Governor Signs Legislation to Change Building Codes, Energy and Efficiency Standards

On July 5, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package of three bills to further New York’s goal in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and making clean energy accessible, affordable, and efficient. The bills will support the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s goal in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent come year 2030 and 85 percent come year 2050.


Mayor Announces Nominees for City Planning Commission and the Board of Standards and Appeals

The latest move in his “City of Yes” campaign, Adams has nominated career land-use experts Rasmia Kirmani-Frye, David Gold, and Chris Yoon to high-ranking administrative roles. On June 15, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams nominated Rasmia Kirmani-Frye and David Gold to serve on the City Planning Commission and Chris Yoon to serve on the Board of Standards and Appeals. These nominations will now move forward to City Council for an official vote. If City Council approves, … <Read More>


Assault Rifles and The Impact of New York State’s SAFE Act (REPRINTED FROM 2018)

***THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY RAN FOUR YEARS AGO IN CITYLAW*** The SAFE Act, the acronym for the Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act – New York State’s January, 2013 omnibus gun control law – provides an excellent opportunity to assess the potential impact of maximally politically feasible gun control, an exercise all the more relevant in the wake of the mass shooting in Las Vegas.  The SAFE Act did not have to be negotiated or compromised.  … <Read More>


Mayor Appoints Sreoshy Banerjea as New Public Design Commissioner

Banerjea’s past projects include Broadway Junction, Sunnyside Yard and the Seaport Climate Resilience Masterplan. On June 10, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams appointed a new executive director for the New York City Public Design Commission (PDC), Sreoshy Banerjea. Banerjea is replacing Keri Butler, the outgoing executive director of the Public Design Commission who has been with the agency for over a decade. The New York City Public Design Commission has authority over permanent works of architecture, … <Read More>


City Council Passes Package of Fire Safety Related Bills in Response to Twin Parks Fire

The bills aim to prevent the circumstances that took 17 lives from occurring again in the future. On May 19, 2022, the City Council voted to approve a package of five bills to improve fire safety and prevention measures in residences as part of the City’s response to the tragic Twin Parks high-rise fire which killed 17 people in the Bronx this past January. The fire was a result of a space heater, and the <Read More>