Council also voted to codify Cabinet for Older New Yorkers, approved creation or preservation of over 1,350 affordable housing units, and text amendment to resolve zoning conflicts for state casino applicants
City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to establish a pilot program for installing solar canopies in parking lots, as part of the city’s goal to expand sustainable infrastructure and achieve net-zero transportation greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The new legislation builds on previous laws enacted by the Council to restrict idling in spaces near or within most parks, require the Department of Buildings (DOB) to conduct targeted annual outreach to educate building owners about the benefits of installing solar and green roof systems, and to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The Council also passed legislation to codify the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers for improved older adult services, approved the creation or preservation of over 1,350 units of affordable housing, urged designation of an annual Korean War Veterans and Korean Defense Veterans Recognition Day, called for state law to reduce packaging material and increase recyclability, and resolved zoning conflicts for state casino applicants to be considered by local decision-making committees.
“As we approach Earth Day, we are reminded of how critical it is for our city to continue strengthening our green infrastructure so that we can reach our sustainability goals and protect our future,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council is proud to enact legislation that builds on our previous efforts to move the city towards net-zero emissions and fighting the existential threat of climate change.
“To better support our older adults, who are the jewels of our communities, we’re also excited to codify the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers into law,” continued Speaker Adams. “This will ensure the Cabinet’s work permanently continues in our city to fully meet the needs of the growing older adult population.”
Introduction 129-A, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would mandate a pilot program to install solar canopies in at least one city-controlled parking lot in each borough where the solar canopy would be cost effective. In addition, for each city-controlled parking lot where a solar canopy is installed, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), or another agency designated by the mayor, would be required to install at least five electric vehicle chargers. After the conclusion of the pilot program, this local law would require a report on the total number and locations of city-controlled parking lots where solar canopies were installed and where they would be cost effective and recommend whether and how the program can be expanded and made permanent.
This law would add to ongoing efforts to reduce the City’s carbon footprint, cut energy costs, and expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the five boroughs. Supporting the increased use of electric vehicles is a key step towards the city’s goal of achieving net-zero transportation greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“Earth Day is the perfect time to renew our commitment to green energy and a sustainable future and I’m proud to stand with a Council that takes the climate crisis and our resiliency in its face seriously, said Council Member Justin Brannan. “Protecting our planet, in the present and for generations to come, means both big, bold action and sweating the small stuff. My solar canopies bill will push our city to make new, inventive use of open spaces like parking lots in service of generating green energy. Electric cars will drive us to a sustainable future but we can’t expect drivers to make the switch from fossil fuel-powered to electric vehicles if our city is not built out to support them. I believe we have a responsibility to make it easier to own and operate electric cars in this city. Piece by piece, we are reshaping our infrastructure in a way that empowers New Yorkers to make the switch and drive vehicles that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, and promote energy independence. Today we are taking another step in ensuring New York City continues to lead the charge in the fight for our planet’s future.”
Codifying the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers
Introduction 689-A, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would codify the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers into city law. The Cabinet, made up of commissioners of 23 city agencies and chaired by the Commissioner of the Department for the Aging (DFTA), was established in September 2022 and is designed to help improve programming and services for older New Yorkers. New York City is currently home to 1.8 million older adults. By 2040, DFTA projects the population to reach 1.86 million, or 20.6 percent of the City’s population. This legislation would fill out the Cabinet’s membership with additional agencies and mayoral offices and would expand the list of required invitees for Cabinet meetings to include the City’s public libraries. The DFTA commissioner would be required to report annually to the Council, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough Presidents, and the public on the activity of the Cabinet.
“As our city and our nation rapidly age, the New York City Council has an opportunity to lead by creating policies that directly benefit and impact older adults, now and in the future,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “The passage of Int. 689 is one such law, establishing a cabinet of experts to study and produce policies that will ensure our city is a place where we can all age in place, comfortably, and with dignity. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Speaker Adams––a fierce advocate for New Yorkers in their golden years––to deliver tangible relief to the diverse and varied needs of older adults across the five boroughs.”
Designating Korean War Veterans and Korean Defense Veterans Recognition Day
Resolution 279, sponsored by Council Members Robert Holden and Vickie Paladino, would call on the United States Congress to pass, and the President to sign, legislation declaring April 26 annually as Korean War Veterans and Korean Defense Veterans Recognition Day to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of those who served.
