Council approves additional measures celebrating the Feast of San Gennaro, honoring the life and contributions of Alvin Ailey, and creating a new registry of historical African American burial sites

Council also voted to confirm three mayoral appointments

NEW YORK – Today, ahead of the 25^th anniversary of 9/11, the New York City Council approved new legislation commemorating the tragic day and passing along its lessons to new generations. This includes a measure to co-name 26 thoroughfares and public places with titles that honor the memory of the lives lost and families impacted by the attacks. The full list of co-namings are documented on a new Council webpage launched today dedicated to 9/11 remembrance, with interactive maps and data providing additional context for each honorary street name. Council Members also approved a resolution asking the New York State Legislature to incorporate a 9/11 curriculum in all New York schools.

In honor of the 25-year milestone, Speaker Menin and the Council have spearheaded numerous 9/11-related programs and initiatives this year. Speaker Menin — together with Majority Leader Shaun Abreu; Council Members Phil Wong, Joann Ariola, and Oswald Feliz; and other partners — launched a citywide initiative to honor FDNY and NYPD personnel who died on September 11 with red (FDNY) or blue (NYPD) street signs, replacing the existing green street signs.

“Twenty-five years ago, the attacks on the World Trade Center changed our city forever,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “Amidst the tragedy of that day, the heroism and unity we all witnessed is the driving force that ultimately rebuilt our city. Today’s package of legislation is the Council’s promise to carry that legacy forward, honoring the New Yorkers we lost, the first responders who selflessly sacrificed themselves for their neighbors, and the history we owe to the younger generations who never lived through that day. These bills ensure that 9/11 remains a living lesson about the resilience of New York City and remind us that we are strongest as New Yorkers when we are united.”

Overall, the legislation passed today works to celebrate New York City’s rich history and culture. In addition to 9/11-related actions, the Council voted on resolutions to celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro and the Ferragosto Festival annually in September; to declare March 6 as Carmen de Lavallade Day in honor of her groundbreaking contributions to dance and theater; to recognize the life and legacy of Alvin Ailey and honor his contributions to American dance; and to establish a registry documenting all known burial sites historically associated with formerly enslaved persons or historically African American communities citywide. The Council also passed a measure to co-name 7 additional public places with commemorative titles related to the history and culture of the city.

Commemorating the Anniversary of 9/11 and Teaching Its Legacy

Introduction 1020, sponsored by Speaker Julie Menin, would co-name 26 thoroughfares and public places with commemorative titles to honor the memory of the lives lost and families impacted by the September 11 attacks.

Resolution 6, sponsored by Speaker Julie Menin, would commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Resolution 7-A, sponsored by Council Member Joann Ariola, Speaker Julie Menin, and Council Member Rita Joseph, would call upon on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to incorporate a 9/11 curriculum in all New York schools.

“Millions of New Yorkers are alive today who were born after the events of September 11^th,” said Council Member Joann Ariola. “If we want to truly honor our pledge to Never Forget, we must ensure that the tragic day and its aftermath are taught in our schools, so that future generations can know about the pain and loss, as well as the heroism and unity we all experienced that day.”

Requiring Responses to Frequent Dog Waste Complaints

Introduction 906-A, sponsored by Council Member Justin Sanchez, would require the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), upon receiving 7 or more complaints of dog waste on the same block within a 7-day period, to dispatch employees within 14 days to evaluate the block and enforce state and local health codes against animal waste in public spaces.

“This bill responds to what I see every week when I check the 311 reports in my district and what I see every day when I’m walking to where I need to get to the South Bronx. Our sidewalks are shared spaces,” said Council Member Justin Sanchez. “Just as much as they belong to pet owners, they belong to mothers who are pushing their strollers to get their kids to daycare and the seniors slowly making their way down the block with a walker. Leaving your dog’s waste behind for someone else to step around or clean up is shameful, harmful and disrespectful to your community. We are not going to tolerate it any longer. This bill makes sure that when a block is repeatedly dealing with this problem, the City shows up and enforces the law. Under the leadership of Speaker Menin, our City Council is once again stepping up and responding with practical action to a nuisance impacting New Yorkers in all five boroughs. I’m grateful for her trust in me to put forth a bill that addresses the issue without creating unintended consequences.”

