MAYOR ADAMS, PUBLIC DESIGN COMMISSION ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF ANNUAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN, RECOGNIZE CONTRIBUTION TO QUALITY OF LIFE IN CITY

Awards Ceremony Recognizes Best Public Design Projects by City Agencies Throughout 2024 

 

Projects in All Five Boroughs Highlight Adams Administration’s 

Commitment to Safe, Resilient, Diverse, and Accessible Public Design  

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Public Design Commission (PDC) Executive Director Sreoshy Banerjea, and PDC President Deborah Marton, announced the winners of the 43rd Annual Awards for Excellence in Design. Selected by PDC from hundreds of submissions, this year’s honorees include 13 award winners and two special recognitions that showcase the city’s creative and ongoing commitment to using public design to improve quality of life across the five boroughs. From waterfronts that work with rising waters to historic monuments that uplift underrepresented voices, the winners exemplify the power of design to keep people safe, build a more resilient city, and create more accessible public spaces. 

 

“The architect Jan Gehl has said, ‘First we shape cities, then they shape us.’ The projects we celebrate today embody that creed, showcasing the dynamic interplay between good urban design and safety, health, and success,” said Mayor Adams. “Each of these awardees is helping make New York City the best place to raise a family, using public design to keep our city safe and make our public spaces more accessible and inclusive. Congratulations to all the awardees for helping build the city that every New Yorker deserves.” 

 

“These award-winning projects demonstrate how impactful civic design emerges from genuine collaboration,” said PDC Executive Director Banerjea. “Behind each beautiful space is invisible work: years of multiple agencies coordinating, countless community meetings, and designers solving complex challenges. When diverse perspectives truly come together — across agencies, with communities, alongside talented designers — we transform constraints into innovation that serves all New Yorkers.” 

 

“PDC’s impact is felt everywhere New Yorkers live, work, and gather,” said PDC President Marton. “In an effort to shape projects that will meet needs defined by users, we prioritize community voices. Whether it’s a neighborhood library, flood-resilient waterfront, or new firehouse, we listen and work to help communities achieve their design goals. These projects show how collaboration between designers and public servants tells our shared story, transforming daily life across our city.”  

 

PDC has jurisdiction over permanent structures, landscape architecture, and art proposed on or over city-owned property. Its mission is to advocate for innovative, sustainable, and equitable design of public spaces and civic structures, with the goal of improving the public realm and enhancing services for all New Yorkers across the five boroughs. 

 

Since 1983, PDC has recognized well-designed public projects with its Annual Awards for Excellence in Design. The winning projects are selected from submissions reviewed by the commission the previous year and exemplify how innovative and thoughtful design can enhance the livability of the city, serve communities, inspire neighborhood pride, and provide durable and resilient spaces for New Yorkers. These winning projects tackle some of the city's most pressing challenges: adapting to climate change, expanding universal access for New Yorkers with disabilities, honoring diverse cultural traditions, and creating community spaces that serve all New Yorkers equitably. 

  

Design Award-Winning Projects 

  

Project: 79th Street Boat Basin 

Location: Riverside Park, Manhattan 

Agency: New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) 

 

Project: Annadale Green Park 

Location: Annadale, Staten Island 

Agency: NYC Parks 

 

Project: Briarwood Community Library 

Location: Briarwood, Queens 

Agency: New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Queens Public Library 

 

Project: Devoe Avenue Streetscape Improvements 

Location: Park Versailles, Bronx 

Agency: DDC, New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) 

 

Project: Gwen Ifill Park 

Location: Jamaica, Queens 

Agency: NYC Parks 

 

Project: Hudson-Houston Plaza 

Location: Hudson Square, Manhattan 

Agency: New York City Department of Environmental Protection, NYC Parks, Hudson Square Business Improvement District 

 

Project: I Am Protected by Jazmine Hayes 

Location: Brownsville Multi-Service and Community Empowerment Center, Brownsville, Brooklyn 

Agency: New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), DDC, New York City Human Resources Administration 

 

Project: Pier 6 Waterfront Park 

Location: Bush Terminal Industrial Campus, Industry City, Brooklyn 

Agency: NYCEDC 

 

Project: Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument 

Location: Riverside Park, Manhattan 

Agency: NYC Parks 

 

Project: The Feeling is Mutual by Justin Valdes 

Location: Arverne Community Library, Edgemere, Queens 

Agency: DCLA, DDC, Queens Public Library 

 

Project: The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center 

Location: Nostrand Playground, Flatbush, Brooklyn 

Agency: DDC, NYC Parks 

 

