Mayor and DOB Announce Overhaul of Sidewalk Construction Shed Rules

Sidewalk sheds stay up for an average of over 500 days, but some stay up for several years. On July 24, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo announced “Get Sheds Down,” an overhaul of the rules relating to sidewalk construction sheds (scaffolding). While the sheds are required for construction, facade inspections, and repairs, existing laws often enable property owners to leave up the construction sheds for a long time, and <Read More>


Council Passes Bill to Further Crack Down on Illegal Smoke Shops

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 … <Read More>





Council Bill Requires Mental Health Services Availability for Families in Shelters

On March 14, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams signs Local Law 35 of 2023. The new law was originally introduced as Int. No. 522 on June 16, 2022, by Council Member Erik Bottcher. This law requires mental health professionals to be available in each Department of Homeless Services shelter that serves families with children. The bill would require a ratio of one full-time mental health professional for every 50 families.