Major planning hearings across four boroughs, tens of millions in contract awards going to out-of-state and out-of-country firms, a wholesale truck route redesign, and Mayor Mamdani quietly extending the city’s migrant shelter emergency order — again.
By Howard Weiss | May 4, 2026 | nycinfocus.com
Monday morning, and city planning and procurement documents reviewed by NYC In Focus are packed. Rezonings are moving forward in Williamsburg, the South Bronx, and Bed-Stuy — all heading toward public hearings this week and next. There’s a $136 million homeless shelter contract open for public comment, millions more in awards flowing to firms in New Jersey, Texas, Philadelphia, and even Canada, and a proposed overhaul of how trucks legally move through every borough. Meanwhile, Mayor Mamdani extended the city’s migrant shelter emergency declaration for another five days.
If you live in Brooklyn, the Bronx, or anywhere near a major delivery corridor, something in today’s review is probably headed for your block.
Planning Changes
Williamsburg Waterfront: Heavy Industry Out, Mixed-Use In
The most significant local land-use move this week comes from North Brooklyn. Web Holdings LLC has applied to rezone a stretch of Kent Avenue near South 1st and South 2nd Streets — converting M3-1 heavy industrial land to a mixed M1-3A/R7X district and establishing Special Mixed Use District MX-8. A second parcel nearby would shift to M1-2A.
That’s waterfront industrial land being repositioned for residential and commercial development. A review of city planning filings shows Brooklyn Community Board 1 holds its public hearing on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 P.M.
📣 How to Participate — Brooklyn CB 1
When: Tuesday, May 12, 6:00 P.M.
Where: Swinging Sixties Senior Center, 211 Ainslie Street (corner of Manhattan Avenue), Brooklyn
Application: C 260087ZMK
Accessibility: bk01@cb.nyc.gov | (718) 389-0009 by Thursday, May 7, 2:00 P.M.
Bronx and Brooklyn: Two Upzonings With Affordable Housing Requirements
Two more rezonings go before the City Planning Commission on Wednesday, May 13 — and both include Mandatory Inclusionary Housing requirements, meaning any new development must include affordable units.
1160 Pugsley Avenue, Bronx (Community District 9): Developer 1160-1178 Pugsley Ave LLC is asking to rezone from R5 to R7A with a C2-4 commercial overlay — allowing significantly taller, denser buildings along Pugsley Avenue between Powell and Haviland Avenues. A Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area would be established alongside the rezone.
1166 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn (Community District 3): Khalifah Residences LLC wants to shift from R6A to R7X on the block bounded by Madison Street, Bedford Avenue, and Putnam Avenue in Bed-Stuy. Again, Mandatory Inclusionary Housing would apply. The upzone would allow significantly more density than what’s there now.
📣 How to Participate — City Planning Commission
When: Wednesday, May 13, 10:00 A.M.
Where: 120 Broadway, Lower Concourse, Manhattan
Via Zoom: Meeting ID: 618 237 7396 | Password: 1
Phone: 877-853-5247 (toll-free) or 888-788-0099
Written comments: Accepted until one week before the vote at nyc.gov/planning
Accessibility: AccessibilityInfo@planning.nyc.gov | (212) 720-3366 by Wednesday, May 6, 5:00 P.M.
Bronx: Hutchinson River Parkway Site Seeks Commercial Rezone
Bronx Community Board 10 holds a hearing this Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 P.M. on a proposed rezoning at 815 Hutchinson River Parkway — moving from M1-2 light manufacturing to C8-3 heavy commercial, covering the area bounded by Lafayette Avenue, the Hutchinson River Parkway service road, Wenner Place, and Brush Avenue.
📣 How to Participate — Bronx CB 10
When: Thursday, May 7, 7:00 P.M.
Where: ArchCare at Providence Rest, 3304 Waterbury Avenue, Bronx
Accessibility: (718) 892-1161 by Wednesday, May 6, 12:00 P.M.
South Bronx: A $1 Land Sale for Low-Income Housing
The City Council’s Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, Resiliency, and Dispositions holds a hearing May 13 on a proposal to sell 351 Powers Avenue in the South Bronx to a developer for the nominal price of one dollar — under the Private Housing Finance Law — to build rental housing for low-income families. HPD would select the developer. Hearing begins at 11:00 A.M. at 250 Broadway, 8th Floor.