Project: Wings of Everchange 易之翼 by Jennifer Wen Ma 

Location: 70 Mulberry Street Reconstruction, Chinatown, Manhattan 

Agency: DCLA, DDC, New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services  

 

Project: World's Fair Marina Pavilion Structures 

Location: Corona, Queens 

Agency: NYC Parks 

 

Special Recognition: Alice Murals & Friends Mural Series 

Location: NYC Health + Hospitals 

Agency: NYC Health + Hospitals Arts in Medicine Program 

 

Special Recognition: Slender Bus Shelters 

Location: Citywide 

Agency: DOT 

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR MURDER OF GIRLFRIEND; LIED TO POLICE THAT THEY WERE ATTACKED BY ROBBERS

 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man who allegedly fabricated a story about knife-wielding robbers on mopeds attacking him and his girlfriend on City Island Road has been indicted on second-degree Murder and additional charges for fatally stabbing her. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly stabbed his girlfriend and tried to cover it up with a phony story about robbers attacking them. Video surveillance footage and other evidence refuted his claim. He now faces justice for this vicious crime.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Franklin Batallas, 44, of Westchester Avenue, was arraigned today on second-degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter, and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Alvin Yearwood. Remand was continued and he is due back in court on January 14, 2025.  

According to the investigation, on September 17, 2025, at approximately 7:20 p.m., the defendant picked up his girlfriend Anthonella Contreras, 30, from a Manhattan hospital where she worked as a nurse. He allegedly drove to Pelham Bay Park where he struck her multiple times in the face and neck with a sharp instrument. He then drove to the City Island Bridge, and then to Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital. Contreras was pronounced dead on arrival. Batallas was treated for a cut on his arm and released. 

According to the investigation, Batallas allegedly claimed that he pulled over on Rodman’s Neck near the City Island Road traffic circle, and men pulled up on mopeds to rob the couple and attacked them with knives. Surveillance video does not reveal any people on mopeds in the area at the time of the alleged supposed attack. Video footage from the bridge showed the victim’s car pull over on the side of the bridge, where investigators found blood stains. A bracelet owned by the defendant was recovered in the water below. 

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Sean Liscoe and Paula Aguero of the 45th Precinct and Patrick Flatley of Bronx Homicide Squad, and as well as Police Officers Joseph Barone and Alex Llaurado, of the NYPD Harbor Unit, Scuba Team, for their work in the investigation, as well as the New Rochelle Police Department.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare and Urges Caution as Storm System Set to Impact Parts of State Tonight Through Friday

1-2 Inches of Rainfall Expected Across the State With Locally Higher Amounts Possible for Parts of Western New York, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island

Poor Drainage and Coastal Flooding Possible Across Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions

Wind Gusts Up to 50 Miles Per Hour Across New York City and Long Island Could Impact Travel and Cause Power Outages

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for a storm system forecast to bring widespread rain and gusty winds Wednesday night into Friday for parts of the Southern Tier, Western New York, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions. Rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches are expected in many locations, with locally higher totals up to 2.5 inches. Poor drainage flooding will likely occur in parts of the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions, as well as minor to locally moderate coastal flooding. There is also the potential for 40-50 mile per hour wind gusts Thursday into Thursday night, mainly across New York City and Long Island, which could hamper travel and cause power outages.

“As this storm makes its way to New York tonight, I urge everyone to prepare for the forecasted high-speed wind gusts, heavy rainfall, flooding and possible power outages,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers should text 333111 to check your local forecast, and stay vigilant as the storm passes.”

Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

Disaster Supplies

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

Flash Flooding

• Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
• If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
• Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

Power Outages

• Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

To Report an Electric Outage, Call:

• Central Hudson: 845-452-2700
• Con Edison: 800-752-6633
• National Grid: 800-867-5222
• NYSEG: 800-572-1131
• O&R: 877-434-4100
• PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
• RG&E: 800-743-1701

For more safety tips, go to www.dhses.ny.gov/safety. 

Councilmember Kristy Marmorato's Weekly Newsletter City Council District 13

Latest News from Councilwoman Marmorato!

Dear Neighbors,

This week, we continued supporting our community through several events and food giveaways!

This past week, we were everywhere supporting our neighbors! We distributed fresh produce and meals to our friends and families at Throggs Neck Houses, Allerton Ave. Senior Center, Friends of Pelham Parkway, Pelham Parkway Residents Association, 2324–44 Boston Rd., and Edgewater Parkway.

We kicked off the weekend by officially welcoming the autumn season with our second annual Fall Festival!

