Council will also vote to Require the Distribution of Injury Warning Materials to Firearm License and Permit Applications and to Repeal the New York City Cabaret Law of 1926

City Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on a package of legislation to protect immigrant New Yorkers from President Trump’s mass deportation efforts, and to require the NYPD disclose gun violence information to applicants for firearm licenses and permits. The Council will also vote to repeal the New York City Cabaret Law. Next, the Council will vote to extend discrimination protections to public contracting work, and to establish permanent reporting guidelines related to Department of Correction disciplinary actions. In addition, the Council will vote to develop plans for the promotion of voluntary solar energy use by business improvement districts and City employees and to create an Office of Alternative Energy, and to increase fiscal oversight of City economic development projects. The Council will also vote to require opioid overdose prevention training for Department of Homeless Services and Human Resources Administration staff and shelter residents and require real-time tracking of the unsheltered homeless population, and to enhance safety and qualification standards for Department of Buildings work sites. On City schools, the Council will vote to increase transparency on support for LGBTQGNC students, and to report on meals provided to students in school. Related to the initial items, the Council will vote on Resolutions 1638, 1676, and 1677-A, pertaining to state and federal measures regarding immigration and gun control. Finally, the Council will vote to co-name 70 thoroughfares and public places throughout the city, and to rezone multiple locations, including the Pfizer Sites and part of Linden Boulevard, both located in the borough of Brooklyn.

Enacting Guidelines to Protect Immigrant New Yorkers

The City Council has been a national leader in establishing policy and enacting laws designed to protect local immigrant communities from unfair and harsh enforcement of broken immigration laws.

Leadership on this issue stems not just from the moral imperative to protect vulnerable New Yorkers, but also from the role that immigrant communities play in the City’s continued vitality and safety.

Roughly 60 percent of New Yorkers are either immigrants or the children of immigrants. For the City to thrive it is imperative that immigrants, especially those who are undocumented, remain active and positive participants in City life. Today, the Council will vote on a comprehensive package of legislation announced during Speaker Mark-Viverito’s 2017 State of the City address that will strengthen the Council’s commitment to keeping local immigrants and all New Yorkers safe, secure and prosperous.

Since at least 2011, the Council has significantly limited the circumstances under which the New York City Police Department and Department of Correction may cooperate with immigration authorities.

Introduction 1558-A, sponsored by Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, would place similar restrictions on the Department of Probation (DOP), and require the DOP to publish its policy regarding cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“The City Council has been proud to lead the way in greatly restricting ICE activity in New York City through the removal of ICE officials from DOC facilities and the judicial warrant requirement for deportation requests,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Such initiatives have improved the morale of our immigrant communities and the trust they have in local officials to protect and serve their needs. Extending similar measures to Department of Probation operations means that those caught up in the criminal justice system will have one less reason to worry that a minor offense may cost them their place in the United States. I am proud of my colleagues for the priority they have placed on immigration advocacy, and I thank them for their diligent work on this essential package.”

While federal immigration authorities rely heavily on the resources of local governments in conducting civil immigration enforcement, cities have no legal obligation to assist. Local law enforcement entanglement in immigration enforcement, which is strictly a federal matter, breaks the long-standing trust between local governments and immigrant communities. This often results in immigrant victims declining to report crimes, witnesses refusing to testify in court, and individuals not seeking City services for themselves and their families.

Introduction 1568-A, sponsored by Council Member Rafael Espinal, would prohibit the use of City resources to support the enforcement of civil immigration laws and laws that penalize a person’s presence, entry, or reentry into the U.S. Under the bill, City employees would be banned from spending time or using City property to support such immigration enforcement. The City would also be barred from entering into so-called “287(g) agreements” with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under which local law enforcement officers are deputized to conduct federal immigration enforcement. The bill also expands upon existing NYPD and Department of Corrections (DOC) reporting requirements relating to detainer holds issued by ICE to cover requests for information and informal transfers of custody.

“While the federal government is looking to tear families apart, we in New York City are saying NO,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal. “Introduction 1568-A gives teeth to our promise to protect immigrant New Yorkers by codifying New York City as a sanctuary city and prohibiting city agencies from partnering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enforce federal immigration law. As the child of two Dominican immigrants this is a personal issue to me and I thank Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito on her tireless advocacy on behalf of these vulnerable communities.”

