City Council Holds Hearing on Open Restaurants Plan

Open Restaurants Plan intended for Phase 2 start. On June 4, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the Open Restaurants seating program and the Council Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing held the public hearing on Intro 1957, a bill that would create the temporary outdoor dining space. The bill is sponsored by Council Member Antonio Reynoso and was introduced at the May 28th, 2020 Stated Meeting.


NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Signs COVID-19 Relief Bills Into Law

Local Law addressing personal liability provisions in commercial leases raises constitutional law discussion. On May 26, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed seven COVID-19 relief bills into law during New York City’s first ever virtual bill signing. Among the laws, Local Law 55 of 2020, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, temporarily prevents the enforcement of personal liability provisions in commercial leases or rental agreements involving COVID-19 impacted tenants.  The law also makes it a … <Read More>


Housing Law and Policy in the Time of COVID-19 CLE Recap

Watch CLE HERE, Password: 8O*9^24?

On June 1, 2020, the Center for New York City Law, the Center for Real Estate Studies and the Impact Center for Public Interest Law at New York Law School hosted a virtual CLE. The topic was “Housing Law and Policy in the Time of COVID-19.” The CLE was led by Professor Andrew Scherer. Anthony Crowell, Dean and President of New York Law School gave opening remarks.


UPDATED: Construction Shutdown: Preserving Land Use Approvals

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive orders issued in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency halted non-essential construction throughout the City of New York. Many of the halted construction projects enjoyed land use approvals granted by City agencies, and the Governor’s orders did not toll the expiration dates of these approvals. (Update:) Subsequent to the construction shutdown, Mayor Bill de Blasio on April 29, 2020 issued an emergency executive order tolling the expiration dates … <Read More>


New York City Council Approves Two Bills Limiting Third-Party Delivery Service Fees

Council Bills intended to support the restaurant industry and small business. On May 13, 2020 the New York City Council voted to approve two bills intended to restrict the amount of fees third-party delivery services can charge restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic and restaurant closures. Intro 1898-A, which essentially prevents fees to restaurants when no actual transaction results, was approved with 47 votes in the affirmative and three votes in the negative. Intro 1908-B, which … <Read More>


Governor Cuomo Extends Eviction Moratorium Through August

Advocates and industry leaders calling for more protections and more action from Governor. On May 7, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order No. 202.28, extending the eviction moratorium through August 20, 2020. The moratorium prevents the filing of eviction proceedings against both residential and commercial tenants. The original eviction moratorium, came by way of Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks on March 15, 2020, and was reinforced by Governor Cuomo’s Executive <Read More>