Council also approves measure to expand J-51 tax incentive to include additional building owners

NEW YORK – Today, the New York City Council approved new legislation that will encourage greater enrollment in the City’s Fair Fares program, which provides discounted subway and bus fares to low-income New Yorkers, as a part of the Council’s broader effort to lower the cost of living and make the city more affordable for everyday New Yorkers.

As a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Speaker Menin and the Council secured funding for the largest Fair Fares expansion in program history, increasing eligibility from 150% of the federal poverty level up to 200%. An additional 340,000 low-income residents will soon have access to half-price subway, bus, and paratransit fares, raising total eligibility to approximately 1.3 million New Yorkers.

Currently, just 40% of New Yorkers eligible for Fair Fares are enrolled in the program. Given that low rate and the upcoming expansion, today’s legislation is designed to foster greater enrollment by simplifying the registration process. It expands a fast-track process to people who are currently on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and cash assistance and also makes it easier to identify eligible New Yorkers who are not currently enrolled and notify them of their benefits. The bill also requires a study on the feasibility of making enrollment entirely automatic.

“The affordability crisis is crushing the people of our city, and the cost of public transportation is particularly weighing down working families,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “Fair Fares is an indispensable program, and yet it’s underutilized because of a lack of awareness and a complicated application process. The legislation we passed today, spearheaded by Council Member Hudson, will mandate a streamlined enrollment process so that eligible New Yorkers are able to ride public transit at a price that doesn’t empty their pockets.”

Creating a Streamlined Enrollment Process for Fair Fares

Introduction 248-A, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would require the Commissioner of Social Services to create a streamlined process for enrolling in Fair Fares. The system would allow people who are renewing SNAP or cash assistance to simply check a box to enroll in Fair Fares and require the Commissioner to notify eligible individuals about this simplified process.

Additionally, the bill would require the Commissioner to make best efforts to establish an agreement with the New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance and other relevant state agencies to obtain information necessary to notify additional individuals who may be eligible for fair fares, and to report to the Council about such efforts. The bill would also require the Commissioner to report to the Council annually about enrollment and usage of the Fair Fares program. Finally, the bill would require the Commissioner to study the feasibility of establishing automatic enrollment in all city-administered benefits programs.

“Since entering office, I’ve advocated for policies that make it easier for New Yorkers to access the benefits and services they deserve,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “Automatic enrollment is a common-sense solution that saves New Yorkers precious time and makes government do what it should’ve been doing all along — actually working for the people it serves. This bill will ensure low-income New Yorkers who seek the city’s help for food benefits and cash assistance don’t have to submit extraneous paperwork and can receive half-priced transit if they want by more easily opting in to Fair Fares. This bill is just the start – we must work to make it easier for New Yorkers to enroll in all city programs and secure necessary data sharing agreements with state agencies to extend expedited enrollment to other eligible New Yorkers who are currently not known to the City.”

Returning Unused Commissary Funds

Introduction 246-A, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would require the Department of Correction (DOC) to tell persons in custody how much money remains in their institutional funds account, more commonly known as a commissary account. Persons exiting custody would be able to request their remaining institutional funds in the form of any combination of cash, a check, or preloaded debit card. People who have left custody with outstanding institutional funds could request that their funds be returned to them in the form of a check mailed to an address of their choosing. DOC would also be required to tell a person what information would be required to transfer that person’s institutional funds from the Department to any other correctional facility.

“When someone leaves custody, they shouldn’t have to fight the system one more time just to get back money that is rightfully theirs,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “For too long, formerly incarcerated New Yorkers have been stuck waiting on checks to be mailed out — sometimes never seeing that money again. Intro 246 puts an end to that. It gives people the opportunity to walk out the door with what they’re owed at the moment they need it most. No waiting. No fees. No runaround. Just the government finally giving people back what was theirs all along.”

Extending the J-51 Tax Break

Introduction 1015-A, sponsored by Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez, would extend the J-51 tax abatement for certain alterations or improvements to include projects completed on or after June 30, 2026 and before June 30, 2036. Condos and coops where the average assessed valuation is under $60,000 per dwelling unit (adjusted annually for inflation) would be eligible for the abatement. Rental buildings (i) where more than half the units are affordable, (ii) that are operated by limited-profit housing companies, or (iii) that receive substantial governmental assistance would also be eligible.

