Council votes to remove barriers to supportive housing access for New Yorkers with justice system involvement and mental illness

Council also voted to codify Cooling Center program into law with standards and improve child care program safety   

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council approved the Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan, the largest residential neighborhood rezoning plan in two decades that is slated to create nearly 10,000 new housing units. The plan includes over $448 million in community and infrastructure investments for the Midtown South area. The Council also voted to pass legislation that would remove barriers to supportive housing, codify the City’s cooling center program, and improve the safety of child care centers.

“To confront the citywide housing and affordability crisis, our city must build more homes and invest in housing solutions that allow generations of New Yorkers to remain in this city,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council is proud to approve the historic Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan, as well as other housing projects, that will deliver over 10,000 new homes. The Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan will also invest nearly $488 million to preserve and support our city’s Garment District industries and help meet the needs of the surrounding communities. I thank my Council colleagues for their hard work and partnership to approve these rezonings that will benefit our communities for generations to come.”  

Approving the Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan

Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan (MSMX) is the largest neighborhood, residential rezoning plan in two decades and will deliver more than 9,500 units of housing, over 2,800 of which will be permanently affordable, in Council Members Erik Bottcher and Keith Powers’ districts. The Council secured over $448 million in community benefits and infrastructure improvements to the Midtown South area, including commitments for over $120 million in economic development resources to support the Garment District’s fashion and garment industry businesses. The neighborhood benefits also include: the preservation and advancement of the plan to establish a 34th Street car-free busway; completion of the Broadway Vision Plan to transform 21 blocks and create a car-free corridor on Broadway from 22nd to 25th Streets; street safety enhancements; subway station improvements; and critical investments for nearby schools, emergency medical services, and Bellevue Hospital.

“We’re tackling New York’s housing crisis head-on by unlocking nearly 10,000 new homes in Midtown South — a vibrant, transit-rich neighborhood — helping drive down rents not just here, but across the city,” said Council Member Erik Bottcher. “This plan breathes new life into the community with major investments in parks, transportation, and local industries, while making it possible for more families to live, thrive, and put down roots in the heart of our city. I’m grateful to Council Member Powers, Speaker Adams, Mayor Adams, City Planning Director Garodnick and his team, and all the advocates whose tireless work made this historic achievement possible.”

“I have been a champion of the Midtown South rezoning plan, and I am so proud that the Council is passing it today,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “MSMX is the first major housing-focused rezoning in New York City that takes advantage of the changes that City of Yes put into place, and it makes a big step forward in tackling the affordable housing crisis. We are transforming Midtown South into a vibrant live-work neighborhood, alongside historic community investments in schools, transit, parks, and more. I’m proud that Council Member Bottcher and I were able to usher through this rezoning, and I look forward to the bright future of new housing in Midtown!”

Removing Barriers to Supportive Housing for New Yorkers

For people experiencing homelessness or mental health issues, time spent in a correctional facility resets their progress towards fulfilling certain eligibility requirements for supportive housing. This bill addresses that loophole that blocks or delays people from accessing supportive housing, which is one of the most effective interventions in achieving stability from homelessness, mental health challenges, and re-entry from the justice system. More than half of the people held on Rikers have been diagnosed with a mental illness, and one in five has a serious mental health condition. Formerly incarcerated people are much more likely to experience homelessness than those without justice involvement.

Introduction 1100-A, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, would require the Department of Social Services (DSS) to amend eligibility criteria to include any period of time detained in a city jail, state prison, or residential mental health treatment facility as time a person has been homeless for the purposes of qualifying for an existing supportive housing program administered and wholly funded by the City.     

“Supportive housing remains one of the most effective solutions to provide stability for people facing a range of challenges, yet barriers to eligibility for justice-involved New Yorkers has limited their access,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “While the Council has fought for and secured critical funding in the budget to create more supportive housing units specifically for individuals with justice system involvement, this reform is a step towards removing barriers and expanding their access to all supportive housing. Housing is a stabilizing force to make our city safer, and this bill will ensure more successful reentry from the justice system to improve the health and safety of communities. I thank Council Member Rivera for her leadership on this legislation and my colleagues for their support.”

“Jail is not a home. Today’s vote is a turning point in how we address housing, mental health, and justice in our city,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “Supportive housing is a proven tool to interrupt the cycle of homelessness and incarceration, but too many people have been shut out because our eligibility criteria don’t reflect the realities of justice-involved New Yorkers. With the passage of Introduction 1100, we’ve removed a significant barrier and opened the door to stability, dignity, and recovery for thousands of people.”

