NYC Mayor Mamdani: Small Business Month, Bike & Bus Expansions, Permanent Library Funding, Neighborhood Plans In Brooklyn & the Bronx, Affordable World Cup Tickets, NYC Reads & Solves Expansions, More Updates

Mayor Mamdani Announces New Broadway Bus Lane to Better Serve LaGuardia Airport Travelers and Queens Residents Ahead of the World Cup

New eastbound bus lane will speed up service for LGA travelers, airport workers and Queens bus riders 

Q70-SBS buses on Broadway currently move as slowly as 2.7 mph during evening rush hour

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced a new dedicated bus lane along Broadway in Queens that will improve commutes for LaGuardia Airport (LGA) travelers, airport workers and Queens residents ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. 

The project will add a dedicated, center-running eastbound bus lane along Broadway between 69th Street and Roosevelt Avenue while maintaining one travel lane in each direction for other vehicles.  

The corridor serves 9,000 daily riders on the Q70-SBS, which connects New Yorkers and visitors to LGA, the 7, E, F, M and R subway lines, Long Island Railroad and several local bus routes.  

Today, buses on the corridor move as slowly as 2.7 mph during evening rush hour — slower than the average walking pace of about 3 mph. 

“The World Cup may come and go, but the investments we made to our streets and public transit must serve New Yorkers for decades to come,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Arriving in New York City should be fast, affordable and reliable all year round — not just during major events. This new bus lane will help welcome visitors from around the world this summer while delivering faster commutes every day for the thousands of working-class New Yorkers who rely on the Q70.” 

“This new bus lane will speed up bus rides for thousands of New Yorkers while improving the safety of our streets for everyone,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “NYC DOT has launched a series of street improvements that will improve mobility during and long after the World Cup, whether you’re arriving through LaGuardia or biking over the Brooklyn Bridge.” 

“New Yorkers should be able to connect to our airports with fast, reliable bus service — but congestion on Broadway in Queens means it can be faster to walk this portion of the Q70-SBS route in Jackson Heights,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “With the influx of visitors expected for the World Cup, the Mamdani administration will be working with urgency to ensure New Yorkers, and soccer fans from across the world, will be able to get where they’re going efficiently. We look forward to discussing this project with the community in the coming weeks before installation.”  

“Bus lanes are always a good idea but especially now as the region prepares to host a million-plus fans for the World Cup,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “We stand ready to get them where they need to go — even faster once this dedicated lane is installed.” 

“For both travelers and airport workers, the LGA Link Q70 is a vital connection to jobs, mobility and opportunity,” said Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Kathryn Garcia. “This bus lane, spanning a critical and often-congested stretch of the LGA Link Q70 route, is one of several improvements on the way to make that connection more reliable. Passengers will be riding buses operated by one agency, on roads run by another, coming from an airport overseen by a third. That kind of complex environment demands strong, collaborative working relationships, and we’re proud to have built exactly that with our government partners to deliver meaningful benefits for the region.” 

“LaGuardia Airport, like all of our airports, is expecting a busy summer, with the World Cup among several major events bringing visitors to the region, and reliable ground transportation will be essential to meeting that demand,” said Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This dedicated bus lane addresses one of the LGA Link Q70’s most persistent bottlenecks, making the route more reliable, more predictable and more inviting for visitors. We look forward to working with our city and state partners to ensure the LGA Link Q70, along with our entire transportation network, works seamlessly from the plane to the train to the game.” 

NYC DOT will present the proposal to the local community board later this month and expects to complete the project before World Cup matches begin in June. 

Mayor Mamdani Celebrates Small Business Month as NYC BEST Saves Small Businesses More Than $6 Million Since Taking Office

Thousands of small businesses served through NYC BEST since start of Mamdani administration

Monthlong small business month celebrations include free workshops and community events, culminating in third annual NYC small business month expo on May 28

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kenny Minaya announced that the administration has helped small businesses avoid more than $6 million in fines and fees through 1,100 advisement visits since taking office. The milestone comes as New York City celebrates NYC Small Business Month, a citywide recognition of the small business owners, workers and neighborhood commercial corridors that power the City’s economy.    

