NYC Council Approves New Housing, including for Seniors and New Yorkers with Complex Medical Needs, and New Law Defining Unlawful Evictions as Form of Tenant Harassment

Legislation advanced to allow workers' expanded use of earned safe and sick time for childcare, caregiving, applying for benefits or responding to a public disaster

During Climate Week, Council also voted to strengthen long-term environmental justice and sustainability planning

City Hall, NY - The New York City Council voted to approve the NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) Just Home proposal with the Fortune Society to develop supportive housing on the hospital's campus for New Yorkers exiting the justice system with chronic and complex medical needs who would otherwise experience homelessness. The project would create 83 new homes, including 58 permanent, supportive studio units for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers, and 24 affordable units accessible through NYC Housing Connect. This development will include on-site social services, 24-hour security, and around-the-clock staff.

"Expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable homes for New Yorkers, especially those with past involvement in the justice system and complex medical needs, is critical to public safety and confronting the housing crisis," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "By approving Just Home on the campus of Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx, the Council is once again demonstrating leadership on housing with action and fulfilling our strong commitment to evidence-based public safety solutions. Despite the mayor and first deputy mayor trying to once again block housing for New Yorkers, we are proud to approve this initiative that can deliver homes and medical services for New Yorkers who would otherwise be homeless and rely on costly emergency room care. I thank my Council colleagues for their support and The Fortune Society for their steadfast dedication to our city."

Expanding the Definition of Tenant Harassment to Include Unlawful Eviction

Introduction 621-A, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, would expand the definition of tenant harassment to include unlawful evictions. Additionally, it would require the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to include, as part of a report due on February 27, 2026, a recommendation as to whether an owner's history of unlawful eviction is a reliable criterion for the certificate of no harassment program.

"When a person is illegally evicted from their home, their whole world is upended, often for years," said Council Member Sandy Nurse. "With the passage of Int. 621, the harm of unlawful evictions will no longer be felt solely by the tenants, but also by bad landlords who exploit a system that lacks accountability. Illegal eviction is abuse and our city's definition of harassment must reflect that. This is the first in my No Lockouts Act to ensure every tenant's right to a safe and stable home."

Ensuring Tenants and Landlords Receive Timely Notifications of Certain Rent and Tax Exemptions

Introduction 1034-A, sponsored by Council Member Julie Menin, would require that relevant city agencies provide notices to tenants in connection with renewals for senior citizen and disability rent increase exemptions (SCRIE and DRIE), to landlords in connection with eligibility for real property tax abatements and eligibility for exemptions from payments in lieu of taxes for certain properties occupied by senior citizens or persons with disabilities, and to designated third parties about exemption renewal and transfers if requested.

"Our City Council has continually championed and expanded the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs," said Council Member Julie Menin. "These critical rent freeze programs allow New York City to cover the difference between what tenants pay and what landlords could legally charge through a tax abatement credit, helping older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes. With more than 135,000 households eligible but fewer than half currently enrolled, this legislation will increase awareness and expand access to programs that prevent displacement and protect some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers. I thank Speaker Adrienne Adams for advancing this legislation."

Allowing Expanded Use of Earned Safe and Sick Time, including for Childcare, Caregiving and Public Disasters

Introduction 780-A, sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, would allow safe/sick time under the City's Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) to be used to provide care for a child or care recipient, attend a legal proceeding for public benefits or housing, respond to a public disaster, or respond to workplace violence. This bill would also provide an additional 32 hours of unpaid safe/sick time under ESSTA, which would be available for use immediately upon hire and subsequently on the first day of each calendar year. The unpaid safe/sick time would replace the two days that were provided by the City's Temporary Schedule Change Act (TSCA). However, employees would still be able to request temporary changes to their work schedule subject to approval by their employer.

"It's been more than a decade since our city passed the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act, and with the federal government launching a full-on assault on workers' rights, it's time we not only fight to protect what we have, but also to win more," said Council Member Sandy Nurse. "Passing Int. 780 means ensuring New Yorkers have more time to handle critical needs and care for their loved ones."

Strengthening and Streamlining Environmental Planning

Environmental inequities in New York City create profound economic, social, and health disparities, with affected communities bearing the brunt of polluting infrastructure, inclement weather, and the legacy of discriminatory redlining practices that have left predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods without access to key resources. Simultaneously, low-income communities and communities of color experience disinvestment in environmental benefits such as parks and natural resources, transit access, and solid waste pickup. The following legislation, advanced during Climate Week NYC, seeks to bolster environmental justice considerations in the development of long-term sustainability planning, as well as streamline the City's environmental planning efforts.

