MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ANNUAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC DESIGN

 

Projects in All Five Boroughs Enhance Public Spaces, Provide Cultural and Recreational Amenities, Improve Resiliency, and Inspire Generations of Artists

Collage of award-winning projects.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Public Design Commission (PDC) Chair Deborah Marton, and PDC Executive Director Sreoshy Banerjea today announced the winners of the 42nd annual Awards for Excellence in Design. The 11 winning projects were selected by PDC from hundreds of submissions and reviewed in 2023. This year’s award-winning projects showcase the city’s commitment to innovative, sustainable, and community-centered design. Each honoree demonstrates how thoughtful urban planning can significantly enhance daily life for New Yorkers, and the designs go beyond aesthetics by creating resilient infrastructure, fostering community connections, and providing accessible spaces for recreation and learning at locations across the five boroughs.

“When we invest in the beauty and functionality of our public spaces, we create environments where everyone feels welcome and valued, and these projects — from revitalized waterfront spaces to state-of-the-art community facilities — embody our vision for a city where every neighborhood thrives,” said Mayor Adams. “Design excellence can directly translate to improved quality of life for New Yorkers by promoting equity, fostering sustainability, and strengthening cultural connections. I commend all of our awardees for reimagining our public spaces to not only meet the needs of our city today but also anticipate the challenges of the city tomorrow.”

“These award-winning projects showcase how innovative urban planning and thoughtful design enhance vibrancy and livability for all New Yorkers,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “I commend our city agencies and design partners for creating spaces that foster community, prioritize sustainability, and reflect the diverse needs of our residents.”

“Every year, PDC’s Excellence in Public Design awards remind us that remarkable public design happens in all five boroughs,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “The surprise and delight of coming upon a brand new beautiful public space and well-designed functional buildings is part of the allure of New York City. Thanks to our colleagues across city government, our library partners, and many others, it is.”

“At PDC, we balance each project's unique constraints and opportunities while amplifying the voices of New Yorkers who help shape their communities,” said PDC Chair Marton. “Whether it's a carefully crafted handrail or a monumental skyscraper, good design shapes our shared story — reflecting our history, defining our present, and inspiring our future. Today’s award-winning projects showcase how design excellence emerges from collaboration between talented designers and dedicated public servants who work together to enhance our city’s built environment.”

“These award-winning designs showcase the power of collaboration in transforming our city,” said PDC Executive Director Banerjea. “Through the extraordinary partnership between our agencies, designers, and communities, we’re creating spaces that go beyond aesthetics to foster sustainability, inclusivity, and community vitality. Each project represents our collective commitment to building a more resilient and equitable New York where every resident can thrive.”

“As the caretakers of New York City’s public greenspaces, we at NYC Parks are committed to enhancing our public realm with innovative and resilient design,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “It is an honor to be recognized in the Public Design Commission’s 42^nd Annual Awards for Excellence in Design for our work in all five boroughs. Accessible, engaging, and beautiful public spaces are not a luxury — they are a necessity for the livable and green city that all New Yorkers deserve. I am so grateful to the incredible teams throughout NYC Parks who have earned this recognition, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners throughout government and in communities citywide to bring even more transformative, forward-looking projects to all five boroughs.”

“DDC partners with some of the world’s top design firms to deliver extraordinary public projects as part of our 20-year commitment to design and construction excellence, and we enliven those projects with great public artwork through DCLA’s ‘Percent for Art’ program,” said New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley. “Now, through our design-build program, we’re proving that excellent public design can be delivered better, faster, and more inclusively on behalf of the diverse communities we serve. We’re honored to receive this recognition from the Public Design Commission, and we thank them for their partnership in improving how the city delivers capital projects on behalf of all New Yorkers.”

“Great public art makes for great public spaces, which are an essential part of New York City’s energy and livability,” said New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “I applaud all of the artists, architects, public servants, and designers honored in this year’s Awards for Excellence in Design, especially the Public Art team at the Department of Cultural Affairs. Every day, our public art team collaborates with artists, residents, and city partners to commission amazing, site-specific works of art for civic spaces like the ones being recognized here. Together, we’re working to make a lasting contribution to the public realm of our city.”

