Council also voted to advance public realm improvements

City Hall – Today, the Council voted to pass legislation aimed at reducing opioid overdoses and deaths in city jails. Drug overdoses in city jails have been an increasing problem and have led to people detained losing their lives. The Council also voted to require the Department of Parks and Recreation to install at least 50 outdoor drinking fountains in public parks.

“Our city’s public spaces are enjoyed by all and are critical to New Yorkers’ health and quality of life,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The installation of at least 50 outdoor drinking fountains will equip parks throughout our city with valuable infrastructure, ensuring greater accessibility for all. The Council was also proud to advance legislation to address opioid overdoses and deaths in the city’s jails. Administering opioid antagonists can help save lives, and equipping DOC staff with resources and training will improve the safety of those in our jail system. I thank all my Council colleagues for their work to advance these bills.”

Preventing Opioid Overdoses in City Jails

Introduction 206-B, sponsored by Council Member Shahana Hanif, would require the Department of Correction (DOC) to provide annual training to all uniformed staff on the proper use of opioid antagonists and make the training available to individuals who are incarcerated. DOC would also be required to stock areas where individuals in custody are housed with opioid antagonists and make opioid antagonist kits available to individuals upon discharge from DOC custody. The bill would require DOC to post a report on the number and percentage of uniformed staff members that have been trained on administering opioid antagonists, as well as the number of times uniformed staff administered opioid antagonists in response to a suspected overdose.

“Today, the Council has taken another step toward preventing needless tragedies in our City jails by passing my Intro 206-B, which ensures that basic, proven, life-saving tools like Narcan training and administration are part of our jail system’s standard protocols,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “Since Mayor Adams has taken office, our city jails have become even more deadly places. Every overdose death in our jails is preventable, and once enacted, this legislation will save lives.”

Adding More Drinking Fountains to Parks

Introduction 573-A, sponsored by Council Member Gale A. Brewer, would require the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to install at least 50 outdoor drinking fountains in public parks no later than June 1, 2035. Each fountain would have to be installed within 100 feet of an entrance to the park.

“I think it’s clear that we shouldn’t have to purchase a single use bottle of water because there’s no public option available,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “My bill will add durable and permanent drinking fountains near entrances to parks citywide. It’s not so easy to find a fountain to have a drink of water. We have amazing water in New York City thanks to the Department of Environmental Protection and others. But it’s one thing to have the resource and another to have access to it.”

Limiting Liability Coverage Requirements for TLC Licensed Vehicles

Introduction 1050-A, sponsored by Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, would prohibit the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) from requiring the vehicles it licenses to have personal injury protection (also known as no-fault) liability coverage in an amount greater than 200% of the amount required by state law. It would not prevent anyone from voluntarily purchasing more coverage, and it would not require an increase in any coverage requirements.

“This bill addresses an urgent problem facing our city’s hardworking for-hire drivers,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa. “By reducing the insurance requirement from $200,000 to $100,000, we are creating an equal standard across New York State, reducing drivers’ out-of-pocket costs, and making the insurance market more accessible to additional carriers. This will be a major breakthrough to help for-hire drivers, root out fraud, and stabilize the insurance market in an industry that has sustained New York’s working-families for generations.”

Expanding Reporting on Public Bathroom Facilities Progress

Introduction 272-A, sponsored by Council Member Rita Joseph, would amend the citywide bathroom strategy to require an update in each public bathroom strategic planning report on all active or planned capital projects to install a public bathroom at a site identified by Local Law 114 of 2022. Updates would include information about the nature of the project, estimated starting and completion dates for the current phase of the project, an estimated useful life of the project upon completion, the total funds allocated to the project, a strategy for maintaining sanitary conditions and operations, and the location of the project.

“Intro 272-A is about ensuring transparency and accountability in how our city delivers one of the most basic public services – access to clean, safe, and functional public restrooms,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “This legislation strengthens the City’s bathroom strategy by requiring comprehensive updates on all active and planned public bathroom projects, including timelines, funding, and maintenance plans. New Yorkers deserve clear, accessible information on how these critical facilities are being developed. With this bill, we are taking a meaningful step toward a more equitable and responsive public infrastructure system.”

Supporting the Local Input in Community Healthcare Act

Resolution 339-B, sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera, would call on the New York State Assembly to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.1226/A.6004, or the Local Input in Community Healthcare (LICH) Act. The LICH Act would require advanced public notice and engagement through a comprehensive review process involving experts and community members before a hospital submits its final closure plan to the Commissioner of the State Department of Health.

“Hospital closures aren’t just bureaucratic decisions, they can mean life or death for communities like mine,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “For years, residents below 14th Street have had the lowest access to hospital beds per capita, with only one hospital bed available per 1,000 people. When Mt. Sinai Beth Israel closed its doors, many neighbors lost access to local emergency care and specialized services. The Local Input in Community Healthcare Act is long overdue. We must enhance community engagement requirements for proposed closures, improve regional planning efforts, and take every step necessary to safeguard healthcare access for all.”

