Today, a package of legislation, passed by the Council in March to strengthen the safety and efficiency of sidewalk shed management, was signed into law by Mayor Adams. In response, Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Keith Powers, and Council Member Erik Bottcher released the following statements:

“Sidewalk sheds have covered our city for far too long – obstructing sunlight and sidewalks, hurting small businesses, undermining public safety, and hiding the beauty of our neighborhoods,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “These reforms will accelerate the removal of sidewalk sheds, improve public safety, and enhance quality of life across the five boroughs, making our streets brighter, safer, and more welcoming for all. These long-overdue scaffolding reforms will be instrumental in helping New Yorkers reclaim our streetscape, and I’m proud that, under the leadership of this Council, we have finally taken action that will deliver real results.”  

“For too long, our city has been covered in over 400 miles of ugly, dingy scaffolding that impacts the experience of everyday New Yorkers, small business owners, and people coming to visit our city,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “It doesn’t have to be this way, and this package of legislation puts forward reforms to fundamentally change our approach to scaffolding while ensuring safety is still the top priority. I am proud to have led the charge to shed the sheds, and I look forward to bringing the light back to New York City!”

“New Yorkers have lived under a forest of scaffolding for far too long—and it’s time we cut it back,” said Council Member Erik Bottcher. “This legislation is about saying goodbye to the endless sidewalk sheds that block our light, hurt our small businesses, and make our streets feel like construction zones with no end. I’m grateful to Speaker Adrienne Adams, Mayor Adams, Commissioner Jimmy Oddo, Council Member Keith Powers, and Borough President Mark Levine for helping us finally take the city out from under the scaffolding and into the sunlight.”

Background on Legislation:

Int. 391-A will require the Department of Buildings (DOB) to recommend new sidewalk shed designs; Int. 393-A will reduce sidewalk shed permit durations for façade repairs; Int. 394-A will require the DOB to review the frequency of the Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP); Int. 660-A will double the required lighting under sidewalk sheds; and Int. 661-A will strengthen enforcement of façade repairs.

###