New York Note: City Legislation, DASNY President, Willets Point

April 15, 2024

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council passed legislation prohibiting provisions in employment agreements that shorten the period of time in which claims of discriminatory actions or harassment can be filed. They also passed a bill requiring FDNY to provide body armor and self-defense training to emergency medical services employees. The Council introduced bills that would establish a rat contraceptive pilot program, prohibit city agencies from entering into contracts for the purchase of single-use plastic water containers, and require the Parks Department to create 300 miles of trails in NYC. You can find all of the legislation that was passed and introduced here.

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DASNY Acting President & CEO

The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) Board of Directors has appointed Robert J. Rodriguez as Acting President and Chief Executive Officer. Rodriguez currently serves as New York Secretary of State, and previously served in the New York State Assembly. DASNY provides financing and construction services to colleges and universities, non-profit health care facilities, and other public institutions. The State Senate will now need to confirm Rodriguez as the President and CEO.

Willets Point Soccer Stadium Approved

At their Stated meeting, the NYC Council voted to approve construction of a soccer stadium at Willets Point in Queens, which will house the New York City Football Club. The proposed stadium would have 25,000 seats, and the site would include 1,400 new units of permanently affordable housing, a hotel, 80,000 square feet of retail space, and 2.8 acres of open space for the public. All but one member of the Council, Shekar Krishnan, voted in favor of the plan. Krishnan stated that the plan was a “bad deal” and did not offer enough to residents. The stadium is expected to cost $780M to build, and will be completed in 2027.

Mayor to Require Forms for Meetings with Elected Officials

Mayor Adams has issued a new directive, requiring that any elected official looking to meet with staff of NYC agencies fill out a lengthy online form. This policy would extend to all elected officials, including members of Congress. The Mayor’s team would then review the form and grant or deny the request. A statement from the NYC Council noted that there have been no official communications from the Adams administration on this new policy and that it would be “the height of government inefficiency” if put into place.

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