The New NYC Housing Connect Image Credit: HPD

NYC Housing Connect tool intends to make affordable housing searches a more user-friendly experience. On June 16, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the launch of “NYC Housing Connect,” an online tool for finding and applying for affordable housing. The new system provides upgrades from its predecessor through a collaborative effort by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, user-design experts and collected public feedback.

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Image Credit: New York City Department of Transportation

Today marks NYC’s official Phase 2 reopening. On June 22, 2020, New York City officially entered Phase 2 of the State’s COVID-19 reopening plan. In preparation for the reopening, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an executive order directing the Department of Transportation, with aid from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Small Business Services, to administer the “Open Restaurants” plan. The Open Restaurants plan will generally permit restaurants and bars to expand their outdoor seating onto sidewalks, curb lanes, backyard patios, plazas and Open Streets. To read CityLand’s coverage of the Open Restaurants Plan at the City Council, click here.

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Mayor Bill de Blasio holds media availability for updates to the City’s coronavirus. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

Questions about transient use and multiple dwelling law linger after City and Airbnb’s settlement. On June 12, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Airbnb announced a settlement of their lawsuit regarding Local Law 146 of 2018. Local Law 146 of 2018 requires users of short-term rental platforms, like Airbnb, to file reports with the City detailing individual host and transaction information. In their initial filings, Airbnb and the other associated parties expressed concern about data storage, sharing and privacy, claiming the local law violated the First and Fourth Amendments of the United States Constitution, the Stored Communications Act and the New York State Constitution. Airbnb was awarded a preliminary injunction for their claims on January 3, 2019. This newly announced settlement between involves Airbnb dismissing the lawsuit against the City and agreeing to provide the City the specified host and transaction information, in the manner described by the settlement’s prospective local law. It is important to note that the settlement is premised on the actual adoption of the new law governing short-term rental reporting. The City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings held a public hearing on the proposed bill amendments on June 17, 2020. The Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement testified but there were no questions or comments.

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Mayor Bill de Blasio announcing curfew lift and criminal justice reforms Image Credit: Mayor’s Press Office

Curfew lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, but not necessary in New York City. On June 1, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio collectively instituted a citywide curfew following four evenings of protests, which although mostly peaceful, included some instances of chaotic behavior which resulted in vandalism and property damage. The protests were in response to the death of George Floyd, police brutality, and racial injustice.  George Floyd’s killing while in custody of the Minneapolis Police Department on May 24, 2020 and has been followed by demonstrations throughout the Country, including New York City. The Mayor lifted the curfew on June 7, 2020, a day before the expected expiration and a day before the State’s scheduled Phase 1 reopening. To read CityLand’s coverage of the Phase 1 Reopening click here.

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Mayor Bill de Blasio at New York City first ever virtual bill signing Image Credit: Mayor’s Office

Local Law addressing personal liability provisions in commercial leases raises constitutional law discussion. On May 26, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed seven COVID-19 relief bills into law during New York City’s first ever virtual bill signing. Among the laws, Local Law 55 of 2020, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, temporarily prevents the enforcement of personal liability provisions in commercial leases or rental agreements involving COVID-19 impacted tenants.  The law also makes it a form of harassment to attempt or threaten to enforce personal liability provisions on the COVID-19 impacted tenant. Several of the bills were heard by their respective committees on April 29, 2020 and all were approved by their committees and the full Council on May 13, 2020.  To read CityLand’s prior coverage of the other COVID-19 Relief Bills and Local Law 55 at public hearing, click here. For the coverage of the Third Party Delivery Service bills and the Stated Meeting click here.

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