Introduction 1565-A, sponsored by Council Member Daniel Dromm, would require the Department of Education (DOE) to annually distribute information related to students’ and parents’ educational rights and the DOE’s policies and procedures related to interactions with non-local law enforcement, including information about relevant legal resources, and would also require the DOE to notify any student and their parent if non-local law enforcement requests access to the student or the student’s records.

“Introduction 1565-A will help protect the most vulnerable New Yorkers from President Trump’s nativist policies and practices,” said Committee on Education Chair Daniel Dromm. “Reports of non-local law enforcement preying on children and families at places that should be safe spaces abound.  This legislation will ensure that students and their families know their educational rights and how schools are required to interact with ICE and other non-local law enforcement officials.  The legislation will also empower parents with the information and legal resources they need to ensure the safety of their children and families. I remain committed to doing all that I can to protect NYC public school students, including recent immigrants and those from mixed-status families.”

The City Council will also vote on the following resolution…

Resolution 1638 calling upon the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to extend Temporary Protected Status Designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, to provide temporary immigration relief to eligible nationals in the wake of devastating environmental disasters, ongoing armed conflict, and extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent its nationals from returning safely.

“The United States has cemented its legacy as a destination for persons escaping tragedy, persecution, and other untenable circumstances,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “To deny resources to those seeking refuge flies in the face of our neighbors and ancestors who ventured here in search of a better life and made this country that much greater in the process. By calling on the federal government to extend Temporary Protected Status, it is our hope that such immigrant success stories are enabled for years to come.”

“Our nation is at its best when we welcome immigrants who have legitimately sought protections because their home countries are hit by violence, natural disasters or health emergencies,” said Committee on Immigration Chair Carlos Menchaca. “We must allow people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to stay here, because there is no reason to force their return. We uphold our national reputation and security by helping those most in need. I call on the Federal government to maintain TPS as part of our nation’s long-standing humanitarian values.”

Prohibiting Disorderly Behavior and Ensuring Proportionate Penalties

The New York State Penal Law prohibits “disorderly conduct,” and, in 2016 alone, there were over 54,000 convictions under this statute in New York City Criminal Courts. Similar to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, this bill provides a tool for law enforcement, judges, and prosecutors to ensure that the punishment fits the crime. The lower maximum punishment reduces the risk that a low level offense will trigger negative collateral consequences, including those related to immigration benefits.

Introduction 1569-A, sponsored by Council Member Vanessa Gibson, would create an alternative to the State’s “disorderly conduct” statute which would have a maximum punishment of 5 days, thus avoiding many possible immigration consequences. The bill prohibits “disorderly behavior,” which is defined similarly to the State’s prohibition but with a slightly more expansive element of intent.

“The law is meant to apply evenly to all people. Yet, due to the current administration’s zealous deportation enforcement, undocumented immigrants now find themselves faced with extreme consequences for even the smallest infractions,” said Committee on Public Safety Chair Vanessa Gibson. “This is unjust and ultimately, unhelpful. Deportations do not make our city safer; they erode trust between the community and law enforcement, making our police department’s job harder as neighbors and witnesses of crimes stop coming forward. Introduction 1569-A illustrates that it is possible to protect the rights of immigrants without compromising public safety. This bill, which slightly alters the penalty for disorderly conduct charges, gives prosecutors more options for their cases while protecting the rights of some immigrants. Creating this City offense alternative will not only help our immigrant community but all New Yorkers, and is in line with the Council’s goal of creating proportional penalties for low-level offenses. I am proud to sponsor this legislation and pledge to support measures that allow local law enforcement to our City, and all New Yorkers, safe.”

Distributing Injury Warning Materials to Firearm License and Permit Applicants

On average, 63% of Americans believe that having a gun in the house makes them safer. Numerous studies of these issues have conclusively demonstrated that the opposite is true in many respects. The risk of suicide is higher in homes with guns, the risk of homicide is higher in homes where an abusive intimate partner owns a gun, and occupants are significantly more likely to die from accidental gunshot injuries in homes with guns.

Introduction 1724-A, sponsored by Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, would require that the Police Department provide applicants for firearm licenses and permits with a warning pertaining to the increased risk of death to self and others in households with firearms, including suicide, unintentional death to children and others and death during a domestic dispute.

The City Council will also vote on the following resolutions…

Resolution 1676 and Resolution 1677-A opposing H.R367/S.59, known as the “Hearing Protection Act of 2017”, and H.R.38 and related bill S. 446, known as the “Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017.”