“Small businesses are the backbone of every neighborhood in this city,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “But too many business owners have had to spend their time fighting bureaucracy instead of building their futures. From day one, our administration has worked to cut red tape, reduce needless fines and make City government work for working people. $6 million saved since the start of our administration is real money back in the hands of real New Yorkers — and during Small Business Month, we are bringing that commitment directly into every borough and every commercial corridor that makes this city run.”  

In addition, SBS has delivered more than 1,000 services through the NYC Business Express Service Team (NYC BEST) during this period, helping small business owners navigate government regulations through one-on-one consultations, pro bono legal services and other support that helps businesses avoid costly penalties. These efforts are part of the administration’s broader commitment to cut red tape, expand access to capital and affordable financing and strengthen neighborhood economies.  

This NYC Small Business Month also follows Mayor Mamdani’s Executive Order 11, which aims to reduce fines and fees and eliminate burdensome regulations that hold New York City’s small businesses back.    

“NYC Small Business Month is about meeting entrepreneurs where they are and ensuring every New Yorker—whether they’re just getting started or looking to grow—has access to the tools they need to succeed,” said SBS Commissioner Kenny Minaya. “From cutting red tape, saving businesses millions in fines and fees and expanding access to affordable financing, to investing in our commercial corridors and workforce, SBS is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and resilient local economy. We’re also proud to end this year’s celebration with our annual NYC Small Business Month Expo, where entrepreneurs can find the guidance they need to thrive in the city globally known for its vibrant small business community.”  

Throughout May, SBS will host programming designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. Events include:   

• Workshops on licensing, compliance, financing and marketing   

• Workforce recruitment events   

• Merchant organizing and commercial corridor activations   

• Industry-specific training and networking opportunities   

Entrepreneurs can explore the full calendar of events on the NYC Small Business Month webpage.   

Furthermore, as part of NYC Small Business Month, Mayor Mamdani and SBS have launched citywide outreach efforts to prepare local businesses for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. By promoting the city’s NYC World Cup 2026 Business Tool Kit, SBS is helping to ensure that entrepreneurs can fully capitalize on the projected surge in tourism and foot traffic.  

To date, SBS has reached over 56,000 New Yorkers and will continue to deepen engagement through “Mobie” (Mobile Outreach Unit) tours, targeted email marketing to the food and nightlife industry, social media promotion and roundtables. SBS will also be launching a Mobie Outreach Tour to visit the following locations this month, with support from local community-based organizations:   

• May 15 – 161st Street, The Bronx   

• May 19 – Little Haiti, Brooklyn   

• May 22 – Port Richmond, Staten Island   

• May 26 – Koreatown, Manhattan   

Additionally, as part of this month’s programming, SBS will celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with targeted events and workshops for AAPI entrepreneurs, including:   

• Legal workshops and consultation clinics   

• “Meet the Lender” event   

• Multilingual support and technical assistance   

These workshops are designed to address common barriers to capital for AAPI communities, including language access challenges, while also providing guidance on financial planning and long-term business sustainability.    

The third annual NYC Small Business Month Expo on Thursday, May 28, will connect small business owners directly with City agencies, industry experts and resource providers.

The Expo will feature:   

• One-on-one advising with SBS and City partners   

• Access to financing and legal assistance resources   

• Workshops on starting and growing a business   

• Networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs   

New Yorkers interested in attending can register and RSVP on the NYC Small Business Month webpage.  

With nearly half of New Yorkers working for small businesses, these efforts are critical to ensuring the City’s continued growth and long-term economic resilience. NYC Small Business Month underscores SBS’ mission to make New York City the best place in the world to start and grow a business by removing barriers to success, investing in communities and connecting New Yorkers to opportunity.   

About the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS)

SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, supporting strong businesses and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information about SBS services, visit nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, or follow SBS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Mayor Mamdani Announces Expanded Bike Boulevard Vision for 31st Avenue in Astoria, Queens 

Two-way protected bike lane from Steinway Street to 51st Street will connect Astoria and Woodside to the Queens Waterfront Greenway and East River

Mayor Mamdani Baselines $31.7 Million for New York City’s Public Libraries

Permanent funding ends annual “budget dance,” uncertainty for all three library systems

NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced that the Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget permanently baselines $31.7 million for New York City’s three public library systems: the Queens Public Library, the Brooklyn Public Library and the New York Public Library.  