Supporting State Legislation to Improve Vehicle and Traffic Enforcement

Resolution 853, sponsored by Council Member Yusef Salaam, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to amend the vehicle and traffic law to permit a motor vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to be listed in a “Notice of Violation,”  instead of a license plate number, in circumstances when a license plate of such vehicle is missing, concealed, obscured, or distorted. Currently, NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) requires that a “Notice of Violation,” for a parking or other traffic violation, list a valid license plate number. This requirement can hinder effective parking and traffic enforcement against motor vehicles without license plates, or with plates that are concealed, obscured or distorted, as violations can be automatically dismissed if a vehicle’s license plate number is omitted, improperly described, or illegible in the “Notice of Violation.”

Recognizing July 2 as Thurgood Marshall Day Annually in New York City

Resolution 520, sponsored by Majority Leader Amanda Farias, would recognize July 2 annually as Thurgood Marshall Day in the City of New York to promote his contributions and legacy as a pillar of the Civil Rights Movement. Thurgood Marshall founded the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) in 1940, which protects the civil rights of African Americans through litigation across the country, including but not limited to voting rights, criminal justice reform, and expanded access to education. Marshall also became the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice in 1967 after being nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

“Thurgood Marshall’s legacy is a cornerstone of American justice and civil rights,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “By recognizing July 2 as Thurgood Marshall Day in New York City, we are honoring a man whose life’s work dismantled legal segregation and expanded the promise of equality under the law. As the first Black Supreme Court Justice and a tireless advocate for racial and economic justice, his legacy reminds us that progress is not passive — it must be fought for in every courtroom, classroom, and community. I’m proud to sponsor this resolution and to ensure that generations of New Yorkers continue to learn from and be inspired by his example.”

Expressing Solidarity with New Yorkers Organizing for Unionization Citywide

Resolution 66-A, sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, would strongly condemn the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to dismantle federal labor protections, express unwavering solidarity with unionization efforts across New York City’s workforce, and affirm the fundamental right of all workers to organize, bargain collectively, and hold free and fair union elections.

“In a speech he gave in 1966, Martin Luther King quoted then United Auto Workers leader Walter Reuther on the nature of ‘power,’” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. “‘Power,’ he said, ‘is the ability to make the largest corporation in the world, General Motors, say yes when they wanted to say no.’ If we ever hope to have the power to defeat the Trump administration and all the attacks on democracy, on immigrants, on freedom and equality, we need a labor movement that has the power to make the largest companies of our day, giant corporations like Amazon and Starbucks, say yes when they want to say no. And for that we need cities like New York to show that we have the backs of our unions, organizers, and workers. That’s what we’re doing here today – standing up and saying that New York is a union town.”

Supporting the Establishment of the Gate Money Program to Support New Yorkers Exiting Incarceration

Resolution 371, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.6643A/A.9115. This would establish the Gate Money Program, which would provide up to $2,550 over six months to those released from state correctional facilities, with the first month’s stipend given immediately upon release to cover essential needs like food, housing costs, court-related debts, and employment preparation.

“Formerly incarcerated individuals are among the most vulnerable in our state,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “Due to over-policing and a lack of resources, many come from already marginalized backgrounds—only to then endure brutal prison conditions and years of isolation from society. And then they’re released with little to no support. In New York, 40% of formerly incarcerated individuals experience joblessness. If we believe in rehabilitation and reintegration, we must address this gap in resources. Resolution 371 urges the State Legislature to pass the Reentry Assistance Bill, which would provide $425 per month for up to six months to people returning from state prisons. Research consistently shows that direct cash payments are one of the most effective ways to ease reentry and reduce recidivism—while also being cost-effective. I’m proud to be passing Resolution 371 alongside Council Member Sandy Nurse as this Council body continues to work toward a more equitable justice system.”

Land Use:

Western Rail Yard Modifications – several proposed land use actions to allow for future development of the remaining open portion of the West Side Yard, which is part of the special district known as Hudson Yards in Council Member Erik Bottcher’s district. The Council is modifying the zoning special permit and the modified restrictive declaration to reflect key project changes, including:

  • It will no longer include a casino.
  • It will include approximately 4,000 total residential units. At least 420 units, or 25% of the total number of rental units (whichever is greater), will be newly constructed affordable units.
  • It will have an increased amount of publicly accessible open space, from 5.6 acres to a total of 6.6 acres within the development, including at least one acre of lawn space.

73-99 Empire Boulevard Rezoning – a private application to facilitate the development of a new 13-story mixed use building, with ground floor and cellar commercial space and 261 housing units, 52 of which will be deeply affordable units at 40% of the AMI under MIH Option 3, in Council Member Crystal Hudson’s district.

166 Kings Highway – a private application to facilitate a new 8-story mixed use development, with approximately 85 housing units, 21 of which will be affordable under MIH Option 1, and ground floor commercial space in Council Member Susan Zhuang’s district. The Council is modifying the application from an R7D district to an R7A district and to require MIH Option 1.

Ocean Crest Article XI – an HPD application to facilitate the development of an eight-story building with approximately 89 affordable homeownership co-op units in Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers’ district.

