COMPLETE VIDEO: 156th CityLaw Breakfast with Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia

Department of Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia spoke at this morning’s 156th CityLaw Breakfast at New York Law School. Commissioner Garcia was introduced by Professor Ross Sandler, Director of the Center for New York City Law, with remarks by Dean Anthony W. Crowell. Commissioner Garcia spoke about “Taking on Big Plastic”. 


Maintaining New York City’s Trees

Trees are planted right into the backdrop of New York City. While there are only about 600,000 trees in the City, many of them occupy the sidewalks and streets in front of our homes. Given the dense population of the City, apartment buildings and houses are built right on top of each other. The trees planted on City streets and sidewalks need to be cared for otherwise, they can cause damage and problems for the … <Read More>


Barbe-“Cues” For NYC BBQs This Summer; What The Law Says You Can And Can’t Do

The NYC Gas and Fire codes strictly regulate the use of barbecue grills by residents within the five boroughs.  According to the Department of Buildings there are several different types of barbecues that are regulated by the NYC Gas and Fire codes including propane, electric, charcoal, and natural gas grills. For each type of barbecue different safety standards and regulations may apply.  It is essential to comply with the safety standards outlined by the codes … <Read More>


City Comptroller Audit reveals City Planning non-compliance with Recycling Law

City Planning failed to prepare a waste prevention and recycling plan and failed to submit annual reports to Sanitation. On September 24, 2014, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer released an audit finding that the New York City Department of City Planning did not comply with Local Law 36. Local Law 36 was enacted in 2010 to amend the City’s recycling provision in Local Law 19.


City Residents Fail in Last-Ditch Attempt to Block Construction of Solid Waste Facility

A federal judge has dismissed an action brought by New York City residents challenging the re-development of a marine waste transfer station. On July 10, 2014, U.S. District Court Judge Paul A. Crotty (S.D.N.Y.) dismissed claims against the City and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, clearing the way for development of a marine waste transfer station at 91st Street and the FDR Drive.


Sanitation withdraws garage lease applications

Proposal to negotiate long-term leases for existing garage serving neighboring community district faced local opposition. On October 13, 2010, the Department of Sanitation withdrew a proposal that would have allowed Sanitation to negotiate long-term leases for two privately owned lots that it uses as a maintenance facility in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Sanitation has occupied a one-story garage at 525 Johnson Avenue since 1954 and an open parking lot across the street at 145 Randolph Street … <Read More>