Council also votes on measures to curb noise pollution and mechanism for tenants to report on vacant housing units
City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to pass a comprehensive package of legislation related to how menstrual products are defined and provided throughout the city. These bills are a direct response to menstrual product stigmatization, the disproportionate burden of accessing menstrual products faced by women and people who menstruate living below the poverty line, and the existing failure of city agencies to provide women and people who menstruate with adequate supplies. These bills would require all materials generated by the City to use the gender-inclusive terminology “menstrual product,” rather than the commonly used phrasing of “feminine hygiene product.” It would also mandate broader requirements for the provision of menstrual products to people under the purview of the Department of Education and Department of Correction, while establishing reporting requirements regarding their provision.
“Expanding equitable access to menstrual products is a matter of providing basic, human dignity for those who menstruate, and as the first women-majority Council, we are proud to make this a priority,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Destigmatizing a natural experience that millions of New Yorkers experience will help improve the health care and well-being of those who menstruate. The Council is also proud to help curb noise pollution across our city and address vacant housing units. I thank my colleagues, advocates, and all stakeholders for their partnership to enact this meaningful legislation.”
The Council also voted on a package of bills pertaining to noise pollution and complaints. The legislation aims to curb New Yorkers’ exposure to excessive noise, which affects quality of life and has been linked to negative health outcomes and eliminate complaint incentives that are harmful to small businesses.
The council also voted on a bill that would provide a mechanism for occupants of multiple dwelling buildings to report potential housing maintenance code violations in unoccupied units, and for HPD to inspect them. In the midst of New York City’s housing crisis with a shortage of homes for New Yorkers, a review of state data by the Independent Budget Office found more than 13,000 rent-stabilized apartments were vacant for the past two years.
Expanding Definitions and Provision Requirements for Menstrual Products
Introduction 1055-A, sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, would require all laws, documents, and other materials generated by the City to use the gender-inclusive terminology “menstrual product,” rather than the commonly used phrasing of “feminine hygiene product,” when referring to products such as menstrual cups, tampons, and menstrual pads for use in connection with the menstrual cycle. This legislation would also require the Department of Education to report on the provision of menstrual products in schools to raise awareness about what is available to students, as well as to monitor DOE compliance with the law.
“1055-A will help our city be more responsive to the needs of students who menstruate and will rid our city’s documents and materials of sexist and queerphobic euphemisms to describe menstrual cups, tampons, and pads, in favor of clear, inclusive language,” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. “Everyone who menstruates deserves the resources and education necessary to manage their periods with peace of mind and maximal bodily comfort. Our combined efforts on this landmark menstrual equity legislative package will make this city safer, healthier, and more just for every New Yorker who menstruates.”
Introduction 1056-A, sponsored by Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, would expand the existing age group of students to whom the Department of Education is mandated to provide menstrual products from beginning at grade 6 to beginning at grade 4. Despite the 2016 Menstrual Equity Package, many girls still do not have access to menstrual products because many begin menstruation before 6th grade. This bill will rectify that issue.
“Our reproductive cycles are still a taboo topic in our society — a great disservice to those who must face this central experience of their health and human experience in the dark,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa. “As we work to educate NYC about menstrual products, we simultaneously seek to expand access to those who are left on the margins like our youngest schoolchildren. No one, especially our city’s youth, should grow up without the materials and education to address their health in a comfortable and supportive setting. I’m proud to expand access to menstrual products to a wider set of students in our schools, and proud to stand with a body of strong women who do not shy away from periods.”
Introduction 1059-A, sponsored by Council Member Amanda Farías, would expand the current definition of menstrual products to include menstrual cups. Menstrual cups are a long-lasting, cost effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to other menstrual products. It would also require the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to include menstrual cups in the provision of menstrual products to agencies, temporary shelters, and youth detention or congregate care facilities. This bill would also require the Department of Correction to provide all people in custody who menstruate access to reusable or single use menstrual cups while in custody and to provide reusable menstrual cups to those who request such cups upon release from the department’s custody.