Finance:

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would approve a budget modification pursuant to section 107(e) of the Charter of the City of New York.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 40-year Article XI tax exemption for one lot in Council Member Justin Brannan’s district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would amend a 40-year partial Article XI tax exemption for one lot in Council Member Carlina Rivera’s district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 40-year extended partial Article V tax exemption for one lot in Council Member Carlina Rivera’s district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 40-year, Article V tax exemption for one lot in Council Member Yusef Salaam’s district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for seven lots in Council Member Mercedes Narcisse’s district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new partial 40-year Article XI tax exemption for five lots in Council Member Abreu’s district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for one lot in Council Member James Gennaro’s district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new partial 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for six lots in Council Members Rivera’s and Abreu’s districts.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for a lot in Council Member Tiffany Caban’s district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would establish a new partial 40-year, Article XI tax exemption, as well as a partial, three-and-a-half-year retroactive, Article V tax exemption, for two lots in Council Member Salamanca’s district.

Home-Rule Resolutions

The Council approved several home rule resolutions, including:

  • M 144 authorizing the city of New York to discontinue certain parkland in Ferry Point Park in the borough of the Bronx.
  • M 145 to amend chapter 189 of the laws of 2013, amending the vehicle and traffic law and the public officers law relating to establishing in a city with a population of one million or more a demonstration program implementing speed violation monitoring systems in school speed zones by means of photo devices, in relation to making technical corrections and extending such provisions related thereto; and to repeal certain provisions of the vehicle and traffic law relating thereto.
  • SLR 6 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Salazar (S.573) and Assembly Member Epstein (A.167), to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing a five mile per hour speed limit for open streets in cities having a population in excess of one million.
  • SLR 7 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Rivera (3815-B) and Assembly Member Dinowitz (A.8810), to amend the general municipal law, in relation to allowing for certain child beneficiaries to receive accidental death benefits for the duration of their lifetime.
  • SLR 8 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Scarcella-Spanton (S.4554-A) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.5458-A), to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the verification of participation in the rescue, recovery, and clean-up operations at the site of the World Trade Center terror attacks on September 11, 2001.
  • SLR 9 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Jackson (S.4598) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.5771), to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to the eligibility of certain participants in the New York city employees’ retirement system to opt into the twenty-five year retirement program for EMT members.
  • SLR 10 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Jackson (S.4727) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.5861), to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to normal retirement age for police/fire members of the New York city fire department pension fund.
  • SLR 11 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Jackson (S.4824-A) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.1847-A), to amend the general municipal law, in relation to disabilities of members of the uniformed force of sanitation departments in certain cities.
  • SLR 12 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Bailey (S.4966) and Assembly Member Cruz (A.292), to amend the New York city charter, in relation to allowing access to sealed records and certain confidential records by the New York city civilian complaint review board in furtherance of the board’s duties and functions.
  • SLR 13 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Jackson (S.6437), and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.7403), to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to providing for the transfer of service credit between certain retirement systems.
  • SLR 14 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Jackson (S.6702) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.7359), to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to eligibility for participants in the automotive 25 year/age 50 pension plan with more than 30 years of credited service who remain in active service after age 62 to receive a service retirement benefit equivalent to the standard service retirement benefit received by Tier IV members with the same age and service.
  • SLR 15 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Jackson (S.7148) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.8324), to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to providing a heart disease presumption for certain members employed as probation officers.
  • SLR 16 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Persaud (S.7223) and Assembly Member Zinerman (A.5615), in relation to authorizing the conveyance of certain property by the city of New York to the Bedford-Stuyvesant volunteer ambulance corps, Inc.
  • SLR 17 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Jackson (S.7314-C) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.7949-A), to amend the retirement and social security law and the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to permit surviving spouses of certain retirement plan members to retain certain benefits upon remarriage.
  • SLR 18 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Jackson (S.7748) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.8356), to amend the general municipal law, in relation to disabilities of deputy sheriff members of a retirement system in certain cities.
  • SLR 19 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Jackson (S.7749) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.8354), to amend the general municipal law, in relation to disabilities of deputy sheriffs in certain cities.
  • SLR 20 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Kavanagh (S.7843) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.8674), to amend the retirement and social security law and the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the establishment of twenty-five year retirement programs for members of the New York city employees’ retirement system employed as water supply police; and in relation to providing for employer pick up, pursuant to provisions of the internal revenue code, of certain additional member contributions required to be made by certain participants in the twenty-five year retirement programs; and providing for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof.
  • SLR 21 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Gounardes (S.8087) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.8652), to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to the definition of overtime ceiling
  • SLR 22 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Jackson (S.8121-A) and Assembly Member Pheffer Amato (A.8669), to amend the retirement and social security law, in relation to permitting certain twenty-five-year retirement program dispatcher members to file elections not to participate.
  • SLR 23 requesting the New York State Legislature to pass bills introduced by Senator Sepulveda (S.8180) and Assembly Member Cook (A.8426), to amend chapter 548 of the laws of 2010, amending the New York city charter relating to authorizing the city of New York to sell to abutting property owners real property owned by such city, consisting of tax lots that cannot be independently developed due to the size, shape, configuration and topography of such lots and the zoning regulations applicable thereto, in relation to the effectiveness thereof.

###