{"id":1797,"date":"2019-07-23T15:00:57","date_gmt":"2019-07-23T15:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/?p=1797"},"modified":"2019-08-28T15:16:17","modified_gmt":"2019-08-28T15:16:17","slug":"council-to-vote-on-package-of-bills-to-bolster-small-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2019\/07\/23\/1797\/","title":{"rendered":"Council to Vote on Package of Bills to Bolster Small Businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"

City Hall \u2013 <\/strong>The New York
\nCity Council on Tuesday will vote on a package of five bills designed to help
\nsmall businesses by providing additional supports, services and information,
\nand by paving the way to collect data that will create a baseline for smart
\npolicies in the future. <\/p>\n

One bill will require the New
\nYork City Department of Small Business Services (\u201cSBS\u201d) to create online,
\ninteractive guides to help small business owners understand rules and laws that
\nare applicable to them, while another would require the SBS to provide New York
\nCity\u2019s small business community with training and education relating to
\nefficiency, regulatory compliance and marketing. Three other bills will help
\nNew York City make informed policy decisions by requiring annual reporting on
\nstorefront vacancies, reporting on the storefront business environment, and by
\nclearly defining the term \u201cmicrobusinesses\u201d and requiring reporting on what\u2019s
\ncommonly known as \u201cmom-and-pop shops.\u201d <\/p>\n

The Council will also vote on a
\nset of transportation bills, including one that would expand safety benefits to
\ncyclists by allowing them to follow pedestrian \u201cwalk\u201d signals, providing them
\nwith a head start to cross the street before the light for drivers turns green.
\nAnother bill would require the Departments of Education and Transportation to
\npost information on when public schools are in session over the summer,
\nsimplifying the process of verifying whether parking restrictions are in
\neffect. <\/p>\n

The Council will also vote on a
\nbill to create a defense to parking violations in cases involving illegible
\nparking signs. The Council will also vote on a bill to create a pilot program
\nfor pet harbors on sidewalks that would allow owner to leave pets unattended in
\nsafe, enclosed shelters adjacent to commercial establishments for a short
\nperiod of time. <\/p>\n

Additionally, the Council will
\nvote on a bill that would focus Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) reporting
\nrequirements on restricted organizations  \u2014 those that spend more than 10
\npercent of their annual expenditures disseminating elected official
\ncommunications \u2014 by creating separate reporting requirements for unrestricted
\norganizations that are affiliated with elected officials but do not engage in such
\npromotional activities. This would relieve smaller organizations of some of the
\nburden of COIB reporting, without changing reporting requirements for
\nrestricted organizations.<\/p>\n

Another bill that the Council
\nwill vote on would co-name 86 thoroughfares and public places. This bill will
\ncommemorate Stan Lee, American comic book writer, editor, publisher and
\nproducer. He co-created numerous fictional characters such as Spider-Man, the
\nX-Men, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Black Panther, Daredevil,
\nDoctor Strange, Scarlet Witch and Ant-Man. The bill will also commemorate Walt
\nWhitman, an American poet, journalist and essayist who is considered one of
\nAmerica\u2019s most influential poets. The bill will also commemorate Leif E.
\nEikeseth, who volunteered at Ground Zero after the 9\/11 terrorist attacks and
\nlater died as a result of 9\/11 related illness, Deacon David Ciociari, a police
\nofficer who also died as a result of 9\/11 related illness, Police Officer James
\nD. McNaughton, who was killed while serving in Iraq, Police Officer Rocco W.
\nLaurie, who was killed in the line of duty while on patrol, Detective Keith L.
\nWilliams, who was killed in the line of duty while returning a prisoner to
\nRiker\u2019s Island, Police Officer George Scheu, who was killed while he was off
\nduty attempting to take action during a robbery and Sergeant Paul Michael
\nFerrara, who died as a result of 9\/11 illness after being a part of the
\nrecovery efforts at Ground Zero. <\/p>\n

The Council will also vote on
\nthree resolutions, including one calling on Congress to pass, and the President
\nsign, legislation permanently authorizing the September 11 Victim Compensation
\nFund. <\/p>\n

Finally, the Council will vote on
\nseveral finance and land use items. <\/p>\n

In Relation to Micro
\nBusinesses<\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 1000-B, <\/strong>sponsored
\nby Council Member Mark Gjonaj, <\/em>would define the term \u201cmicrobusiness\u201d as a
\nbusiness that employs between one and nine employees and would require SBS to
\nreport on the number of micro businesses known to be doing business in the City
\nof New York aggregated by zip code and industry.  The bill would further
\nrequire SBS to do a study of a sampling of microbusinesses to identify issues
\nthey face, including use of e-commerce and challenges faced during lease
\nrenewal.  <\/p>\n