Introduction 1057-A, sponsored by Council Member Amanda Farías, would require the department of correction to produce an annual report specifying the amount of menstrual products ordered by the department, disaggregated by product type, the amount of such product distributed to correctional facilities and the number of products distributed to individuals in custody.
Introduction 1058-A, sponsored by Council Member Amanda Farías, would require the Department of Education (DOE) to develop, in collaboration with the Commission on Gender Equity, informational materials about menstrual products, to be shared with every student in grades 4 through 12. This bill would also require DOE to submit to the Mayor and the Speaker, and publish on its website, an annual report regarding the distribution of such informational materials.
“Menstrual equity stands as a fundamental pillar of gender justice in New York City, said Council Member Amanda Farias. Access to menstrual hygiene products is not merely a matter of personal convenience – which far too few women have access to – it is a matter of dignity, health, and equality. The ability to manage menstruation with dignity and without financial burden is an essential aspect of ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of gender which is a key component of our bill package. My bills, Intro’s 1057, 1058, and 1059, are addressing the basic needs of menstrual hygiene as integral to a truly inclusive and just society. I am incredibly proud to have now passed five of the eleven bills in the Menstrual Equity legislative package for women, girls, and gender non-binary New Yorkers across the City!”
Regulating Noise Pollution and Capping Civilian Noise Complaint Compensation
Introduction 1194-A, sponsored by Council Member James F. Gennaro, would cap the compensation a citizen complainant can receive from a noise complaint at $5 or $10, depending on whether the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or the citizen complainant prosecutes the proceeding. For citizen complaint proceedings commenced prior to the effective date of the bill, the maximum penalty would be capped at $50. Recently, there has been a surge in complaints filed by a small number of citizen complainants, often repeatedly at the same businesses, to collect the award money. Placing a cap on compensation would reduce the financial incentive for serial complainants to file multiple, harassing complaints against businesses for the purpose of collecting the award money.
“For far too long, a group of ‘noise bounty hunters’ have been lining their own pockets by exploiting the city’s noise pollution regulations, issuing unjust summonses to local businesses. As a result, local businesses have been slammed with these noise violations in bulk. And in many instances, a business has racked up thousands of dollars’ worth of violations without any sort of notice of the first violation. The fines increase with each violation, posing a great strain on our local businesses, which are still trying to recover post-COVID shutdowns,” said Council Member James F. Gennaro, Chair of the New York City Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency & Waterfronts. “This commonsense bill aims to maintain a civilian’s right to conduct noise enforcement while eliminating the monetary incentive that has corrupted civilian enforcement process.”
Introduction 774-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Keith Powers, would require DEP to measure sound levels within dwelling units on request when the sound is related to construction activities. DEP would be required to measure the sound level at any point within the unit with windows and doors that may affect the measurement closed. The bill would also define sounds attributable to the construction site that is 10 dB(A) above the ambient sound level, when measured within the unit, with windows and doors that may affect measurement closed on or after 7:00 a.m. and before 10:00 p.m. as unreasonable noise.
Introduction 775-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Keith Powers, would mandate that DEP publish the results of their noise inspections online within 5 business days after they have been completed. New Yorkers may struggle to determine how noise complaints submitted to 311 are resolved by DEP, as DEP does not publish this information. Although DEP is required to report annually on its noise inspection process Confidential 22 pursuant to Local Law 53 of 2018, the required report only includes high-level information that is unlikely to help a member of the public determine how a particular noise complaint was handled by the Department.
Introduction 776-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Keith Powers, would require DEP and NYC Police Department (NYPD) to give a copy of the report created after a 311 noise complaint to anyone who requests it and provides the 311 tracking number within 14 days of receipt of the request. The person requesting the noise inspection report would not be required to submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to receive the report, and DEP and NYPD would be prohibited from denying or declining requests due to the lack of a FOIL request.