“Rolling back firearm safety laws as our nation finds itself in the middle of a gun violence crisis is not only dangerous – it is life-threatening,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Eliminating transfer taxes on silencers stands as an offensive attempt to pander to a base, while enabling felons and other dangerous actors to continue to purchase silencers without background checks or other safeguards is a move to actively forsake the safety of millions of Americans. I would like to thank Public Safety Chair Vanessa Gibson for her collaboration on this initiative to encourage Congress to act in the best interest of the citizens it represents.”

Repeal of the New York City Cabaret Law of 1926

The City’s Cabaret Law, a longstanding regulatory scheme within the City, has been opposed by nightlife establishments for decades and has been the subject of numerous legal actions against the City. It includes the requirement in the Administrative Code that public dance halls, cabarets, and catering establishments obtain a license from the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Introduction 1652-A, sponsored by Council Member Rafael Espinal, would repeal the antiquated Cabaret Law but retain crucial security measures vital to more modern nightlife establishments. Establishments previously required to be licensed as a cabaret must continue to abide by requirements: 1) to install and maintain security cameras; and 2) if they employ security guards, to ensure such security guards are licensed pursuant to state law and to maintain a roster all employed security guards. The bill would also consolidate the enforcement of these security provisions under the NYPD, which has traditionally carried out enforcement action against nightlife establishments.

“Today NYC will right a historical wrong,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal. “It’s over for the cabaret law. For almost a century, the cabaret law has targeted specific groups, kept businesses and performers in fear, and stifled the expression of NYC’s vital culture. I am proud to champion this historic repeal, which will support our nightlife businesses while maintaining the much-needed safety measures we already have in place.”

Extending Discrimination Protections to Public Contracting Work

In 2016 the Office of New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer conducted a review of anti-discrimination laws and found limitations in both State and City law. According to the Comptroller’s Office, while the New York State Human Rights Law and the New York City Human Rights law protect minorities, women and LGBTQ New Yorkers from discriminatory business practices, they do not explicitly apply to government procurement.

Introduction 1379-A, sponsored by Council Member Ritchie Torres, would explicitly prohibit discrimination in public contracting by making it unlawful for a City agency to deny a contract based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, alienage or citizenship status of the owners of the bidder or proposer, and by enabling a bidder or proposer who believes they have been discriminated against by a City agency selecting a contract to protest the agency’s determination via rules established by the procurement policy board.

“This legislation will ensure that MWBEs and all persons seeking a city contract are protected from discrimination in the contracting process. Added protections mean that these businesses will have an equal shot at competing for city dollars and contracts, and will level the playing field,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

Establishing Permanent Reporting on Department of Correction Disciplinary Actions

The federal government entered into a major settlement with the Department of Correction in Nunez v. City of New York. A significant portion of this settlement pertains to the discipline of officers who unjustly use force on inmates. Since the settlement was entered in October 2015, the federal monitor’s bi-annual reports have addressed this issue and noted that proper discipline of officers continues to be a significant problem for the Department.

The federal monitor in Nunez does not comprehensively report on all disciplinary actions, and its reporting will end when the monitoring runs its course in a few years.

Introduction 778-A, sponsored by Council Member Rosie Mendez, would establish permanent reporting on disciplinary actions, aggregating all actions into a yearly report. This report would include data on investigations into the use of force, including the speed of completing these investigations. The report would also include the disciplinary outcomes of these investigations, including the types of disciplines imposed, and the number of cases referred to District Attorney’s offices or other similar governmental entities.

“We have learned of many incidents where abuse has been used on inmates in Riker’s Island and other facilities. The stories are alarming and should have been prevented. I am proud to be the prime sponsor of Introduction 778-A, which will be voted on during our Stated Council meeting,” said Council Member Rosie Mendez. “This bill requires the Department of Correction to investigate any incident in which force is used on an inmate. Introduction 778-A holds agencies accountable and aims to protect inmates, who deserve equal and fair rights just as any other individual.”

Planning for the Promotion of Solar Energy Use by City Employees and BIDs

Introduction 1630-A, sponsored by Council Member Laurie Cumbo, would require the City, in conjunction with the City University of New York (CUNY) to develop a plan for encouraging voluntary solar energy use by City employees. The plan would include assisting City employees with arranging for purchase/installation of solar energy systems and facilitate employee subscription to community shared solar energy systems.

“As a city with a growing population, the reduction of our carbon footprint through the increased use of our natural resources has become critical now more than ever. From the accessibility of public transportation to better waste management, we have taken great strides into going green. With the passage of Introduction 1630-A, we are creating a pathway that will engage municipal employees who are homeowners in taking the first of many steps towards becoming a more sustainable city. As prime sponsor of this eco-friendly legislation, I am proud that the City of New York will remain on pace to realize its 80 × 50 goal,” said Council Member Laurie Cumbo.

