Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Carlina Rivera released the following statements, announcing the Council Speaker’s re-appointment of the Independent Rikers Commission, chaired by former New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, to strengthen the roadmap to close Rikers and work with stakeholders on successful implementation.

“I’m proud to reappoint a renewed Independent Rikers Commission that will bring stakeholders together towards getting the plan to close Rikers back on course and helping ensure it finally closes,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams.

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The Council also voted on legislation to expand eligible documentation for IDNYC to support access for those returning from justice system and residing in emergency shelters

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to require the Department of Transportation to promote equity in infrastructure investment as part of its Streets Plan.

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Today, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Mercedes Narcisse and Brooklyn Deputy Borough President Kim Council held a press conference at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Jamaica Bay Branch announcing $4 million in capital funding to improve the library. Speaker Adams and Council Member Narcisse allocated $3 million, with the remaining funds provided by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, for the infrastructure improvements to the Jamaica Bay Library in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget.

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“It is unacceptable and unlawful for a civilian to ever bring a firearm to a rally or protest, and especially important for elected officials to model a respect for the law that is expected of all New Yorkers. It is the responsibility of the NYPD and the Brooklyn District Attorney to enforce the law in what is a criminal matter, and the Council will respect that process.

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As Speaker Adrienne Adams participated in a Queens vigil today for the victims of attacks in Israel by Hamas and to call for lasting peace in the region, she released the following statement:

“My heart is heavy with sadness after the tragic and devastating attacks on Israel by Hamas over the weekend, and the continued violence inflicted on all civilians, women, and children – Israeli, Palestinian, and those of other nationalities.

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“Casinos have the potential to bring jobs and economic opportunities to New Yorkers, but applicants within New York City are at a disadvantage today because the city does not currently have a mechanism in our land use regulations to properly review casino siting. To ensure New York City applicants are not at a competitive disadvantage, the Department of City Planning and City Council will consider a standalone citywide zoning change that allows them to be judged within the guidelines of the state’s statutory process for considering casino license proposals.

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Council Votes to Require Video and Real-Time Tracking in Jail System to Increase On-Time Court Appearances, Reduce Delays and Failures

Council also passes legislation to inform employees of their sick time and worker rights and address late CityFHEPS rental assistance payments by the City

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to require the Department of Correction (DOC) to video record interactions when incarcerated individuals are informed of their scheduled court appearances and establish a way for defense attorneys to receive real-time information about their clients’ departures from housing on days of court appearances.

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City Hall, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Shekar Krishnan were joined by District Council 37, AFSCME Local 983, and advocates to celebrate $4.1 million in Fiscal Year 2024 funding for Urban Park Rangers. The Council secured $8.7 million in restorations for key programs and nearly $11.2 million in Council initiatives to support maintenance, operations, and programming in New York City’s parks.

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“New York City needs more truly affordable housing, not less, and preservation of existing units under the Rent Stabilization Law enables New Yorkers to afford and remain in their homes. The Supreme Court’s decision today to deny a case challenging the legality of rent stabilization follows previous court precedent and is a welcome relief for New Yorkers. In the face of a national affordable housing shortage, the Rent Stabilization Law remains necessary in order to prevent harmful rent increases that threaten the stability of families and communities.

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Council also approved legislation to make New York City the largest U.S. municipality to require its fleet be made up of zero emissions vehicles

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to pass legislation that would allow a one-time exception to the maximum age requirement for employees of the FDNY’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services seeking to take the next civil service promotion examination to become firefighters.

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