NEW YORK CITY-Given an uptick in applications, the city is expanding its online services for developers and designers to submit plans and documentation digitally. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and buildings commissioner Robert LiMandri said at a press briefing this morning that the city will be growing its online digital review center created to accelerate the construction project approval process by accepting and reviewing digital construction plans in a more efficient manner.

The initiative will dramatically expand the NYC Development Hub, a website run by the city’s Department of Buildings that has approved more than 330 new buildings and major renovation projects and generated more than $1.3 billion in economic activity since its launch in October 2011. Under a new program called “Hub Self-Service,” professionals can now submit plans and obtain permits online for small construction projects, such as home renovations, office improvements and fa