Expanding Penalties for Unlicensed Cannabis Distribution Among Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Retailers

Introduction 813-A, sponsored by Council Member Harvey Epstein, would allow the Commissioner of Consumer and Worker Protection to refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a tobacco retailer dealer license or an electronic cigarette retail dealer license upon a finding that the holder of such license violated subdivision 1 or 1-a of section 125 of the Cannabis Law through the sale of cannabis without the appropriate license, or through the indirect retail sale of cannabis irrespective of whether a license had been obtained.

Requiring Signage for Planned Disruptive Transportation Infrastructure Work

Introduction 866-A, sponsored by Council Member Harvey Epstein, would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to post at least 1 sign at the end of each block where disruptive work will occur, at least 48 hours in advance of the anticipated start of said work. The posted signs would contain the contact information of the entity performing the work; the anticipated start and end dates of the work; and the location, nature, and extent of the work to be performed.

“I’m proud we will be passing two of my bills today, one to empower the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to cancel a license for businesses that sell tobacco that are illegally selling cannabis, and another requiring public notice about construction work that closes off streets and sidewalks, so pedestrians—including those who use assistive mobility devices—cyclists, and drivers can plan ahead,” said Council Member Harvey Esptein. “Thank you to the Speaker and central staff for bringing these common sense bills forward and to my colleagues for their support.”

Requiring Display Nutrition Warning Symbols

Introduction 547-B, sponsored by Council Member Oswald Feliz, would require the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to designate icons and factual warning statements to be displayed next to listed food items that meet or exceed 100 percent of the daily value for added sugars determined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This bill would also require that DOHMH issue warnings for non-compliance, followed by a $100 fine for a second violation, and $200 for third and subsequent violations. This bill would also require DOHMH to conduct a public education and outreach campaign to educate food establishments about the new requirements.

Introduction 196-C, sponsored by Council Member Oswald Feliz, would require DOHMH to develop rules requiring food service establishments to display a warning symbol with the words “HIGH SODIUM” next to listed food items that contain 2,300 milligrams of sodium or more per serving. This bill would also require food service establishments to display a warning symbol with the words “VERY HIGH SODIUM” next to listed food items that contain 6,000 milligrams of sodium or more per item. This bill would also require factual warning statements about high sodium intake to be displayed at the point of purchase and on menus. This bill would also require that DOHMH issue warnings for non-compliance, followed by a $100 fine for a second violation, and $200 for third and subsequent violations. This bill would also require DOHMH to conduct a public education and outreach campaign to educate food establishments about the new requirements.

“I am proud to pass two health bills aimed at ensuring people have basic information they need to stay healthy,” said Council Member Oswald Feliz. “Overconsumption of sodium and sugar continues to be a main issue affecting our communities. Having warning labels to inform New Yorkers about what’s in the food they eat is especially true when the food contains dangerous levels of sodium and sugar. My bill will do just that — our goal is to ensure that people make good choices related to what they eat and their health.”

Establishing Limits on Brightness for Residential Outdoor Light Fixtures

Introduction 804-A, sponsored by Council Member Phil Wong, would establish a maximum allowable illuminance for certain residential outdoor lighting fixtures. The illuminance limit would apply only to one- and two-family homes in low-density residential districts. Outdoor lighting fixtures that are government-operated, used to illuminate a parking lot or sidewalk shed, used for construction safety, part of lawful signs, or part of temporary ornamental displays would be exempt.

“Nobody is trying to stop homeowners from using outdoor lighting for security, but your security light shouldn’t make it impossible for your neighbor to sleep in their own bedroom,” said Council Member Phil Wong. “Intro 804 simply creates a reasonable enforcement mechanism when excessively bright residential lighting spills onto neighboring properties and becomes a quality-of-life problem.”

Co-naming Public Places to Celebrate the History of Culture of NYC

Introduction 1027, sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, would co-name 7 thoroughfares and public places with commemorative titles that celebrate the history and culture of New York City.

Recognizing and Maintaining a List of Historical African American Burial Sites
Introduction 220-A, sponsored by Majority Whip Kamillah Hanks, would require the Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS), in consultation with other city agencies, organizations and experts, to provide a report to the public about historical African American burial sites. The report would be required to include a list of all known burial sites historically associated with formerly enslaved persons or historically African American communities citywide, along with certain information about each site. The report would also include a plan to locate any currently unmarked historical African American burial sites citywide. It would also include recommendations for the preservation or commemoration of the burial sites as well as recommendations for sources of potential resources or support to preserve the sites, including from state or federal historic preservation programs.

