The bills include a study of renewable energy generation and storage on Rikers Island. On February 25, 2021, Mayor de Blasio signed two bills regarding energy usage, sustainability and prospective planning on Rikers Island. Both bills were sponsored by Council Member Costa Constantinides.
Ranked-Choice Voting: Coming to a Ballot Box Near You
Registered voters in the Democratic and Republican parties will, on June 22, 2021, be asked to participate in one of the most important primary elections in New York City’s history—with an entirely new voting system. New York City’s June primary elections will be the first major test of ranked-choice voting. Rather than voting for one favored candidate to win the party nomination, voters will be asked to rank up to five candidates on the ballot … <Read More>
DDC Announces Opening of New Library Branch on Roosevelt Island
The new site is ADA-compliant and meets LEED Silver Certification standards. On January 25, 2021, NYC Department of Design and Construction (“DDC”) Commissioner Lorraine Grillo announced the opening of a new library on Roosevelt Island. The new library, located at 504 Main Street, is located near its former site. The new 5,200-square-foot library is more than double the size of the former NYPL branch.
City Launches Training Program for Digital Platforms for Small Businesses
A new training recourse is available to small businesses and their employees and offers free classes on digital platforms like Zoom, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and more. On February 4, 2021, Major Bill De Blasio and NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Jonnel Doris announced the launch of “Training for Your Employees.” The program provides business owners and their employees with no-cost training courses in digital literacy, marketing tools, online security, and COVID-19 safety.
Parks Dept Removes Abandoned Boats from Pelham Bay
Abandoned boats and vessels pose environmental risks and create hazards for navigation. On February 10, 2021, NYC Parks Chief of Waterfront and Marine Operations Nate Grove and City Council Member Mark Gjonaj removed the first of three abandoned boats from the Pelham Bay Park shoreline.
Mayor Appoints Meisha Porter as New DOE Chancellor as Richard Carranza Departs
Bronx Executive Superintendent Meisha Porter is the incoming Chancellor. On February 26, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Meisha Porter as the next Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education (“DOE”), the largest school system in the nation. Porter was appointed after Chancellor Richard A. Carranza announced his resignation.