Staten Island: Wetlands Preserved at Saw Mill Creek
Also before City Planning on May 13: an application to acquire a parcel at Block 1780, Lot 15 in Staten Island Community District 2 for preservation as part of the Saw Mill Creek Marsh Park. The city is seeking to formally protect the wetland area under Section 197-e of the City Charter.
The Money Moving
This edition is heavy on contracts — awards already made, deals open for public comment, and new solicitations the city is putting out to bid. Here’s the full breakdown.
CONTRACTS AWARDED
$136.5M Homeless Shelter Contract — Public Comment Open Now
The largest dollar figure in this review is a proposed contract with BHRAGS Home Care Corp., based at 2005 Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, to operate shelter facilities for homeless single adults citywide. The contract runs July 2026 through June 2031, with a renewal option through 2035, for a maximum value of $136,504,445.
Public comments are due by 10:00 A.M. on Monday, May 11. Email PublicComments@dss.nyc.gov and include E-PIN 07122P0012029 in your message.
$38M in Sidewalk Ramp Work — One Contractor from New Jersey
A review of city procurement filings shows two competitive contracts awarded for pedestrian ramp upgrades across Brooklyn and Staten Island. The larger award — $24,667,067 — went to JRCRUZ Corp. of Holmdel, New Jersey, covering work across nine Brooklyn community board districts and all three Staten Island districts. The second — $13,756,853 — went to Queens Village-based JLJ IV Enterprises Inc. for non-standard ramp upgrades in Brooklyn CBs 7, 10, 11, 12, and 14.
Both were awarded through competitive sealed bidding to the lowest bidder, which is standard process. Still, a firm with a New Jersey address landing $24.6 million in public works contracts across twelve NYC community board districts is worth tracking.
$14.4M Water Infrastructure Deal Goes to Texas
City procurement documents show a $14,460,000 contract awarded to Inframark LLC — based in Katy, Texas — for water infrastructure operations through the Department of Sanitation, via negotiated acquisition.
$3.2M Boxing and Mentorship Program in Brownsville
The Department of Youth and Community Development is seeking public comment on a $3,231,900 contract with Boxer Inc. to provide boxing training, mentoring, fitness programming, and on-site case management for high-risk youth and residents in Brownsville. Contract runs January 2026 through June 2029. Comments due May 11; include E-PIN 26026P0002001.
$2.6M for Parking Ticket Printing — One Company, One Year
The Department of Finance is seeking public comment on a $2,626,800 contract with Immediate Mailing Services Inc., based in Liverpool, New York, to print parking notices and handle correspondence services. The contract runs June 2026 through May 2027. Comments due May 11 at the city’s online form; include E-PIN 83626N0001001.
$1.8M to a Philadelphia Firm for NYPD and City Medical Records
The Law Department is seeking comment on a contract extension worth up to $1,800,000 with The MCS Group, Inc. — headquartered in Philadelphia — for electronic retrieval of medical records. The contract runs through November 2026. Comments due May 11 at hsheehan@law.nyc.gov; include E-PIN 02525N0060001.
Nearly $1M to a Canadian Software Company
The Department of Social Services is seeking public comment on a $994,500 subscription contract with Absorb Software Inc. — based in Calgary, Canada — for an e-learning management system covering 2026 through 2031. Comments due May 15 at PublicComments@dss.nyc.gov; include E-PIN 06926U0005001.
$464.5K Food Vending Data Entry Contract — Bronx Location
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is seeking comment on a $464,500 contract with New York State Industries for the Disabled to handle data entry and service of secondary notice violations on mobile food vending units, performed at 1231 Lafayette Avenue in the Bronx. Contract runs July 2026 through June 2032. Comments due May 11 at PublicComment@health.nyc.gov; include E-PIN 81626M0013001.
$493K for Bronx Playground Water Service Reconstruction
NYC Parks is seeking comment on a $493,638 contract with Prestige Pavers of NYC Inc. — based in Whitestone, Queens — for water service reconstruction at Noble Playground in the Bronx. Work runs July 2026 through April 2027. Comments due May 11 at PublicComments.Capital@parks.nyc.gov; include E-PIN 84626W0031001.
$250K in Gift Cards for HIV and Hepatitis Programs
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is seeking comment on a $250,000 contract with Hart Leo LLC — based in Long Island City — to supply gift cards used as incentives for HIV, hepatitis, and STI prevention programs through the Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV and STI. Contract runs August 2026 through July 2031. Comments due May 11 at PublicComment@health.nyc.gov; include E-PIN 81626W0035001.