“For too long, library funding has been treated like a political bargaining chip and fought over every single year,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “That cycle ends with this budget. Libraries are where New Yorkers study, look for work, learn to read, cool off during heatwaves and build community. By baselining this funding, we are giving every branch in every borough the stability to plan ahead, hire staff and serve New Yorkers without wondering if the money will disappear next spring.”  

The Executive Budget adds $31.7 million in permanent funding to the City’s library baseline, bringing total library funding to nearly $530 million — up from $491.4 million in the Preliminary Budget. Library funding now represents just under 0.5% of the City’s $124.5 billion budget. Mayor Mamdani has committed to reaching the 0.5% benchmark and views this investment as the foundation of that goal.   

For years, libraries, workers and advocates were forced to wage annual fights to restore funding during each budget cycle. The FY2027 Executive Budget ends that practice by permanently incorporating the $31.7 million into the City budget.  

As Mayor Mamdani said when presenting the Executive Budget: “Traditional politics would decree that in a moment like this, when a crisis is so stark, when a budget gap is so wide, that the first things cut should be parks, libraries and cultural institutions. And yet we know that these services live at the heart of our city, that they give meaning to millions of New Yorkers’ lives. Rather than cutting funding to these services, we will do the opposite and raise the baseline of what they can expect.”  

By converting what has historically been a discretionary restoration into a permanent, guaranteed floor, the administration is providing all three library systems the structural certainty to make long-term staffing, programming and operational decisions. The baseline means that fight is over — the $31.7 million is now locked into the City’s budget permanently.  

This investment reflects the administration’s broader economic agenda to lower costs and strengthen public services for working New Yorkers. As the Mayor outlined in his budget address: “Balancing the books means little if working people still can’t afford their rent, childcare, groceries or the cost of staying in the city they love. We are investing with a clear purpose to lower costs and make this city livable for the people who build it each and every day.”  

New York City’s three library systems serve more than 37 million visitors annually across more than 200 branches. Libraries provide free internet access, job training, early literacy programs, ESL classes, cooling centers and critical social services — often serving as a neighborhood’s primary public institution.  

  “We are deeply grateful to Mayor Mamdani for restoring and baselining library operating dollars in the FY27 Executive Budget,” said BPL President Linda E. Johnson, NYPL President Anthony W. Marx and QPL President Dennis M. Walcott. “This is a win for all New Yorkers. Preserving these funds makes it possible for the city’s public libraries to maintain the vital services and programs New Yorkers want and need. We’d also like to thank the City Council for being our tireless champions and long-time advocates. We are proud to have city leaders who recognize the importance of libraries.”  

“Libraries are some of the most important and heavily relied upon public institutions we have in New York City,” said Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams. “Every day, they function as centers of learning, technology access, workforce support, cultural engagement, and community connection for New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds. As libraries continue taking on an expanding role across our communities, sustaining that work requires long-term operational investment and stability. The Council was proud to include more than $30 million for libraries in our April 1 budget response, and I’m glad the Administration agreed with the need for that investment. Baselining funding for our library systems moving forward is equally critical because it creates the long-term stability libraries need to plan, hire, expand services, and continue meeting the growing needs of New Yorkers across all five boroughs. Strong library systems strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and ensure these institutions can continue serving communities at the level people rely on every day.” 

“Year after year, my colleagues in the Council and I have fought tirelessly to ensure our city’s libraries have the resources required to serve the diverse needs of their patrons,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. Libraries are third spaces for all New Yorkers, places they can go to do everything from take a class, rent an instrument, get career coaching, or, of course, check out a book – all at no cost. The Mayor’s decision to baseline $31.7 million in funding and maintain library services will ensure more than 200 library branches have the operating support needed, including funding for more than 30 branches to keep their doors open on Sundays. I applaud Mayor Mamdani for finally ending the budget dance around library funding and thank Speaker Menin and the Council for their staunch advocacy for libraries.”  

“Every single day, our libraries serve as safe spaces for learning, literacy, technology access, workforce development, afterschool programming, and cultural connection for families across our communities,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “Libraries are more than buildings filled with books they are the cornerstone of education, opportunity, and community from birth through our senior years. That is why I am proud to celebrate the baseline investment in library funding included in the Mayor’s Executive Budget. As a forever educator, I know firsthand that strong libraries help build strong futures. This investment is an investment in our children, our families, and lifelong learning for all New Yorkers.” 