Introduction 1639-A, sponsored by Council Member Peter Koo, would require the City, in conjunction with the City University of New York (CUNY) to develop a plan for encouraging voluntary solar energy use in business improvement districts (BIDs). The plan would include facilitating the purchase and installation of solar energy systems and participation with community shared solar energy systems within such districts.

“Solar power is the future of sustainable energy, and as a city, we must be sure that this in-demand technology is obtainable by our small businesses,” said Council Member Peter Koo. “By facilitating bulk purchasing, customers would be able to obtain better prices for solar installations if they seek installation collectively. This is a unique way we as a city can continue our push to incentivize green industries, while at the same time supporting our mom and pop businesses.”

Creation of an Office of Alternative Energy

Introduction 1644-A, sponsored by Council Member Donovan Richards, would create an Office of Alternative Energy. The office would, among other things, be responsible for (1) establishing a program to assist with and streamline review of alternative energy projects and (2) coordinating with other agencies to ensure that policies are in place encouraging the installation and maintenance of alternative energy projects.

“I’m sure anyone who has dealt with the Department of Buildings can attest to their slow response times caused by red tape and bureaucracy,” said Council Member Donovan Richards. “That’s why Introduction 1644-A aims to speed up the process for applications that incorporate green energy components. While this Council has done so much to address the environment and the impacts on climate change, the hurricanes that hit Houston, Florida & Puerto Rico clearly show that it is time that we kick it up a notch to provide every green energy incentive possible.”

Regarding Fiscal Oversight of City Economic Development Projects

The entity that administers economic development benefits on the City’s behalf is currently the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Operating under contract with the City of New York, NYCEDC is the City’s primary engine for economic development for a variety of projects. NYCEDC facilitates investments for major infrastructure upgrades, capital projects and real estate development; manages city-owned properties, and works to boost the City’s major business sectors. This work aims to increase capacity, jobs and employment opportunities within the city.

Introduction 1316-A, sponsored by Council Member Dan Garodnick, would require the entity that administers economic development benefits on the City’s behalf to submit, for each covered project receiving assistance, impact statements which would include an estimate of the fiscal impact during the fiscal year in which assistance commences, the succeeding fiscal year, and the first fiscal year in which the full fiscal impact of the project is expected to occur. The impact statement would also have to include the job creation estimates for the first fiscal year in which the full fiscal impact of the project is expected to occur.

“Every dollar we spend on economic development should have a clear purpose and the ability to measure its success,” said Committee on Economic Development Chair Dan Garodnick. “We need to assure New Yorkers that they are getting the best bang for their buck when it comes to these investments. Our legislation will bring greater accountability to EDC, greater clarity on each project’s job creation goals, and greater confidence to taxpayers that their money is being effectively spent.”

Introduction 1322-A, sponsored by Council Member Corey Johnson, would require entities that administer economic development benefits on the City’s behalf – for example, NYCEDC – to report on efforts made to recover financial assistance provided to projects which default on the material terms of the project agreement under which such assistance was provided.

“This legislation is a common sense way to protect tax payer money from those who ignore the promises they made to receive it,” said Council Member Corey Johnson. “If a corporation fails to live up to its commitments, then the City has a responsibility to either take that money back or ensure that the situation is fixed. I’d like to thank Speaker Mark-Viverito and Economic Development Chair Garodnick for their leadership on this issue and my fellow Council Members for lending their support.”

Introduction 1337-A, sponsored by Council Member Helen Rosenthal, would require that NYCEDC submit a project description and budget for covered economic projects to the Speaker for review and comment at least 30 days before holding a public hearing on the project or, for projects which do not require a public hearing, before the project agreement is executed. This bill also would move these requirements for the City’s contract with NYCEDC from the Charter to a new subchapter of the Administrative Code.

“Introduction 1337-A will facilitate the EDC’s public reporting about economic development projects it is backing,” said Committee on Contracts Chair Helen Rosenthal. “It is critical that we have an open and transparent process at the EDC – their work is too important for anything less. I thank Council Members Garodnick and Johnson for their partnership and leadership on this issue.”

