New penalties will range from $500 to $1,000. On February 2, 2023, Council Member Alexa Avilés introduced bill number 0900-2023 in the NYC Council. The bill proposes to increase penalties for illegal sidewalk parking by covered businesses in certain manufacturing (M1) zoning districts and arranged for bollards to be installed within selected areas of these zoning districts.
City Council
Council Passes Bill for More Data on Families With Children in Shelters
On February 2, 2023, the New York City Council approved Local Law 26, which would more closely monitor the status of the City’s most vulnerable families—those who live in shelters. The new law was originally introduced in 2022 by Council Member Kevin C. Riley as Introduction 421. Local Law 26 now requires the NYC Department of Homeless Services to report more regularly on the status of families with children living in shelters.
City Continues to Address Issues with Illegal Smoke Shops
On January 18th, 2023, the New York City Council’s Committee on Health held an oversight hearing to discuss the surge of unlicensed smoke shops citywide and related safety issues. The oversight hearing was held jointly with the Committee for Consumer and Worker Protection and the Committee for Oversight and Investigations.
Council Votes to Approve Bill to Safeguard Elderly Tenants’ Rights
On January 19, 2023, the New York City Council voted to approve a bill that would help safeguard elderly renters. Int.673-2022, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would entitle renters over the age of 60 facing eviction or termination of tenancy full legal representation at no cost.
City Council Approves Reform Temple of Forest Hills Rezoning
On February 2, 2023, the City Council voted to approve a rezoning that would enable the redevelopment of the Reform Temple of Forest Hills to a ten-story mixed-use building that includes a new temple and residential space. The Reform Temple of Forest Hills is currently located at 71-11 112th Street in Forest Hills, Queens.
City Council Votes for Three Parks Bills to Improve Capital Project Transparency, Build Green Micro-spaces
On December 21, 2022, the City Council voted to approve three bills that would improve transparency with the Parks Department’s capital projects process and utilize small or micro spaces that can be used for beneficial green space. All three bills were sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Chair of the Council Committee on Parks and Recreation.