Codifying Cooling Center Program and Standards

Introduction 998-A, sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers, would codify New York City’s cooling center program, requiring the Commissioner of the NYC Office of Emergency Management (NYCEM) to designate cooling centers locations when there is a heat-related emergency and the designation of at least 7 cooling centers per 100,000 residents. When determining where to locate cooling centers, it would be required to consider factors such as areas in which vulnerable populations reside. The bill would also require NYCEM or the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to post online any health alerts issued during a heat-related emergency. Additionally, the bill would require NYCEM to submit a comprehensive cooling and communication plan on or before May 15, 2026, as well as an annual report detailing the City’s efforts to inform the public about the availability and benefits of cooling centers, with recommendations on how to increase accessibility. Finally, the bill would require NYCEM to provide information on how the public can submit feedback about their experiences at cooling centers or report any challenges accessing them.

“Climate change is a grim reality,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “While additional action must be taken by all levels of government to curb the impacts of a warming planet, there is also an urgent need to protect our constituents from heat-related emergencies that are already happening. Cooling centers are a vital resource for all vulnerable populations, from the elderly, the homeless, those with underlying health conditions, among others. While the city has historically operated cooling centers during heat emergencies, the practice is not codified in city law. It’s time to change that.”

Improving Child Care Program Safety

In 2023, the death of a one-year-old boy from a fentanyl overdose at a Bronx child care center, which was later found to be operating as a “fentanyl mill,” exposed safety gaps in the city’s child care system. In response, the Council is advancing legislation to improve training of inspectors and transparency for families about child care programs and how to report unsafe conditions, as well as encouraging the state to enact stronger child care regulations. 

Introduction 1041-A, sponsored by Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez, would require DOHMH to conduct an annual outreach campaign to inform parents and legal guardians about their rights regarding their children in child care programs in New York City. The campaign would focus on providing information on how parents and legal guardians can make complaints to relevant local and state agencies regarding such programs, their right to unrestricted access to their child and the facility, the notices that such programs must post and display, such as the most recent child performance summary card, and the information that such programs must provide to parents, including upon request. Campaign materials must include information on how to ascertain whether a program has epinephrine auto-injectors or opioid antagonists on site, and whether staff are trained to administer them. The bill would also require New York City regulated child care programs to distribute the information from the outreach campaign to each parent or legal guardian upon enrollment. 

Introduction 1042-A, sponsored by Council Member Sanchez, would require DOHMH to report annually on training provided to DOHMH employees who inspect child care programs, including the types of child care-related training they are required to take, how often each training is required or made available to them, the percentage of inspectors who took the required trainings, and a description of any additional training topics.

Resolution 563-B, sponsored by Council Member Sanchez, would call upon the New York State Assembly to pass A.3899A, and the Governor to sign S.6225/A.3899A, which would tighten regulations, enhance inspections, and provide training and resources to day care providers and parents to ensure the safety of children in child day care homes, programs, and facilities across New York State.

“Nearly two years after the devastating loss of one-year-old Nicholas Feliz Dominici to fentanyl exposure in a licensed daycare, our hearts remain with his parents, Zoila and Otoniel, whose courage has turned unimaginable grief into action to protect other children,” said Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez. “Today’s passage of Introductions 1041 and 1042 will ensure parents are informed of their rights in daycare facilities and that inspector training is transparent and accountable. We also passed Resolution 0563-2024, urging the State to pass and the Governor to sign AM George Alvarez’ A3899 and State Senator Gustavo Rivera’s S6225 to further strengthen protections. In Nicholas’ honor, and through the West Bronx Community Safety Partnership, which I founded last year, we will keep fighting—bringing every resource possible to confront the illegal drug trade and violence that has taken too many lives. Nicholas should still be with us — in his honor, we are turning unimaginable grief into action to protect every child.”

Providing Information on Patient Rights for Transgender Individuals

Introduction 628-A, sponsored by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, would require DOHMH to design signs describing the rights of transgender patients, including information on an individual’s right to be referred to by their preferred name, title, gender, and pronoun, and to make such signs available to hospitals in the city. This bill would also require DOHMH to coordinate with hospitals to identify the services offered to meet the specific needs of transgender individuals, including gender-affirming health care, and would require DOHMH to provide guidance encouraging hospitals to post in a conspicuous location a list of any such services offered. DOHMH would also be required to post lists of such services and any updates on its website and on the 311 website.

Introduction 629-A, sponsored by Public Advocate Williams, would require the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene to report annually on training provided by hospitals to medical staff regarding medical care for transgender individuals, including training on medical needs common to transgender patients, medical and surgical treatment, and treatment and care related to social and medical transitions. The Commissioner would also be required to provide a summary of the information included in any such training provided by a hospital to medical staff relating to the provision of medical care to transgender individuals, including whether such training includes information on culturally sensitive care.

“While conservative media and lawmakers deny the transgender communities rights to serve, to play, to even exist, to access the gender-affirming medical care across the country, trans New Yorkers are facing preventable obstacles to basic, equitable healthcare of all kinds,” said New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “The trans community deserves equitable access to healthcare services, and to be able to receive that treatment without fear of discrimination or the burden of education and explanation of gender issues to their healthcare providers. While we fight the bigotry of the federal government against TGNCNB Americans, we have an obligation to do what we can here at home to confront the inadequacies that stem from implicit bias and explicit lack of training on transgender issues.”

