New York City Council Continues Efforts to Support City’s Growing Senior Population by Approving Legislation to Expand Services and Resources for the Older Adult Community

Council also passed legislation to improve data collection on outcomes in the domestic violence shelter system to assess the effectiveness of programs

City Hall, NY - Today, the New York City Council voted to pass legislation to expand services and resources for the older adult community, continuing efforts to support the City's growing Senior population, which currently represents 20% of our city's entire population and is expected to jump 40% by 2040. The approved legislation would provide information for older adults regarding their rights against employment discrimination and workforce programs, along with considering the creation of older adult information points.

The Council also approved legislation to improve data collection on outcomes in the domestic violence shelter system, increasing required reporting about shelter exits and referrals. In New York City, domestic violence (DV) is one of the largest causes of family homelessness, with 20% of families with children in Department of Homelessness Services (DHS) shelters identifying DV as the main reason for their homelessness. A recent report from New Destiny Housing, a DV shelter provider, called on the City to improve its data collection methods on Human Resources Administration (HRA) domestic violence exits. The legislation approved by the Council will increase the frequency and expand the scope of data collected to accurately assess the effectiveness of programs and the need for additional resources.

"Our older adults built the foundation upon which we stand, and we must advance efforts to improve their quality of life," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "The Council was proud to pass bills, as a part of our 11-bill Age in Place 2.0 package, to expand access to information about workers' rights, and conduct a study to consider placement of older adult informational points. All of us deserve to age with dignity, and that can only happen if we equip our older adults with the resources to lead healthy and connected lives. The Council also advanced bills to more accurately assess the effectiveness of programs that support domestic violence victims in their recovery. I thank my Council colleagues for their work on legislation that will help improve our communities across the city."

Expanding Services for the City's Growing Older Adult Population

This legislation is part of Age in Place 2.0, an eleven-bill package aimed at combating some of the most pressing issues facing older adults through solutions that include expanding meal options, strengthening interagency coordination, and expanding technical support, fraud education, and financial planning resources. The Council has already passed two of the bills, Introduction 228 and Introduction 689, into law.

Introduction 1025-A, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would require the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) to provide information in a paper pamphlet form for older adults regarding their rights against employment discrimination and workforce programs.

Introduction 1053-A, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, would require DFTA to conduct a feasibility study regarding the creation of older adult information points, which would serve as physical locations where older adults can receive information concerning DFTA services and programming.

"We would all be fortunate to age in this great city, and I am proud to be part of a body that is committed to supporting not only today's older adults but also those of tomorrow-ourselves included," said Council Member Crystal Hudson. "Intros 1025A and 1053A, part of my Age in Place 2.0 legislative package, are critical steps forward. These bills, which we are advancing today, will ensure that older New Yorkers are aware of workforce opportunities specifically designed for them and have the tools to combat age discrimination in the workplace. Additionally, these measures will lay the groundwork for creating in-person service centers to better assist older adults with routine needs that may be more effectively addressed face-to-face than online or over the phone. Together, we are working to make New York City the best place for everyone age in place with dignity and security."

Improving Data Collection on the Outcomes in the Domestic Violence Shelter System

Introduction 1070-A, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, would amend reporting requirements on exits from domestic violence shelters, which currently only include information about domestic violence emergency shelter exits, to additionally require reporting on domestic violence tier II shelter exits. Tier II shelters are facilities that house 10 or more families and offer additional services and resources, such as job training and childcare, to assist families in transitioning back to permanent housing.

Introduction 1071-A, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, would amend the existing reporting requirements on applications for multi-agency emergency housing assistance to include reporting on referrals to HRA domestic violence shelters disaggregated by household type and source of referral. It would also require reporting on transfers between city-administered facility systems and exits from HRA-administered domestic violence shelters.

"It's critical the City has the right information to assess what can be done to enhance domestic violence services, especially in accommodating new or shifting needs for families that emerge in the aftermath of the pandemic," said Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. "Together, Intros. 1070A and Intro 1071A will strengthen existing reporting on domestic violence shelter outcomes and exits so all stakeholders can better understand the needs of survivors and provide them with the most appropriate supports. I want to thank the Speaker, my colleagues, and New Destiny Housing for their support on getting these bills across the finish line."

Expanding Data on Transportation for Students with Disabilities

Introduction 515-A, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would expand existing Department of Education (DOE) reporting on school bus transportation employees to include the type of training employees have completed, training specific to supporting students with disabilities, employee route assignments (general or special education), and whether these employees accompany students on school bus routes.

"We have heard enough horror stories from public school parents about busing issues, from route length to employee complaints to violations of IEPs, that we can no longer afford for school bus vendor staffing and policies to be a black box," said Council Member Justin Brannan. "All parents and guardians, and especially those with children with disabilities, deserve the information they need to support their kids, hold the right people accountable, and call for change where necessary. Knowledge is power."

Increasing Transparency and Data Collection on Illegal Smoke Shop Enforcement

Introduction 557-B, sponsored by Council Member Gale Brewer, would require the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) to create a specific 311 category for complaints related to unlicensed cannabis retailers, so members of the public can file a complaint on the 311 website, mobile device platform, and any other platform routinely utilized.