“DEP is proud to be recognized for our work in Gowanus, where our robust community engagement has produced designs that deliver on our environmental goals and reflect the values and priorities of local stakeholders,” said New York City Department of Environmental Preservation (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “I want to thank the Public Design Commission for championing design excellence in infrastructure projects and for recognizing the creativity and collaboration that went into this project. Congratulations to all the award-winning project teams!”

“Greenways are a key asset to driving economic development and creating an opportunity to boost sustainable transportation, while building resilient public amenities for our communities,” said New York City Economic Development (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “As NYCEDC continues to expand the citywide greenway network, we are honored to be recognized by Mayor Adams and our colleagues at PDC for our innovative design work on the Harlem River Greenway, and look forward to bringing this project to life.”

“Great public design enriches our communities and helps celebrate the unique character of neighborhoods across the five boroughs,” said New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “I’m proud of DOT’s role with the Shirley Chisholm Monument, which honors the societal and historical impact of Representative Chisholm. The Public Design Commission has set the standard for using thoughtful design to build a better city for all New Yorkers, and I thank them and the hardworking DOT staff for prioritizing equitable design, sustainable practices, and innovative streetscape improvements.”

“We are proud to bring innovative renewable energy designs to buildings all across New York City, and we thank the Public Design Commission for this recognition,” said New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “Our solar panel installations on city facilities have been a major facet of our carbon reduction goals, and we are committed to bringing more citywide projects online that prioritize sustainability to the benefit of all New Yorkers in the months and years ahead.”

“The following award-winning projects showcase the powerful role design plays in creating spaces where New Yorkers feel a sense of pride, joy, and belonging,” said Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. “Each design embodies our vision for a city where every resident has access to inspiring, accessible, and resilient public spaces. Congratulations to the winners of the Excellence in Public Design awards, we thank you for sharing your creativity and building such beautiful public spaces in the city we call home.”

Since 1983, PDC has recognized well-designed public projects with its Annual Awards for Excellence in Design. The winning projects are selected from the submissions reviewed by the commission the previous year and exemplify how innovative and thoughtful design can enhance the public realm, serve communities, inspire neighborhood pride, and provide durable and resilient space for New Yorkers. The projects being honored demonstrate the transformative impact of planning multipurpose spaces, designing impactful artwork and monuments, and creating innovative landscapes that are accessible, welcoming, and reflective of the needs and aspirations of our diverse communities.

The Design Award-Winning Projects  

Project:          A Bit of Everything by Misha Kahn

Location:        Little Neck, NY

Agency:          DCLA, DDC, Queens Library

 

Project:          Aesop Park

Location:        Staten Island, NY

Agency:          NYC Parks

 

Project:          Borough Park Library

Location:        Brooklyn, NY

Agency:          DDC, Brooklyn Public Library

 

Project:          Owls Head Combined Sewer Overflow Facility Headhouse and Open Space

Location:        Brooklyn, NY

Agency:          DEP, NYC Parks

 

Project:          Manhattan Greenway Harlem River

Location:        New York, NY

Agency:          NYCEDC, NYC Parks

 

Project:          Orchard Beach Maintenance and Operations Facility

Location:        Bronx, NY

Agency:          DDC, NYC Parks

 

Project:          Orchard Beach Maintenance and Operations Facility

Location:        Bronx, NY

Agency:          DDC, NYC Parks

 

Project:          Prospect Park Upper and Lower Vale

Location:        Brooklyn, NY

Agency:          NYC Parks, Prospect Park Alliance

 

Project:          Queensbridge Baby Park

Location:        Long Island City, NY

Agency:          NYC Parks

 

Project:          Shirley Chisholm Monument by Amanda Williams and Olalekan Jeyifous

Location:        Brooklyn, NY

Agency:          DCLA, NYC Parks, DOT, Prospect Park Alliance

 

Project:          Walter Gladwin Recreation Center    

Location:        Bronx, NY

Agency:          DDC, NYC Parks

 

Project:          “What Do I See to be Except Myself” by Oasa DuVerney

Location:        Brooklyn, NY

Agency:          DCLA, DDC, Brooklyn Public Library

 

Project:          Special Recognition Rooftop Photovoltaic Program

Location:        Citywide

Agency:          DCAS

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,

 

Thank you for joining us for another week in review.