\u201cI have unceasingly devoted myself
\nto uplifting and promoting small businesses. Today, it is my incredible honor
\nto pass Int. 1000-B and Int. 1467. The first will appropriately define
\nmicro-businesses. For the first time, Small Businesses will not be in the same
\ncategory as their Goliath competitors. The latter will require the Commissioner
\nof SBS to compile all of the rules and laws and make it available in plain
\nlanguage. Small Businesses will finally be able comprehend all the rules and
\nlaws pertaining to their business to avoid violations. Legislation supporting
\nsmall business has been long overdue \u2014 this is a win for small businesses,\u201d
\nsaid Council Member Mark Gjonaj.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In Relation to Information
\nabout City Laws and Rules that Apply to Small Businesses  <\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 1467-A, <\/strong>sponsored
\nby Council Member Mark Gjonaj, <\/em>would require SBS to create an interactive
\nonline guide to help small business owners understand rules and laws that are
\napplicable to particular types of small businesses currently operating in the
\nCity. The guide would be updated on a rolling basis to reflect changes in law
\ngoing forward and agencies would be responsible for making SBS aware of new
\nrules changes.<\/p>\n

Requiring Owners to Submit
\nRegistration Statements Regarding Ground Floor and Second Floor Commercial
\nPremises<\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 1472, <\/strong>sponsored
\nby Council Member Helen Rosenthal, <\/em>would require the Department of Finance
\nto collect data and establish a public dataset of commercial properties in the
\nCity, disaggregated by council district and census tract, including the median
\nand average total duration of leases, the median and average remaining term to
\nlease expiration, the median and average size of rentable floor area per
\npremises, the number of such premises reported as being leased and vacant, the
\nmedian and average rent, information related to vacant properties including the
\nlength of time a property has not been leased as well as construction
\ninformation, and the number of such premises whose lease is due to expire
\nwithin two years of the current calendar year. The bill would further require
\nthe release of a list of addresses of commercial properties and an indicator of
\nwhether or not such properties are vacant.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether it\u2019s our five
\nChinatowns, or the hundreds of Caribbean-owned businesses in Flatbush, or the
\nSouth American restaurants and businesses of Elmhurst \u2013 successful small
\nbusinesses are the backbone of the middle class, particularly for new
\nimmigrants. Unfortunately, we have witnessed the loss of far too many small
\nbusinesses in the last several years, leaving only empty storefronts behind. My
\n\u2018Storefront Tracker\u2019 legislation will require citywide tracking of commercial
\nstorefront and 2nd floor spaces for the first time, providing comprehensive
\ndata on commercial strips at risk, the location of every vacant storefront, and
\nmore. This essential information will be the basis for solutions which help
\nkeep small businesses in our communities,\u201d said Council Member Helen
\nRosenthal<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Requiring the Department of
\nSmall Business Services to Offer Certain Business Training and
\nCounseling   <\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 1471-B, <\/strong>sponsored
\nby Council Member Helen Rosenthal, <\/em>would require the SBS to provide small
\nbusinesses with training and education relating to efficiency, regulatory
\ncompliance and marketing, which would include advertising skills and utilizing
\ne-commerce. The bill would also have SBS report to the Council on its progress
\nrelated to these trainings, including the types of trainings offered and the
\nnumber of New Yorker\u2019s served.<\/p>\n

Requiring the Department of
\nSmall Business Services to Assess the State of Storefront Businesses<\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 1049, <\/strong>sponsored
\nby Council Member Carlina Rivera, <\/em>would require SBS to complete an
\nassessment of storefront businesses in at least twenty commercial districts
\nevery three years. The assessments include a survey to business owners and
\ninvolve coordination with community-based organizations. Results of the
\nassessments would be made available, as completed, on the SBS website. 
\nThe bill further requires an annual report by SBS in coordination with the
\nDepartment of Finance and City Planning. The report would include information
\nrelated to storefront business environment, such as the number of storefront
\nbusinesses, the types of economic activities, the numbers of employees at such
\nstorefronts, annual sales and sales tax, the number of vacant storefront
\nbusinesses, and district demographics.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am proud that we are voting on
\nmy bills today that address two of my biggest policy goals – saving our small
\nbusinesses and ensuring equitable care in our hospitals. With Intro 1049, we
\nwill finally have access to detailed reporting on individual stores, the level
\nof access these stores have to agency programs that support small businesses,
\nand the overall small business economy in our neighborhoods. And Resolution 746
\nwill demand the State Department of Health immediately implement clear and fair
\nregulations for hospitals on drug testing those who are pregnant or giving
\nbirth, including informing patients of their rights before any discussion of
\ndrug use or drug testing. We must end institutional racism in all facets of our
\nsociety, including in our hospitals. I want to thank the Speaker and my fellow
\nco-sponsors of these bills, and I look forward to voting on them today,\u201d said Council
\nMember Carlina Rivera<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

