On April 12, 2023, New York City Mayor Eric Adams appointed Kathleen Corradi as the City’s first-ever citywide Director of Rodent Mitigation, also known as the “Rat Czar.” Corradi is tasked with working and coordinating with multiple city agencies, community organizations, and private entities to achieve the City’s goal of reducing the rat population and improving the health issues related to rodents.
Council Adopts Law to Extend Waivers of Accessory Sign Violations
On March 19, 2023 the New York City Council adopted Local Law 43 (2023). The measure was originally introduced as Introduction 886 by Council Member Keith Powers in January 2023. The law extends a freeze on issuing penalties to property owners who are in violation of certain rules that govern accessory signage through January 1, 2025. A previous freeze was already put into place via Local Law 28 (2019) which started June of 2019.
Council Passes Bill Requiring More Rigorous Customer Service Training for Shelter Personnel
On April 16, 2023, NYC adopted Local Law 49 of 2003. The new law was originally introduced as Int. 431 in 2002 by Council Member Rafael Salamanca. Local Law 49 will require the Department of Homeless Services to provide biannual customer service training to employees working in the city’s homeless shelters. The law was enacted just months after a Venezuelan asylum seeker in a shelter was struck in the face by a DHS officer in … <Read More>
Council Approves Sharing IDNYC Application Info with City High School Students
On March 16, 2023, City Council passed Introduction No. 403A, sponsored by Council Member Rita C. Joseph. The law’s purpose is to require the Department of Education to distribute information about the IDNYC municipal identification program to every student from grades 9 through 12, at the start of each school year.
Proposed Council Bill Seeks Feasibility of Universal Benefits Application
A universal application for city benefit programs might be coming to New York City. On February 2, 2023, Councilmember Crystal Hudson introduced Introduction 910 to the City Council. The bill would mandate the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services to complete and publish a report on the feasibility of creating a universal benefits application for city benefit programs. Should the creation of a universal application be deemed feasible, it would allow individuals to use … <Read More>
Proposed Council Bill to Set Up Residential Parking Permit Systems in Sunset Park and Red Hook
On February 2nd, 2023, District 38 Council Member Alexa Avilés introduced Int. No. 899. The bill would create a residential parking permit system in Sunset Park and Red Hook.