 

In light of the recent fire in the Belmont area of the Bronx, we want to ensure everyone is prepared and informed. Here are some essential fire safety tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe and take precautionary measures in case of an emergency:

1. Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors

•   Ensure smoke detectors are installed in every room and hallway, especially in older apartment buildings. Test alarms monthly, and report malfunctioning detectors to building management if you're renting.

2. Plan Your Escape Route

•   Know multiple ways out of your building or apartment, especially in high-rise buildings. Ensure fire escapes are accessible, and never block windows or doors. Practice fire drills with family members.

3. Be Cautious with Space Heaters

•   In colder months, space heaters are common in Bronx apartments. Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.

4. Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets

•   Bronx buildings may have older electrical systems. Avoid overloading outlets or using extension cords with multiple devices to reduce the risk of electrical fires.

5. Report Hazardous Conditions

•   If you notice faulty wiring, blocked fire escapes, or malfunctioning fire alarms in your building, report these issues immediately to your landlord, building management, or 311 for prompt action.

Early voting is now open, giving you the chance to beat the Election Day rush and have your say in shaping our community’s future. Whether it's local leadership or important ballot measures, every vote makes a difference. Don’t wait—head to your nearest polling site and cast your ballot early! Together, we can build a brighter future for the Bronx.

Quality of life issues were addressed with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to ensure our community stays clean and safe. Please remember to call 311 to report any sanitation concerns or issues in your area, as this remains a top priority for us.

Spooky season isn't over just yet! Join us for our Annual Pumpkin Patch Party with the 40th Precinct!  Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon on Thursday, October 31st, from 3 PM to 7 PM at 567 East 149th Street and St. Ann's Avenue. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a festive atmosphere with pumpkins, games, treats, and community spirit! This is a great opportunity to connect with your neighbors and have some Halloween fun.

Lastly, despite the challenges the Yankees face in the World Series, our unwavering support as fans can make all the difference. Let's rally behind our team, cheering them on to turn the tide and strive for victory. Together, we can boost their spirits and keep the dream alive!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

IN THE COMMUNITY

Spooky fun on wheels!

Huge thanks to Go! Sports, Senator Fernandez, and Council Member Marmorato and the Morris Park BID for joining us at Friday’s Halloween Skate Party! From costumes to smooth moves, it was a night to remember!

In partnership with Harvest Home, we distributed Health Bucks at their Hunts Point farmers market location to support efforts to combat hunger and improve nutrition in our communities.

During our tour of Kingsbridge Road with DSNY and Commissioner Jessica Tisch, we emphasized the importance of addressing quality of life issues and the need for cleaner streets in the Bronx.

We remain committed to working with DSNY to ensure our neighborhoods stay clean and vibrant for all residents.

We proudly announced a $2 million joint allocation, in partnership with Council Member Pierina Sanchez, to renovate the Ohio Track and Field at Bronx Community College.

This investment will enhance recreational spaces for students and the community, promoting wellness and opportunity for all.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CITYWIDE DAY OF ACTION TO EDUCATE NEW YORKERS ON HISTORIC AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROPOSAL

 

Over 100 Senior Administration Officials and Government Staffers Visit All Five Boroughs to Educate New Yorkers on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a citywide day of action to educate everyday New Yorkers on the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” a historic zoning proposal to enable the creation of a “little more housing in every neighborhood.” Over 100 senior administration officials and staffers across city government distributed educational materials, answered questions, and informed New Yorkers on the City of Yes for Opportunity proposal across all five boroughs. As New York City faces a generational housing crisis with just a 1.4 percent rental vacancy rate, the proposal would allow for the creation of up to 108,850 new homes over the next 15 years.

 

“All throughout the five boroughs, New Yorkers are experiencing firsthand the impact of a generational housing crisis. However, there is relief in sight, thanks to our ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ proposal,” said Mayor Adams. “To spread the word and help educate New Yorkers, our dedicated public servants are hitting the streets to explain how a little more housing in every neighborhood can play a crucial role in making a difference. Together, we can build our way out of the housing crisis — and that starts with saying ‘yes’ to City of Yes.”