Introduction 778-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Keith Powers, would codify and expand the DEP’s “noise camera” program, which pairs decibel readers or other noise monitoring equipment with cameras capable of taking a series of photos, videos, or other recorded images to detect motor vehicles exceeding the noise limits under city law. Vehicles found to be in violation of motor vehicle sound limits would be issued a notice of violation and subject to the civil penalty as prescribed by the existing law. The bill would require DEP to ensure that there are no less than 5 noise cameras in each borough, subject to appropriation, and to consider input from community boards and elected officials in placing the noise cameras. DEP would also be required to submit to the mayor and the speaker of the Council, and to post on its website, an annual report on the program.
“Even in the city that doesn’t sleep, New Yorkers deserve some peace and quiet,” said City Council Majority Leader Keith Powers. “Today, we’re helping make that a reality with the Stop Spreading the Noise Act, a package of bills that cracks down on the frustrating—and harmful—noise pollution found throughout our city. We’re establishing an innovative noise camera program to ticket excessively loud vehicles and reforming the 311 noise complaint process to improve enforcement and transparency. I appreciate the City Council’s support on this matter.”
Inspection of Vacant Residential Units
Introduction 195-B, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, would provide a mechanism for occupants of multiple dwelling buildings to report potential housing maintenance code violations in unoccupied units. Tenants have long complained there are conditions in unoccupied units that are creating hazardous conditions in their unit or causing overall disrepair in the building that building owners are not correcting. Currently, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is not required to inspect unoccupied units and may not be able to obtain access to conduct an inspection. This bill would allow tenants to call 311 to have HPD inspect the unit and issue violations for hazardous or immediately hazardous conditions. HPD would also publish these violations on its website.
“I’m proud to pass legislation that will codify the requirement for landlords to keep unoccupied units in good repair and create a reporting mechanism that allows the inspection of vacant units that are negatively impacting quality of life,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “Failure to maintain units, keeping units vacant, and warehousing units is a classic strategy used by landlords to displace people, and up until now the law allowed unscrupulous landlords to use neglected units to their advantage. All New Yorkers deserve healthy homes, and this bill empowers HPD to further protect tenants’ wellbeing.”
Calling for Statewide Access to Legal Representation in Eviction Proceedings
Resolution 345-B, sponsored by Council Member Pierina Sanchez, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.1493/S.2721, in relation to establishing a New York state office of civil representation to provide access to legal services in eviction proceedings.
“In the face of a housing crisis, where eviction rates continue to soar as the majority of New Yorkers continue to be housing cost burdened, and where the most vulnerable remain at risk of losing their homes, stronger tenant protections are critical to turning the tide on this crisis,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. “Evictions are disruptive and violent to families, and free legal counsel for low-income peoples is a proven strategy to stabilize families in their homes. As the Council passes Reso 345 in support of A1493 / S2721, we support our state counterparts in calling for an expansion of access to counsel to all municipalities. We affirm every New Yorker, regardless of income, deserves robust legal support to safeguard their right to secure and dignified housing.”
Resolution 499-B, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu, would call on the New York State legislature to introduce and pass, and the Governor to sign, A.4993/S.3254, requiring that any party eligible under local law for free legal counsel for an eviction proceeding, that has made a good faith effort to secure such counsel, may be granted an adjournment by the court for additional time to secure counsel.
“Few experiences harm a family more than being kicked out of your home. I should know, because my family lived through an eviction,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “In our current housing crisis, Right to Counsel is among the most effective laws we have to stem the tide of unlawful evictions—but it only works if tenants can access the legal representation they’ve been promised. As eviction cases are pushed through the courts faster than legal aid providers have the capacity to take them on, the state must step up to ensure tenants are still able to secure a lawyer. Tenants should not be showing up to housing court alone.”
Streamlining Bike Lane Process Requirements
Introduction 417-B, sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, would consolidate the community board notice requirement for bike lanes with the notice process in place for major transportation projects, and would repeal the existing standalone process for bike lanes. The addition or removal of a bicycle lane of any length would be considered a major transportation project. This bill would also grant Council Members and community boards additional time during the summer between June 20 and August 20 to submit comments about a proposal to add or remove a bicycle lane, and similarly extend the period of time for a departmental presentation about the proposal if noticed during those two months. Finally, the bill would eliminate a 14 day waiting period for major transportation projects that occurs after the notice, comment, and consideration period has been completed.