This bill would also require DORIS to notify elected officials and community boards when a burial site has been located in their district. Finally, this bill would require DORIS to make educational materials available to City residents about the burial sites and develop and maintain an interactive online map of the burial sites.

“I am proud to pass Intro. 220-A because Staten Island knows the cost of allowing Black history to be erased,” said Majority Whip Kamillah Hanks. “Cherry Lane Cemetery, where Benjamin Prine was laid to rest, was paved over and replaced by a strip mall. This legislation will help identify and preserve historic African American burial grounds, affirming that those buried there deserve dignity and that their stories belong in the history of New York City.”

Celebrating the Feast of San Gennaro and the Ferragosto Festival

Resolution 82-A, sponsored by Council Member Amanda Farías, would celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro and the Ferragosto Festival annually in September to honor the contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans to the cultural, political, and economic fabric of the City of New York.

“New York City’s cultural identity is built from the traditions generations of immigrant communities carried here and made their own,” said Council Member Amanda Farías. “The Feast of San Gennaro and the Ferragosto Festival have become renowned celebrations of Italian heritage, rooted in the Little Italy’s of Manhattan and the Bronx and sustained by generations of Italian Americans. As a member who has consistently championed culturally responsive legislation that celebrates the communities and traditions that shape New York City, I am proud to advance Resolution 82 after more than a year of working to see it passed. By formally recognizing these festivals each September, we can celebrate Italian heritage while honoring the lasting contributions Italian immigrants and Italian Americans have made to New York City.”

Honoring and Celebrating the Lives and Legacies of Trailblazing Performing Artists

Resolution 429, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams, would recognize the life and legacy of Alvin Ailey and honor his contributions to American dance and the founding of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Resolution 402, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams, would declare March 6 as Carmen de Lavallade Day in the City of New York to celebrate her life and legacy and to honor her groundbreaking contributions to dance and theater as well as her role in advancing diversity and artistic excellence in the performing arts.

“Carmen de Lavallade and Alvin Ailey helped transform American dance, bringing Black artistry, stories and experiences to stages and audiences around the world,” said Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams. “Each built an extraordinary legacy that expanded the possibilities of dance and theater. I am proud to have introduced these resolutions and to see the Council formally recognize two artists whose influence reaches far beyond the stage. Their work broke barriers, created institutions and opportunities for generations of artists, and helped make New York City a global home for dance and cultural expression.”

Supporting Increased Income Limits for Tax Breaks for Working Performers

Resolution 237, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would call on the United States Congress to pass, and the President to sign, the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act of 2025 – a bill which would increase the income limit and makes other modifications to the above-the-line tax deduction for business expenses of qualified performing artists.

“Working artists are an essential part of the fabric of New York City’s culture and economy, and they deserve a tax system that reflects the realities of making a living in this field,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “I’m proud that the Council voiced its support for the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act and is calling on Congress to give working artists the support they need to keep creating and contributing to our city. I’ll continue to support the work of SAG-AFTRA and local artists in my district to provide greater support for working artists in our city.”

Land Use:

47-03 108^th Street Rezoning – a private application for a zoning map amendment to rezone from an R6B district to an R7X/C2-4 district and a zoning text amendment to establish an MIH Area in Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry’s district. These actions will facilitate the development of a new mixed-use building with approximately 119 dwelling units, 30 of which will be permanently affordable under MIH Option 1, as well as retail and community facility space. The Council has modified this application to rezone to an R7D district rather than an R7X.

200 Kent Avenue Rezoning – a private application for a zoning map amendment to rezone from an M1-4 district to an M1-4A/R7X (MX-8) district and a zoning text amendment to establish an MIH Area in Council Member Lincoln Restler’s district. These actions will facilitate the conversion and enlargement of an existing 5-story commercial building into a mixed-use development with 143 housing units, 36 of which will be affordable under MIH. The Council has modified this application to strike MIH Option 2.

Appointments:

The Council voted to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Garcia to be a member of the New York City Land Bank.

The Council voted to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Dr. Dave A. Chokshi to be a member of the Board of Health.

The Council voted to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of John Mangin to be a member of and chair of the Board of Standards and Appeals.

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