Author Archives

emil mella

Deadline extended! Apply to join your local community board by Feb. 14.

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I’m looking for passionate and engaged New Yorkers who are dedicated to making a difference in their neighborhoods. Community Boards play an important role in shaping the character of our city. If you live or work in one of Manhattan’s 12 community districts, you’re eligible to apply for the 2020-2022 class of CB members. The online application must be completed in one sitting, so I suggest you read the paper… Read more

Our deed restriction law in action!

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Gale speaking at podium at State of the Borough After the Rivington House debacle, Council Member Chin and I passed a law in December of 2016 that requires notification of any deed restriction removal request to the local Council Member, the Community Board, and the Borough President. I were pleased this week when I was notified of the request to lift the deed restriction at 142 W. 131st Street. I then was able to write a letter to the… Read more

Religious Facilities Task Force

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Religious institutions are a bedrock of neighborhood life and identity, and serve as a social and cultural resource for thousands of New Yorkers. When religious congregations are faced with real estate challenges and must move or close, the impacts on the surrounding community can be significant. Since 2014, my office has worked to assist them in meeting their challenges – which have been particularly serious in Central and East Harlem,… Read more

Fighting the epidemic of anti-Semitism

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It’s no secret that we’re now facing an epidemic of anti-Semitism across the country, including right here in New York, as the recent attacks in Monsey so tragically demonstrated. In her New York Times op-ed, Congresswoman Nita Lowey said, “We are no longer talking about isolated, occasional actions—bad enough as those are—but a regular phenomenon. Like an epidemic, it must be treated comprehensively, addressing root causes.” I totally agree.… Read more

Brewer reminds property owners of snow removal obligations

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In a letter, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) – a member of my Accessibility Task Force – and I called on property owners to adhere to snow removal obligations as the winter weather ramps up. The letter was sent to the Real Estate Board of New York, the Rent Stabilization Association, the Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominimiums, NAIOP NYC Chapter, and the NYC BID Association… Read more

Brewer reappointed to serve on National League of Cities’ Human Development Committee

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Gale smiling with National League of Cities sign Partnering with other urban leaders means we can amplify our voice when it comes to pressing issues facing the millions of people we represent, which is why I’m thrilled to be reappointed to serve on the National League of Cities’ Human Development Committee (NLC). I look forward to continuing to work alongside my fellow committee members in pushing smart, effective policies that support our most vulnerable, strengthen the social safety… Read more

Brewer says no to Lenox Terrace rezoning proposal

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NEW YORK – Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer issued her formal ULURP recommendation on the zoning text amendment proposed by the Olnick Organization for its rezoning application to facilitate the development of 5 new buildings located at the Lenox Terrace complex. In her recommendation, she rejected the proposal because it came without adequate public and private investments. “There are few instances where a development the scale of the one… Read more

Announcing our fourth annual holiday diaper drive!

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For many low-income working parents, getting diapers for their children is a struggle. Day care centers often require parents to supply diapers when they drop of their kids, so if the parents don’t have diapers to bring every day, they can’t work. That’s why my office, the Food Bank for New York City, and the Girl Scouts of Greater New York are launching our fourth annual holiday diaper drive to… Read more

Nov. 18: Lenox Terrace public hearing

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The owner of Lenox Terrace in Harlem has applied for a zoning change to facilitate construction of five new buildings—with a total of about 1,600 residential units—one at each corner of the Lenox Terrace complex bounded by Lenox Avenue, W. 132nd St., Fifth Ave., and W. 135th St., plus a fifth building mid-block on W. 135th St. As part of my office’s official ULURP consideration, I will hold a public… Read more