{"id":2831,"date":"2025-04-10T16:36:20","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T20:36:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/?p=2831"},"modified":"2025-04-10T16:36:20","modified_gmt":"2025-04-10T20:36:20","slug":"new-york-city-council-votes-to-establish-a-citywide-strategy-for-public-bathrooms-with-goal-of-over-2100-by-2035","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2025\/04\/10\/2831\/","title":{"rendered":"New York City Council Votes to Establish a Citywide Strategy for Public Bathrooms with Goal of Over 2,100 by 2035"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fulfilling 2024 State of the City proposals, <\/em>Council also passed legislation to better track transportation projects contributing to NYC Streets Plan<\/em><\/p>\n

Council established a Flash Flood Preparedness Pilot Program<\/em><\/p>\n

City Hall \u2013 <\/strong>Today, the New York City Council voted to establish a citywide strategy for ensuring the availability of more public bathrooms, with a goal of creating over 2,1000 in the next ten years \u2013 approximately double the existing number. Currently, public restrooms are notoriously scarce in New York City, with a ratio of one public restroom per 7,820 residents<\/a>. New York City has approximately 1,100 public toilets for its 8.6 million residents. The lack of access to public restrooms and accompanied policing of public urination laws disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, including unhoused individuals, older adults, and people with medical conditions.<\/p>\n

The Council also passed legislation to better track the status of transportation projects contributing to DOT\u2019s Streets Plan, which has repeatedly failed to comply with its targets, and to establish a flash flood preparedness pilot program to better protect New Yorkers from dangers of extreme weather events. The Council also voted on two resolutions by Speaker Adams \u2013 one to condemn President Trump\u2019s executive order targeting of DEI programs and policies at the federal level, and one to authorize the Speaker to take legal action to defend against violations of Sanctuary Laws and the Trump Administration\u2019s attacks on the City of New York.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccess to public bathrooms is essential to New Yorkers\u2019 health, safety and quality of life,\u201d said Speaker Adrienne Adams. <\/strong>\u201cThis Council is proud to address the longstanding issue of the city’s lack of public bathrooms. Today\u2019s action to promote more transparency on compliance and progress towards Streets Master Plan goals is critical step forward for greater accountability. First introduced in my 2024 State of the City Address, these reforms will help government officials and stakeholders understand the status on bus and bike line construction, as well as other street infrastructure. This Council will continue to prioritize safety and accessibility for all New Yorkers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Establishing a Plan for More Public Bathrooms<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 694-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse<\/strong>, would create a strategic planning process for establishing and maintaining a citywide public bathroom network. This would be led by a Deputy Mayor in collaboration with the Department of City Planning (DCP), the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and any other agency with relevant experience and expertise. The agencies would be required to produce a strategic planning report, to be updated every four years, with the goal of providing at least 2,120 public bathrooms by the year 2035, at least half of which would be publicly owned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew Yorkers: Relief is on the way! Whether you\u2019re out with friends and family, a reporter on the beat, someone who\u2019s menstruating, a caregiver, a delivery worker, or are homeless, we have all needed a public bathroom,\u201d said Council Member Sandy Nurse<\/strong>. \u201cThe Bathroom Bill is about planning for basic human needs and making it easier to live and work here. Our failure to build more public restrooms has resulted in humiliation, racial and class inequities, thousands of criminal and civil tickets every year, and public space that is not welcoming to the public. We are changing that today by adding over 1000 public bathrooms to the citywide network. We will not only increase the number of public bathrooms but require the city to plan for their long-term care and maintenance. This bill will make New York City more livable, more welcoming, and a more just place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Increasing Transparency for Streets Plan Projects<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Streets Master Plan is the Department of Transportation (DOT) legally required<\/a> plan for the development of city bus lanes, bike lanes, and other street infrastructure, with the goal of improving the City\u2019s transportation network for pedestrians and other street users. However, DOT has fallen short of its goals year after year. The Council has regularly pressed the agency to provide mid-year updates on its progress, but DOT has been unwilling to do so because the Streets Master Plan currently only requires a single update in February of each year.<\/p>\n

Introduction 1105-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers,<\/strong> would require DOT, as part of its annual Streets Plan update, to provide a description of all projects planned for that year that will contribute to the requirements of the Streets Master Plan, and the contribution each project will make to those requirements. The Department would also be required to provide updates three times a year about the progress of each project, including the actual and estimated start and completion dates, applicable community board presentations, project funding sources, and whether any delays or cost overruns have occurred. Additionally, DOT would be required to provide monthly updates about the status of projects in the construction phase.<\/p>\n