Tracking Homeless Populations and Opioid Overdose Training at DHS and HRA

Introduction 1066-A, sponsored by Council Member Rafael Espinal, would require the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) to maintain a record of all unsheltered homeless persons who are receiving services from or have been contacted by outreach staff. The record would be updated in real time and contain, to the extent available: first and last name, date of birth, race or ethnicity, and the location where outreach staff engaged the person, including, bus shelter, drop-in center, hospital, park, safe haven or subway.

“While the homelessness crisis looms over New York City, we must understand the full scope of the problem in order to address it,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal. “I am proud to sponsor Introduction 1066-A, which will require a quarterly count of unsheltered persons so that the city may have an accurate grasp of who is living on our streets and who needs our help. This is a first step in meeting the challenge and I look forward to working with the DHS in implementing this approach.”

Introduction 1443-A, sponsored by Council Member Ritchie Torres, would require training for certain staff working in Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelters and Human Resources Administration (HRA) HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) facilities in administering naloxone (Narcan) to individuals who have overdosed on opioids. The bill would require those facilities to have at least one trained staff on duty at all times. The bill would also require DHS and HRA to offer training to certain individuals living in DHS shelter and HASA facilities.

“The city’s opioid epidemic is mercilessly taking the lives of shelter residents and every effort must be made to stop it. This bill will expand training to shelter residents on how to administer Narcan and will provide more training for shelter employees and providers. It has the potential to save hundreds of lives and help fight against overdose incidents,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

Enhancing Safety and Qualification Standards on DOB Work Sites

Introduction 1307-A, sponsored by Council Member Jumaane Williams, would specify qualifications for Department of Buildings (DOB) inspectors who inspect medical and natural gas piping systems, backflow prevention and electrical work, and inspectors who conduct other types of inspections.

“Keeping New York City’s buildings safe and up to code is a task as massive as it is imperative,” said Committee on Housing and Buildings Chair Jumaane Williams. “I am glad to be able to work with the administration in order to ensure that we have the capacity to inspect the ever-growing expanse of buildings in our city. I thank them, along with the Speaker, for working alongside my committee and I on this important effort to make sure all of New York’s buildings are promptly and properly without compromising our high standards for scrutiny and safety.”

Introduction 1436-A, sponsored by Council Member Steven Matteo, would require the Department of Buildings (DOB) to report on site safety manager and coordinator certificates, including the number of certificates, the number of sites which required a site safety manager or coordinator, the number of certificates issued, the number of applications filed, the average time for approval of an application and the average time for completion of the background check.

“New York City is in the midst of a construction boom which has generated thousands of jobs and millions in new revenue. But we must ensure our building industry has the tools it needs to work safely and efficiently, and balance that with appropriate supervision,” said Minority Leader Steven Matteo. “As we have found with so many of the city’s programs – if we cannot quantify it, we cannot improve it. This bill will not only provide important oversight of DOB’s site safety licensing, but will also give us insight into the certification process itself so that we can fix any bureaucratic bottlenecks and ultimately help the city keep up with the industry’s growing demand for these professionals.”

Requiring Certain Formatting for OMB Budget Documents

Introduction 1176-A, sponsored by Council Member Ben Kallos, would require that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), at the time the Preliminary and Executive Budgets are submitted to the Council, provide the Council with both human- and machine-readable versions of the documents. In addition, for all other budget documents containing data, as defined by the Open Data Law, that OMB posts on its website, the legislation would require that within 10 days of posting OMB must also post machine-readable versions of the documents on their website and on the Open Data Portal.

“New Yorkers should be able to search the city’s budget to see how every penny of their tax dollars is being spent,” said Committee on Governmental Operations Chair Ben Kallos. “Thank you to Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito and Finance Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland for their partnership in advocacy for an Open Budget.”

Increasing Transparency on LGBTQGNC Outreach in City Schools

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and gender non-conforming (LGBTQGNC) students are more likely to be victims of bullying and harassment and are more likely to be discriminated against by school policies and practices, and this often has a negative impact on their educational outcomes. But, research has shown that school-based supports such as clubs that address LGBTQGNC issues, can have significant benefits for LGBTQGNC students, making them feel safe, valued, and supported in the school environment.

Introduction 1638-A, sponsored by Council Member Ben Kallos and Council Member Daniel Dromm, would require the DOE to annually submit a report to the Council and post on its website, for each middle and high school, whether such school has a gay-straight alliance or gender-sexuality alliance (GSA); the number of teachers and administrators who have received trainings related to supporting LGBTQGNC students; and a narrative description of the training offered by the department to support LGBTQGNC students, including whether any such training includes training related to GSAs.