The owner of an eligible building would be able to recover, over a period of 20 years, up to 100% of the reasonable cost of the work. HPD would establish and regularly update a certified reasonable cost schedule. This bill would provide for tenant protections, including the possibility of a revocation of benefits if an owner fails to comply. This bill would also require HPD to report on the implementation of the program.

“To respond to the housing and climate crises, we must do everything in our power to preserve and retrofit New York City’s aging building stock,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. “Today, we’re doing just that by passing Intro. 1015 and extending the J-51 program—a tax benefit that could benefit up to 300,000 co-ops and condos, and rental buildings. I am proud to have led again the authorization of J-51, which will allow more owners to reach their emission targets under Local Law 97, without shifting the cost burden to their tenants, over a longer time window than previous versions. I applaud the Green Co-Op Council and our state partners for their leadership.”

Declaring August as Black Pride Month

Resolution 606, sponsored by Council Member Althea Stevens, would declare the month of August as Black Pride Month in the City of New York, recognizing the legacy of the NYC Black Pride movement of uplifting the Black LGBTQIA+ community and its continuing contributions to creating a more equitable New York City.

Declaring September as African Immigrant Heritage Month

Resolution 607, sponsored by Council Member Althea Stevens, would declare the month of September as African Immigrant Heritage Month in the City of New York to celebrate the contributions made by African immigrants to New York City and the United States.

Declaring October 3 as Korean Cultural Awareness Day

Resolution 184, sponsored by Council Member Amanda Farías, would declare October 3 as Korean Cultural Awareness Day annually in the City of New York to commemorate the mythological beginning of the Korean people and to celebrate their continued pride in their shared ancestry.

Supporting the Creation of Statewide Center for Fatherhood Initiatives

Resolution 142-A, sponsored by Council Member Kevin Riley, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to establish the Center for Fatherhood Initiatives under the Office of Children and Family Services.

“As a father, I understand that showing up for our children is one of the most important responsibilities we carry, and fathers deserve the resources and support to do that successfully,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “With the passage of my bill, Resolution 142-A, the New York City Council is sending a clear message that investing in fathers is an investment in stronger children, families and communities. I am proud to stand with Senator Jamaal Bailey and Assemblymember Landon Dais in advancing this effort to establish a statewide Center for Fatherhood Initiatives that can support programs serving fathers across New York. I thank my Council colleagues for their support and urge our State partners to move this legislation forward and the Governor to sign it into law.”

Land Use:

Introduction 833, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, would repeal certain building setback restrictions along Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn from Ralph Avenue to Bushwick Avenue.

815 Hutchinson River Parkway Rezoning – an application by MD Hutch Owner LLC for a zoning map amendment to change from an M1-2 District to a C8-3 District to facilitate the conversion of portions of an existing commercial shopping center for retail uses that are not permitted under the current zoning in Council Member Shirley Aldebol’s district.

862-868 Kent Avenue Rezoning – an application by Kent Development LLC and 123 Taaffe LLC for a zoning map amendment to change from an M1-1 District to an M1-4/R6A District and a zoning text amendment to establish a new Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) area in Council Member Lincoln Restler’s district. These actions will facilitate the development of two residential buildings with 75 residential units, 18 of which will be income-restricted pursuant to MIH, and community facility space to include a synagogue.

Disapproval of an application by Cali Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant for a revocable consent to operate a sidewalk cafe in Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry’s district.

Finance:
Transparency Resolution approving new designations and changes of certain organizations receiving funding in the Expense Budget, including $5.15 million to provide counseling, legal, technical assistance, and referral services to build and protect the generational wealth of low- and moderate-income prospective homeowners, homeowners, and their heirs.

“Homeownership remains one of the most important ways families build stability and generational wealth, but protecting that investment has become increasingly complicated for too many New Yorkers,” said Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams. “With today’s resolution, the Council is increasing its investment in trusted organizations that help New Yorkers navigate foreclosure, estate planning, tangled titles, deed theft and other issues that can put a family’s home at risk. Across the Council, members are also introducing legislation that responds to the different challenges homeowners are facing. And we are bringing that work directly into our communities, creating more opportunities for homeowners to connect with the information, services and assistance available to them.”

Dr. Williams continued, “Together, these efforts reflect a broader approach to protecting homeownership: strengthening our laws, investing in the services homeowners rely on, and making those resources easier to access. For families who have worked for years, and often generations, to own a piece of New York City, protecting that investment is also about protecting what they have built and what they hope to pass on.”

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