“Our veterans have served our country with honor, courageously putting their lives on the line for the freedoms we cherish,” said Council Member Robert Holden. “I am proud to partner with my colleague to pass this resolution that recognizes and commemorates the unwavering sacrifices of our Korean War Veterans, dedicating a day to honor their valor and dedication to our nation. Thank you, Speaker Adams and the Veterans Committee, for making this happen.”
“I couldn’t be more proud to see this long overdue legislation pass the Council,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino. “It’s long past time this country recognize those who served in the Korean War annually, as we do those who served in other wars. I look forward to seeing this legislation be taken up in the United States Congress and signed by the President.”
Calling on the state government to enact the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act
Resolution 172, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.5322-B/S.4246-B, also known as the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which would establish an extended producer responsibility system for packaging.
“Today, the Council passed Resolution 172-A, in support of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which would establish an extended producer responsibility system for packaging,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse. “NYC is overflowing with packaging, plastics, and paper waste that is adding stress to our aging and inequitable waste infrastructure and creating barriers on our pathway to Zero Waste. This legislation can help fund Zero Waste efforts by providing an estimated $150 million in revenue for NYC to offset the cost of our massive waste and recycling operations. This is a key first step in ending the ongoing public subsidy for corporations who take no responsibility for the end-cycle of their products. New York State must pass this law to create and fund a more sustainable waste management system.”
Land Use
Gaming Facility Text Amendment – A text amendment that would allow applicants, with a proposed gaming site in the city, to be considered by committees of local officials established by the State’s casino licensing process. Currently, casinos are not permitted uses within New York City’s zoning. This text amendment would resolve this zoning conflict, while maintaining communities’ decision-making authority on casino licenses within the State’s application process, which first requires approval by local Community Advisory Committees (CACs). Only applicants who submit an application before June 30, 2025, and are awarded one of the three gaming facility licenses authorized by the State Commission, after CAC approval and Gaming Facility Location Board recommendation, would be able to operate in the city. Potential sites would be limited to high-density commercial and manufacturing areas.
80-01 Broadway Commercial Overlay – An application to bring several existing commercial uses into conformance with zoning, in Council Member Shekar Krishnan’s district.
East Tremont Cluster NCP – A UDAAP approval, disposition of City-owned property, and an Article XI tax exemption to facilitate the development of 3 new multi-family buildings, 62 affordable units, and 1 superintendent unit, including 20 affordable independent residences for seniors, in Council Member Oswald Feliz’s district.
Melrose Concourse NCP – A UDAAP approval, acquisition, disposition of City-owned property, and an Article XI tax exemption to facilitate the development of 3 new multi-family buildings containing 71 affordable housing units, and 1 superintendent unit, including 23 affordable independent residences for seniors and 1 superintendent unit, in Council Member Althea Stevens’ district.
Genesis Multifamily Participation Loan Program – A UDAAP approval, disposition of City-owned property, and an Article XI tax exemption to facilitate the preservation of 8 affordable housing buildings with 85 residential units and 1 commercial/community unit, in Council Member Yusef Salaam’s district.
341 10th Street Rezoning and Article XI – An application that would facilitate the development of two new mixed-use buildings: a 100-unit, 100% deeply affordable housing building and a 205-unit, mixed-income MIH building, including 61 affordable units, as well as the preservation of an existing 154 unit building through an Article XI regulatory agreement, in Council Member Alexa Avilés’ district.
41 Richards Street – An application that would facilitate a new 7-story, mixed-use building consisting of light manufacturing, commercial office space, ground floor retail space, and 41 accessory parking spaces, in Council Member Alexa Avilés’ district.
Finance
A preconsidered resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, renewing a partial 40-year Article 5 tax exemption for the preservation of a rent-stabilized building, containing 61 units, in Council Member Abreu’s district.
A preconsidered resolution, sponsored by Council Member Brannan, authorizing a full 40-year Article 11 tax exemption for new construction of one 100% affordable housing building, containing 120 units, in Council Member Holden’s district.
A preconsidered resolution, sponsored by Council Member Brannan, authorizing the conversion from Article 2 to a partial 40-year Article 11 tax exemption for preservation of two buildings, containing 421 units, in Council Member Restler’s district.
And a preconsidered resolution, sponsored by Council Member Brannan, authorizing a full 40-year Article 11 tax exemption for new construction of one affordable senior housing building, containing 175 units, in Council Member Bottcher’s district.
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