and investigations discussion
Council Member Brewer inquires about a reported increase in LPC enforcement complaints and decrease in investigations. Chair Carroll explains that these numbers don't directly correlate due to multiple complaints potentially …
1:37:32
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136 sec
Discussion on interior landmark designations
Council Member Brewer inquires about the decline in landmark designations, particularly regarding interior landmarks. Chair Carroll explains that interior landmarks must be publicly accessible and very special places, of which …
1:39:49
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94 sec
West Park Presbyterian Church repair application discussion
Council Member Brewer raises concerns about the West Park Presbyterian Church repair application, which has been complicated by the property owner's refusal to sign the application. Chair Carroll explains the …
1:41:23
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3 min
Testimony by Yvette Chen, Program Manager of Neighborhood Development at Center for NYC Neighborhoods
Yvette Chen from the Center for NYC Neighborhoods addressed the mayor's preliminary budget, focusing on three key priorities to expand homeownership and strengthen housing stability in New York City. She …
1:46:17
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155 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson provides testimony on various city issues, including the Delirista hub, bike lanes, and community land trusts. He expresses strong opinions about Mayor Eric Adams' tenure and calls …
1:49:14
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143 sec
Testimony by Michael S. Hiller, Founding and Managing Principal of Hiller, PC on NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
Michael S. Hiller, an attorney with 30 years of experience in preservation law, testified about the declining commitment of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to preservation and designation of historic …
1:51:51
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3 min