Press Releases

Program seeks to cover more NYC neighborhoods and make it easier to build and retain stores that provide fresh foods and a full range of grocery products 

NEW YORK – City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Marisa Lago today announced a partnership to update and expand the Food Retail Expansion to Support Health (FRESH) program, to bring convenient, accessible grocery stores to underserved neighborhoods and New Yorkers – a need further highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

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“I applaud the courage of the women who have come forward. Previously, I expressed my support for the investigation being led by Attorney General Letitia James. I still believe that independent investigation must continue. But I also believe that the number and the nature of the allegations against Gov. Cuomo has made it impossible for him to govern. Gov. Cuomo should resign.” 

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New York, NY – City Council’s Small Business Committee is holding a hearing today at 1 p.m. on two bills providing civil penalty relief for small businesses, who for too long have been subjected to onerous fines from New York City. After conducting a year-long review of the extensive network of rules and regulations that apply to the City’s small businesses, the Council drafted legislation to permanently update more than 180 laws and to provide immediate relief to businesses by refunding unnecessary fines.  

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New York, NY – “The allegations against Gov. Cuomo are serious and disturbing. New Yorkers need to have faith that their leaders are not abusing the great power they have been entrusted with by the public. I support a truly independent investigation into the claims made by Lindsey Boylan and Charlotte Bennett. The investigation should be handled by Attorney General Letitia James in a thorough and expeditious manner.

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City Hall – The New York City Council will vote today on legislation that requires the de Blasio Administration to create a plan to vaccinate homebound seniors for COVID-19. The pandemic has been particularly devastating to our seniors, especially those over 75-years-old who are at highest risk for hospitalization and death compared to all other age groups. Sadly, this population has had trouble getting vaccinated because of hurdles getting appointments as well as physical challenges getting to vaccines sites. This legislation will require the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, or another designated agency, to create a plan to vaccinate homebound seniors and provide a report to the Council after the plan has been implemented.

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The Council will also vote on pilot program to test sewage for virus that causes COVID-19 

 
City Hall – Today the New York City Council will vote on legislation to transfer the land, buildings and facilities of Rikers Island from the Department of Correction (DOC) to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). 

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Javier Castillo Maradiaga, a dreamer in danger of being deported, is cited as one example of the disgraceful work being carried out under Decker

New York, NY – Below is a letter Speaker Corey Johnson and Chair of the Committee on Immigration, Carlos Menchaca, sent Tuesday to Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, requesting the removal of Thomas Decker from his post as the director of the U.S.

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New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo issued the below statement regarding the proposed Spice Factory rezoning in Brooklyn.    

“The Council is disappointed that Continuum continues to advance this proposal despite widespread opposition in the community, as well as the clear danger posed to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s conservatory greenhouses by the shadows that would be cast by these huge towers.

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Initial twelve-item legislative package includes reforms to discipline and reducing the role of police  

New York, NY –The City Council today announced it will introduce a legislative package of 11 bills and one resolution aimed at reforming the New York City Police Department, that will be considered at a series of hearings in February. 

This package is in response to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order in June directing New York City to adopt a policing reform plan by April 1. The Council action comes despite months of delays from the de Blasio Administration to comply with the order. As the Council works to engage stakeholders and address the many issues raised by advocates and impacted communities, additional hearings and reform measures will be announced. 

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The Council will also vote to require public education ahead of ranked choice elections.

City Hall – Today the New York City Council will vote on historic legislation to mandate significant reforms to the street vendor system. The number of food vending permits has been capped at 3,000 since 1983, despite high demand.

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