City Limits rounds up the latest housing and land use-related events, public hearings and affordable housing lotteries that are ending soon.

Adi Talwar

A view of scaffolding-clad Tom’s Restaurant at Broadway at 112th Street in 2021. The City Council will hold a hearing Tuesday about New York City’s rules around sidewalk sheds.

Welcome to City Limits’ NYC Housing Calendar, a weekly feature where we round up the latest housing and land use-related events and hearings, as well as upcoming affordable housing lotteries that are ending soon.

Know of an event we should include in next week’s calendar? Email us.

Upcoming Housing and Land Use-Related Events:

Tuesday, June 25, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.: It’s Election Day in New York! If you’re able to, go vote.

Tuesday, June 25, at 10 a.m.: The NYC Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings will hold an oversight hearing on sidewalk sheds/scaffolding rules. More here.

Tuesday, June 25 at 9:30 a.m.: The New York Housing Conference will host a discussion on the last decade of affordable housing production, and unveil an updated NYC Affordable Housing Tracker. More here.

Tuesday, June 25 at 9:30 a.m.: The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission will meet, and will vote on the proposed Willoughby-Hart Historic District, two blocks of late-19th century row houses lining Willoughby Avenue and Hart Street between Nostrand and Marcy Avenues in Brooklyn. More here.

Tuesday, June 25 at 4 p.m.: The city will hold a public scoping meeting on a proposal from Bally’s to build a casino at Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx. More here.

Wednesday, June 26 at 10 a.m.: NYCHA’s Board will hold its monthly meeting. More here.

Wednesday, June 26 at 11 a.m.: The NYC Council’s Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings and Dispositions will meet about several land use applications, including landmark status for the Bronx’s Old Croton Aqueduct Walk. More here.

Wednesday, June 26 at 3 p.m.: NYC’s Small Business Services will host a free workshop on the basics of commercial leases. More here.

Wednesday, June 26 at 11 a.m.: The NYC Planning Commission will hold a public meeting to vote on several projects. More here.

Wednesday, June 26 at 11:30 a.m.: The NYC Council’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises will meet about several landmark applications, including a proposal for the Arthur Kill Terminal on Staten Island. More here.

Thursday, June 27 at 10 a.m.: The NYC Council’s Land Use Committee will meet. More here.

NYC Affordable Housing Lotteries Ending Soon: The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) are closing lotteries on the following subsidized buildings over the next week.

101-07 91st Street Apartments, Queens, for households earning between $86,400 – $181,740

Amana NYC, Manhattan, for households earning between $48,858 – $218,010

2621 Grand Avenue Apartments, Bronx, for households earning between $84,755 – $181,740

2438 Lyvere Gardens Apartments, Bronx, for households earning between $44,572 – $218,010

1946 Ocean Avenue Apartments, Brooklyn, for households earning between $85,715 – $218,010

369 Quentin Road Apartments, Brooklyn, for households earning between $77,349 – $154,080

2777 Atlantic Avenue Apartments, Brooklyn, for households earning between $26,092 – $181,740

5-22 49th Avenue Apartments, Queens, for households earning between $111,532 – $218,010

2411 64th Street Apartments, Brooklyn, for households earning between $75,943 – $218,010

88 North 1st Street Apartments, Brooklyn, for households earning between $105,875 – $181,740

2183 Morris Avenue Apartments, Bronx, for households earning between $107,246 – $218,010

138 Brucker Boulevard Apartments, Bronx, for households earning between $105,875 – $218,010

The pair of buildings that house Blue Cross Blue Shield’s headquarters are under new ownership.

The buildings, River Park I and II, located at 3400 Yankee Drive and 1800 Yankee Doodle Road in Eagan, were sold to Arsenault Holdings this month for over $60 million, according to a news release from the seller, Net Lease Office Properties.

While the landlord has changed, the tenant has not. The two properties are leased to the insurance company “with a recently executed long term lease renewal,” according to a news release from Colliers, a commercial real estate and investment firm, who represented the sellers.

