NYC Council Approves Legislation to Improve Street Cleanliness and Snow Removal

Council also passes legislation requiring convening of quadrennial commission to review elected officials' salaries

City Hall, NY - Today, the New York City Council voted to establish a pilot program aimed at improving street cleanliness and ensuring timely removal of snow or ice at bus shelters, bike share stations, and other public spaces. The legislation comes after the city saw two major snowstorms that left hundreds of bus shelters and stops snowed in for days.

Additionally, the Council approved a bill to establish a timeline for the Mayor to convene a quadrennial commission to review the compensation levels of the Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough Presidents, Council Members, and District Attorneys. The New York City Charter requires a commission to be convened every four years to study and make recommendations for changes in elected officials' salaries. However, no commission has been empaneled since 2016.

Establishing a Pilot Program to Improve Street Cleanliness and Snow Removal

Introduction 416-A, sponsored by Council Member Justin E. Sanchez, would require that by May 1, 2026, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), Department of Transportation (DOT), and Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) establish a two-year pilot program to encourage cleanliness and removal of snow and ice. Under the program, DSNY would be required to notify DOT or DoITT if DSNY observes dirty conditions or accumulation of snow or ice at any bus shelter, bike share station, or public communications structure. DOT or DoITT would then be required to instruct the structure's operator to remedy the condition. If the operator does not remedy the condition, DOT or DOITT would be required to take relevant enforcement action. This bill would also require the submission of a report on the pilot program by November 1, 2028.

"This bill is about fairness and quality of life," said Council Member Justin E. Sanchez. "Public space comes with public responsibility. It's time for corporations to do their part and make sure that like the bus, litter stops here. Our sanitation workers have a massive job keeping eight million New Yorkers' streets clean. They shouldn't have to pick up the slack for private companies that are obligated to maintain their own footprint."

Establishing a Quadrennial Commission to Review Elected Officials' Salaries

Introduction 502-B, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams, would require the Mayor to convene a quadrennial commission in 2026 to review the compensation levels of the Mayor, Public Advocate, City Comptroller, Borough Presidents, Council Members, and District Attorneys in New York City. The bill would also require a commission to be convened between January 1 and 15 of 2030, and every four years afterward.

Each quadrennial commission would have 75 days from the day it is convened to make recommendations on compensation levels for city elected officials. Commissions would be required to send their recommendations to the Mayor and the Council. The Mayor would be able to approve, disapprove, or modify those recommendations to the Council, but would not be required to do so. The Council would have discretion to review the recommendations and alter the compensation levels before adoption.

"Today's vote advances the Charter-outlined process for reviewing elected official compensation," said Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams. "The last full review took place in 2016, and this legislation provides the structure for the Council to revisit that question in a clear and transparent way. The Charter anticipates periodic review, and this action ensures that responsibility is addressed through the process the law establishes."

Allowing the Use of Cellar ADUs as Rentals

Introduction 421-A, sponsored by Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez, would allow ancillary dwelling units in cellars of one- and two-family dwellings, created as part of new construction, to be utilized as a rental unit, to be consistent with exemptions for ancillary dwelling units in cellars created in existing one- and two-family dwellings.

"The Council's landmark 2024 City for All housing package - which secured more than $5 billion in housing investments - and the City of Yes zoning reforms allowed us to build a little more housing in every neighborhood," said Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez. "Those reforms legalized ancillary dwelling units like basement apartments, and Int. 421-A simply aligns the Housing Maintenance Code with those changes so basement apartments in newly built one- and two-family homes can be safely rented."

Creating the Library and Archival Review Advisory Board

Introduction 87-A, sponsored by Council Member Gale A. Brewer, would consolidate the Archival Review Board and the Archives, Reference, and Research Advisory Board into the Library and Archival Review Advisory Board. The members of the Library and Archival Review Advisory Board would complete the same functions previously assigned to the Archival Review Board and the Archives, Reference, and Research Advisory Board. These functions include issuing a report on the development of municipal archives, reference and research services in the city, and archival processing of city papers.

"New York City's archival oversight was split between two advisory boards with overlapping responsibilities, which made coordination more difficult than it needed to be," said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. "Introduction 87 brings those boards together into one Library and Archival Review Advisory Board, creating a clearer structure for reviewing how city records are preserved and accessed. This change will help ensure the City's archives are managed with consistent oversight and professional expertise."

Requiring Signage Relating to Bus Lane Restrictions

Introduction 409-A, sponsored by Council Member Kevin C. Riley, would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to post signs on each block of any street subject to bus lane restrictions, with some exceptions. The signs would indicate the hours and days when bus lane restrictions are in effect. This bill would also require DOT to publish and maintain on its website the hours and days when bus lane restrictions are in effect for each affected street in the City.

"Bus lanes are essential to keeping New York City moving, but when the rules around them are unclear, drivers face confusion and riders feel the impact through slower service," said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "My bill, Intro. 409-A, helps address that problem by requiring clear signage and accessible online information so New Yorkers can easily understand when bus lane restrictions are in effect. When the rules are clear, compliance improves, helping keep bus lanes open for transit riders while ensuring drivers have the information they need to navigate our streets safely and confidently."

Land Use:

395 Flatbush Avenue - a proposal by HPD, in conjunction with DOHMH, DCAS, and developers Rabina and Park Tower Group, to facilitate the redevelopment of an existing city-owned, seven-story office building into a 72-story, mixed-use building with approximately 1,263 new housing units, including 325 affordable units under MIH Option 1, in Council Member Crystal Hudson's district. The Council is modifying the application to strike MIH Option 2.

14-10 Beach Channel Drive - an application to facilitate the development of a new six-story, mixed-use commercial, community facility, and residential building with approximately 92 housing units, approximately 28 of which will be affordable under MIH, in Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers' district. The Council is modifying the application to reduce the rezoning area without affecting the proposed development.

33-01 11th Street Rezoning - an application to facilitate the development of a new 10-story, mixed-use building with approximately 258 housing units, 65 of which will be affordable under MIH, as well as light industrial, commercial, and community facility space in Council Member Tiffany Cabán's District. The Council is modifying the application to strike MIH Option 2 and add MIH Option 3.

Finance:

A Transparency Resolution approving new designations and changes of certain organizations receiving funding in the Expense Budget.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, amending a prior resolution approving an Article XI tax exemption for a nine-story building in Council Member Chi Ossé's district.

The Council approved its Fiscal Year 2027 proposed operating budget, including $95.06 million for Personal Services and $32 million for Other Than Personal Services (OTPS).

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