Legionnaires’ Disease has once again taken lives in New York City. In Harlem, more than 100 people have been sickened and several have died. Sadly, this is not the first outbreak. In 2015, 12 people died at the Opera House Hotel in the Bronx. In 2022, two people died and 24 were infected in Highbridge, while five died in a Morningside Heights nursing home. That same year, right here in our district at Clason Point Gardens, two residents were infected.

It was that outbreak in Clason Point that showed us an important lesson: bathing with hoses can reduce aerosolized exposure to Legionella-contaminated water. That’s why I introduced Int. 166-2024, which requires the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to notify building owners within 24 hours when a case is confirmed. Owners would then be required to provide shower hoses and DOHMH informational materials to tenants immediately.

I am also proud to support Int. 434-2024, sponsored by Council Member Sanchez. This bill requires large apartment buildings and senior housing to register with the city and create detailed water-management plans. These plans set clear rules for testing, cleaning, and accountability, making sure we prevent Legionella from spreading before it puts more people at risk.

These outbreaks are preventable. We can, and must, act now. These two bills are how we do that — and they are proof that we are taking real steps to protect New Yorkers.