Council Introduces Bill to Study Business Start-Up Costs for M/WBEs

On October 10, 2024, Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse introduced Int. 1082, legislation mandating the NYC Commissioner of Small Business Services to conduct a study and report on the fees and costs required to start and maintain small businesses in New York City – with particular focus on certified minority- or women-owned businesses (M/WBEs). The bill defines small business to cover those that meet the size standards under the code of federal regulations, are not a franchise … <Read More>


What is the Future of Outdoor Dining in New York City?

 

By Mark Chiusano

The outdoor dining setup at Artesano on Chambers Street had some of the soaring dignity of its location. Patrons savoring the high-end Peruvian food could look through an arched, see-through roof at the classical limestone exterior of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, topped by the towering gilded statue “Civic Fame.”  

It did not feel like eating in the street. It was an “extension of our restaurant,” said Roman Cervantes, a <Read More>




NY Elections, Census and Redistricting Update 09/16/24

 

 

 

 

 

By Jeff Wice with Ahmed Hussein, Jordan Karpoff & Alexis Marking

REDISTRICTING & VOTING RIGHTS ACT LITIGATION

Orange County:Clarke et al. v. Town of Newburgh

In January, three Black and three Hispanic residents of Newburgh filed this lawsuit, claiming the town’s at-large election system for Town Board elections has prevented Black and Hispanic residents from electing candidates of their choice, thus violating the N.Y. Voting Rights Act.


Longest Standing Sidewalk Shed Around City-Owned Building Finally Taken Down

On August 28, 2024, the New York City Department of Buildings announced the oldest permitted sidewalk shed at a City-owned building is being disassembled. The 329-linear-foot shed was in front of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) at 520 First Avenue in Kips Bay for over 15 years. The shed is being removed after unsafe facade conditions were finally resolved.