Introduction 1271-A, sponsored by Council Member James Gennaro, would require the Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability (OLTPS) to solicit input from the Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB) regarding the development of the long-term sustainability plan, otherwise known as PlaNYC, and require EJAB to make recommendations. This bill would also require OLPTS to provide a draft of the long-term sustainability plan to EJAB at least 10 days before finalizing the plan.

Introduction 1302-A, sponsored by Council Member James Gennaro, would streamline the City's environmental planning efforts by requiring OLTPS to incorporate the long-term energy plan and the climate adaptation plan within its quadrennial update to PlaNYC.

Introduction 1327-A, sponsored by Council Member James Gennaro, would streamline the stormwater permitting process by allowing developers to obtain a stormwater construction permit before executing and recording a maintenance easement. The maintenance easement would instead be required post-construction, as a condition of obtaining approval for a notice of termination. The bill would also increase the civil penalty cap for violations of the stormwater pollution control code from $10,000 to $15,000.

"Climate Week gives us an opportunity to reflect on the progress we've made, and to recommit ourselves to building a greener, and more sustainable New York City," said Council Member James Gennaro. "The three bills I'm proud to sponsor today do just that by strengthening our city's long term sustainability planning, elevating the voices of communities most impacted by climate change, and improving how we protect our waterways from pollution. Together, these measures move us closer to a healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable future for all New Yorkers."

Providing Transparency on New York City's Afterschool Programs

Introduction 955-A, sponsored by Council Member Kevin C. Riley, would require the Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) to each submit annual reports on the afterschool programs they offer, as well as those offered by their respective contractors. Specifically, DOE and DYCD would be required to report on program location, available seats, enrollment, student demographic data, and average attendance rate for each afterschool program offered in the previous school year.

"Afterschool programs are vital to the success of our children and the stability of our families," said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "With my bill, Int. 955-A, we are ensuring parents and students have clear, accessible information about the programs available to them, in the languages they understand. I want to thank our NYC schools and community-based organizations who dedicate themselves every day to making these programs possible. This bill is about fortifying their work with the transparency and accountability families deserve. By strengthening reporting and focusing on equity, this policy gives families the tools they need to make informed choices while closing the gaps that have too often left communities behind."

Updating the New York City Plumbing Code

Introduction 429-A, sponsored by Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez, would require inspections of gas piping to be conducted by either a licensed master plumber or a licensed journeyman plumber working under the direct supervision of a licensed master plumber. Inspections would include the point of connection with gas appliances and would change the definition of ordinary plumbing work to include the replacement of gas furnaces, household gas appliances, and gas appliance connectors. This bill would also reinstate the plumbing and fire suppression license board, amend the definition of emergency work to allow the repair of a plumbing system to protect the public from an unsafe condition or restore water to a building or dwelling unit, and expand the Department of Building's (DOB) ability to seize equipment used for unlicensed work.

"Clear rules save lives. New Yorkers deserve to be safe in their homes, and that means we must set and enforce the highest standards when it comes to dangerous work like gas," said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. "Today, with passage of Int. 429, the Council is codifying an essential clarification: all gas work - including the replacement of domestic gas appliances - must be performed by licensed master plumbers, who are registered with and regularly file their work with the Department of Buildings. This law strengthens inspections, expands emergency work to include unsafe plumbing conditions, and makes explicit what has long been practice."

Assessing the Use of a Cloud Computing Policy for City Technology Systems

Introduction 540-A, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would require the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) to assess the feasibility of adopting a cloud computing policy for city technology systems and submit a report of the assessment's results to the Council.

"For far too long, when it comes to technological innovation, our city government has lagged behind the competition," said Council Member Justin Brannan. "My cloud first bill will help us begin to bridge the technology gap in such a way that everyone wins. Cloud computing could help us achieve more efficient and effective delivery of government services. It would also free us from reliance on costly, on-site data centers - saving us time and money that we can pour back into programs that make our city more affordable for all. It's time for our municipal systems to catch up with the present."

Calling for State Law to Restrict Immigration Enforcement at Schools

Resolution 929-A, sponsored by Council Member Gale Brewer, calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.5373A/S.4735B, known as the Protect Our Schools Act. This proposed state legislation would prohibit immigration enforcement activities in public and charter school settings without a judicial warrant, restrict access to student records without a judicial order or subpoena, require the school's superintendent and district attorney to assess the documentation provided by law enforcement prior to taking any action, mandate that parents or guardians are immediately notified if a student is the subject of enforcement actions, and require schools to establish and publicly post protocols.

"New York City schools are sanctuaries of learning, safety, and opportunity for every child, especially for immigrant students and families who bring such richness to our school communities," said Council Member Gale Brewer. "Our schools have set the example of what it looks like to welcome newcomers with compassion and dignity. But that promise is threatened when the specter of ICE raids hangs over our classrooms and playgrounds. Resolution 929 sends a powerful message: no child should be afraid to come to school to learn, and no parent should fear dropping off their child at school. I urge Albany to pass the Protect Our Schools Act so that we can ensure that every student-regardless of immigration status-has the peace and security they deserve to thrive."