“We are turning the page on the annual budget dance where libraries are forced to fight every year just to keep their doors open,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “By baselining this $31.7 million investment, we are making library funding permanent and protecting branches from the repeated threats of cuts we saw under the Adams administration. That means libraries across the neighborhoods I represent — from the Cortelyou Library in Kensington to the Pacific Library in Boerum Hill — can finally plan for the future with stability, protect staff and programming, expand services, and continue serving as vibrant public spaces that our neighbors rely on every day.” 

Mamdani Administration Begins Work on Lexington Avenue Bus Lane Upgrades 

New offset bus lanes will improve service for 71,000 daily riders 

Similar projects have increased bus speeds by 26% and reduced pedestrian injuries by 35% 

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced work has begun to upgrade bus lanes on eight blocks of Lexington Avenue, from 60th Street to 52nd Street.  

The project will replace existing curbside bus lanes with offset bus lanes, helping keep lanes clear of illegal parked vehicles and speeding up bus service for 71,000 daily riders traveling from the Bronx, Staten Island and Manhattan. 

“New Yorkers deserve buses that move quickly and reliably, not buses stuck in traffic because someone decided to treat a bus lane like a parking spot,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Offset bus lanes work because they keep lanes clear and buses moving. This is exactly the kind of small-but-mighty fix that makes life better for working people across our city.” 

“Upgrading bus lanes from curbside to offset speeds up buses and keeps pedestrians safe,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “This project will benefit tens of thousands of riders who rely on Lexington Avenue to get to work, see family and enjoy all our city has to offer.” 

“The Mamdani administration will be thinking big on the next generation of bus service, but we also have to get the little things right. The existing curbside lanes on Lexington Avenue are often blocked, leading to bus speeds that are only just slightly faster than walking for more than 70,000 bus riders relying on the corridor each day,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “When we’ve delivered similar upgrades, we’ve seen tremendous benefits for better bus service and safer streets. We look forward to continued partnership with the MTA to deliver faster, more reliable service across the city.” 

The redesign follows a similar upgrade completed in 2019 on Lexington Avenue from East 96th Street to East 60th Street. After NYC DOT converted that corridor from curbside to offset bus lanes, bus speeds increased by 26% and pedestrian injuries declined by 35%.  

This stretch of Lexington Avenue serves eight bus routes from the Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan: BxM1, M101, M102, M103, SIM11, SIM22, SIM26, and SIM6. Bus speeds along the corridor average just 5 mph during daytime hours because vehicles frequently block the existing curbside lane for deliveries, pickups and drop-offs. 

Under the new design, this portion of Lexington Avenue will include two parking lanes, one bus lane and two general travel lanes.  

The Lexington Avenue project is one of several bus lane redesigns now underway across the city as the spring construction season ramps up. NYC DOT recently began work on bus lane upgrades along Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn and Madison Avenue in Manhattan. The agency has also committed to redesigning bus lanes on Fordham Road in the Bronx later this year. 

“Too many New Yorkers spend far too long stuck on slow, unreliable bus commutes because bus lanes are routinely blocked by double parking and vehicle traffic,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “These upgrades on Lexington Avenue will help keep buses moving for the tens of thousands of riders who depend on them every day while making this busy corridor safer and more efficient for everyone. I’m grateful to Mayor Mamdani, Commissioner Flynn and Manhattan Borough Commissioner Danielle Zuckerman for continuing to prioritize faster, safer and more reliable public transit for New Yorkers.” 

“New Yorkers deserve a bus system that is fast and reliable,” said Council Member Virginia Maloney. “These speed and safety upgrades on Lexington Avenue will benefit tens of thousands of daily riders. For many straphangers — including for many senior New Yorkers — buses are the most convenient and accessible way to travel, and investments like this are critical to keeping Manhattan moving.” 

“Moving buses off the curb and toward the center of the road saves riders valuable time,” said Danny Pearlstein, Policy & Communications Director for Riders Alliance. “Manhattan’s buses are the nation’s slowest, and these bus lane upgrades mark an important step toward the fast buses New Yorkers deserve. Prioritizing Lexington Avenue bus riders, who have some of the longest commutes, over double-parked cars, is a welcome advance for economic justice, the hallmark of the Mamdani administration.” 

