Document Request Generator

Now you can request documents from City agencies about specific properties on NYCommons

Each property page for NYCommons includes a tool that allows you to automatically request agency documents about a property, as a request under the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).

If you’d like to file a FOIL request for a property that isn’t listed on NYCommons, figure out which agency owns or controls it, then do some digging to find the correct address for the agency’s Records Access Officer. You will need the Borough Block Lot numbers (BBL numbers) to request agency documents related to the site, then you can send a letter that looks like this (feel free to include more details about the property if you have them):

From:         [your email]

To:              [Email of Records Access Officer]

Re:             FOIL Request:  Block _____Lots _____         

Dear FOIL Officer,

Please treat this request for all documents in your Agency's possession related to Block _____Lots ______ as a request under the New York State Freedom of Information Law. Please send electronic copies of all documents to this email address. I look forward to hearing from you within five days as required by law.

Best,