“Every day, New Yorkers make more than 550,000 bike trips,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “Each trip helps us reduce the number of cars on the road and combats the climate crisis. The best way to encourage more biking is to make it safer by building a truly protected network of bike lanes. I’m extremely grateful to Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and every colleague who voted to pass Intro 417 to preserve community input into bike lane projects while advancing our climate and street safety goals.”
Training City Agency Employees and Human Services Contractors on Anti-Racism and Discrimination
Introduction 1118-A, sponsored by Council Member Nantasha Williams, would require the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, in consultation with the Office of Racial Equity and the Commission on Human Rights, to create an interactive anti-racism and anti-racial discrimination training for City agency employees. The training may be adapted to ensure that it is relevant to specific work environments and roles and does not duplicate any existing training. City employees, including independent contractors, interns, and volunteers, would be required to complete such training annually.
“With unwavering commitment to equity, amending the New York City Charter to mandate anti-racism training underscores the profound importance of cultivating an inclusive environment,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams. “It’s not just a change in policy; it’s a commitment to a future where diversity is not only valued but essential for the flourishing of our shared humanity. By investing in anti-racism training, we add immeasurable value to our city, fostering an atmosphere where every individual’s unique perspectives contribute to a richer tapestry of ideas, innovation, and collective progress.”
Introduction 1101-A, sponsored by Council Member Amanda Farías, would require the Chief Equity Officer to create an interactive anti-racism training for employees of human services contractors. The training would provide contractors with tools for serving individuals from diverse backgrounds, improve awareness of how racism and related injustices impact human services provision, and promote policies, practices, and norms designed to combat racism and advance racial equity in human services provision. The training would be an annual requirement for all employees of human services contractors who render services to the public, and their supervisors. Alternatively, a human services contractor would be able to develop and administer its own training, so long as it meets the same legal standard.
“Anti-racism training is a crucial step for human service contractors in their commitment to promoting social justice, eliminating racial inequalities, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society,” said Council Member Amanda Farias. “The work we are accomplishing with my bill Intro 1101 and the Juneteenth legislative package will ensure our City’s public service environments are welcoming and supportive for all clients, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. Thank you to the advocates who supported this bill and thank you to my esteemed colleague, Council Member Nantasha Williams for your leadership on the important Juneteenth legislative package.”
Requiring Naxolone in all NYC Public School Buildings
Introduction 198, sponsored by Council Member Rafael Salamanca, would mandate that DOE stock opioid antagonists (generic name Naloxone; brand name Narcan) in all school buildings and would take effect 60 days after becoming law. The United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic—opioid-involved death rates have increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic and according to the CDC, in 2019, nearly 1 in 7 students reported ever misusing prescription opioids. As such, Naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, is available over-the-counter in all pharmacies throughout New York State. Given that death from opioid overdose is immediate without intervention and administering the drug unnecessarily does not harm the recipient, extending the availability of Naloxone to all DOE schools furthers existing City and State efforts to reverse the opioid epidemic and save lives.
“I am thrilled that my bill, Intro 198, was passed by my colleagues today,” said Council Member Rafael Salamanca. “A victory 6 years in the making, the DOE must now ensure that every school in New York City carries Naloxone kits, making our City the largest school district in the country to do so. I am thankful to Speaker Adrienne Adams, my City Council Colleagues, community advocacy groups, and the United Federation of Teachers for their support over the years. NYC has been ravaged by the opioid and fentanyl crisis, with record numbers of school-aged children turning to drugs. As a result of the passage of Intro 198, we are protecting our children, our teachers, and our parents. Most importantly, we will help save lives.”
