State law requires rent stabilization laws to be renewed periodically based on housing vacancy rates. On March 10, 2022, the City Council voted to extend the City’s Rent Stabilization Law by providing more time to gather data to ensure the rent stabilization law is still necessary. The bill, Int. 70, was sponsored by Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez.
City Council
City Council Approves Zoning Text Amendment for Permanent Open Restaurants Program
City Council still needs to pass legislation establishing the program. On February 24, 2022, the City Council voted to approve the zoning text amendment that will remove geographical restrictions where sidewalk cafes can operate across the city. This vote completes the first step in the creation of a permanent open restaurant program.
City Council Holds First Hearing on Permanent Open Restaurants Plan
Many elected officials raised concerns about DOT’s ability to handle the scale and capacity of a citywide permanent open restaurants program. On February 8, 2022, the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises held a joint hearing with the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection on the proposed permanent open restaurant program. The proposed permanent open restaurant program will replace the temporary program and establish a new streamlined program for the creation, management and enforcement … <Read More>
City Council Votes to Improve Enforcement of HPD Affordable Housing Provisions
On December 15, 2021, the City Council voted to provide the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) with tools and the enhanced ability to enforce affordable housing provisions. The bill, Int. 2411-A, was sponsored by Former Council Member and Former Chair of the Housing and Building Committee Robert Cornegy.
Council Speaker Adams Announces Committee Appointments
On January 20, 2022, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced the selections for the City Council’s various committees.
For the land use related committees, the appointments are as follows:
City Council Approves Two Amendments Promoting Health and Fitness
In December 2021, the City Council voted to approve two applications proposed by the City to promote health, fitness and support small businesses. For CityLand’s prior coverage, click here.