“Our current multi-year lease as the sole tenant of the River Park buildings will continue under new ownership,” said Jim McManus, director of public relations and internal communications for Blue Cross Blue Shield, in an email Monday.

“We look forward to remaining a part of the Eagan community as we have been for the past 50 years,” McManus said.

Net Lease Office Properties was paid $60.7 million for the two buildings, which were constructed in 1982 and 2000. The buildings, which are connected through an enclosed walkway, total 347,472 square feet and include a fitness center and full-service cafeteria.

“Despite all the bad news orbiting the office ecosystem, there is still plenty of liquidity for long term leased office properties with high quality tenants,” said Peter Loehrer, senior associate for capital markets and investment sales for Colliers, in the release.

Previous BCBS headquarters

Blue Cross Blue Shield announced last year that it would vacate its 442,000-square-foot headquarters building at 3535 Blue Cross Road and consolidate operations at the River Park offices across Minnesota 13. The company, which employs around 3,000 people, attributed the change to the hybrid work model.

The future of the 55-acre parcel that includes the main building at 3535 Blue Cross Road, the child care center at 3545 Blue Cross Road and another building at 1750 Yankee Doodle Road is still unclear as recent development plans fell through and the insurance company’s leases expire at the end of the month.

The former headquarters of Blue Cross and Blue Shield as seen Sept. 25, 2014, in Eagan. (Jim Mone / Associated Press)

The third-largest wine distributor in the nation, Johnson Brothers Liquor Co., began eyeing the former Blue Cross Blue Shield campus last year to be redeveloped as its new corporate headquarters and warehouse distribution center.

The liquor company said it was outgrowing its current distribution facility at 1999 Shepard Road, near Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul.

The proposed plan for the new Johnson Bros. headquarters in Eagan included a six-story, 460,000-square-foot warehouse distribution facility with a potential future expansion space spanning another 230,000 square feet.

Eagan residents were quick to voice their concerns about Johnson Bros. potentially moving in and went as far as to organize a petition against the rezoning of the site from “major office” to “industrial.”

Those who live closest to the parcel had concerns about traffic, the loss of green space and pollution levels.

Ultimately, Johnson Bros. decided the location wasn’t the best fit and withdrew its application for redevelopment earlier this year. At the time, the company said it would continue to explore other options around the metro, “including the possibility of remaining in St. Paul.”

The three buildings for sale on the 55-acre parcel are owned by real estate investment company W.P. Carey.

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By Jessica Haggard (Associated Press)

If you want to create unforgettable experiences with your family and friends, look no further than these easy and trending tips to transform your own backyard into the ultimate place for a summer bash. Entertaining guests at home is the easiest way to say goodbye to noisy, crowded public parks and overpriced venues.

Whether your outdoor space is a tiny patio or a comfortable lawn, hosting summer events at home is an effortless way to entertain your guests. But if your outdoor space could use some tender love and care, read on for the effortless decor tips, super-simple menu items and easy entertainment choices that will make throwing summer parties as easy as walking out your back door.

Effortless decor

Don’t feel like you have to purchase a truckload of new furniture before you can host a summer party. If you want to update your decor, there’s no need to get lost in hours of endless research, just follow these tips to create an inviting outdoor entertaining area.

Organic and modern

If mixing and matching different pieces sounds like a headache, then choose furniture made out of natural materials, like wooden tables and stone flower pots, that will blend seamlessly with any outdoor setting. This trend is all about creating a comforting aesthetic through rustic earth elements. Look for pieces featuring off-white, light brown and tan for a color palette that looks good all year.

DIY ambiance

Embrace sustainability by repurposing materials you already own. Lanterns made from old tin cans are both affordable and eco-friendly. Add a coat of sage green spray paint before displaying them on a table or hanging them in your outdoor space. If you live near a beach, collect driftwood and shells next time you stop by. You can create a beautiful decoration without too much effort, simply by wrapping the treasures with wire or threading on a string so they hang down from a horizontal piece of driftwood.

Bright colors and jewel tones

All you need to do to make your space glow is add a fresh coat of paint. If you have existing structures in your backyard, like fences, sheds or flowerpots, consider whether they might benefit from a mini-makeover.