“Bus riders on Lexington Avenue deserve fast and reliable buses,” said Emily Jacobi, Senior Organizer at Transportation Alternatives. “We’re excited that the successful redesign on Lexington north of 60th Street will extend further downtown. We’re fighting for a Miracle in Midtown that reduces traffic, increases safety and speeds up commutes for the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who live or work in the area, and this project is a critical step forward for a Midtown that works for everyone.” 

“The historic bus boom continues as NYC DOT advances bus lane improvements on the first stretch of Lexington Avenue that enters the congestion relief zone,” said Rachel Weinberger, Vice President of Research Strategy at Regional Plan Association (RPA). “The offset design change will help the buses avoid illegally parked cars and the new street design will reduce double-parking. The improvement means a better ride for the more than 71,000 daily riders on the route. Bus lane offsets are proven to increase bus speeds while also helping protect pedestrians.” 

“The bus lane upgrade on Lexington Avenue will have a meaningful impact on the daily lives of 71,000 New Yorkers, giving them faster and safer commutes throughout the city,” said Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director of Open Plans. “Reimagining the existing space to better serve bus riders (and minimize illegal parking) is a forward-thinking example of good curb management.” 

“Today’s announcement that Lexington Avenue’s offset bus lane will be extended south from 60th to 52nd Street is more good news for New Yorkers who rely on the bus,” said Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC. “The changes will improve commutes for tens of thousands of daily riders on numerous Lexington Avenue routes, and the redesign will likely have safety benefits for pedestrians as well. We applaud the work that Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Flynn are doing to upgrade bus service across New York City.”

Mayor Mamdani Reopens Orchard Beach Pavilion After $114 Million Reconstruction Project 

Historic pavilion reopens for first time in 17 years following a major restoration to improve accessibility, preserve landmarked architecture and expand public amenities 

“No longer can the Bronx be treated as an afterthought in a city of five boroughs,” said Mayor Mamdani. “As beach season approaches, Bronxites and New Yorkers from across this city will once again be able to gather at the Bronx’s only public beach in a space worthy of this community and its history.”    

“The reopening of the Orchard Beach Pavilion is an exciting investment that reflects the City’s commitment to world-class public spaces for New Yorkers to enjoy in all five boroughs,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “We’re thankful to our partners across City government who helped restore this landmark and ensure it is accessible and open to all New Yorkers.”  

“We are proud to have restored the Orchard Beach Pavilion to its former glory, with a level of investment that the Bronx deserves,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Thanks to this project, the pavilion is more accessible to all visitors, will offer improved amenities and has a revived look that highlights its striking architectural features. After being closed off to public access for more than 17 years, we’re thrilled to welcome New Yorkers back to the pavilion this summer!”  

“The Orchard Beach Pavilion is one of New York City’s most beautiful destinations, and we are thrilled of the work we have done to renovate this historic space that will be enjoyed by many New Yorkers when beach season officially begins,” said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. “With these renovations, the ‘Riviera of New York’ will once again become a public amenity that is fitted for modern times, and we look forward to welcoming families to this landmark destination to relax, rest and play.”  

“The restoration of the landmark Orchard Beach Bath House and Promenade shows what is possible when government delivers for the people of New York,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Lisa Kersavage. “Originally built during the Great Depression to create a beautiful public space for all New Yorkers, thanks to restoration and accessibility improvements led by NYC Parks and NYCEDC and approved by LPC, this iconic Bronx landmark is ready to welcome visitors back for this summer — and beyond.”  

The pavilion’s ground floor is now open to the public and includes upgraded restroom facilities. Visitors can also enjoy the upper balconies to take in views of the beach and Long Island Sound.  

The restoration included extensive structural and architectural repairs to the roofs, columns, limestone cladding, glazed terracotta, terrazzo and metalwork. The project also added new trees and upgraded lighting throughout the site.    

To improve accessibility, the landside entrance now includes new ramps leading to the upper level of the pavilion. On the beach side, a curved brick-clad accessible ramp connects the upper level to the lower plaza near the beach, ensuring all visitors can move through the pavilion with equitable access for the first time.    

Historic concession spaces within the pavilion are being rebuilt to accommodate new food and retail offerings, with upgraded mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for long-term resiliency. NYC Parks selected Unwind Hospitality Group to operate food service and merchandise spaces within the pavilion. The company will partner with local vendors to provide a range of food options for beachgoers. These concession areas are expected to open later this summer, while the pavilion’s restaurant space is scheduled to open in 2027.  

