“Streets for Recovery” Report Details Success of Outdoor Dining on Open Streets

The report uses data aggregated by Department of Finance to highlight the economic benefits of open streets laws. On October 25, 2022, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the release of Streets for Recovery, a report on Open Streets policy developed in collaboration with Bloomberg Associates. This first-in-the-nation report uses Department of Finance data to highlight the economic benefits of Open Streets during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Mayor Adams Signs Two Economic Recovery Bills

The two City Council measures will create a small business portal and require additional commercial property registration, respectively. On October 18, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams signed two bills, Intro 116 and Intro 383, to promote the city’s economic recovery. Intro 116 will help small business owners with City administrative needs and Intro 383 provides the city with more data about the extent of commercial vacancies citywide.


City Authorizes One-Time Tax Rebate for Homeowners

Homeowners of a one, two, or three family residence are now eligible for a $150 tax rebate. On August 24, 2022, Mayor Adams signed Local Law 82 into law. The bill authorizes a one-time property tax rebate up to $150 to hundreds of thousands of eligible New York homeowners. The bill was introduced (Intro 600) and voted on by the City Council in early August, passing by a unanimous vote following a public hearing.


Mayor’s Office Releases Homeowner Handbook

This comprehensive guide is designed to help more New Yorkers achieve home ownership, particularly in low income communities and communities of color. On July 27, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams released the “Homeowner Handbook: Protecting and Maintaining Home in NYC”. The handbook is designed to help New Yorkers navigate the responsibilities of homeownership, and provides resources for homeowners to protect and maintain their homes.


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.


Council Passes Bill Strengthening Protections Against Deed Fraud Through Information

On October 21, 2021, the City Council passed legislation to help fight against deed fraud. Deed fraud is a growing problem in New York City; fraudsters have been using a variety of tactics such as offering fake home improvement services, grants for repairs, forging homeowner signatures or posing as foreclosure “rescue” companies to record fraudulent deeds, mortgages and other liens against property. Int. 1919-A, sponsored by Council Member and Chair of the Committee on Finance <Read More>