Competency Training for Medical Personnel Public Schools

Introduction 1056-A, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would require physicians and nurses employed by or contracted with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and working in public schools through the Office of School Health (OSH) to complete annual competency training on health concerns related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics. This training would also be offered to all other medical personnel working in public schools through OSH, including Department of Education employees and contractors. Such training would focus on health concerns for the community, including information related to the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, information related to variations in sex characteristics, health concerns related to gender-affirming health care, and a list of referrals and resources to help medical personnel connect students with such care. This bill would also require reporting on attendance of such training, disaggregated by agency.

“Our city’s public school system does not have requirements in place to ensure school nurses or physicians have training in the unique needs of their LGBTQIA+ students,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “Int. 1056 would require public school physicians and nurses to complete yearly LGBTQIA+ training on community health needs, including gender-affirming care and referral resources for students. When young queer people have access to healthcare professionals who understand and affirm their identities, they are less likely to experience severe mental health challenges and more likely to receive care that directly meets their needs. This bill will work towards ensuring that all younger New Yorkers, regardless of their identity, feel safe and supported at school.”

Creating a 311 Category for Rooftop Activity

Introduction 422-A, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, would require the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) to create a “rooftop activity” category on the City’s 311 website and 311 mobile device application. This would allow members of the public to submit complaints about (1) rooftop occupancy without a proper certificate or permit, (2) rooftop occupancy exceeding the authorized limit, and (3) noise originating from rooftop activity. The bill would further require the Department of Buildings (DOB) to report annually on the number of city rooftops with recreational spaces indicated on a Certificate of Occupancy or a Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation.

“While we all understand the appeal of New York’s rooftops, safety must come first,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “This legislation ensures that residents can easily report unsafe or disruptive rooftop activity, and that our agencies can respond faster and more effectively. We’ve seen the tragic consequences of rooftop gatherings, and with this bill, we’re taking a clear step toward preventing them.”

Recognizing August 14 as Social Security Day in NYC

Resolution 986, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would recognize August 14, 2025, as the 90th anniversary of Social Security and commemorate August 14 annually as Social Security Day in the City of New York.

“Resolution 986 recognizes August 14, 2025 as the 90th anniversary of Social Security and commemorates August 14 annually as Social Security Day in the City of New York,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “Currently, 1.3 million New Yorkers receive Social Security benefits, more than 40 percent of whom need these checks to meet their basic needs. The Trump Administration has made it clear that they are set on dismantling Social Security through strategic policy changes that attack the infrastructure that makes these benefits available to older adults. By passing this resolution, this Council body is demonstrating that it stands not only with the older adults most immediately affected by the Trump administration’s attempts to cut our nation’s safety net, but with all Americans who have paid into Social Security and have the right to age with confidence and peace of mind.”

Land Use:

Lenox Hill Hospital – will facilitate the redevelopment and enlargement of Lenox Hill Hospital in Council Member Keith Power’s district. The proposal will allow for the expansion and redevelopment of this facility, which has served the City since 1869. It will include 475 single-bed patient rooms, modernized operating rooms and other clinical spaces, and the creation of needed ambulance bays, which will allow the hospital to provide optimal patient care in a facility that meets current industry standards. The modified proposal reflects years of community input and includes changes to significantly reduce the maximum building height from 436 feet to 370 feet. As part of the project, the hospital will make significant investments to the southbound entrance of the 77th Street subway station, including ADA accessibility.

47 Hall Street Rezoning – will facilitate the redevelopment of a site containing 10 existing buildings in Council Member Crystal Hudson’s district. The proposed redevelopment will include both new construction and renovation to provide approximately 611 housing units, with approximately a quarter of units being permanently affordable under MIH Option 1. It will also include over 280,000 square feet of commercial space and up to 60 accessory parking spaces.

347 Flushing Avenue – will amend the zoning map to bring an existing commercial building into zoning compliance in Council Member Lincoln Restler’s district.

236 Gold Street Rezoning – will facilitate the development of a new 14-story, mixed-use residential and commercial building with approximately 114 housing units, 29 of which will be permanently affordable under MIH Option 1, in Council Member Lincoln Restler’s district.

42-11 30th Avenue Rezoning – will facilitate the redevelopment of a site containing an existing one-story Key Food grocery store in Council Member Tiffany Cabán’s district into a five-story, mixed-use residential and commercial building, providing approximately 28 housing units, up to 8 of which will be permanently income-restricted under MIH Options 1 or 3. It will also include additional commercial floor space for the store.

Finance:

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for seventeen four- and fiver story buildings in the districts of Council Members Carmen De La Rosa, Eric Dinowitz, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Oswald Feliz, Althea Stevens, and Rafael Salamanca Jr.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, approving the new designation and changes in the designation of certain organizations to receive funding in the Expense Budget.

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