Local election season is here! Early voting began this past Saturday and will continue through Sunday, November 2. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.

In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find highlights from last week’s district events, along with information about what’s happening in our community and the city, plus details on exciting upcoming events we have planned for you.

*We’re testing some changes to the structure of our newsletter! In the upcoming editions, we’ll be introducing more information and making a few layout adjustments. Please let us know your thoughts on these changes when you see them — we always welcome your feedback!*

It is an honor to represent you in the New York City Council and to continue working to keep our community safe, happy, healthy, and prosperous!

Sincerely,

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

District 13, Bronx

 

Throggs Neck Houses Food Giveaway 

October 22, 2025

This Wednesday, we met once again with our friends at the Throggs Neck Houses to hand out 300 bags of fresh produce.

Allerton Ave. Senior Center Food Giveaway

October 22, 2025

We finished our day by serving 100 fresh, hot meals at the Allerton Ave. Senior Center.

Throggs Neck BID Annual Gala October 23, 2025

We wrapped up Thursday at the Throggs Neck BID Gala, celebrating and highlighting the small businesses that make our community great!

Friends of Pelham Parkway Food Giveaway

October 24, 2025

We started Friday morning by sharing fresh, healthy vegetables and delicious meals to Friends at Pelham Parkway!

Pelham Parkway Resident Association Food Giveaway October 25, 2025

Our second food giveaway of the day was at the Pelham Parkway Residents Association. We distributed fresh veggies and hot meals to the residents and community members.

2324–44 Boston Rd. Food Giveaway

October 24, 2025

We finished the week with our first — but certainly not our last — produce and meal giveaway at 2324–44 Boston Rd! We handed out over 300 bags of produce and 75 hot meals to residents.

Fall Festival October 25, 2025

We welcomed autumn at our office this past Saturday with our second annual Fall Festival! We had an absolute blast, celebrating with the community and having fun together.  Edgewater Park Food Giveaway October 28, 2025 We kicked off this week with a hot meal giveaway at Edgewater Parkway where we served 75 hot meals!  What's Happening in D13? WE WILL BE CLOSED ON NOVEMBER 4! In observance of Election Day, our office will be closed. But don’t worry, we’ll be back the next day, business as usual! NO TRASH COLLECTION ON NOVEMBER 4 The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced that, in observance of Election Day, there will be no trash, curbside composting, or recycling collection on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. District 13 residents who normally receive Tuesday collection may place their materials at the curb Tuesday evening for collection beginning Wednesday, November 5. UPCOMING FOOD AND MEAL DISTRIBUTION We’re hosting fresh produce and meal giveaways over the next few days! Below is some information about the dates and the organizations we’re partnering with. For details on the exact time and location of each food or produce distribution, please contact the organizations directly. We hope this information is useful and makes it easier for you to access these resources! Important Update for Homeowners: NYC Garbage Bin Refunds! CUNY Citizenship - Every Monday! SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS Let us Know! Illegal Smoke Shops Please let us know about illegal and unlicensed smoke shops operating within District 13!  FORM LINK Your Feedback on E-Scooters Matters! Report E-Scooters that are blocking sidewalks, fire hydrants, ADA-accessible entrances, or creating any other hazardous conditions in our community. Reach out to us at district13@council.nyc.gov Councilwoman Marmorato  718-931-1721 District13@council.nyc.gov

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES WEATHER ALERT AND URGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS ON THURSDAY

 

High Winds and Minor Flooding may Disrupt the Evening Commute   

The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) has issued a Weather Alert for Thursday, October 30. The department, working in close coordination with the National Weather Service, is monitoring a low-pressure system forecast to bring moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the city on Thursday, October 30. According to the latest forecast, the heaviest rainfall is expected from Thursday afternoon until Thursday evening. Rainfall rates may briefly reach one inch per hour, with a total rainfall of 1 to 2 inches expected. Winds will also increase through Thursday afternoon, with sustained speeds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 40 mph Thursday evening. As the storm exits on Friday, stronger winds are expected, with gusts up to 40 mph and possibly 50 mph.  

“New Yorkers know how to handle tough weather, and we will get through Thursday’s storm the same way we always do: together and prepared,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our teams across the city are ready to respond, and we are asking New Yorkers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable. Give yourself extra time to get around, secure anything outdoors that could blow over, and keep an eye on the forecast. Sign up for Notify NYC so you have the latest information at your fingertips. We want everyone to enjoy a safe and smooth lead-up to Halloween.” 

