A speed limit sign. Image Credit: Google Maps

The City plans to expand the number of speed traffic cameras through 2021. On September 1, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that through a coordinated effort between the Administration, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the NYPD, speed limits will be reduced by five miles per hours on 25 miles of major streets, adherence to speed limits will be more strictly enforced, and speed cameras have been activated in all 750 school zones Citywide.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Image Credit: Mayors Press Office

Governor Cuomo signs executive order to delay tax lien sale. On September 4, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a delay of the City’s annual tax lien and water lien sale. The sale which was originally scheduled for May 2020 and was postponed to September 4, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, will now take place on September 25, 2020. The announcement comes after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order suspending the City’s ability to hold a lien sale. To read the Governor’s executive order click here.

Development Rendering Image Credit: City Planning

Two Bridges development gets Appellate Division ruling but two lawsuits remain pending. On August 27, 2020, the First Department’s Appellate Division unanimously ruled in favor of a Lower East Side development that would consist of four towers, 11,000 square feet of retail, and over 2,700 residential units. Of the 2,700 residential units, approximately 700 units will be dedicated to affordable housing and 200 units will be set aside for senior housing. The project’s development group includes JDS Development Group, L+M Development Partners, CIM Group, and Starrett Development. The development’s challengers are the New York City Council and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer.

The center building, 23-06 Jackson Avenue, features a banner advertisement on top for John J. Ciafone’s law practice. This location was one of the ones in dispute in this case. Image Credit: Google Maps

Building owner advertised his personal law firm on residential buildings that he owned through separate corporations. Attorney John. J. Ciafone has part ownership in four different real estate corporations that own five residential or mixed-use buildings in Queens and Brooklyn. At each of his five residential buildings, Ciafone installed signage on which he advertised his personal law firm. The law firm was separate from the real estate corporation that owned each building.

Governor Andrew Cuomo discusses restaurant reopening requirements on September 9, 2020. Image Credit: Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo/Twitter

Restaurants will be allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity. On September 9, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that restaurants may resume indoor dining on September 30th as long as they meet specific requirements. Indoor dining has been shut down since last spring at the start of the pandemic, and restaurants have been limited to take out and outdoor dining. 

Commission of the Department of Social Services, Steven Banks, speaking at the 168th CityLaw Breakfast. Image Credit: CityLand

On September 10, 2020, Steven Banks, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, spoke at the 168th CityLaw Breakfast. Professor Ross Sandler, Director of the Center for New York City Law gave opening remarks and Dean Anthony W. Crowell provided closing remarks. This Breakfast was sponsored by ConEdison, Greenberg Traurig, and Verizon. Like last month, this breakfast was held virtually as in-person events are not feasible at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.