On October 11, 2023, New York City’s Department of Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Mayor Eric Adams announced the next phase of Mayor Adams’ war on rats: a new multi-part plan requiring residential buildings to begin securing all trash in waste containers. Beginning in Fall 2024, all residential buildings with nine or fewer units will be required to put all trash and waste in containers. By the summer of 2026, residential buildings will be required … <Read More>
Search Results for: Open Streets
Council Passes Bill Establishing Trade-In Program for Lithium-Ion Batteries
On September 15, 2023, the City Council passed Int. 0949-2023, which establishes a program where individuals can trade in lithium-ion batteries or powered mobility devices that do not comply with safety standards. The bill was introduced by Council Member Keith Powers and aims to promote safety by regulating lithium-ion batteries.
City Releases Details for “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” Zoning Text Amendment
On September 21, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams released the details for his “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal. The proposal aims to increase the development of and access to affordable housing throughout New York City through changes to the City’s zoning code. The Mayor’s Office touts that the initiative could add 10,000 homes to expected housing production over the next 15 years, create 260,000 temporary and 6,300 permanent jobs, and provide $58.2 billion in … <Read More>
City Council Votes to Approve Outdoor Dining Plan
After a year and a half since the bill was introduced, the Council finally votes to create a permanent outdoor dining program. On August 3, 2023, the City Council voted to approve Int 31-C, which establishes a permanent outdoor dining program. The program will allow sidewalk cafes to operate annually and roadway cafes to operate seasonally, with removable furniture and decor replacing solid dining shed structures. The program follows the temporary outdoor dining program that … <Read More>
Mayor and DOB Announce Overhaul of Sidewalk Construction Shed Rules
Sidewalk sheds stay up for an average of over 500 days, but some stay up for several years. On July 24, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo announced “Get Sheds Down,” an overhaul of the rules relating to sidewalk construction sheds (scaffolding). While the sheds are required for construction, facade inspections, and repairs, existing laws often enable property owners to leave up the construction sheds for a long time, and … <Read More>