Small business owners faced fines upwards of $15,000. In response to public outcry and community concerns on the hardships imposed on local businesses, on January 9, 2019, the New York City Council passed new legislation that would temporarily stop fines from violations issued to small businesses for failing to conform to their sign permits or those who did not have the proper permits at all. The Department usually gets 900 complaints a year, but that … <Read More>
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Bill Introduced Will Seek Higher Penalties For Businesses That Fail To Clear Sidewalks
While many are still shoveling snow from the fourth nor’easter of the year, a new bill looks to increase penalties on chain business owners who fail to clear sidewalks. On March 7, 2018, Council Member Justin Brannan introduced a bill that will amend the Department of Sanitation section of the administrative code by increase the penalties for chain business owners who fail to properly remove snow, ice, and dirt from sidewalks following a snowfall. Council … <Read More>
City Receives Over $120 Million in Grants for Queensway and BQE Projects
On March 13, 2024, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the City’s acceptance of two federal grants worth a total of $123.6 million. The grants, “Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program” and “Neighborhood Access and Equity Program” were issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation and will be used on the Queensway project and for the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE).
Around $117 million of the federal grants will go towards developing further the Queensway, a … <Read More>
City Planning Commission Votes to Approve City of Yes for Economic Opportunity Amendment
On March 6, 2024, the City Planning Commission voted to approve the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity zoning text amendment. The amendment, the second of Mayor Eric Adams’ three City of Yes proposals, is a collection of eighteen changes to the zoning text designed to remove obstacles for small businesses looking to expand and create more vibrant streetscapes.
DOT Releases Final Rules for Permanent Outdoor Dining Program
Almost two years after the City Planning Commission’s zoning text changes, applications for the permanent program are expected to open next month. On February 2, 2024, the Department of Transportation released the final rules for the permanent outdoor dining program, “Dining Out NYC.” Through the new program, outdoor dining will be expanded citywide on sidewalks year-round and in roadways seasonally from April through November.
“City of Yes for Economic Opportunity” Amendment Enters Public Review
On October 30, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and Director of City Planning Dan Garodnick announced the launch of the public review process for the “City of Yes for Economic Opportunity” zoning amendment. The amendment is the second of three “City of Yes” proposals that aim to modernize or remove outdated provisions of the zoning text that limit the growth of housing, the development of small businesses, and the implementation of green technology, energy and infrastructure.