The reconstruction project was funded by the Mayor’s Office, the Office of the Bronx Borough President, the New York City Council and New York State. Design work was completed by Marvel Architects and construction management services were provided by Gilbane.   

Orchard Beach, the Bronx’s only public beach, spans 115 acres and stretches 1.1 miles along Pelham Bay Park. The beach features a promenade, playgrounds, picnic areas, a soccer field and courts for basketball, volleyball and handball. Orchard Beach is also home to NYC Parks Orchard Beach Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits on local wildlife, live marine displays and programming led by the Urban Park Rangers.  

New York City public beaches officially open for the season on Saturday, May 23. 

Mamdani Administration Advances First Neighborhood Plans for White Plains Road in the Bronx and South of Prospect Park in Brooklyn

First neighborhood plans advanced by the Mamdani administration will focus on key corridors in the Bronx and Brooklyn  

Community engagement led by City Planning will shape proposals for housing, neighborhood investments and economic growth

NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Sideya Sherman announced the City will advance neighborhood plans in the North Bronx and the communities south of Prospect Park in Brooklyn.   

Centered on White Plains Road in the Bronx and Coney Island and McDonald avenues in Brooklyn – transit-rich corridors constrained by outdated zoning rules – the plans aim to create urgently needed housing, including permanently affordable housing, support job growth and deliver long-overdue neighborhood investments.   

DCP will conduct community engagement in the coming months to help shape rezoning and investment proposals in partnership with City Council Land Use Chair Kevin Riley and Council Members Eric Dinowitz, Shahana Hanif, Rita Joseph, Farah Louis and Simcha Felder. The Mamdani administration will advance additional planning initiatives in the coming weeks.  

“New Yorkers are being pushed out of the neighborhoods they built because our city has spent decades refusing to build enough housing where people actually want and need to live,” said Mayor Mamdani. “These plans are about changing that. Along major transit corridors in the Bronx and Brooklyn, we have an opportunity to build more homes, create permanently affordable housing, support small businesses and invest in public spaces and infrastructure that communities deserve. And we are going to do it with New Yorkers leading the process every step of the way.”  

“Transit-rich areas saddled by outdated zoning, White Plains Road and the neighborhoods south of Prospect Park are exactly the kinds of places where thoughtful planning can deliver more affordable homes, stronger commercial corridors, and public investments to address community needs,” said DCP Director Sideya Sherman. “Working alongside local elected officials and the people who live, work, and spend time here, we are thrilled to begin a community-driven process to plan for equitable growth that supports more affordable and livable neighborhoods.”  

“Thoughtful, community-driven planning is essential to understanding how we can better meet the evolving needs of neighborhoods across our borough,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “As this process moves forward, it is important that community conversations remain focused on affordable housing, economic opportunity, infrastructure improvements, and the needs of Bronx residents. We look forward to robust community engagement efforts that ensure residents have a meaningful voice throughout the process, and I look forward to working  with Councilmember Eric Dinowitz and Councilmember Kevin Riley, the NYC Department of City Planning, and community stakeholders to help shape proposals that reflect the needs and priorities of the North Bronx community.”  

“For a year, our office has worked closely with the Department of City Planning, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, community stakeholders, residents, and small business owners on the White Plains Road Neighborhood Plan to ensure this process reflects the voices and priorities of the people who live and work here every day,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “I want to thank Mayor Mamdani and his administration for prioritizing this important planning effort and recognizing the need for proactive, community-driven investment in the Northeast Bronx. White Plains Road has long served as a vital corridor and central hub for the Northeast Bronx, and this work is about building on the strength of the community by creating a more community-centered and accessible corridor, one that expands housing opportunities, strengthens small businesses and the local economy, improves public spaces and infrastructure, increases affordability, and creates a safer, higher quality of life for residents and future generations alike. I look forward to continuing this partnership alongside our communities as we move this vision forward, not only for the Bronx, but as part of the broader work needed to build a more affordable, accessible, and livable New York City for all.”  

“We know that White Plains Road needs more investment, but how we get there makes all the difference. This community-driven process must deliver truly affordable housing, protect the small businesses that are on this corridor, and ensure that longtime residents benefit from future development. I will be focused on making sure this plan gets that balance right,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz.  