Updating and Increasing Access to Computer Science Educational Materials
Resolution 766, sponsored by Council Member Rita Joseph, would call on the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to update its Computer Science for All (CS4All) initiative to increase access to CS4All professional development for educators and administrators, particularly for those in underserved schools, and to increase training for all teachers. The NYC DOE CS4All initiative is a citywide effort to ensure that all public-school students have access to Computer Science (CS) education. Through CS4All, DOE collaborates with schools, educators, industry partners, and community organizations to develop a comprehensive and inclusive CS curriculum aligned with national standards and best practices.
Calling on the DOE to Develop Training and Curriculum on AI Tools and Programs
Resolution 767, sponsored by Council Member Rita Joseph, calls on the New York City Department of Education to mandate training on generative artificial intelligence tools, including for potential classroom implementation, for all educators. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a type of AI that can generate new content, including text, images and videos, through learning patterns from pre-existing data. This can include image generators, large language models, code generation tools, or audio generation tools. One widely discussed concern about generative AI has centered around education and the potential for students to improperly use the technology, such as to plagiarize assignments. For generative AI to be useful and reliable, there must be a concentrated effort and an ongoing conversation in academia to adapt to generative AI, including how it can be effectively integrated into education.
“In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, our educators must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to harness the potential of these tools effectively,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “By mandating training on generative artificial intelligence tools for all educators, we are not just preparing our teachers for the future; we are opening doors to innovative and inclusive learning environments. Additionally, an update to the CS4All initiative, emphasizes the need to increase access to professional development in computer science for educators and administrators. This is particularly crucial for those in underserved schools, ensuring that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to high-quality computer science education.”
Resolution 742, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu, would call on the New York City Department of Education to develop curriculum on machine learning, and adapt their current curriculum and policies to account for the safe use of generative AI. Since the public release of Open AI’s ChatGPT, it has become the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Over the past year, with the release and growth of ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and similar generative AI systems, critics have issued warnings about the impact generative AI could have on society.
“As students discover AI tools, educators need to be better equipped to understand and properly address this emerging technology. That’s what our resolution calls for,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “Let’s meet our kids where they are. This starts by having earnest discussions, developing instructional tools around AI and machine learning, and promoting a set of standards that produce ethical uses of this complex technology. There’s enormous potential with generative AI, but there is also an inherent risk. If we want this technology to develop responsibly, we need to invest in it and teach our kids how to wield it safely.”
Calling for the Hours of Use of Student MetroCards to be Extended
Resolution 534, sponsored by Council Member Rita Joseph, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the New York State Governor to sign, A.3723/S.759 and A.816/S.879, which would extend the hours of use for student MetroCards in New York City and would prohibit the Metropolitan Transportation Authority from promulgating rules or regulations that penalize a student for using a student MetroCard when school is not in session.
Student MetroCards currently provide three free rides via MTA subways and/or buses each school day, between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., and include a free transfer between buses, or between the subway and bus service. Students that are eligible for student MetroCards include those that are in grades K through 12, who live more than .5 miles from their school, and who do not have yellow school bus service available . About one million students of New York City’s public, private and parochial schools utilize student MetroCards.
“Access to affordable and reliable transportation is a fundamental right for every student,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “By extending the hours of use for student MetroCards and preventing any unjust penalties, we are not only fostering greater mobility for our youth but also breaking down barriers that may hinder their educational pursuits. I call upon our state leaders to prioritize the passage of these bills, affirming our commitment to the educational success and overall welfare of the next generation.”
Boosting the Recognition of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy
Resolution 579, sponsored by Council Member Eric Dinowitz, would call on the New York City DOE to ensure that the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) is awarded in all New York City public high schools to eligible students. At present, over 700 languages and dialects are spoken in NYC and the nearby metropolitan area. Consequently, multilingual communication skills are a critical element in enabling NYC to participate effectively in a local, as well as global, political, social, and economic context. Mastery of two or more languages also makes an important contribution to students’ cognitive development, understanding of diverse cultures, and preparation for future college study and career opportunities in NYC and worldwide. The NYSSB provides an additional way for incoming freshmen to earn foreign language credits in any world language and is free to NYCDOE high school students.
