While many are still shoveling snow from the fourth nor’easter of the year, a new bill looks to increase penalties on chain business owners who fail to clear sidewalks. On March 7, 2018, Council Member Justin Brannan introduced a bill that will amend the Department of Sanitation section of the administrative code by increase the penalties for chain business owners who fail to properly remove snow, ice, and dirt from sidewalks following a snowfall. Council … <Read More>
Search Results for: Small Businesses
Small Food Manufacturers Discussed Common Business Hazards at Community Meeting
Work space, affordable insurance, and information access among chief concerns of small Brooklyn food and beverage manufacturers. On February 26, 2013, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Council Member Stephen Levin hosted an event for local food and beverage manufacturing businesses at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The organizers sought to give Brooklyn entrepreneurs a chance to raise issues related to starting and growing a successful food-based small business. Organizers hoped to take the … <Read More>
City Planning Data Shows Lower Storefront Vacancy Post-Pandemic
On November 15, 2024, Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick released new data showing the city’s storefront vacancy rate is down to 11.1 percent. This marks the fourth straight quarter of declining vacancy.
In comparison, a survey of 24 corridors across the city during summer 2020 showed inactivity rates of over 30 percent. Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island all have borough-wide vacancy rates below nine percent, although some higher vacancy rates persist, … <Read More>
Council Passes Bill Allowing More Art on Sidewalk Sheds
On October 10, 2024, the City Council passed Int. 956-C, an amendment allowing approved or alternative artwork to be painted directly on sidewalk sheds or construction fences. The bill transforms unsightly sheds and scaffolding into artistic expressions while the City maintains its efforts to Get Sheds Down and incentivize property owners to expedite building façade repairs.
Council Introduces Bill to Study Business Start-Up Costs for M/WBEs
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>
Mayor and SBS Celebrate Business Improvement Districts with Almost $7 Million in Investments
On May 6, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams and Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim announced new investments to support business improvement districts (BIDs) and community-based organizations. Since 2022, the Adams administration has invested over $27 million for BIDs, merchant organizations, and other community-based development organizations.