On October 10, 2024, Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse introduced Int. 1082, legislation mandating the NYC Commissioner of Small Business Services to conduct a study and report on the fees and costs required to start and maintain small businesses in New York City – with particular focus on certified minority- or women-owned businesses (M/WBEs). The bill defines small business to cover those that meet the size standards under the code of federal regulations, are not a franchise … <Read More>
COMPLETE VIDEO: CityLaw Breakfast: The Six Questions on NYC Voters’ 2024 Ballots
This morning, State Senator Liz Krueger and Hon. Diane Savino spoke at the 194th CityLaw Breakfast, and discussed the six ballot proposals New Yorkers will vote on this election. Krueger spoke on Question 1, the New York State “Equal Rights Amendment” and Savino spoke about the five citywide ballot proposals. Dean and President of New York Law School Anthony W. Crowell and Professor and Founding Director of the Center for New York City and State … <Read More>
Governor and Mayor Celebrate Over 600 Letters of Intent for 421-a Extension Program
On October 16, 2024, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the milestone of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) receiving Letters of Intent for approximately 650 buildings through the 421-a extension tax incentive program. The proposed 650 buildings represent roughly 71,000 new homes (including 21,000 affordable units) for New Yorkers. Currently, New Yorkers face a 1.4 percent rental vacancy rate, with half of … <Read More>
What is the Future of Outdoor Dining in New York City?
By Mark Chiusano
The outdoor dining setup at Artesano on Chambers Street had some of the soaring dignity of its location. Patrons savoring the high-end Peruvian food could look through an arched, see-through roof at the classical limestone exterior of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, topped by the towering gilded statue “Civic Fame.”
It did not feel like eating in the street. It was an “extension of our restaurant,” said Roman Cervantes, a … <Read More>
NY Elections, Census and Redistricting Update 10/21/24
By Jeff Wice & Alexis Marking
N.Y. VOTING RIGHTS ACT LITIGATION
Erie County: Young v. Town of Cheektowaga
In March, one-time Town Board candidate Kenneth Young filed a lawsuit against the Town of Cheektowaga, alleging racially polarized voting and violations of the New York Voting Rights Act (NYVRA) in the Cheektowaga Town Board elections. Young claims that minorities cannot elect candidates of their choice under the town’s current at-large voting method and should adopt a … <Read More>
DDC Celebrates Completion of Repairs of Laurelton Library
On October 9, 2024, Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott and NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley celebrated the re-opening of the Laurelton Library. The library was closed to make necessary repairs. This $1.8 million project was completed under the budgeted amount, saving over $160,000. The one-story Laurelton Library is located at 134-26 225th Street and originally opened in 1955.