The First Amendment allows the State to pass public health regulations that impact the manner of protests if they are written and enforced neutrally. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed by a police officer while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department. Since Floyd’s death, demonstrations and rallies have been held in different parts of the City to protest systemic racism and law enforcement misconduct. Taking place on City’s streets, sidewalks, and … <Read More>
Search Results for: COVID-19
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>
Non-Essential Construction in the City is Suspended Due to COVID-19 Emergency
All construction permits will need to be active and renewed during the suspension period. On March 30, 2020, the Department of Buildings announced that all work on non-essential construction and demolition sites is suspended for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Buildings made the decision to suspend such construction and demolition following Governor Andrew Cuomo’s amended executive order and the Empire State Development Corporation’s guidelines. The executive order, which required non-essential businesses … <Read More>
The City’s Tax Lien Sale Now Delayed Until Late September
Governor Cuomo signs executive order to delay tax lien sale. On September 4, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a delay of the City’s annual tax lien and water lien sale. The sale which was originally scheduled for May 2020 and was postponed to September 4, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, will now take place on September 25, 2020. The announcement comes after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed … <Read More>
Mayor Announces FY20 Affordable Housing Statistics
Mayor’s affordable housing announcement appears more retrospective than optimistic. On August 5, 2020, The Mayor’s Press Office released a statement touting the amount of affordable housing created in fiscal year 2020. The announcement states that the City preserved 23,520 homes and constructed 6,503 new units, totaling 30,023 affordable City financed homes. More than 50 percent of these homes serve families earning less than $52,000 and 3,600 people received voucher increases to ameliorate income lost from … <Read More>
Mayor Announces ULURP Restart
NYC Engage announced with ULURP restart. On July 15, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the City Planning Commission will start holding remote hearings, beginning with an August 3, 2020 Review Session and a public meeting on August 5, 2020. The Mayor also announced the launch of “NYC Engage,” a new online portal intended to facilitate public engagement during the remote public hearings. The last time that the City … <Read More>