Ruby, sapphire and emerald tones are trending colors for lively and inviting areas. It’s easy to knock out a bunch of painting projects over the weekend. Once you’re done, you’ll have transformed your space without investing time and money into major renovations.

Create the perfect menu

At a loss for what to feed your guests? This summer, focus on ingredients that connect to the natural setting around you.

Edible gardens

Starting an edible garden isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Herbs, tomatoes and edible flowers are all relatively easy plants for beginners to grow. They’ll add beauty, help you connect with nature and benefit your local pollinators.

A thriving herb garden will let you enjoy mint and basil all summer long at a fraction of grocery store prices. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about your herbs going bad before you can use them.

Luke Steffensmeier, of the South Carolina-based company Reedy River Landscapes, describes himself as “particularly passionate” about edible gardens. “Garden dining experiences offer both aesthetics and functionality,” Steffensmeier explains. “Being able to pick fresh basil or mint right from your seat, then add it to your drink, turns a typical meal into a culinary journey.”

Simple grilling

What is it about the BBQ? Food just tastes better when it’s a little bit charred. From grilled peaches to flank steak, there are many ways to get the most out of your grill.

When planning your grilling menu, don’t forget to balance flavors. Hearty, roasted main dishes go perfectly with crisp salads starring garden-picked herbs and vegetables. A simple side salad can be thrown together easily, making it the perfect counterpart to a burger or steak.

Smart beverage choices

Staying hydrated is key when you’re in the sun. Plan ahead so you aren’t constantly running to the kitchen to refill water glasses. Crafting one or two signature drinks will make even a last-minute gathering feel like an event . Plus, you’ll avoid the effort and expense of stocking a full bar.

To truly kick your bartending game up a notch, incorporate vibrant colors and jewel tones into your drinks. Eye-catching additions such as orange slices, star fruit or cucumber slices will make your drinks pop. Or, consider adding edible flowers like pansies and squash blossoms. You can also add dried flowers in a store that sells cocktail ingredients.

For bonus points, provide your guests with alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices. Electric lemonade, for example, is a tangy and refreshing drink featuring vodka and blue curaçao. It’ll still be just as zingy without the alcohol, and the different colors will be an easy visual indicator for your guests as to which is which.

Entertainment made easy

Replace indoor board games and puzzles with outdoor summer entertainment. Whether you’re challenging your friends to a cornhole tournament or relaxing under the stars with a movie night, there are many effortless options to create summer fun.

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“Embracing my backyard has helped me realize that indoor comforts can be extended outdoors,” says Steffensmeier. “The possibilities are endless.”

Lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball or spike ball are easy to set up and can be surprisingly fun, even for adults. If you have trees in your backyard, setting up a slackline is an exciting way to challenge your guests’ sense of balance. Before searching for lawn games, check with your guests to see what they already own and are willing to lend for the party.

Investing in or renting an outdoor projector is a great way to enjoy your backyard after the sun goes down. Gather your friends to watch the big game or enjoy a night of rom-coms. Make it BYOB, or Bring Your Own Blanket, for the ultimate cozy atmosphere.

Can’t find a projector? Bring people together for a night of stargazing right in your backyard. Comfy pillows, sleeping bags and picnic blankets set the stage for a relaxed night under the stars.

Sunny days and unforgettable nights

Forget the fuss of group reservations or competing with crowds for the best spots in parks and beaches. Hosting guests in your backyard makes entertaining easy. If you’re a social butterfly looking to embrace the summer heat, consider this the sign you’ve been waiting for.

And even after the party’s done, your backyard will still be there for you the next day as a place to relax, unwind and connect with nature. As Steffensmeier puts it, “Parties are awesome, but the goal is to ensure that the backyard isn’t just a place for parties. With the right touches, it can become a multi-use oasis.”

Jessica Haggard is the creator of the blog Easy Homemade Life. She inspires and supports homemakers with easy recipes, natural home cleaning tips and DIY tutorials for personal care products to promote a happy and healthy home environment.