City Council
Right now in the City Council, they're live-streaming a hearing about "how small technology start-ups are surviving in this tough economy," according to a Council press release. It's a joint hearing of the committees on Technology in Government Committee and Small Businesses. The ability to watch Council proceedings remotely is a rare treat for anyone, like me, wishing there was more of this kind of stuff in City... READ MORE»
The City Council just upgraded its web site to make it easier to search for legislation, part of a year-long overhaul that was started around the same time they were sued by the New York Times for charging thousands of dollars for that kind of... READ MORE»
The City Council just upgraded its web site to make it easier to search for legislation, part of a year-long overhaul that was started around the same time they were sued by the New York Times for charging thousands of dollars for that kind of information. The change is fairly significant and should help nosy reporters, and anyone with access to the internet, get a handle on what actually happens on this side of... READ MORE»
The past several weeks we once again saw the Mayor at his best and at his worst. At his worst, he berated a NY Observer reporter who raised the issue of term limits.... READ MORE»
Letitia James is not generally known as a friend of the development community. Thus far, the Fort Greene lawmaker’s five and a half years in the City Council have been defined by unwavering opposition to the planned Atlantic Yards housing and arena mega-project. But, on May 21, she was leading a rally and a press conference on the steps of City Hall with the sole purpose of calling for a development—a project that has an... READ MORE»
--compiled by Azi Paybarah and Jimmy Vielkind... READ MORE»
ALBANY—Undeterred by recent allegations against her boss, City Council candidate Julissa Ferreras announced she has the support of 20 community leaders around the Queens district she hopes to... READ MORE»
The deal brokered last night to repeal a property tax cut and increase the ‘bed' tax in exchange for a quick mailing of already-budgeted rebate checks has been approved by the City Council, but the votes were... READ MORE»
By | August 13, 2008 | 9:35 am
Queens Crap scored a copy of the letter Council members opposed to the Willets Point redevelopment plan sent to City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden yesterday afternoon. The missive says, in part: We write to share with you our absolute opposition to the current Willets Point Development Plan. The project that comes before the Department of City Planning on August 13th is far from the best our city can offer for a long-term plan that... READ MORE»
At a hearing this morning, the City Council discussed seven legislative reforms regarding construction site safety, including three bills that would further regulate crane operations. If passed, the legislation would force crane operators to undergo a 30-hour certified training course and to attend refreshers every three years. (Currently certification is not compulsory for crews that “jump” cranes.) It would also require a licensed individual to monitor concrete operations, which Robert LiMandri, the acting commissioner... READ MORE»
Councilman Tony Avella, the Queens Democrat who prides himself on his independence, was the subject of something of an apparent scolding from nearly half of the City Council today. The tool: an extremely rare vote against a rezoning proposal. Mr. Avella has from time to time engaged in the taboo practice of voting against rezonings in other members’ districts despite support from the local member, such as his votes against the Columbia University West... READ MORE»
Crain's Insider (PDF) has the scoop on how City Council Speaker Christine Quinn plans to introduce a bill for Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan. Ms. Quinn is herself a supporter of the plan. So she will assign the bill first to the State and Federal Legislation Committee, chaired by fellow plan supporter Maria Baez, rather than to the Finance Committee, chaired by congestion pricing opponent David Weprin. (Hat tip to The... READ MORE»
Brownstoner has an interview with Brad Lander, the director since 2003 of the Pratt Center for Community Development who is now running for City Council in District 39, which includes Carroll Gardens and Park Slope. Mr. Lander praises much of current Brooklyn life, but has some sobering warnings on development and what he calls "growing... READ MORE»
The City Council approved proposals today for the rezoning of five New York neighborhoods as the Mayor presses forward with the sustainable planning goals of PlanNYC. The neighborhoods affected by the rezoning are Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Dyker Heights, Fort Hamilton, and the Bronx neighborhood of Wakefield. The goal of the rezoning is to “catalyze growth on key corridors near transit hubs, fostering nearly 900 units of new housing and strengthening local retail... READ MORE»
