As we settle into a new mayoral administration, much of the reform work of the last few years is lining up to create new opportunities for architects and designers. And those reforms continue, both at the city and state levels, with AIA New York Chapter actively advising and lobbying for changes that will unlock more work for our members and help the city and region meet its housing and climate goals.
In February, Governor Kathy Hochul announced long-awaited SEQRA (New York State Environmental Quality Review Act) reforms, which will cut down the average duration of environmental review from two years to six months and aim to accelerate housing and infrastructure development while maintaining environmental standards. Mayor Zohran Mamdani is pitching major projects to the federal government, such as a multi-billion dollar investment in Sunnyside Yards. The impasse at the Gateway Tunnel project has been circumvented. Former New York City Transit Authority President Andy Byford—who spoke to a full house at the Center for Architecture this winter—is bringing his determination and expertise to advance work on Penn Station. The J-51 tax abatement, which helps owners fund repairs and comply with Local Law 97, is on the table for renewal. And AIANY has been working to identify changes to the building code that could clear the way for more affordable housing production.
At home on LaGuardia Place, spring brings new exhibitions and plenty of activity. We are thrilled to bring back CFA Lab for its next iteration. The program, created in 2021 to elevate fresh voices in architecture, is this year a collaboration with AIANY President Mark Gardner, AIA, and his theme of Repair: Democracy and Public Space. The project team behind one of the CFA Lab exhibitions, “Energies of Repair: Visualizing Community Power in NYC,” is leading two site visits across Sunset Park and Newtown Creek, March 29 and April 11. Both tours are free to attend. They explore how pollution affects waterfront neighborhoods and how communities are planning for a green reindustrialization. Check out calendar.aiany.org to register.
On Friday, April 24, the Chapter will honor the 24 Design Awards winners of this year, for projects that showcase design excellence, innovation, and the skill of our community. In reviewing and selecting winners, this year’s jurors noted community-focused design, the use of mass timber, and innovation in adaptive reuse as trends they observed and celebrated. The group also discussed the importance of design that addresses real problems and repairs existing structures, and emphasized the need for optimism and innovation in architecture.
Optimism and innovation: two aspirations we know we must commit to in order to advance the changes and opportunities we want to see in our profession, our city, and our society.