In Relation to Cyclists
\nFollowing Pedestrian Control Signals<\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 1457-A, <\/strong>sponsored
\nby Council Member Carlos Menchaca, <\/em>would allow cyclists to follow
\npedestrian \u201cwalk\u201d signals. Leading pedestrian intervals (\u201cLPIs\u201d) provide
\npedestrians with a head start to cross the street before the light for drivers
\nturns green. This has important safety benefits because it allows pedestrians
\nto get a head start into the crosswalk, increasing their visibility to turning
\ncars and thus avoiding collisions. This bill would expand this safety benefit
\nto cyclists by allowing them to use pedestrian signals with LPIs to start
\nthrough the intersection before vehicles.<\/p>\n

“Treating bicycles like cars
\nis at the heart of why cyclists continue to suffer and die. That’s why four
\nyears ago I introduced a bill to give cyclists the same advantage as
\npedestrians when crossing intersections. This is a no-brainer now, as it was a
\nno-brainer then. But there were concerns, which we’ve completely overcome now
\nwith studies and a pilot program. With cyclist injury and fatalities
\nincreasing, this preventive measure has turned into a necessity. I want to
\nthank Speaker Johnson for helping to finally bring this bill to a vote,”
\nsaid Council Member Carlos Menchaca<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

In Relation to Parking Near
\nSchools<\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 84-A, <\/strong>sponsored
\nby Council Member Chaim Deutsch, <\/em>would simplify the process of verifying
\nwhether a particular school building is being used for summer sessions and
\ntherefore whether parking restrictions for when a school is in session are in
\neffect. This bill would make it more transparent by requiring the Departments
\nof Education and Transportation to post on their websites by June 30th of each
\nyear information on when public schools, including charter schools, are in
\nsession over the summer.<\/p>\n

In Relation to Illegible
\nParking Signs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 570-A, <\/strong>sponsored
\nby Council Member Mark Treyger, <\/em>would create a defense to parking
\nviolations for illegible signs and outline the conditions under which that
\ndefense is available. The burden of proof would be on the person receiving the
\nviolation and the defense would apply where both sides of the parking sign are
\nillegible, though the defense would not apply where an identical sign on the
\nblockface is legible.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy bill, Intro 570, will resolve
\na frustration for residents that receive a parking ticket when there\u2019s
\nillegible signage. We\u2019ve heard from a number of people across the city that
\nsigns are faded and illegible. Residents don\u2019t know what the parking regulation
\nis and get hit with a ticket due to the city\u2019s lack of maintenance. Drivers
\nabsolutely have to do their part to be safe, responsible, and follow all
\ntraffic laws, including parking only in appropriate places. This bill does not
\nexcuse unacceptable behavior. However, the DOT must maintain its infrastructure
\nand make sure parking signage is available and clear,\u201d said Council Member
\nMark Treyger<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

In Relation to Pet Harbors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 886-A, <\/strong>sponsored
\nby Council Member Rafael Espinal, <\/em>would create a pilot program for the
\nplacement of pet harbors on sidewalks adjacent to commercial establishments,
\nallowing pet owners to leave small pets unattended in a safe and enclosed
\nshelter for a short period of time.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of supporting the
\ninnovation of a woman-owned and Brooklyn-manufactured business, New York City
\ntook a backwards approach by removing all pet harbors without warning. It\u2019s our
\nCity\u2019s job to create an environment where small businesses can thrive, and this
\npilot program will do just that for pet harbors. Pet harbors are a win-win
\ninnovation; they\u2019re good for businesses, good for dog-owners, and good for
\ndogs,\u201d said Council Member Rafael Espinal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Amending Reporting and Donor
\nDisclosure Requirements for Organizations Affiliated with Elected
\nOfficials  <\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 1272-A, <\/strong>sponsored
\nby Council Member Barry Grodenchik, <\/em>would require separate reporting
\nrequirements for restricted organizations \u2014 those that spend more than 10% of
\ntheir expenditures in a given year disseminating elected official
\ncommunications \u2014 and unrestricted organizations. Unrestricted organizations would
\nbe required to report on all donations from a single contributor that were in
\naggregate in the prior year above $5,000, a dollar threshold first adopted by
\nthe Conflicts of Interest Board pursuant to an advisory opinion. The name of
\nthe donor, date of donation, and city and state of residence of the donor would
\nbe reported. Provision would also be made for the reporting of anonymous
\ndonations. No requirements on restricted organizations, including reporting
\nrequirements, would be changed by this bill, other than clarifications of how
\nto determine if a contributor is doing business and that donations should be
\nconsidered in aggregate. The bill would also require that the information in
\nthese reports be posted to the Conflicts of Interest Board\u2019s website in a
\nmachine-readable format.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s
\nlegislation provides a much-needed amendment to local law 181, which requires
\nreporting and public disclosure by certain organizations. The original intent
\nof the law was to require disclosure by organizations that acted on behalf of
\nelected officials.  As originally written, the requirement would have
\nimposed a significant and unnecessary burden on some of our city\u2019s great
\nnon-profits that serve local communities, not elected officials.  The
\namendment provided in this legislation appropriately lowers the burden on these
\norganizations so that they may use their resources to fulfill their missions
\ninstead of filing unnecessary paperwork,\u201d said Council Member Barry S.
\nGrodenchik<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

