Mayor Announces Successful Enforcement Action and Agreement with Four Landlords Over Lead Safety Violations

On August 1, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced the successful enforcement against safety violations found in over 5,000 apartments through an agreement between the city and four landlords that have resulted in almost $500,000 in civil penalties, and required the landlords to resolve all outstanding violations and comply with Local Law 1, the New York City Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act. 


Landmarks Approves Rules to Improve Application Process for Upgrading Protected Properties

On July 11, 2023, Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approved rules to expedite and simplify the application process for property owners seeking agency approval for certain upgrades to landmarked properties. The new rules will widen the scope of applications that staff can approve, eliminating the need for review by the full Commission at a public hearing.


NYCHA Announces Heating Improvements Made as Heating Season Closes

NYCHA sustained performance improvements and furthered investments in heating infrastructure over recent heating season. On May 31, 2023, the New York City Housing Authority (Housing Authority) announced that it had continued to improve the performance of heat and hot water systems for its residents, while also making significant investments in heating infrastructure during the 2022-2023 heating season, which runs from October 1 to May 31.


Proposed Council Bill Seeks Feasibility of Universal Benefits Application

A universal application for city benefit programs might be coming to New York City. On February 2, 2023, Councilmember Crystal Hudson introduced Introduction 910 to the City Council. The bill would mandate the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services to complete and publish a report on the feasibility of creating a universal benefits application for city benefit programs. Should the creation of a universal application be deemed feasible, it would allow individuals to use … <Read More>


City Commits $3.1 Million Over Four Years to Combat Source of Income Discrimination

On March 2, 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced that$3.1 million will go towards efforts to combat source-of-income discrimination for New Yorkers who rely on rental assistance. Source-of-income discrimination is an illegal practice by landlords, owners, and real estate brokers who refuse to rent to current or prospective tenants seeking to pay for housing with vouchers, subsidies, or other public assistance.


Mayor Signs E-Bike Fire Safety Bills, Announces E-Bike Safety Plan

On March 20, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced a new plan to address lithium-ion battery fires and powered mobility device safety. Following an increase in fires due to faulty or refurbished batteries, both the Mayor’s Office and City Council have worked to develop solutions to improve fire safety and reduce avoidable fires while promoting methods of micromobility that thousands of New Yorkers, including delivery workers, depend on daily.