 

“Our dedicated civil servants have fanned out citywide during this day of action to educate New Yorkers about City of Yes and the vital role it will play in creating affordability citywide,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “We believe that through this effort, even more New Yorkers will join the four borough presidents, the City Planning Commission, nearly 150 advocacy groups in the ‘Yes to Housing’ coalition, the AARP, more than 20 LGBTQ+ organizations, 18 Community Boards, and 72 percent of New York voters who approve of City of Yes.”

 

“We are advancing a citywide plan that addresses our housing crisis by making it possible to build a little bit more housing in every neighborhood. That’s why we’re bringing the proposal to all five boroughs through this day of action,” said New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) Director and City Planning Commission (CPC) Chair Dan Garodnick. “If every neighborhood plays its part, we can build a more affordable, inclusive, and equitable city for all. We look forward to meeting and talking with New Yorkers throughout the city about this critically important proposal.” 

 

“Inclusive engagement means ensuring that New Yorkers are equipped with the information they need to understand the policy changes that affect them, especially on the pressing challenges of housing,” said Acting New York City Chief Engagement Officer Crystal Price. “‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ is a collaborative effort to remove the barriers that are holding back housing growth. I am excited to support this initiative that brings together city agencies to inform New Yorkers of our plans to tackle the housing crisis and build a New York where everyone can thrive.” 

 

“Our staff at the Public Engagement Unit works every day to help New Yorkers access a wide range of housing-related resources — from programs like Rent Freeze, which allows income-eligible seniors to freeze their rent, to the Tenant Helpline, which supports those with questions or who are in crisis,” said New York City Public Engagement Unit Executive Director Adrienne Lever. “What we hear time and again from the New Yorkers we serve is that today’s solutions aren’t enough to address the challenges caused by historically low vacancy rates. While PEU continues to distribute resources today, the City of Yes rezoning proposal is a major step forward in reshaping New York City’s housing landscape for tomorrow.”

 

New York City Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Adolfo Carrion Jr. talking to everyday New Yorkers about City of Yes at Grand Concourse in the Bronx 

 

DCP Director Dan Garodnick and PEU volunteers in Harlem, Manhattan educating New Yorkers on City of Yes.

 

The Adams administration has prioritized educating New Yorkers and answering questions on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity during every step of the approval process. Last month, the CPC approved the proposal following an extensive public review process, including over 175 Community Board meetings, 10 public information sessions, a CPC hearing in which a majority of speakers testified in favor of the proposal, and more. The proposal also received favorable recommendations from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.  

 

Since the start of his administration, Mayor Adams has made record investments towards creating and preserving affordable housing. In July, Mayor Adams announced back-to-back record breaking years in both creating and connecting New Yorkers to affordable housing. In June, the Adams administration delivered an on-time, balanced, and fiscally-responsible $112.4 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Adopted Budget that invests $2 billion in capital funds across FY25 and FY26 to HPD and the New York City Housing Authority’s capital budgets. In total, the Adams administration has committed a record $26 billion in housing capital in the current 10-year plan as the city faces a generational housing crisis. This spring, thanks to Mayor Adams’ vision and leadership, the city celebrated the largest 100 percent affordable housing project in 40 years with the Willets Point Transformation. 

 

Further, the Adams administration is using every tool available to address the city’s housing crisis. Mayor Adams announced multiple new tools, including a $4 million state grant, to help New York City homeowners create accessory dwelling units that will not only help them to afford to remain in the communities they call home, but also to build generational wealth for their families. 

 

 

City volunteers, including Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, canvassing for City of Yes at the Staten Island Ferry.

 

 

Deputy Mayor of Strategic Initiatives Ana Almanzar handing out literature on City of Yes in Downtown Brooklyn

 

This year, Mayor Adams and members of the administration successfully advocated for new tools in the 2024 New York state budget that will spur the creation of urgently needed housing. These tools include a new tax incentive for multifamily rental construction, a tax incentive program to encourage office conversions to create more affordable units, lifting the arbitrary “floor-to-area ratio” cap that held back affordable housing production in certain high-demand areas of the city, and the ability to create a pilot program to legalize and make safe basement apartments.  

