The Council's first full week of the 2026 session was dominated by land-use introductions, with 30 bills entering the legislative pipeline—nearly all tied to rezonings, landmark designations, and special permits across all five boroughs. The volume reflects the Council's continued focus on shaping development patterns and preserving historic districts as the new Lander administration begins its tenure.
The introductions span multiple geographies and project types. Landmark-related bills cluster around the Constellation designation proposals (LU 0002-2026 through LU 0005-2026) and the Prospect Farm acquisition (LU 0001-2026). The Flatbush Avenue redevelopment framework generated six related bills (LU 0012-2026 through LU 0016-2026), including rezoning, historic district, and preservation components. Rezoning proposals advanced for Avenue U (LU 0017-2026 through LU 0019-2026), Queens sites including 217-14 24th Avenue and Broadway corridors (LU 0020-2026 through LU 0023-2026), Linden Boulevard (LU 0024-2026 through LU 0026-2026), and Beach Channel Drive (LU 0028-2026 and LU 0029-2026).
All 30 bills were referred to committee—no votes were taken this week. The full slate enters standard ULURP review and committee deliberation.
Housing and land-use policy dominate the early 2026 agenda, consistent with the Council's stated priorities under Speaker Adrienne Adams and incoming Mayor Brad Lander. The wave of rezoning proposals—particularly in Queens and Brooklyn outer neighborhoods—suggests the Council and administration are moving quickly to advance development frameworks, likely tied to affordable housing mandates and community input.
The Seaside Park & Community Arts Center applications (LU 0007-2026 through LU 0011-2026) represent the only major cultural and parks focus in this week's introductions, with multiple special permit and landmark components. A single small-business bill, LU 0030-2026 (zoning variance for Ethyl's Alcohol & Food in Manhattan), rounds out the week's activity. No civil-rights or housing-specific bills were introduced this week—a notable absence given the Council's typical legislative rhythm. That focus may emerge in committee work or in coming weeks.
Prospect Farm acquisition landmark application enters Council review
Constellation CB5 landmark designation proposal referred to committee
Constellation CB3 landmark designation proposal referred to committee
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