Gov. Hochul announcing additional measures the state will take to enhance enforcement against illegal smoke shops. The City Council passed a new law to prevent commercial landlords from knowingly renting to tenants who will create illegal smoke shops on the same day. Image Credit: Office of Governor Kathy Hochul.

The Council passed the bill the same day Governor Hochul announced additional state measures to address illegal smoke shops. On June 22, 2023, the City Council Committee on Public Safety passed a new bill to address New York City’s ongoing problem with unlicensed smoke shops. Int. 1001-B (2023), sponsored by Council Member Lynn Schulman from Queens, will hold landlords accountable for knowingly leasing a commercial premises to an unlicensed tenant who sells controlled substances or tobacco products on the premises. (more…)

Image Credit: New York City Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation and the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island partner to launch two new Open Street locations during Shabbos. On May 31, NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced that the agency will be launching two new Open Street locations in Staten Island. The Open Streets will be located in the Castleton Corners neighborhood, one on Suffolk Avenue, between Queen Street and Harold Street, and the other on Vermont Court, between Gansevoort Boulevard and Suffolk Avenue. (more…)

Attendance at outdoor pools has increased 20 percent over the 2021 season. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

The agency also piloted a new water safety program for 250 children. On September 8, 2022, the Parks Department shared statistics, updates and accomplishments to celebrate the end of the summer 2022 beach and pool season. The City’s eight public beaches and 53 outdoor pools close for the season this Sunday, September 11th.  (more…)

NYCHA Chair and CEO Greg Russ speaks at the 181st CityLaw Breakfast. Image Credit: CityLand.

Today, July 14, 2022, Greg Russ, the Chair and CEO of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), spoke at the 181st CityLaw Breakfast. Professor Ross Sandler, Director of the Center for New York City Law provided opening remarks. Dean and President of New York Law School Anthony W. Crowell  had a closing discussion with Chair Russ. This Breakfast was sponsored by ConEdison, Greenberg Traurig, and Verizon. This was the fifteenth virtual CityLaw Breakfast as in-person events are not feasible at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.

The new office would advocate for New Yorkers who struggle with utility companies, but some question if another office is necessary. On June 30, 2022, the City Council’s Committee for Consumer and Worker Protection held an oversight hearing to discuss recent utility rate hikes and Int. 372-2022, a bill that would establish an Office of the Utility Advocate within the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). The bill is sponsored by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. (more…)