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Queens' Lost Battalion Hall Reopens After $25.9M

Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center has reopened in Rego Park, Queens, following a $25.9 million reconstruction of the historic neighborhood facility. The improvements include renovated weightlifting, spin and fitness rooms, new exercise equipment, an updated basketball court and redesigned entrances and restrooms to improve accessibility. The project also upgraded fire protection, heating, cooling and other essential building systems. Built in 1939, Lost Battalion Hall originally served veterans before becoming an NYC Parks recreation center in 1960. The facility was once used by the New York Knicks for practices and helped develop local basketball talent, including former NBA player Kenny Smith. It also houses a historic Works Progress Administration mural commemorating its veterans' heritage.

NYU Langone Eye Drops May Reduce Corneal Transplants

NYU Langone Health researchers are presenting advances in eye disease treatment and transplantation at major ophthalmology meetings in New Orleans from October 9 through 12. A central finding comes from a randomized clinical trial examining ripasudil eye drops after a corneal procedure for Fuchs dystrophy. Among patients receiving the medication in a reported treatment group, 81% experienced complete resolution of corneal swelling, compared with 9% in the placebo group. The research suggests the approach could help some patients avoid donor corneal transplants. Additional presentations address treatments for abnormal corneal blood vessels, severe eye damage associated with vitamin A deficiency, and emerging technologies supporting research into whole-eye transplantation.

NYC Launches Building Code Reform to Cut Housing Costs

New York City's Department of Buildings has launched a task force to examine potential changes to construction regulations that could reduce development costs and support housing production across the five boroughs. The Affordable and Efficient Code Reform Task Force held its inaugural meeting with representatives from organizations involved in housing and construction to identify opportunities for streamlining building requirements without compromising safety. Additional stakeholder meetings are planned for fall 2026, followed by the development of proposals that may require City Council or state legislation. The department aims to introduce recommended code changes in 2027. The initiative is part of the City's Block by Block housing plan and will operate alongside the department's existing multiyear code revision process.

NYC Expands Grant Program to Pay 800 Nonprofits Faster

New York City is expanding a grant program designed to accelerate payments to community-based nonprofits that provide essential services across the five boroughs. The expanded Discretionary Grant Pilot could benefit up to 800 organizations by removing nine administrative steps and allowing eligible providers to receive their full awards within 30 days after grant agreements are signed by both parties. During fiscal year 2026, the pilot distributed $1 million to more than 100 nonprofits, reducing average processing times from more than a year to approximately three months, according to the City. For fiscal year 2027, eligible organizations may include nonprofits receiving cumulative discretionary awards of $25,000 or less from mayoral agencies. Grant agreements are expected to begin going out in November.

LaGuardia Community College Gets $4M for Arts Upgrades

LaGuardia Community College has received $4 million in New York City capital funding to renovate and modernize its arts and media facilities in Queens. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and City Council Member Julie Won each allocated $2 million toward the project, which is expected to leverage matching New York State funding and generate approximately $8 million in total investment. Planned improvements include upgrades to theaters, television production facilities, student learning spaces, production labs and dressing rooms. The project will also modernize lighting, electrical, communications, HVAC and other building systems while improving accessibility. The investment will support students studying theater, film and television, and music performance while strengthening the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center as a cultural destination in western Queens.

Cooper Union, Tishman Speyer Finalize Chrysler Building Deal

Tishman Speyer has finalized a 150-year ground lease for the Chrysler Building and plans a $235 million investment to restore and modernize the iconic Manhattan office tower. The agreement with The Cooper Union covers the 77-story, 1.3 million-square-foot landmark at 405 Lexington Avenue and includes institutional investors led by PSP Investments. Planned improvements include restoration of the building's façade and distinctive crown, modernization of mechanical and elevator systems, new fitness and wellness facilities, and an indoor-outdoor amenity space on the 61st floor. Tishman Speyer also plans to prebuild much of the tower's available office space. Ground lease payments will provide financial support to Cooper Union as the college works toward restoring full-tuition scholarships for undergraduate students.