Resolution 580, sponsored by Council Member Eric Dinowitz, would call on The City University of New York (CUNY) to ensure that all campuses award an appropriate number of college credits to students who earned a New York State Seal of Biliteracy in high school and, where required, accept that Seal as fulfillment of any foreign language requirement. Incoming CUNY students who have mastered two or more world languages, including students whose first language is not English, should be recognized and rewarded academically for their language skills. That mastery can be documented by the NYSSB, which is offered in some, but not all, NYC Department of Education (DOE) high schools. The NYSSB does not limit the languages for which the Seal can be awarded, thus making it possible to support students from underrepresented communities, including indigenous communities, whose language proficiency cannot be demonstrated through commercially available standardized tests.
“In our current reality of high-stakes testing and limited ways to value the accomplishments of our students beyond a test score, our students deserve recognition for the impressive achievement of bilinguality,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Chair of the Committee on Higher Education. “I am incredibly proud to pass two resolutions that not only acknowledge how our young individuals go above and beyond in the classroom, but provide them with a path in which their talents are rewarded with academic accolades and even college credit.”
Ensuring Equity in DCLA’s Funding to Arts and Cultural Organizations
Introduction 1184, sponsored by Council Member Chi Ossé, would require the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) to provide additional details relating to ZIP code, community board, and Council district in its annual report on the arts and cultural organizations that receive city funding. This report is submitted to the Council and posted on the DCLA website.
“Both as Chair of the Council Committee on Cultural Affairs and as a Brooklynite who came of age in New York’s rich cultural scene, I understand the importance of City funding to the organizations and institutions that define and uplift us,” said Council Member Chi Ossé. “Too often, public support for this critical work is not equitably distributed. I am proud to pass legislation that will give us insight into outcomes of the funding process and allow us to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent fairly and in a manner that will culturally enrich diverse communities across the five boroughs.”
Housing Reimbursement for Victims of Domestic Violence
Resolution 165-A, sponsored by Council Member Farah Louis, would call on the State to enact Legislation to authorize certain shelters for victims of domestic violence to be reimbursed for any payment differential for housing a single individual in a room intended for double occupancy. Within New York City, domestic violence shelters were created over several decades as a short-term respite to house families and individuals fleeing imminent danger. Non-profit providers who operate these shelters are reimbursed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services on a per person, per night basis, which is intended to cover the costs of the shelter’s rent, utilities, staffing, services and other inflationary factors. Any reduction in this reimbursement severely impacts the ability of the provider to cover the cost of operating the shelter. The State reimbursement policy prioritizes sheltering larger families to the exclusion of smaller families and single adults. This resolution supports rectifying that policy.
“Res. No. 165-A delivers a strong appeal to action in response to the pressing and crucial problem of domestic abuse,” said Council Member Farah Louis. “Acknowledging the difficulties that single adult victims face every day, this resolution asks the State Legislature to approve A.2583/S.15 and the Governor to sign it. This will open the door to a more responsive and inclusive domestic violence emergency shelter system by allowing shelters to be reimbursed for any payment difference when housing a single person in a room meant for two people. This law ensures that no one is turned away and that no provider is punished for lending a helping hand in a time of dire need. It is a lifeline for individuals seeking safety from abuse. It is not simply about numbers.”
Honoring the Legacy and Contributions of the Divine Nine
Resolution 568, sponsored by Council Member Nantasha Williams, would designate May 10 annually as National Pan-Hellenic Council Day in the City of New York to recognize the contributions made to social change by members of nine Black sororities and fraternities, known as the Divine Nine.
“As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., one of the Divine Nines, the National Pan-Hellenic Council Day in the City of New York holds a deeply personal significance,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams. “It is a moment to recognize and celebrate the impactful contributions of the Black sororities and fraternities that make up this extraordinary collective. Through unity, service, and a commitment to social change, we bring our shared values to life, leaving an indelible mark on our community. This day not only commemorates our collective achievements but also reaffirms the enduring legacy of the Divine Nine in shaping a more inclusive and empowered future for all!”