Calling for the State Education Department to Adopt Oral Health Education

Resolution 718, sponsored by Council Member Rita Joseph, calls on the New York State Education Department to adopt oral health education for elementary school students. Dental cavities are the most common chronic disease among children and adults, with children from low-income families being twice as likely to suffer from untreated cavities compared to their higher-income peers. This legislation aims to help close this gap and promote lifelong health.

"As a forever educator and a mother, I know that oral health is public health," said Council Member Rita Joseph. "Many children suffer from preventable dental problems that impact not only their ability to eat and speak comfortably, but also their confidence and success in school. By integrating oral health education into every elementary school, we're addressing disparities head-on, giving families the tools they need, and investing in healthier futures for our children. Res. 718 is about prevention, equity, and ensuring that good health starts early."

Calling for State Law to Require the Installation of Anti-Speeding Devices for Drivers with Multiple Violations

Resolution 854, sponsored by Council Member Yusef Salaam, calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.4045/A.2299, requiring the installation of intelligent speed assistance devices within the vehicles of drivers who commit repeated violations of maximum speed limits.

"Far too many lives in our city are lost or forever changed because of reckless speeding," said Council Member Yusef Salaam. "As Chair of the Committee on Public Safety, I am proud that the Council will be voting on Resolution 854, calling on the State Legislature and Governor to require intelligent speed assistance technology for repeat offenders. This is common-sense, life-saving technology that will hold reckless drivers accountable, prevent future tragedies, and bring us closer to a vision of truly safe streets for all New Yorkers. Public safety is not just about policing-it is about protecting lives in every way possible, and this measure is a critical step forward. I want to thank Senator Gounardes and Assembly Member Gallagher for championing this legislation in Albany and look forward to its passage. I also want to thank Speaker Adrienne Adams for her leadership in bringing this forward as she prepares to leave office-her commitment to public safety and to New Yorkers' well-being will leave a lasting legacy."

Calling on DCAS to Implement a Practical Civil Service Exam for Painters

Resolution 860, sponsored by Majority Leader Amanda Farías, calls on the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) to develop and implement a qualifying practical exam for painters as part of the civil service testing process. Currently, candidates are only required to pass a multiple-choice exam without any hands-on assessment of their skills.

"Res. 860 is about recognizing the skill and dedication of union labor while making sure our infrastructure remains strong for generations to come," said Majority Leader Amanda Farías. "By requiring a fair, practical exam, we make sure only trained, qualified professionals are entrusted with this work. I am proud to have worked closely with DC 9 Painters to advance a resolution that safeguards both the quality of work on our public buildings and the standards of the trade."

Land Use:

1946 East 7th Street Rezoning - will facilitate the development of a new seven-story, mixed-use building with 53 permanently income-restricted one-bedroom units and community facility space serving low-income seniors in Council Member Simcha Felder's district. The Council is modifying the application to reduce the size of the rezoning area and strike MIH Option 2, requiring MIH Option 1.

Former Whitney Museum of American Art and Former Whitney Museum of American Art Interior landmark designation - Founded in 1929, this museum showcased contemporary American artists and was located on Madison Avenue until 2014, when it relocated to its current location in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. The building in Council Member Keith Powers' district has since been used to house collections of the Frick Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was acquired by Sotheby's in 2023 for the purpose of displaying auction items.

JFK Logistics Center Demapping - will facilitate the development of a new logistics warehouse in Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers' district.

Broadway Junction Station City Map Amendment - will facilitate the expansion and improvement of the Broadway Junction Subway Station, providing new entry and egress points, more efficient passenger circulation, and further ADA accessibility in Council Member Sandy Nurse's district.

350 Park Avenue - an application for Special Permits under the East Midtown Subdistrict of the Special Midtown District to facilitate the development of a new, 1.4 million-square-foot commercial office tower and a ground-floor public concourse, in Council Member Keith Powers's district.

515 7th Avenue - an application for Special Permits to allow hotel development and a 20 percent FAR bonus in exchange for indoor public space, to facilitate the development of a new 38-story commercial office and hotel tower in Council Member Erik Bottcher's district.

Applications for revocable consent to operate a sidewalk cafe - The Council will be approving the application submitted by Lava Rock Kitchen in Majority Leader Amanda Farías' district, and disapproving those submitted by El Caldero Restaurant and Sports Bar in Council Member Althea Stevens' district and Green Pavilion Restaurant & Sports Lounge in Council Member Rita Joseph's district.

Finance:

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, approving the new designation and changes in the designation of certain organizations to receive funding in the Expense Budget.

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