City Establishes COVID-19 Checkpoints to Enforce State Quarantine Orders

On August 5, 2020, Mayor de Blasio announced that checkpoints will be placed at all major entry points into the City to ensure compliance with New York State quarantine requirements. Travelers who have visited 34 designated states, territories, or areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates must complete the New York State Department of Health traveler form and quarantine for a period of 14 days upon entering the City. These travel health forms help the City … <Read More>


Comptroller’s Report Reveals COVID-19 Impact on Minority- and Women- Owned Businesses

Eighty-five percent of the survey respondents expect to go out of business within six months. On July 10, 2020, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released a comprehensive analysis of the economic hardships minority and women-owned enterprises (M/WBEs) are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the survey findings, Comptroller Stringer announced new accountability measures to ensure the City is meeting its M/WBE goals.


City Council Hearing Reveals Inadequate COVID-19 Response from NYCHA

Residents voiced concerns about mold, ventilation and lack of signage. On June 29, 2020, the New York City Council’s Committee on Public Housing and the Committee on Housing and Buildings held a joint hearing to discuss the steps that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) are taking to protect residents from the spread of COVID-19.


Mayor Announces “COVID-19 Heat Wave Plan” To Protect Elderly and Vulnerable New Yorkers

As temperatures begin to rise and as Summer in NYC officially begins on Saturday, the City is eyeing sports and other large venues to use as cooling centers and is set to spend $55 million on air conditioners for elderly and low-income residents. On June 12, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced an update to the City’s plan to protect vulnerable New Yorkers from excessive indoor heat exposure. Now called the Get Cool NYC program, <Read More>


Protesting During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The First Amendment allows the State to pass public health regulations that impact the manner of protests if they are written and enforced neutrally. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed by a police officer while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department. Since Floyd’s death, demonstrations and rallies have been held in different parts of the City to protest systemic racism and law enforcement misconduct. Taking place on City’s streets, sidewalks, and … <Read More>


NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Signs COVID-19 Relief Bills Into Law

Local Law addressing personal liability provisions in commercial leases raises constitutional law discussion. On May 26, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed seven COVID-19 relief bills into law during New York City’s first ever virtual bill signing. Among the laws, Local Law 55 of 2020, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, temporarily prevents the enforcement of personal liability provisions in commercial leases or rental agreements involving COVID-19 impacted tenants.  The law also makes it a … <Read More>