Search Results for: Legislation

City Planning Commission Votes to Approve Permanent Open Restaurants Program Text Amendment

The zoning text amendment now moves on to City Council for approval. On November 15, 2021, the City Planning Commission voted to approve the Permanent Open Restaurants Program zoning text amendment in a special public hearing. The proposed Permanent Open Restaurants program will transfer the control of sidewalk cafes to the Department of Transportation from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (formerly Consumer Affairs) and aims to create a more streamlined approval process for … <Read More>

Council Passes Bill Strengthening Protections Against Deed Fraud Through Information

On October 21, 2021, the City Council passed legislation to help fight against deed fraud. Deed fraud is a growing problem in New York City; fraudsters have been using a variety of tactics such as offering fake home improvement services, grants for repairs, forging homeowner signatures or posing as foreclosure “rescue” companies to record fraudulent deeds, mortgages and other liens against property. Int. 1919-A, sponsored by Council Member and Chair of the Committee on Finance … <Read More>

DOB Announces Results of Construction Safety Campaign

DOB inspectors visited almost 7,500 constructions sites over the summer. On September 13, 2021, Department of Buildings Commissioner, Melanie E. La Rocca released the results of the new Zero Tolerance Construction Safety campaign, where Department inspectors swept construction sites citywide to check for proper safeguards. The campaign launched in early June following seven construction-related fatalities between January and May 2021.

GUEST COMMENTARY: On the Ballot for Nov. 2, 2021: the Constitutional Amendment on Redistricting

The Redistricting Schedule

On November 2, 2021, New York State voters will be asked to approve a constitutional amendment revising the redistricting process to be based on the 2020 census. If the constitutional amendment is approved, the changes will take effect on January 1, 2022. This amendment is necessary to address delays in the census created by the pandemic and to accommodate New York State’s change from a September primary to an earlier June primary … <Read More>

DOT Set to Launch E-Scooter Pilot Program in the East Bronx

Over two years, the program will serve an area of over 500,000 residents in the East Bronx. On August 17, 2021, the Department of Transportation’s E-Scooter Pilot program will launch in the East Bronx. Through the program, E-Scooter companies Bird, Lime, and Veo will bring 3,000 e-scooters in the first phase of the program, with an additional 3,000 scooters to be rolled out in Phase 2 of the program next year.