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>



Mayor Announces Restart of No-Penalty Inspection Initiatives for Business Signs, Retaining Walls

On April 27, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced the relaunch of two initiatives aimed at improving building safety while removing financial penalties. The No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program and the No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program incentivizes small business owners and other property owners to ensure their buildings are safe without the worry of a penalty if there is an issue to be fixed. 


Mayor’s Executive Order Strengthens Fire Safety Enforcement and Education

The coordinated efforts will enhance inspections and increase fire safety outreach for residents, building owners and buildings. On March 20, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams signed a new Executive Order to strengthen fire safety enforcement and increase fire safety education. The executive order follows the aftermath of the Twin Parks fire this past January, where seventeen people were killed after a fire spread through an apartment building in the Bronx. 


Department of Finance Extends Fine and Interest Reduction Enabling Recovery Program

The program provides financial relief during the pandemic for New Yorkers who owe fines and penalties. On December 20, 2021, the Department of Finance announced that its Fine and Interest Reduction Enabling Recovery (FAIRER) Program would be extended through March 20, 2022. The program allows New Yorkers to pay a reduced amount in fines to resolve eligible Environmental Control Board (ECB) judgments. 


DOB Announces Results of Construction Safety Campaign

DOB inspectors visited almost 7,500 constructions sites over the summer. On September 13, 2021, Department of Buildings Commissioner, Melanie E. La Rocca released the results of the new Zero Tolerance Construction Safety campaign, where Department inspectors swept construction sites citywide to check for proper safeguards. The campaign launched in early June following seven construction-related fatalities between January and May 2021.