“This legislation will help establish a Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) in every public school, offering critical support for LGBTQ students,” said Committee on Education Chair Daniel Dromm.  “The benefits of having a robust GSA with strong faculty and administrative support are manifold.  By providing this support for LGBTQ students and their allies, we are ensuring that they receive a quality education.   I am pleased to work alongside Council Member Kallos on this effort which will help make our schools safer and more nurturing places for our vulnerable children.”

“The recent rise of hate crimes both nationally and in New York City means it is now more important than ever that the City supports our LGBTQ youth through student-run clubs. That is why I am proud to have authored this legislation with the help of high school students in my district from East Side Middle School,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “Thank you to Education Chair Danny Dromm for his lifetime of leadership on education and in the LGBTQ community, it is an honor to have partnered with him on behalf of these students for this legislation. New York City has always been a leader on LGBTQ issues and that now includes more support for our students. I am proud of the entire City Council for seeing the need for this legislation and thankful to Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for supporting it.”

Reporting on Meals Provided to Students by the Department of Education

Introduction 773-B, sponsored by Council Member Ben Kallos, would require the DOE to submit to the Speaker of the Council and post on its website a report including data related to meals served by DOE to students in school, including breakfast served before school, breakfast served after the school day begins, lunch, afterschool snacks, and after school supper.

“No public school child should go hungry in one of the wealthiest cities in the world,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “With the addition of universal lunch, New York City offers a number of options for meals to our students. But we must make sure our kids and families are participating and taking advantage of these programs and that the food served is healthy and nutritious. Thank you, to Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for her help and support in getting this legislation heard and now passed by the City Council.”

Co-Naming of 70 Thoroughfares and Public Places

Introduction 1744-A, sponsored by Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito, would co-name 70 thoroughfares and public places, based on requests of Council Members whose districts include the location. Of these 70 co-names, 14 are either a relocation of a previously enacted co-naming or a revision to the street sign installed with respect to a previously enacted co-naming.

“History is made on every corner of New York City, and through these co-namings, the City Council looks to ensure that such history is remembered by local residents for years to come,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

Amending Rules for Certain Zoning Text Amending Filings

The rules of the Department of City Planning (DCP) provide that all applicants must follow a pre-application process prior to filing a land use application. The purpose of the process is to “help the Department better allocate resources.”  The rules’ codification of the deadlines can prevent an applicant from filing for months or even years, even when the applicant is sophisticated in matters related to land use, zoning, and environmental impact analysis.

Introduction 1685, sponsored by Council Member Margaret Chin, would authorize the mayor and mayoral agencies, borough presidents, and the Land Use Committee of the City Council (upon a two-thirds vote of its members), to file an application for a zoning text amendment without following the DCP pre-application rules.

“With vulnerable communities across the City under threat by overdevelopment, my legislation, Introduction 1685-A, would serve as a vital tool to give our residents a fighting chance against overdevelopment without having to jump through bureaucratic hoops,” said Council Member Margaret S. Chin. “This legislation would allow the City Council and Borough President to submit complete land use applications without having to complete the time consuming Pre-Application Process. As a result, elected officials would be more responsive to immediate land use issues that arise, and work towards a pathway for residents to shape the future of their neighborhoods.”

The City Council will also vote on rezoning the following locations…

Pfizer Sites in Brooklyn

“I would like to thank Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and her staff for achieving a balanced project that will produce hundreds of desperately needed affordable units ranging from 40% AMI to 60% AMI,” said District 13 Council Member Stephen Levin. “This project shows that mandatory inclusionary housing can help to address the issue of unaffordability in the communities that are most at risk of gentrification.”

Linden Boulevard in Brooklyn

“The Linden Boulevard rezoning and the Linden Terrace affordable housing development will bring in much needed, quality and truly affordable housing to our district,” said District 42 Council Member Inez Barron. “I worked diligently to assure that the income limits of the project will match those of the people in living my district, particularly those who have lived and built up East New York over the years, as well as homeless families. 75 % of the units to be offered will be for income levels at $50,000 and below. The remaining 25 % will be at income levels of about $62, 000. The units will include studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom apartments. The project will bring construction jobs for neighborhood residents, with an overall construction job goal of 40% MWBEs and will include both union and non-union jobs. This project reflects a collaboration between Community Board 5, Assembly Member Charles Barron, the Council Member’s Office and local CBOs. The developer has promised to provide up to 200 parking spaces and has installed a set-back on Loring Avenue to address resident concerns regarding the height of the building. The project includes green roofs, tree plantings, and a community facility.”

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