Image credit: New York City Council.
On September 14, 2023, Int.1167, co-sponsored by Council Members Eric Dinowitz and Kevin C. Riley, was introduced at the City Council. The bill aims to address the lack of supplies that are available at Bronx emergency service centers.
This bill mandates the identification and designation of emergency response centers in each community district by the Commissioner of Emergency Management in consultation with the Office of the Mayor and community boards. The proximity of emergency response centers will enable communities to be equipped with essential supplies to help those who have been displaced and prepared for emergencies.
If passed, the Commissioner of Emergency Management will oversee this effort in consultation with the Office of the Mayor and community boards. To ensure inventory is up-to-date and well-stocked, the Commissioner of Emergency Management and Commissioner of Citywide Administrative Services will submit an annual report to the mayor and the speaker to monitor the supply of necessary products at these emergency centers.
At the stated hearing, Council Member Riley testified about how this bill was created in response to a horrific January 2023 apartment fire in Wakefield that displaced 61 people and heavily impacted families and the surrounding neighborhoods. According to Council Member Riley, there was an immediate need to navigate the city service systems during this critical event and we witnessed firsthand how severe the supply challenges were.
Council Member Riley continued, “I urge my colleagues to sign onto this bill. We need these centers citywide, which will support our efforts to serve those in need with timely resources during emergencies.”
The Council will host a public meeting pertaining to this bill on a future date.
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)