In Relation to Naming 86
\nThoroughfares and Public Places <\/strong><\/p>\n

Preconsidered Int. No. 1631, <\/strong>would
\nco-name 86 thoroughfares and public places, based on requests of Council
\nMembers whose district includes the location. Of these 86 co-names, 7 are
\neither a relocation of a previously enacted co-naming or a revision to the
\nstreet sign installed with respect to a previously enacted co-naming.<\/p>\n

Calling on Congress to pass,
\nand the President to sign, the \u201cNever Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray
\nPfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th<\/sup>
\nVictim Compensation Fund Act\u201d (H.R.1327\/S.546), which would fully finance and
\nextend authorization for the September 11th<\/sup> Victim Compensation Fund
\nuntil fiscal year 2092<\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolution 897-A<\/strong>, sponsored
\nby Council Member I. Daneek Miller.<\/em><\/p>\n

Calling upon the New York City
\nAdministration for Children’s Services to implement a policy finding that a
\nperson’s mere possession or use of marijuana does not by itself create an
\nimminent risk of harm to a child, warranting the child’s removal<\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolution 740<\/strong>, sponsored<\/em>
\nby Council Member Brad Lander.<\/em><\/p>\n

Calling on the New York State
\nLegislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation requiring the New
\nYork State Department of Health to create clear and fair regulations for
\nhospitals on drug testing those who are pregnant or giving birth, including
\ninforming patients of their rights before any discussion of drug use or drug
\ntesting<\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolution 746<\/strong>, sponsored
\nby Council Member Carlina Rivera.<\/em> <\/p>\n

The Council will also vote on
\nfive Article XI property tax exemptions approved by the Committee on Finance:<\/p>\n

The Putnam Portfolio<\/strong>, in
\nCouncil Member Ayala and Perkins\u2019 districts in Manhattan, will receive partial,
\n40-year property tax exemptions to preserve 1,084 units of affordable housing
\nacross four properties. <\/p>\n

St. Ann\u2019s Apartments<\/strong>, in
\nCouncil Member Ayala, Gibson and Salamanca\u2019s districts in the Bronx, will
\nreceive a full, 40-year property tax exemption to preserve 87 units of
\naffordable housing. <\/p>\n

603 Pontiac Place<\/strong>, in
\nCouncil Member Ayala\u2019s district in the Bronx, received a full, 40-year property
\ntax exemption to construct 25 units of affordable housing in 2016, and the
\nCouncil is amending the prior resolution to reflect that the property will have
\ncommunity facility space that will be included in the exemption. <\/p>\n

Finally, the Council will also
\nvote on the following land use items:<\/p>\n

38-01 23rd<\/sup> Avenue
\nRezoning, <\/strong>in Council Member Constantinides\u2019 district for a zoning map
\namendment to legalize commercial uses in an existing four-story building. <\/p>\n

76th<\/sup> Drive and Austin
\nStreet Rezoning, <\/strong>in Council Member Koslowitz\u2019s district for a zoning map
\namendment to facilitate the expansion of two legally non-conforming medical
\noffices. <\/p>\n

784 Courtlandt Avenue, <\/strong>in
\nCouncil Member Rafael Salamanca\u2019s District for Urban Development Action Area
\nProject designation and project approval, and an amendment to the Melrose
\nCommons Urban Renewal Plan to facilitate the development of a 20-unit
\naffordable housing project. <\/p>\n

###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

City Hall \u2013 <\/strong>The New York
\nCity Council on Tuesday will vote on a package of five bills designed to help
\nsmall businesses by providing additional supports, services and information,
\nand by paving the way to collect data that will create a baseline for smart
\npolicies in the future. <\/p>\n

One bill will require the New
\nYork City Department of Small Business Services (\u201cSBS\u201d) to create online,
\ninteractive guides to help small business owners understand rules and laws that
\nare applicable to them, while another would require the SBS to provide New York
\nCity\u2019s small business community with training and education relating to
\nefficiency, regulatory compliance and marketing.<\/p>\n

…<\/p>\n

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