Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings and Dispositions

Summary

This agenda item, Application G 250082 HHX, seeks authorization for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) to lease a long-vacant property at 349 East 140th Street (Block 2303, Lot 58) in the Bronx to The Mott Haven-Port Morris Community Land Stewards (MHPMCLS) for a 49-year ground lease with two 25-year renewal options. The site, formerly the Lincoln Recovery Center, has been unused since 2013 and requires a $42 million rehabilitation.

The project will transform the 22,750 SF former center, with a 2,300 SF expansion, into the HEArts Center, a hub for Health & Wellness, Education, and Arts & Culture. This community-led initiative, stemming from advocacy since 2013, aims to address local healthcare disparities, educational inequities, and lack of accessible arts spaces.

Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026 and be completed by late 2027. The HEArts Center is projected to create 80+ full-time, living wage jobs with a focus on local hiring, serve 4,000 residents annually through health and wellness services, engage 225 youth and young adults in workforce training, and host 300+ annual arts education participants and 7,000+ visitors to community events. Partner organizations include South Bronx Unite, Green City Force, and UpBeat NYC.

This lease approval is a critical step in realizing a long-standing community vision to repurpose a blighted property into a vibrant, community-controlled asset for the South Bronx.

Citizen Impact

Residents of the South Bronx, particularly in Community District 1, will gain access to a revitalized community hub offering free health and wellness services, workforce training programs, and arts and cultural activities. This project will transform a long-blighted property into a vibrant center, creating over 80 local jobs and addressing critical needs in health, education, and cultural engagement for thousands of residents annually.

Confidence

high

Summary

This application seeks a 40-year real property tax exemption (Article XI), retroactive to April 1, 2018, for 2149-2153 Pacific Street (Block 1433, Lot 60) in Brooklyn. Submitted by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the exemption is crucial for the rehabilitation of three existing buildings containing 24 affordable housing units. The property, currently operating at a financial loss with $322,000 in tax arrears, will also receive an HPD loan of over $2 million for critical repairs including roof, windows, boilers, and electrical systems. To ensure long-term financial stability and affordability, a regulatory agreement will be implemented, requiring a 63% maintenance increase phased over three years and setting income/sales price restrictions (max 120% AMI for income, 100% AMI for sales price, resulting in ~32% AMI for current residents after increases). Council Member Mealy expressed strong opposition to the 40-year exemption, advocating for a 25-year term and questioning the fairness of the process given the city's tax policies for individual homeowners.

Citizen Impact

Residents of these 24 affordable co-op units will benefit from significant building repairs and the preservation of low-income homeownership, ensuring long-term affordability. However, they will face a substantial 63% increase in maintenance fees phased over three years, which may impact household budgets.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Landmarks Preservation Commission has submitted an application (N 260077 HIM) for the designation of the Barbey Building as a landmark. This building is located at 15-17 West 38th Street (Block 840, Lot 31) in Manhattan, Community District 5, Council District 4. A public hearing on this designation is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 1:00 P.M., before the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions.

Citizen Impact

This designation would protect the Barbey Building from significant alteration or demolition, preserving its historical and architectural character in the neighborhood.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has submitted an application (N 260078 HIM) for the designation of the 29th Street Towers, located at 214-226 West 29th Street (Block 778, Lots 48 and 52) in Manhattan, as a landmark. A public hearing for this designation is scheduled for November 13, 2025, before the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions.

Citizen Impact

Designation as a landmark will protect the historical and architectural character of the 29th Street Towers, potentially affecting future development and renovation options for the property and surrounding area.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Landmarks Preservation Commission has submitted an application for the designation of the Fashion Tower, located at 135 West 36th Street (Block 812, Lot 19) in Manhattan, Community District 5, Council District 3, as a city landmark. A public hearing for this designation is scheduled for November 13, 2025.

Citizen Impact

This designation would preserve the historic and architectural character of the Fashion Tower, potentially restricting future exterior alterations to the building.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is reviewing an application from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for the official designation of the Furcraft Building as a city landmark. The building is located at 242-246 West 30th Street (Block 779, Lot 66) in Manhattan. A public hearing for this designation is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 1:00 P.M.