 

Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, the city is fulfilling its 2024 State of the City commitment to build more affordable housing, including being ahead of schedule on advancing two dozen affordable housing projects on city-owned land this year through the “24 in ‘24” initiative, reopening the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program waitlist after being closed to general applications for nearly 15 years, and creating the Tenant Protection Cabinet to coordinate across agencies to better serve tenants. The city has also taken several steps to cut red tape and speed up the delivery of much-needed housing, including through the “Green Fast Track for Housing,” a streamlined environmental review process for qualifying small- and medium-sized housing projects; the “Office Conversion Accelerator,” an interagency effort to guide buildings that wish to convert through city bureaucracy; and other initiatives of the Building and Land Use Approval Streamlining Taskforce. 

This Week at KRVC - Halloween Events, Restaurant Week and More!

 

COMING UP AT KRVC

Around the Community... KRVC Welcomes Back BAMBA With NYC Small Business Services!   Here at KRVC, we really do love our acronyms. We are pleased to announce that BAMBA is back up and running. This grant runs through June 2025 and will bring so much excitement and resources to Kingsbridge merchants. Our first merchant meeting was a huge success. Thank you to Home BX Steakhouse for hosting our first meeting. Our next meeting will be November 20th.  Our Events Coordinator, Angie Rivera, hosted another successful paint and sip. Thank you to all those who attended. This class is free to the community. Missed this one? Stay tuned for next month!  Thank you to all of the merchants and volunteers who made Boo! On Mosholu the best one yet. The children had a great time. We are proud to organize and sponsor this fun event!  The Riverdale Haunt was so much fun! Participants listened to scary stories, learned about Halloween, and had a pop quiz. Thank you to Savor, Tobala, and An Beal Bocht for participating.  Look forward to seeing you! 505BX.org Follow us:

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of 102-Unit Affordable Housing Development in the Fordham Neighborhood of the Bronx

St. James Terrace Includes 51 Apartments With Supportive Services for Those Struggling With Homelessness

New Community Center Will Provide Activities and Educational Services for Children and Adults; New Home for Weekly Food Pantry

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of St. James Terrace, a new $64 million development adjacent to the historic St. James Episcopal Church with 102 affordable apartments, including 51 with on-site supportive services for people struggling with homelessness and a Community Center that will offer a variety of programs and a weekly food pantry. In the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed 14,000 affordable homes in The Bronx. St. James Terrace continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

“St. James Terrace is the product of a caring community,” Governor Hochul said. “The church recognized the value of the underused property and has put it to the best use for our most urgent need – creating new, affordable, supportive homes for those most in need, along with a community facility and home for a food pantry. We thank St. James Episcopal Church and all our partners for helping to bring urgently-needed housing to The Bronx.”

The nine-story building includes a new, ground-floor community facility that will provide a range of services and programs benefiting residents and the community at large, including a weekly food pantry and hot meal service, financial and wellness seminars and an after-school program that will provide tutoring and snacks to school-aged children in the neighborhood.

A landscaped courtyard connects the church and the residential building, and residents will have access to a rooftop terrace, lounges, multi-purpose rooms, a laundry room, bicycle storage, fitness room and office and social service space for use by Concern for Independent Living’s social service staff.

State financing includes $28 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, $10.6 million in subsidy from HCR and $6 million from HCR’s Office of Resilient Homes and Communities Affordable Housing Fund Program, which was designed to increase the supply of affordable housing in areas less prone to flooding. The project received $433,000 in program development funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is administering a $4.9 million Homeless Housing and Assistance Program contract to provide capital subsidy for the development of St. James Terrace’s permanent supportive housing. Concern Housing led the development team.

The supportive apartments are affordable to individuals with income at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income and benefit from Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative awards which are administered by OMH. Support services, provided by Concern for Independent Living, include case management, care coordination, self-sufficiency and mental health support. Referrals for supportive housing are provided by the New York City Department of Homeless Services and local hospitals and health homes. In addition, the development benefits from a Homeless Housing Assistance Program contract administered by the New York State Office for People with Temporary Disabilities.

Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda

Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain State-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on State-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 45,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro Housing Certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. To date, more than 200 communities have been certified, including New York City.