\u201cFar too often, our communities are left in the dark about when or whether street improvement projects will be delivered,” said Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers.<\/strong> “Introduction 1105 strengthens transparency and oversight of the Streets Master Plan, ensuring the public has access to detailed updates on timelines, funding, and engagement efforts. This is how we hold agencies accountable and push for faster, safer, and more equitable transportation outcomes. I thank Speaker Adams and my Council colleagues for supporting this critical legislation.”<\/p>\n

Introduction 1114-A<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> sponsored by Council Member Julie Won<\/strong>, would require the DOT Commissioner to create and maintain an online capital project tracker on its website, to be updated three times a year, to provide detailed information on each pending public-facing capital project under DOT\u2019s jurisdiction. This bill will provide greater transparency into DOT’s capital planning process than is currently provided by the citywide Capital Projects Dashboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe era of guessing on the status of our DOT capital projects is over,\u201d said Council Member Julie Won<\/strong>. \u201cMy bill, Intro. 1114, will now allow New Yorkers to publicly see DOT project timelines online. It’s about time that we modernize DOT and have public-facing capital project trackers to ensure accountability and transparency for our taxpayer dollars. Thank you to Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers for your partnership and advocacy to keep DOT accountable to the public.”<\/p>\n

Creating a Flash Flood Preparedness Pilot<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

The frequency and intensity of flash flooding from heavy rainfall has increased in recent years, with risk of flooding exacerbated by the City\u2019s concrete surfaces, lack of vegetation, and large areas of impermeable surface. These flash flooding events have resulted in deaths, damaged homes, trapped drivers, placed residents and first responders at risk, and disrupted subway service. Recent substantial flooding and its repercussions demonstrate the vulnerability of city infrastructure when faced with heavy rainfall \u2013 occurrences that are expected to only increase due to climate change.<\/p>\n

Introduction 807-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers<\/strong>, would require New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) to disseminate emergency preparedness materials in locations that are prone to flash floods. Efforts would include outreach conducted in-person and via mass mailings, and target locations would be selected with consideration of their history of flash flood events and the prevalence of subgrade units and homes. Additionally, NYCEM would be required to develop guidance for facilitating safe evacuation of residents who live in vulnerable areas before flash flood emergencies.<\/p>\n

\u201cResidents in flood-prone areas like Southeast Queens are living with the very real consequences of climate change,” said Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. <\/strong>\u201cAs storms become more intense and flash flooding more common, we need targeted, proactive outreach and suitable shelter locations to help people stay safe. Introduction 807 requires New York City Emergency Management to provide clear, accessible evacuation guidance and preparedness information tailored to the needs of at-risk communities. This bill is about saving lives and making sure no one is left behind during the next major storm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Strengthening Transparency and Oversight of NYPD\u2019s Technology Uses<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 168-A<\/strong>,<\/a> sponsored by Majority Leader Amanda Farias<\/strong>, would require the New York Police Department (NYPD), upon request, to provide the Department of Investigation (DOI) with an itemized list of all surveillance technologies currently used by the Department, and provide information on all data access and retention policies for data collected by such technologies. In addition, the legislation requires the NYPD to provide DOI with semi-annual updates on all newly acquired or discontinued surveillance technologies and updates to any data access and retention policies established in recently executed contracts for surveillance technologies.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Intro 168, we\u2019re closing long-standing inefficiencies in the City\u2019s surveillance oversight laws,\u201d said Majority Leader Amanda Farias.<\/strong> \u201cThe original POST Act was a necessary first step, but gaps in transparency were revealed after the bill was enacted and showed us that it didn\u2019t go far enough. This bill gives the Department of Investigation real oversight \u2014 requiring a detailed list of all surveillance tools, data access policies, and regular updates on new or retired technologies. This legislation ensures transparency, accountability, and public trust are at the center of how these technologies are used in New York City.\u201d<\/p>\n