$127K for Starlink on NYPD Emergency Vehicles
The city’s Office of Technology and Innovation is seeking comment on a $127,972 contract with Compulink Technologies — based in Midtown Manhattan — to provide Starlink satellite internet service for NYPD Emergency Command Vehicles during large-scale events and emergencies. Comments due May 11 at MWBECROLComments@oti.nyc.gov; include E-PIN 85825W0132001A001.
$110K IT Contract for Human Resources Administration
City contracting documents show the Human Resources Administration awarded a $110,830 intergovernmental contract to InfoPeople Corporation, based on 7th Avenue in Manhattan, for IT consulting services related to enterprise document automation. The contract runs March 2026 through February 2029.
$52K Conference Contract for Environmental Protection
The Department of Environmental Protection awarded a $52,920 contract to the New York Water Environment Association, based in Syracuse, for conference services.
Summer Youth Employment: $4.7M Across Three Providers
City contracting documents show DYCD awarded Summer Youth Employment Program contracts to three providers serving youth ages 14–24:
- Young Men’s and Women’s Hebrew Association of Washington Heights & Inwood: $1,575,509
- Community Association of Progressive Dominicans (Bronx): $1,645,298
- United Activities Unlimited (Staten Island): $1,547,313
Probation Extends Youth Support Contracts: $4M+ Total
A review of city contracting filings shows the Department of Probation is extending contracts through June 2027 for programs supporting justice-involved youth and their families. The extensions include:
- CASES — PEAK education program: $1,732,163
- Good Shepherd Services — Parent Support Program: $560,810
- Youth Justice Network — Parent Support Program: $545,470
- CASES — Mobile Adolescent Therapy: $459,014
- Justice Innovation — Parent Support: $248,928
- Community Connections For Youth — Parent Support: $231,268
- New York Center for Interpersonal Development — Parent Support: $230,230
All are Negotiated Acquisition Extensions, meaning competitive procurement is still pending. Comments on each are due May 15 at cjeffrey@probation.nyc.gov.
Parks Department Contract Renewals and Amendments
The Mayor’s Office of Contract Services flagged several Parks Department contract amendments not previously included in the city’s annual contracting plan:
- Asphalt Green Inc.: Sole-source renewal for capital construction work at the Asphalt Green facility, anticipated start June 2026.
- Entech Engineering P.C.: Amendment for construction management at St. Mary’s Park Recreation Center reconstruction in the Bronx, running through October 2026.
- Sage & Coombe Architects LLC: Amendment for architecture design services at St. Mary’s Park, running through June 2026.
- Arcadis of New York Inc.: Amendment for construction management services, running through April 2027.
Contracts Out to Bid
NYCHA Flooring Contracts: 11 Separate IDIQ Deals Across Four Boroughs
The New York City Housing Authority is soliciting bids for 11 separate indefinite-delivery contracts for vinyl composition floor tile installation in apartments and public spaces across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Bids are due May 27. Notably, no single bidder can win more than one of the 11 contracts — NYCHA is deliberately spreading the work. A virtual pre-bid conference is set for May 8 at 11:00 A.M. via Microsoft Teams.
Midtown Trash Hauling: Two Big Commercial Waste Zone Contracts Up for Grabs
The Department of Sanitation is seeking proposals for commercial waste hauling in two Manhattan zones — Midtown North and Manhattan Southwest. This is part of the city’s broader Commercial Waste Zone program, which is replacing the old open-market system with licensed zone operators. Proposals are due June 10. Questions due May 13 at DSNY’s office at 44 Beaver Street.
Tallman Island Wastewater Plant: Chlorination System Upgrade
The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking bids for a chlorination system upgrade at the Tallman Island Water Resource Recovery Facility in Queens. Bids due May 28. A pre-bid conference via Microsoft Teams is set for May 11.
Forest Hills School: Flood and Masonry Work at JHS 157
The School Construction Authority is seeking bids for flood elimination, parapet, and exterior masonry work at JHS 157 in Forest Hills, Queens, located at 62-55 102nd Street. Bids due May 18. Pre-bid walkthrough at the school on May 8 at 11:00 A.M.
NYPD Armored Car Services for Tow Pounds
The Police Department is seeking competitive bids for armored car services at NYPD tow pounds citywide. Bids due May 27 via the city’s PASSPort procurement portal; late bids will not be accepted.