Citizen Impact

This designation would preserve the architectural and historical character of the Furcraft Building, potentially affecting future development and alterations in the immediate area.

Confidence

high

Summary

This agenda item, Application N 260081 HIM, concerns the proposed landmark designation of the Lefcourt Clothing Center, located at 275 Seventh Avenue (Block 801, Lot 1) in Manhattan. The application was submitted by the Landmarks Preservation Commission and is scheduled for a public hearing on November 13, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. in Hearing Room 3, 250 Broadway, 8th Floor.

Citizen Impact

The designation of the Lefcourt Clothing Center as a landmark would preserve its historic character, potentially affecting future alterations to the building and contributing to the architectural heritage of the neighborhood.

Confidence

high

Summary

The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) has submitted Application C 250298 PCK (L.U. 420) for the acquisition and site selection of 38 properties in Brooklyn Community District 5, specifically within Council Districts 37 and 42, for future park use. This initiative, part of a "Walk to Park" program, aims to expand public green spaces. The proposal identifies 22 primary (vacant) sites and 16 secondary sites across various streets and avenues, including Hinsdale Street, Sutter Avenue, Snediker Avenue, Sheffield Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, New Lots Avenue, Atkins Avenue, Fountain Avenue, Loring Avenue, Vermont Street, Liberty Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, Barbey Street, Jamaica Avenue, Autumn Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Ridgewood Avenue, and Fulton Street. The application has undergone several procedural steps: it was called up for City Council review on October 29, 2025, a public hearing was held by the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions on November 13, 2025, and it was scheduled for a public meeting and vote by the same Subcommittee and the Committee on Land Use on November 25, 2025. This process indicates the application is moving through the necessary approvals to enable the city to acquire these properties and designate them for park development.

Citizen Impact

This initiative will significantly increase access to new park spaces for residents in Brooklyn Community District 5, particularly in Council Districts 37 and 42. By acquiring these properties, the city aims to enhance recreational opportunities and green infrastructure, potentially improving neighborhood quality of life and promoting outdoor activities for families and individuals.

Confidence

high

Summary

This agenda item, Application number C 250297 PCQ (L.U. NO. 421), involves the acquisition and site selection of multiple properties for park use in Queens Community District 3. The application was submitted by the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), pursuant to Section 197-c of the New York City Charter. The initiative targets 24 specific properties across Council Districts 21, 22, and 25.

Properties Included:

• Primary (Vacant) Sites include 22-42 97 Street; 88 Street; 34-34 112 Street; 111 Street; 104-35 Roosevelt LT Avenue; 104-33 Roosevelt LT Avenue; and 33-50 82 Street.
• Secondary Sites comprise 90-01 23 Avenue; 88-08 23 Avenue; 90-05 25 Avenue; 70-09 Northern Boulevard; 69-02 Northern Boulevard; 70-02 Northern Boulevard; 70-16 Northern Boulevard; 37-50 82 Street; 89-08 Astoria Boulevard; 91-20 Astoria Boulevard; 92-10 Astoria Boulevard; 93-20 Astoria Boulevard; 35-66 Junction Boulevard; 108-09 Northern Boulevard; 109-18 Northern Boulevard; and 101-05 37 Avenue.

Review Process:

The application was called up for City Council review on October 29, 2025. A public hearing was subsequently held by the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions on November 13, 2025. A public meeting for a vote by the Subcommittee and the full Committee on Land Use was scheduled for November 25, 2025, after being laid over from the hearing.

Citizen Impact

This proposal will increase access to green spaces and recreational opportunities for residents in Queens Community District 3, specifically in Council Districts 21, 22, and 25. By acquiring existing properties, including vacant lots, and designating them for park use, the city aims to enhance neighborhood amenities and quality of life.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is seeking approval for the designation of an Urban Development Action Area and an Urban Development Action Area Project, known as Praise Tabernacle, at 150-20 108 Avenue (Block 10141, Lot 87) in Queens, Community District 12, Council District 28. This application (N 260045 HNQ) enables future development on the site, with a public hearing scheduled for November 13, 2025.

Citizen Impact

This action will facilitate redevelopment at 150-20 108 Avenue, potentially leading to new housing or community facilities in the neighborhood, though specific project details are not provided in these documents.

Confidence

medium