Introduction 233-A<\/strong>,<\/a> sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson<\/strong>, would require the NYPD to publish on its website a written policy that establishes procedures and regulations for the Department\u2019s use of facial recognition technologies. The legislation would also require the NYPD to conduct annual audits of the Department\u2019s use of facial recognition technology, share their findings with DOI, and post them on the Department\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe use of facial recognition technology as a surveillance tool is growing rapidly in New York City,\u201d said Council Member Crystal Hudson<\/strong>. Its use in policing raises concerns, from wrongful arrests due to inaccuracies in the software to the broader normalization of increased surveillance and the erosion of privacy rights. These harms are not felt equally; they disproportionately impact the communities most affected by over-policing\u2014particularly Black and Latino men. Intro 233 requires the NYPD to develop a clear policy outlining the department\u2019s procedures and regulations for the use of facial recognition technology, conduct regular audits of its use, and publish both the policy and audit results on the department\u2019s website, making this information accessible to all New Yorkers. As technology evolves, the government has a responsibility to ensure it doesn\u2019t come at the expense of our civil liberties. Intro 233 is about transparency, accountability, and protecting the privacy rights of all New Yorkers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Introduction 480-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Julie Won<\/strong>, would modify the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act<\/a> to require the NYPD to publish Impact and Use policies for each distinct surveillance technology it uses and make clear which entities use the data gathered from their technologies, how the data is protected, and the potential impact of such technologies on protected groups.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a time where our constitutional and privacy rights are uncertain, Intro. 480 will ensure NYPD surveillance practices are held accountable to the public,\u201d said Council Member Julie Won<\/strong>. \u201cAs New York City residents, we deserve to know how we are being tracked, what surveillance tools are being used, and when our data is being shared. My bill, along with the full package of legislation amending the POST Act, safeguards us from potential safety risks and diminishing civil rights.\u201d<\/p>\n

Streamlining Tree Maintenance<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 800-A<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> sponsored by Council Member Nantasha M. Williams,<\/strong> would require the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to develop criteria by which they prioritize tree maintenance, taking into account the likelihood of potential harm to nearby or adjacent structures, whether a tree or limb that has already fallen is still capable of causing harm, and the proximity of a damaged tree or limb to nearby buildings. The Department would also be required to post a description of the criteria used to prioritize tree maintenance on its website.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud to stand here today with my colleagues as we advance two pieces of legislation rooted in something simple but powerful: the public\u2019s right to information,\u201d said Council Member Nantasha M. Williams.<\/strong> \u201cInt 800 requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to develop clear criteria for prioritizing tree maintenance. When government has information about how services work, who gets access, or where resources go, that information should be available to the people it serves. That\u2019s how trust is built, and that\u2019s how government becomes more responsive to the people it serves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Introduction 978-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Nantasha M. Williams<\/strong>, would require the 311 Customer Service Center, in coordination with the DPR, to provide 311 customers who submit tree pruning-related requests with certain information, including links to relevant maps and information about a program to train and certify volunteers in the pruning of trees.<\/p>\n

\u201cInt 978 is about making sure New Yorkers have direct access to online links to tree inspection maps and pruning schedules, as well as resources for those interested in volunteering to maintain our trees when they call 311,\u201d said Council Member Nantasha Williams<\/strong>. \u201cThese bills are about more than trees. They are about making sure New Yorkers navigating concerns right outside their front doors, have the tools and transparency they need to get answers and action. And they\u2019re part of this Council\u2019s broader commitment to ensuring city government works better, communicates clearly, and protects both New Yorkers and the urban landscape that makes our neighborhoods healthier, greener, and stronger for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Waiving Civil Service Exam Fees for High School Students and First Time Applicants<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction 671-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Carmen De La Rosa<\/strong>, would authorize the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) to waive the civil service examination fee for high school students in New York City and for individuals who are first time applicants.   <\/p>\n

\u201cHigh attrition levels, PEGs, cuts, and an average 5% vacancy rate across the board already make it hard for the City\u2019s municipal workforce to staff up enough to meet the service demands of our city — financial barriers to entry should not be a factor in our hiring process,\u201d said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa<\/strong>. \u201cFees for exams can range from $40 to $101, not including the costs of study materials, transportation, and other underlying costs that come with applying to a job. Inaccessible fees should not deter high school students or new applicants seeking civil service careers, especially since multiple exams are required for 80% of City government positions. We are optimistic about Intro 671\u2019s positive outcomes and a fairer application process for future civil servants, who are urgently needed in New York City.\u201d<\/p>\n

Authorizing the Speaker to Take Legal Action against Sanctuary Law Violations and Trump Administration Attacks<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolution 836<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Adams,<\/strong> would authorize the Speaker to take legal action to defend against the Adams Administration\u2019s violation of Sanctuary Laws and the Trump Administration\u2019s attacks on the City of New York.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday, First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro\u2019s issued Executive Order 50<\/a> to re-establish the ability for ICE agents to operate on Rikers Island for criminal enforcement. Local Law 58 of 2014<\/a>, however, has clear guidelines that prohibit the use of office space on Rikers for the enforcement of civil immigration enforcement. The executive order was announced on the same day that top I.R.S. officials resigned<\/a> after the agency took steps to share protected tax records for deportation efforts in a departure from decades of practice. The potential of the executive order was first announced in February following Mayor Adams\u2019 meeting with border czar Tom Homan and after Department of Justice officials interfered in his criminal case, of which Judge Dale Ho later wrote in a ruling that Mayor Adams attempted to gain dismissal of his indictment \u201cin exchange for immigration policy concessions.\u201d The Trump administration has also taken several actions that threaten funding for New York City and New Yorkers\u2019 civil rights.<\/p>\n

