Governor Cuomo addressing the COVID-19 Crisis Image Credit:
Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
The State has taken several actions to protect residential and commercial tenants. On September 28, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the statewide moratorium on COVID-19 related residential evictions will be extended through January 1, 2021. The moratorium has been in effect since March 20th and has been extended multiple times. (more…)
Council Member Steven Matteo Image Credit: City Council
Council looks to revamp the private street mapping process in hopes of addressing private streets in disrepair. On September 8, 2020, the City Council Committee on Transportation held a public hearing on the Department of Transportation’s response to COVID-19, the Open Streets Program, and two introductory bills. The bills would effectively establish permit requirements for the mapping of private streets and additionally provide for their maintenance. The bills are sponsored by Council Members Steven Matteo, Joseph C. Borrelli and Robert Holden at the request of Staten Island Borough President James Oddo.
Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Jonnel Doris testifying at the hearing Image Credit: City Council
Small Business hearings takes dire tone. On August 13, 2020, the City Council Committee on Small Business held a remote public hearing, on three bills that would cumulatively limit third-party food delivery services and require the Department of Small Business Services to create reports on COVID-19 related small business grants and loans. Beyond the three bills, the hearing also delved into the state of small business in the City and potential action to alleviate stresses on the small business community. The three bills are detailed below:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo delivers briefing on Coronavirus pandemic. Image Credit: Governor’s Office
Renters will not have to repay the rental subsidy. On July 14, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a new statewide emergency rent assistance program for low-income families facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (more…)
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams Image Credit: NYC City Council
Public Hearing hinges on interest rates and how property tax deferments affect the City budget. On June 18, 2020, the City Council officially introduced two bills that would defer July 1, 2020, property tax liabilities for COVID-19 impacted property owners. One bill addresses the tax liabilities of primary residences and the other addresses the tax liabilities of businesses affected by the pandemic. The bills were originally heard as preconsidered bills at the June 10, 2020, Committee on Finance public hearing.
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