At last week’s Stated Meeting of the New York City Council, Councilmember Sandra Ung introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at improving public safety in the city’s parks and protecting the quality of life in residential areas.
Intro 1010 would require the Department of Parks and Recreation to install cameras in parks to deter the illegal use of motor vehicles, which damages trees, destroys natural vegetation, and impacts the safety and enjoyment of other park users. The legislation would require the department to install surveillance cameras in at least ten parks across the five boroughs where there have been frequent complaints of illegal motor vehicle use.
“Our parks are not just plots of land, they are a critical greenspace that provides a vital respite for families, children, and seniors—a place where we can all enjoy the outdoors, breathe fresh air, and connect with nature,” said Councilmember Ung. “Unfortunately, we have seen instances where individuals, through reckless and illegal actions, have chosen to prioritize their own private enjoyment over the well-being of our community and the preservation of our natural environment. These cameras will act as both a deterrent and a tool to hold those who violate our public spaces accountable. We must ensure that our parks remain places of joy and relaxation, not sites of destruction and lawlessness.”
In April of this year, a resident spotted a person riding an ATV through a wooded area of Kissena Park in Councilmember Ung’s district. Upon further investigation, parks employees and volunteers found that 300 recently planted trees were destroyed during the construction of a makeshift track for either bicycle or other off-road vehicles. The damage was estimated at $15,000.
The destruction occurred in an area of the park currently undergoing a reforestation effort. The 300 trees destroyed were part of a larger batch of 2,000 trees planted and cared for by volunteers over the last two years.
Meanwhile, Intro 1011 would require city agencies to issue four quarterly reports on complaints about businesses operating in violation of zoning rules and regulations. The report will include the number of complaints received in each Council District via the 311 customer service center, the types of complaints, and any action taken.
“Home-based businesses are a vital part of our local economy, offering economic opportunities to countless New Yorkers, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Councilmember Ung. “However, while we support the entrepreneurial spirit and the economic benefits that these businesses bring, we must also recognize the importance of preserving the quality of life in our residential neighborhoods. By requiring the Department of Buildings to issue these quarterly reports, we will gain a clearer understanding of the impact that home-based businesses have on their neighbors. This data will help us identify the types of businesses that may pose challenges to residential life and allow us to address those issues in a way that is fair and equitable.”
The mayor’s City of Yes for Economic Opportunity proposal that was passed by the City Council earlier this year expanded the types of businesses that are allowed to operate in homes in residential areas. Intro 1011 would provide valuable data on the complaints received about these home-based businesses to ensure that they are complying with zoning rules and regulations. It will also provide information on the types of businesses that have the greatest impact on the quality of life in our residential neighborhoods.