Council also passed legislation on quality-of-life enhancements for New Yorkers by implementing virtual queue system for 311 callers and strengthening enforcement of commercial littering

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted on legislation to improve parking garage safety and building integrity by requiring the Department of Buildings (DOB) to conduct a loadbearing capacity study of garages, increasing the frequency of inspections, and doubling the standard civil penalties for certain DOB-enforced violations. The Council passed today’s bill package to proactively identify and address structural vulnerabilities to prevent tragedies like last year’s parking garage collapse at 57 Ann Street in Lower Manhattan.

The Council also passed legislation on quality-of-life enhancements for New Yorkers by implementing a virtual queue system for 311 callers and strengthening enforcement of commercial littering.

“Addressing structural safety issues in our city’s parking garages by keeping them in good repair can save lives and prevent future tragedies,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “These comprehensive solutions will result in more frequent inspections and prompt garage owners to quickly address any problems that are identified to keep people safe. I’m also proud to pass legislation today to increase transparency and oversight of the JFK International Airport redevelopment plan, which has a tremendous impact on surrounding communities in Southeast Queens. By requiring annual reporting on the $13 billion project and related community benefits, the Council and local community can be better informed about its progress. I thank my Council colleagues for their leadership and hard work on these important bills.”

Improving Parking Garage Safety and Building Integrity

On April 18, 2023, a parking garage located at 57 Ann Street in Lower Manhattan collapsed, resulting in the death of the garage manager, Willis Moore, and injuring five others. At the time of the collapse, there were various open violations for loose, defective, and cracked concrete throughout the building structure. Following the collapse, the Department of Buildings (DOB) inspected hundreds of garages across the city and issued multiple full and partial vacate orders. The Council’s bill package aims to address gaps in the safety of parking garages to prevent any future tragedies.

Introduction 135-A, sponsored by Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, would require DOB to conduct a loadbearing capacity study for parking garages. DOB would be required to assess factors of building integrity, such as the size, age, materials, and structural design of the parking structure. DOB would also be required to submit these findings and accompanying recommendations to the Mayor and the Council, and post them to its website as a report.

“The safety of our New Yorkers is a critical priority, and this bill is an important step in preventing future tragedies,” said Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “By requiring a loadbearing capacity study for parking garages, our city will better identify structural issues before disaster strikes. This legislation is a proactive measure to bolster our infrastructure to make it safe, reliable, and capable of withstanding everyday use. Our commitment to rigorous inspections and oversight will save lives and build greater public confidence in our city’s facilities.”

Introduction 170-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Amanda Farías, would double the standard civil penalties for certain DOB-enforced violations when issued to the owner of a parking structure to promote improved compliance that better maintains the safety of parking garages.

“My legislation, Introduction 170-A, is to serve as a key deterrent for parking structures across New York City,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farias. “We will double all initial violations related to parking structures with the exception of sections 28-301.1 and 28-302.1; which had varying fees dependent on class and violation description. This is to create uniformity around parking structure violations and ensure the fees New York City have in place are a strong deterrent from mismanagement. With the passage of today’s bills we remember the Ann Street garage last April that resulted in the death of one worker, 59-year-old manager Willis Moore, and injured five more people. Thank you Speaker Adams for your leadership on this issue.”

Introduction 231-A, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would increase the frequency of parking structure inspections from a six-year inspection cycle, as mandated by Local Law 126 of 2021, to a four-year inspection cycle. It would also require that follow-up assessments be conducted within two years after a parking structure is deemed safe with repair or monitoring.

“Just over one year ago, we witnessed a parking structure collapse in the heart of the Financial District, claiming the life of one of our neighbors mere blocks away from City Hall,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “In the wake of this tragedy, the city scrambled to inspect other parking structures, ultimately finding that dozens of other buildings had similar hazardous defects. It is the government’s responsibility to guarantee the integrity of the infrastructure that shapes our communities—including parking structures. Doing so keeps our neighbors safe, and the passage of Int. 231 will help us bolster New Yorkers’ sense of security and serve as a tangible step toward ensuring our city’s government is a proactive force to prevent future tragedies like that of 2023.”

Enhancing Quality of Life for NYC Residents

Introduction 584-A, sponsored by Council Member Eric Dinowitz, would require the 311 call center to implement a virtual queue system that provides an estimated wait time for callers.