“New York City is bracing for heavy rainfall and high winds just before Halloween,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. “NYC Emergency Management has activated the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan, and we are closely coordinating with the National Weather Service and our partner agencies in response to the expected weather conditions. We urge New Yorkers to prepare for potential impacts, especially if you plan to participate in early voting. Please allow for extra travel time and consider using public transportation. Sign up for Notify NYC to stay informed with the latest weather updates.”  

Localized minor nuisance flooding is possible in low-lying and poor-drainage locations, especially where wet leaves can block catch basins. A minor coastal flooding risk may occur around high tide in vulnerable shoreline areas, including parts of southern Queens and Jamaica Bay. Rain is expected to clear out by Friday morning.   

NYCEM offered New Yorkers tips on staying safe before, during, and after the storm:  

Have a Plan  

•   Avoid all flooded roads and subway stations. Turn around, don't drown. Do not enter floodwaters.    

•   Limit travel during the storm. If travel is unavoidable, allow extra time and use caution.    

•   If you live in a basement or below-grade unit, be ready to leave quickly if water rises inside. Know your exit routes.    

•   Stay indoors during thunderstorms and away from windows.    

•   Move vehicles to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone area.    

•   If safe to do so, clear catch basins, drains, and gutters near your home before the storm or call 311 to report clogged catch basins. This can reduce localized flooding.    

•   Check on neighbors who are older adults or who may need help. Make sure any disability or access needs are included in your emergency plan.    

•   Plan for pets. Bring them with you if you need to leave your home.    

•   If you are a property owner or manager, ensure sump pumps work. Know how to shut off appropriate utilities safely.    

Gather Supplies   

•   Store important documents in waterproof containers. Maintain digital backups. Review your insurance to confirm flood coverage.    

•   Charge your phone and devices. Have backup power. Set refrigerators and freezers to colder settings if outages are possible.    

•   Keep flashlights and a battery-powered radio ready. Have extra batteries.    

•   If you rely on Life Sustaining Equipment and lose power, call 911. Never use a generator indoors.    

•   Make sure anyone in your home who needs medications, mobility support, or medical equipment is prepared.    

Stay Informed    

•   Sign up for Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app, or call 311. Alerts are available in multiple languages, including a dedicated group for basement apartment residents.    

•   Monitor real-time flood information at floodnet.nyc.    

•   Keep a battery-powered radio available if power is lost.    

•   Stay away from downed power lines. Treat them as live and call 911 if they are causing a life-threatening situation.    

•   To report downed trees in NYC, call 311. For life-threatening emergencies involving a tree, such as one blocking a road or near power lines, call 911 immediately  

For the latest updates, visit NYCEM's website, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or call 311.   

 

BASEMENT APARTMENT CONSIDERATIONS: HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING FLASH FLOODING AND SEVERE STORMS   

According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, flooding is New York City’s most dangerous public health threat, and it can become deadly in minutes. Flash floods can turn streets into rivers and fill basements with little or no warning. Severe thunderstorms can also bring damaging winds, hail, and downed trees or power lines. Basement apartments are especially dangerous. People have drowned because they could not escape in time. Do not wait to act. Consider leaving before flooding begins or conditions worsen.    

•   Plan: If you live in a basement or below-grade home or frequently-flooded area, relocate to a safer location as soon as you believe conditions could lead to flooding. Pay close attention to weather alerts and conditions, but do not wait for a watch or warning to act. Sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency communications program, by visiting the Notify NYC page, or calling 311. Keep phones close and alerts on, especially at night. Know where you will go and how you will get there, and never wait until water is at your door.    

•   Act: Pack a Go Bag with essentials you can grab quickly, including ID, medications, chargers, and waterproof bags for documents and electronics. Consider installing a flood sensor to provide early warning if water enters your home.    

•   Survive: If water outside is more than 6 inches deep, it may be too late to evacuate safely. Move to a higher floor immediately, avoid floodwater which can be contaminated or electrified, and call 911 if you are in danger.   

Housing Lottery Launches for 2135 Reeds Mill Lane in Eastchester, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2135 Reeds Mill Lane, a three-story residential building in Eastchester, The Bronx. Designed by Gerald Caliendo Architects and developed by Yaron Ziegel of 2137 Reeds Mill Lane LLC, the structure yields 11 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are three units for residents at 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $79,646 to $140,000.

Amenities include pet-friendly policies, a garage with assigned parking spaces, and security cameras. Residences have air conditioning, intercoms, energy-efficient appliances, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity, which includes stove, heat, and hot water.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there is one one-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,075 for incomes ranging from $79,646 to $116,640, and two two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,423 for incomes ranging from $96,412 to $140,000.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than November 7, 2025.