In a landmark decision, a Bronx landlord has been fined $10.14 million due to hazardous living conditions in a Belmont apartment building, marking one of the largest housing court judgments in New York City history.
Judge Diane Lutwak issued the order, which resolves a case initiated by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) against Karan Singh, who owns the 15-story Fordham Towers located at 2410 Washington Avenue.
The court revealed that Singh failed to provide sufficient heat for residents on ten occasions and hot water on seventeen days from 2023 to 2024.
Currently, the building has a staggering 540 open violations, with 145 categorized as “immediately hazardous.”
In another significant development, the Landmarks Preservation Commission has approved plans for the adaptation of the Kingsbridge Armory, a historic site that has remained vacant for years.
The newly approved project aims to transform the armory into a vibrant community and cultural hub, featuring an event venue, recreation center, sports fields, public plaza, and a new development of 500 affordable apartments nearby.
Dubbed El Centro Kingsbridge, the initiative is spearheaded by the city’s Economic Development Corporation and includes extensive restoration and enhancement of the armory’s structure, along with improvements in masonry, facade work, and landscaping.
Meanwhile, opportunities for homeownership have arisen as a Bronx co-op has launched a lottery for 58 affordable apartments for sale in the Soundview area.
The new housing complex, named Stevenson Square, will allow qualifying New Yorkers, who earn between 70 and 80 percent of the area median income, to purchase one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with prices ranging from $145,632 to $264,500.
In a setback for the gaming industry, the City Council voted 29–9 against a crucial rezoning proposal that would have enabled Bally’s Corporation to construct a casino on a golf course previously owned by President Donald Trump in the Bronx.
The motion was introduced by Council Member Kristy Marmorato, and it effectively halted the project requiring land-use changes for the establishment of a casino at Ferry Point Park.
Bally’s proposal is among eight gaming-related projects vying for a downstate gaming license.
In a notable transportation initiative, the New York City Economic Development Corporation has unveiled plans for the first major overhaul of the NYC Ferry system since its inception in 2017.
The proposed NYC Ferry Network Optimization Plan includes changes to several routes aimed at enhancing access to Midtown and Lower Manhattan, expediting trip times, and increasing capacity on busy routes.
Meanwhile, a 20-year vision for Hart Island has been released by the city, detailing future plans for the area that contains one of the largest public cemeteries in the world.
The Parks Department unveiled this long-term concept plan, which encompasses various capital projects designed to improve conditions on the island and introduce new visitor amenities.
Key features of this vision include the construction of a welcome center with restrooms and seating, the adaptive reuse of the island’s historic chapel for remembrance activities, shoreline stabilization, and efforts for forest restoration.
Simultaneously, the City Council has passed a home rule resolution allowing state lawmakers to advance legislation for the Bally’s casino at the previously mentioned golf course, indicating a glimmer of hope for those looking to progress the project.
With a recent 32-12 Council vote, the decision grants authorization to
image source from：6sqft