Expressing Support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs and Policies<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolution 729<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Adams<\/strong>, condemns President Trump\u2019s executive order targeting of DEI programs and policies at the federal level, and expresses support for such programs at the city and state level.<\/p>\n

In the Trump Administration\u2019s crusade to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and policies in the federal government and beyond, they have frozen federal funding, cut the federal workforce, and threatened funding for institutions, states and localities nationwide.<\/p>\n

\u201cDiversity is the key to our city\u2019s culture and strength,\u201d said Speaker Adrienne Adams<\/strong>. \u201cThe Council condemns Trump\u2019s dismantling of DEI programs and his systemic use of this to attack working families across the nation and we will continue to firmly support these programs at the city and state level.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calling for an Environmental Impact Statement for Gun Hill Road Electric Bus Depot Charging Facility<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolution 187<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Kevin C. Riley,<\/strong> would call on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Gun Hill Road Electric Bus Depot Charging Facility. <\/p>\n

\u201cResolution 187 ensures that environmental justice and community health remain front and center as we advance toward a zero-emissions future,\u201d said Council Member Kevin C. Riley.<\/strong> \u201cThe proposed Electric Bus Depot Charging Facility must be a benefit\u2014not a burden\u2014to the Bronx. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement is essential to guarantee transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability for our neighborhoods. This resolution is about protecting our people while supporting progress.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calling for an Environmental Impact Study on the proposed QueensLink project. <\/u><\/strong>  <\/p>\n

Resolution 59-A<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> sponsored by Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers,<\/strong> would call on the MTA to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Study on the viability of the proposed QueensLink<\/a> project.  <\/p>\n

\u201cFor decades, residents of Southeast Queens have lacked reliable transit options to connect them with the rest of the borough and the city,” said Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers<\/strong>. “Resolution 59 calls on the MTA to conduct a full Environmental Impact Study on the QueensLink proposal, so we can finally assess the feasibility of transforming the dormant Rockaway Beach Branch into a vital transportation corridor. This initiative received a major boost earlier this year, when the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $400,000 federal grant to support a Community Equity Analysis of the project. This continued study of Queenslink is a meaningful step toward closing the transit equity gap in Queens, and I am proud to lead this effort.\u201d<\/p>\n

Supporting State Legislation to End the Subminimum Wage for Employees Based on Age or Disability<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolution 333-A<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams,<\/strong> calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the New York State Governor to sign, S.28A \/A.1006, which would eliminate the subminimum wage for employees based on their disability or age.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile the intent of the subminimum wage was to ensure job opportunities for people with disabilities, it does not account for the loopholes employers go through to pay employees as little as possible for their work,\u201d said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.<\/strong> \u201cAs someone who has Tourette\u2019s Syndrome and ADHD, I know how important it is to be each other\u2019s best allies for the disabled community in the city. We need to keep moving forward and the state must act now in order to ensure that all people have access to fair pay. I\u2019d like to thank the Speaker and Council for their support of this resolution and commitment to disability justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finance:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Preconsidered Resolution<\/strong><\/a>,<\/u><\/strong> sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan<\/strong>, establishing a new 40-year Article XI tax exemption for one lot in Council Member Rita Joseph\u2019s district.<\/p>\n

Preconsidered Resolution<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan<\/strong>, establishing a new 40-year Article XI tax exemption for one lot in Council Member Althea Stevens\u2019 district.<\/p>\n

Appointments:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Resolution 820<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers<\/strong>, would approve the appointment by the Council of Lauren Stossel as a member of the New York City Board of Corrections.<\/p>\n

Resolution 821<\/strong><\/a>, sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers<\/strong>, would designate Patricia Marthone for appointment by the Mayor as a Director of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation.<\/p>\n

Appointment<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams <\/strong>of Leah S. Goodridge as a member of the New York City Planning Commission.<\/p>\n

Preconsidered Resolution<\/strong><\/a> approving Marc Landis to the office of Commissioner of Elections of the Board of Elections.<\/p>\n

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

Fulfilling 2024 State of the City proposals, <\/em>Council also passed legislation to better track transportation projects contributing to NYC Streets Plan<\/em><\/p>\n

Council established a Flash Flood Preparedness Pilot Program<\/em><\/p>\n

City Hall \u2013 <\/strong>Today, the New York City Council voted to establish a citywide strategy for ensuring the availability of more public bathrooms, with a goal of creating over 2,1000 in the next ten years \u2013 approximately double the existing number.<\/p>\n

…<\/p>\n

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