“Int. No. 0584-2024 is an important step to a better quality of life for all our constituents,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “The 311 call service system is the most direct way that our constituents are able to relay their concerns regarding their homes and neighborhoods. Int. No. 0584-2024 would reassure constituents that their case will be taken on in a timely fashion and hold our city accountable in the way that it serves them. I am so grateful for the public’s support and that of the City Council’s, which only further demonstrates our great city’s overall need for significant reform in our current service requests system. I look forward to partnering with the city to provide this essential service to our constituents and making 311 more accessible for everyone.”

Introduction 97-C, sponsored by Council Member Sandra Ung, would set a civil penalty against commercial, manufacturing, or industrial building owners for repeated sidewalk littering and obstruction of $50 for the first violation, $300 for the second violation committed on a different day within any 12-month period, and $500 for the third and each subsequent violation committed on a different day within any 12 month period. The bill would also require the Department of Sanitation to produce educational materials related to the changes in the penalties, and to perform outreach to owners of affected buildings.

“We all know that the majority of our business owners are responsible and conscientious members of our community,” said Council Member Sandra Ung. “However, we cannot deny that there are some business owners who continually flout these rules, undermining our collective efforts to keep our city clean. It is for these repeat offenders that my legislation, Intro 97, introduces stricter penalties. By increasing fines for these repeat offenders, we aim to incentivize better compliance and ultimately reduce the amount of litter and debris on our streets. Thank you to New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams for her leadership as we moved this bill though the legislative process. By passing Intro 97, we take a crucial step towards a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful New York City for everyone.”

Increasing Transparency and Community Oversight of JFK Redevelopment Project

Introduction 134-A, sponsored by Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, would require the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to submit an annual report to certain elected officials – including the Council Speaker, Queens Borough President and the local Council Member representing JFK – on the progress of the JFK redevelopment plan and its related community benefits package. Each report would include information on the progress and any changes to the scope, timeline, or budget of the redevelopment plan; actions taken by the Port Authority related to the plan and community benefits package, such as property acquisitions, contracts awarded to M/WBEs, permit applications, the establishment of advisory boards; and any other relevant information as determined by EDC.

The $13 billion redevelopment of JFK International Airport is a major infrastructure project that has significant impacts on the surrounding communities in Queens. This bill aims to improve transparency and offer community oversight by requiring regular reports from the EDC on updates to the project.

“The $13 billion redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport is a massive project that deserves greater transparency and community oversight,” said Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “To ensure that the benefits of the redevelopment reach M/WBEs, local businesses, and our communities in Southeast Queens, it is critical that stakeholders and the public are informed about the developments and progress of the plan. This legislation builds on efforts by the Council to hold the Port Authority and city agencies accountable, and ensure that our communities are safeguarded.”

Approving Home Rule Messages

The Council voted on several home rule resolutions.

Land Use

15-21 West 124th Street Text Amendment – an application to facilitate the construction of a new 7-story building with 33 housing units in Council Member Salaam’s district.

Sunnyside Barnett – an Article XI tax exemption to facilitate the construction of a new 7-story, mixed-use, 100% affordable housing building with 185 units and community facility space in Council Member Won’s district.

Finance

Resolution 412, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, will set the date, place, and time for a public hearing on legislation to establish the Cypress Hills Fulton Business Improvement District.

Resolution 421, sponsored by Council Member Julie Won, will set the date, place, and time for a public hearing on legislation to expand the Queens Plaza/Court Square Business Improvement District and rename it the Long Island City Business Improvement District.

A Preconsidered resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, will set the discount rate for early payment of property taxes for Fiscal Year 2025.

A preconsidered resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, authorizing a 40-year Article XI tax exemption for the preservation of four rent-stabilized buildings in Council Member Hudson’s district.

A Revenue Budget Modification recognizing $619 million in new revenues, implementing changes reflected in the April 2024 Financial Plan. This revenue will add $619 million to pay for partial budget restorations for the Department of Cultural Affairs, Rental Assistance, foster care services, pupil transportation, CUNY STEM program, and other initiatives.

A transparency resolution approving new designations and changes of certain organizations receiving funding in the Expense Budget.

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