Search Results for: Legislation

Changes to Open Meetings Law Enable Hybrid Meetings But Present Ongoing Challenges

Community boards often do not have the same resources as City agencies to have hybrid hearings. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many changes on how state and city governments conducted business, including public hearings. New York’s Open Meetings Law was originally designed to promote transparency, requiring hearings to be held in person and open to the public, with notice about how to participate. After meetings went virtual due to the pandemic, discussions began about … <Read More>

Mayor Signs Three Bills to Expand Protections for Workers, Consumers and Commercial Tenants

The bills help provide protections for workers amidst the ongoing pandemic and economic crisis. On September 28, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed three bills into law. This package of bills expands protections for workers, consumers, and commercial tenants by expanding the City’s paid safe and sick leave, extending protection for commercial tenants, and protecting the jobs of hotel workers.

Governor Cuomo Extends COVID-related Eviction Moratorium Until January 1, 2021

The State has taken several actions to protect residential and commercial tenants. On September 28, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the statewide moratorium on COVID-19 related residential evictions will be extended through January 1, 2021. The moratorium has been in effect since March 20th and has been extended multiple times.

Council Holds Hearing on DOT COVID-19 Response

Council looks to revamp the private street mapping process in hopes of addressing private streets in disrepair. On September 8, 2020, the City Council Committee on Transportation held a public hearing on the Department of Transportation’s response to COVID-19, the Open Streets Program, and two introductory bills. The bills would effectively establish permit requirements for the mapping of private streets and additionally provide for their maintenance. The bills are sponsored by Council Members Steven Matteo, … <Read More>

City Council Intends to Aid Property Owners with Two Tax Deferment Bills

Public Hearing hinges on interest rates and how property tax deferments affect the City budget. On June 18, 2020, the City Council officially introduced two bills that would defer July 1, 2020, property tax liabilities for COVID-19 impacted property owners. One bill addresses the tax liabilities of primary residences and the other addresses the tax liabilities of businesses affected by the pandemic. The bills were originally heard as preconsidered bills at the June 10, 2020, … <Read More>