Dean Anthony W. Crowell and

 Professor Ross Sandler, Director 

cordially invite you to the 167th CityLaw Breakfast

Featuring Speaker

Polly Trottenberg, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation

Speaking On:

NYCDOT & COVID-19: Response Challenges, Recovery Opportunities

Date: Thursday, July 30, 2020 (read more…)

Professor Arthur S. Leonard.

The following is an op-ed in response to Professor Ross Sandler’s Commentary regarding mail-in ballots and the election. To read that piece, click here. 

I think Ross Sandler makes some very good points in this editorial on mail-in ballots.  I think, however, that we have an exceptional situation with this year’s election.  Part of the problem in thinking about the mail-in ballot issue is that it takes a fair amount of time to undertake the steps necessary to conduct mail-in voting on a large scale, especially in a jurisdiction where it hasn’t been done in the past.  We can’t know far enough in advance what the situation will be with the pandemic. (read more…)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo delivers briefing on Coronavirus pandemic. Image Credit: Governor’s Office

Indoor dining is still suspended. On July 6, 2020, New York City entered Phase 3 of its reopening. Phase 3 allows personal services like nail salons, spas, tanning salons, massage parlors and tattoo parlors to reopen, as well as courts for sports in City parks. The “personal services” industry under Phase 3 does not include hair salons and barbershops, which were allowed to reopen under Phase 2.  (read more…)

This year’s Macy’s Fireworks display will not be the traditional extended show over the East River as seen here. Instead, the City is planning on several smaller unannounced displays to discourage large crowds from gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic. Image Credit: Diana Robinson/Mayoral Photography Office

The Macy’s Fireworks announcement comes on the same day as the creation of an illegal fireworks task force. On June 23, 2020, Mayor de Blasio established a task force to investigate illegal fireworks sales following a large increase in complaints about the increase of illegal firework use across the City. All types of consumer fireworks are prohibited in New York City.  (read more…)

City beaches will finally reopen July 1st. Image Credit: CityLand

Visitors are still encouraged to maintain social distancing measures on beaches. On June 24, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that New York City’s 8 public beaches will reopen for swimming starting on July 1, with social distancing precautions still in place. Lifeguards will be on duty every day from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, but the Mayor reminds the public that swimming is strictly prohibited when lifeguards are not present. (read more…)

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams Image Credit: NYC City Council

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, Committee on Finance public hearing.

(read more…)