Community boards often do not have the same resources as City agencies to have hybrid hearings. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many changes on how state and city governments conducted business, including public hearings. New York’s Open Meetings Law was originally designed to promote transparency, requiring hearings to be held in person and open to the public, with notice about how to participate. After meetings went virtual due to the pandemic, discussions began about … <Read More>
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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>
Council Passes Bill to Address Parks Quality Issues and Improve Equity
On May 5, 2022, the City Council voted to pass Int. 173-A, a bill aimed to improve parks and playgrounds through better standards for quality inspections and provide more transparency about what playgrounds and parks require improvements. The bill was sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, who is the Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Mayor Announces Appointments to New York City Districting Commission
The Commission will help with the redesign of the City Council district boundaries. On March 7, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced his seven appointees to the New York City Districting Commission. The Commission is responsible for redrawing council district boundaries as required every ten years by the City Charter following the national census. The redistricting helps the City Council reflect changes in demographics and population.
HPD Announces Heightened Enforcement for 250 Buildings for Open Violations
The program requires owners to rectify most violations within a four month period or be subject to penalties and possible costs of repairs initiated by HPD. On March 1, 2022, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) announced 250 buildings will be placed in the City’s Alternative Enforcement Program, which heightens enforcement against distressed buildings with many violations.
City Council Votes to Improve Enforcement of HPD Affordable Housing Provisions
On December 15, 2021, the City Council voted to provide the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) with tools and the enhanced ability to enforce affordable housing provisions. The bill, Int. 2411-A, was sponsored by Former Council Member and Former Chair of the Housing and Building Committee Robert Cornegy.