Emergency Orders
Migrant Shelter Emergency Extended — Again
Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued Emergency Executive Order No. 2.22 on April 25, extending the city’s humanitarian emergency declaration for five more days. The declaration — first issued in October 2022 — has now been in continuous extension for nearly four years. It allows the city to suspend certain Administrative Code provisions to keep Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers operating.
The order directs the Department of Social Services and the Department of Homeless Services to regularly brief the Mayor on a plan to eventually phase out the emergency facilities. No timeline is specified.
Trucks and Rules
NYC’s Entire Truck Route Network Is Getting Rewritten
The Department of Transportation is proposing a comprehensive overhaul of citywide truck routes — mandated by Local Law 171 of 2023, which required DOT to redesign the network to improve safety, reduce congestion, and cut vehicle miles traveled. DOT published its findings last November and is now moving the changes into formal rulemaking.
A review of the proposed rule changes shows amendments touching truck routing in all five boroughs. Among the notable structural changes: the five Manhattan Limited Truck Zones — Chelsea, Chinatown, Greenwich Village, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side — would be eliminated as standalone zone designations. Dozens of streets are being added to or removed from designated routes in every borough.
A public hearing is set for Tuesday, June 9 at 10:00 A.M. via Zoom.
📣 How to Participate — DOT Truck Route Hearing
When: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 10:00 A.M.
Via Zoom: Meeting ID: 949 2719 3122 | Passcode: 347920
Phone: 1-929-205-6099
Email comments: rules@dot.nyc.gov
Written comments deadline: 5:00 P.M., June 9, 2026
Sign up to speak: Email rules@dot.nyc.gov by June 8
Full report: nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/truck-network-redesign-report.pdf
Buildings Dept Maps Out 17 New Rules for FY2027
City regulatory filings reviewed by NYC In Focus show the Department of Buildings has published its agenda for Fiscal Year 2027, which begins July 1. Seventeen rules are anticipated. The ones most likely to affect everyday New Yorkers:
Basement apartments: Two separate rules will implement Local Law 126 of 2024, setting standards for basement and cellar units in both single-family homes and multi-unit buildings. The rules would allow tenants to remain in eligible apartments while owners bring them up to code — with clear deadlines for compliance. Expected in the second half of FY2027.
Sidewalk shed alternatives: Rules to allow containment netting as a substitute for traditional sidewalk sheds in certain scenarios, and to update shed design requirements. If you’ve ever walked under a scaffold for two years wondering why it’s still there, this one’s for you. Expected first half of FY2027.
Cooling systems in rentals: Local Law 23 of 2026 requires new rules on centrally-supplied cooling equipment in tenant-occupied buildings. Expected second quarter of FY2027.
Natural gas detectors: The installation deadline, originally May 2025, has been extended to January 1, 2027 by Local Law 102 of 2025. New rules will reflect that change.
Incomplete inspection fee: A proposed $200 fee per incomplete inspection, plus the ability to bar permit filings from any licensee who doesn’t pay. Expected second half of FY2027.
Modular ADUs: Standards for manufactured homes used as Accessory Dwelling Units, under Local Law 127 of 2024.
What This Actually Means
This is a week where what happens at a Tuesday night community board meeting in Williamsburg could set the development tone for that waterfront for the next generation. The Kent Avenue rezoning hearing is worth showing up to — or at minimum knowing about.
On the contracts side, the pattern worth watching: a Canadian software firm getting nearly $1 million, a Texas company landing $14.4 million in water infrastructure work, a New Jersey contractor winning $24.6 million in Brooklyn and Staten Island sidewalk jobs. All of it legal, all of it competitive — but all of it money leaving New York.
The truck route overhaul is slower-moving but affects everyone who lives near a delivery corridor, which in New York is essentially everyone. The June 9 public hearing is the formal opportunity to push back or support the proposed changes before they’re locked in as city rules.
And the Buildings Department basement apartment rules — whenever they arrive — will matter to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers living in unofficial lower-level units. Whether that ends up being a path to legalization or a compliance crackdown will depend heavily on how those rules are written. Worth watching.
Public comments on the shelter contract, Brownsville boxing program, Starlink deal, and most other procurements listed above are due Monday, May 11. Contact information is in each relevant section.
Information in this article is based on a review of city planning, procurement, and public notice records compiled by NYC In Focus.
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