Honoring the Service of the Borinqueneers
Resolution 813, sponsored by Council Member Amanda Farías, would recognize April 13 annually as Borinqueneers Day in the City of New York in honor of the courage and wartime contributions of the U.S. Army’s 65th Infantry Regiment and their legacy.
“This acknowledgment of the Borinqueneers, the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, by New York City is an important reminder and recognition of the sacrifices made by this distinguished group of Puerto Rican soldiers,” said Council Member Amanda Farias. “This resolution serves as a powerful affirmation of the Puerto Rican community’s ongoing contributions in United States history. It is critical that we preserve and commemorate the stories of those who have served and sacrificed for the greater good and I thank all my colleagues who have signed on in support of my resolution to recognize April 13th as Borinqueneers Day in New York City!”
Calling for the Protection of the Environment and Union Jobs in School Construction
Resolution 547, sponsored by Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, would call upon the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) and the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) to reconsider their decision to substitute precast concrete wall panels in place of traditional handset brick and block walls on public projects in New York City. The decision of SCA and DDC to use precast concrete panels instead of handset brick undermines local construction jobs, harms the environment, and increases the overall cost of construction projects.
“The use of precast concrete is damaging to our city’s workforce and construction industries while increasing costs on infrastructural projects. I was proud to work alongside the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers and the Mason Tenders District Council to keep jobs in our city and ensure we use responsible materials when building in NYC,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, Chair of the Civil Service and Labor Committee.
Land Use
City of Yes Zoning for Carbon Neutrality – The New York City Department of City Planning, in close consultation with the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, seeks a citywide zoning text amendment to implement changes to the City’s Zoning Resolution to expand opportunities for de-carbonization and sustainability projects within all zoning districts, and across all of the city’s community districts. The proposal focuses on 17 initiatives to facilitate climate action, clean energy, and resiliency by removing barriers to greener and more efficient energy systems, buildings, transportation, and water and waste systems.
Belmont Osborn Rezoning – Osborn Belmont Properties, LLC seeks a Zoning Map Amendment to change existing R6/C1-3 and C4-3 zoning districts to R7A/C2-4, and; a Zoning Text Amendment to map the rezoning area as a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) area. These actionswill facilitate the development of a new 7-story mixed-use building. It will include approximately 100 affordable housing units, ground floor retail, and 10 accessory off-street parking spacesThe Council will be modifying the proposal to strike MIH Option 2 and add the Deep Affordability Option; and modify the rezoning area boundaries to include only the site(s) between Osborn Street and Watkins Street, in Council Member Darlene Mealy’s district.
534 Coney Island Avenue Rezoning – Remica Property Group Corp., seeks a zoning map amendment from an C8-2 (OP) district to an R7X/C2-3 (OP) district, and a zoning text amendment to designate a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) area. These actionswill facilitate the development of a new 11-story mixed-use building. It will include approximately 43 housing units, 11 affordable units and 19 accessory off-street parking spaces. The Council is modifying the application to strike MIH Option 2 and add the Deep Affordability Option, resulting in MIH Option 1 and Deep Affordability Option as the applicable MIH Options, in Council Member Rita Joseph’s district.
Finance
A preconsidered resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, authorizing a full 40-year Article 11 tax exemption for one new building in Council Member Nurse’s district.
A preconsidered resolution, sponsored by Council Member Brannan, authorizing a partial 40-year Article 5 tax exemption for twelve buildings in Council Member Gutierrez’ district.
A preconsidered resolution, sponsored by Council Member Brannan, authorizing a full 40-year Article 11 exemption for two buildings in Council Member Abreu’s and Council Member De La Rosa’s districts.
A preconsidered resolution, sponsored by Council Member Brannan, authorizing a partial 40-year Article 5 exemption for three buildings in Council Member Richardson Jordan’s district.
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