“Growing up in Kensington as the daughter of immigrants, I saw how neighborhoods like ours are built and sustained by working families, small businesses, and neighbors who look out for one another,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “I also saw how rising costs and decades of disinvestment have made it harder for longtime residents to stay in the communities they helped build. I’m grateful to Mayor Mamdani and the DCP for advancing a neighborhood study spanning Kensington that centers community input and engagement from the very beginning. This planning process is an opportunity to hear directly from residents about how we can create permanently affordable housing, strengthen our commercial corridors, improve public space, and prepare for future transit investments like the IBX, while ensuring the people who call this part of Brooklyn home can continue to thrive here for generations to come.”  

“Planning for the future of our neighborhoods means making sure growth works for the people who already call these communities home. The South of Prospect Plan creates an opportunity to bring more affordable housing, good jobs, community resources, and thoughtful investments to areas that have long been shaped by outdated zoning policies. As we prepare for the future Interborough Express and strengthen transit-connected corridors, we have a responsibility to build communities that are more accessible, affordable, and equitable. I look forward to working alongside colleagues in government , city agencies, and most importantly residents, because the voices of those who live, work, and raise their families here must shape the future of this plan from the very beginning,” said Council Member Rita Joseph.  

“As the Flatbush and Midwood neighborhoods continue to experience rapid growth and increasing affordability pressures, it is critical that the City takes a proactive approach to land use and infrastructure planning, particularly with the future Interborough Express set to transform connectivity and development across this corridor,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis. “I applaud the Administration for advancing the South of Prospect Plan, which represents an important opportunity to thoughtfully plan for affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, economic opportunity, and protections that ensure longtime residents and working families can continue to remain and thrive in the communities they call home.”  

White Plains Road Plan

The White Plains Road Plan will build on community planning work conducted in close partnership with Council Members Riley and Dinowitz. The plan focuses on a key, transit-accessible corridor in the North Bronx and intersecting commercial streets that are currently dominated by one- and two-story strictly commercial buildings and have seen little new housing development, particularly affordable housing.   

The plan will build on recent community engagement efforts, including in-person events and the online Voice to Vision tool, where residents identified affordability concerns, public realm needs and economic challenges facing the corridor.   

Over the next year, the City will work with residents to develop a community-driven proposal that updates zoning to encourage more housing, requires income-restricted affordable homes, supports small businesses and economic development, improves neighborhood infrastructure and enhances public spaces.   

Community engagement will begin with a neighborhood “walkshop” in June, followed by the release of a zoning concept map later this year. The study area includes White Plains Road from Adee Avenue to the Bronx-Mount Vernon border, along with portions of Gun Hill Road and East 233rd Street.  

South of Prospect Plan 

The South of Prospect Plan is a new initiative focused on portions of Coney Island and McDonald avenues in neighborhoods south of Prospect Park, stretching roughly from Caton Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway to Avenue I.   

Along these corridors, outdated single-use zoning has limited new housing and job growth, worsened affordability pressures and prioritized auto-oriented uses despite strong public transit access.   

Announced in partnership with Council Members Joseph, Hanif, Louis and Felder, the South of Prospect Plan aims to support more transit-oriented, mixed-use development with permanent affordable housing, expand jobs and services and investments in the public realm.   

The planning effort will also help the City and surrounding communities prepare for the MTA’s future Interborough Express (IBX), which will serve the area.   

The plan launches with a new online survey, and DCP will hold a series of public engagement events in coming months that will inform a zoning concept map scheduled for release next year. 

Mayor Mamdani Announces 1,000 Affordable World Cup Tickets for New Yorkers

$50 seats and free round-trip buses to World Cup games available exclusively for New York City residents  

Announcement made in Harlem’s Little Senegal, the heart of New York’s West African soccer community 

Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels Announce Expansion of NYC Solves and NYC Reads 

Expansion represents a $17.3 million investment from the Mamdani administration   

NYC Solves will expand to middle schools in 10 additional districts and, for the first time, to elementary schools in four districts, bringing high-quality, academically rigorous math instruction to more than 102,000 new students.

NYC Reads will expand to middle schools in 11 additional districts and, for the first time, to high schools in four districts, bringing high-quality, academically rigorous literacy instruction to more than 104,000 new students