Introduction 981-A, sponsored by Council Member Brewer, would update existing reporting to the City's inspection and enforcement of unlicensed sellers of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, tobacco products and illicit cannabis related to the expanded local authority to conduct inspections and enforcement of state cannabis law, and provide increased details on the outcomes of each inspection conducted by City agencies.

"Operation Padlock to Protect rolled out in a hurry-very much an example of building the plane while flying it," said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. "Some essentials were missed, such as public reporting on enforcement activity and creating a proper 311 complaint system, both of which are obligations to the public. The Sheriff's Office has done a fantastic job sealing stores since the start of Operation Padlock to Protect in May. Unlicensed cannabis enforcement will continue indefinitely, and that means two things are needed: Ongoing support from OMB and enhancements to the enforcement process."

Adhering the Citywide Electrical Code to the 2020 National Standards

Introduction 436-A, sponsored by Council Member Sanchez, would update the New York City Electrical Code by adopting the standards of the 2020 National Electrical Code, with certain amendments based on unique conditions within the City.

"As we work to green our city through efforts like the implementation of the nation's most ambitious climate law, Local Law 97, and electrification efforts, Intro 436-A finally updates the electrical code, which had not been updated since 2011," said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. We are also ensuring our city stays up to date on the best electrical standards, by requiring the electrical code be updated every 3 years. The passage of Intro 436-A is a critical step towards keeping New Yorkers safe, reaching our electrification goals, and adopting the latest safety and technological standards in NYC buildings."

Banning the Sale of Dogs and Cats in Pet Shops

Introduction 1018-A, sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan, would conform the City's pet shop laws to State law, amending local law to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats in retail pet shops, curbing the use of puppy mills and instead, work with local shelters to offer rescued or sheltered animals.

"As someone who has only ever had shelter and rescue pets, I have experienced their unconditional love and unwavering loyalty firsthand," said Council Member Justin Brannan. "There is absolutely no reason to allow a for-profit industry that abuses animals and treats them like commodities to continue to operate when our public shelter system is full of loving animals waiting to save your life. I am proud to go beyond "adopt, don't shop" as a slogan and to turn it into true public policy in the City of New York. This is another big step towards making this a more humane city."

Calling on Improved School Bus Safety

Resolution 250, sponsored by Council Member Kevin Riley, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would require all school buses operating within the state, regardless of seating capacity, to have a stop-arm on each side, and to prohibit any school buses from operating if they do not have functioning stop-arms.

Although school buses are essential for safely transporting students, they are more challenging to navigate than regular vehicles, requiring more space and time to stop and having larger blind spots. Current State law mandates that only school buses designed with a capacity of 45 persons or more have an additional stop-arm on the rear corner of the driver's side to alert passing motorists. Surveys conducted by the New York Association for Pupil Transportation, in partnership with the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, show that approximately 50,000 motorists illegally pass school buses in NYS each school day. In 2019, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 109 people were killed nationwide in school bus-related crashes with 8 deaths occurring within New York State.

"As a father and a Council Member, ensuring the safety of our children is deeply personal to me," said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "Resolution 250-2024 is a critical step toward protecting our students by requiring stop-arms on all school buses, no matter their size. This simple yet vital measure will prevent accidents, save lives, and provide families with peace of mind. Together, we can make our school transportation system safer and uphold our commitment to the well-being of every child in New York City."

Designating November 30 as Shirley Chisholm Day in New York City

Resolution 280, sponsored by Council Member Farah Louis, would designate November 30 annually as Shirley Chisholm Day in the City of New York to recognize her contributions as an educator, activist, and elected official. Chisholm became the first Black woman ever elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing New York's 12th Congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983, during which time she was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. In 1972, she became the first Black candidate to seek a major party's presidential nomination and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's nomination.

"Today, I am proud to celebrate the passage of my bill, Resolution 280, which establishes November 30th as Shirley Chisholm Day in New York City. This milestone honors a trailblazer who broke barriers as the first Black woman in Congress and a fearless advocate for justice and equality," said Council Member Farah N. Louis. "Shirley Chisholm's legacy inspires us to challenge the status quo and fight for a more inclusive society, and by commemorating her life and achievements annually, we ensure her vision continues to empower future generations. Let this day remind us all of the power of courage, determination, and bold leadership."

Land Use

Brooklyn Yards - a private application to facilitate the development of twelve new residential buildings, one new commercial building, and one new mixed-use building in the districts of Council Member Zhuang and Council Member Yeger. This application will facilitate the construction of 270 dwelling units, of which 81 would be permanently affordable pursuant to MIH and includes seven special permits related to a Large-Scale General Development, development within or over a railroad right-of-way, and parking waivers, as well as a zoning map amendment and related zoning text amendment.

962-972 Franklin Avenue Rezoning - an application for several related zoning actions to facilitate the development of a new 11-story mixed-use building, with a total of 355 housing units, of which up to 107 will be permanently affordable pursuant to MIH, in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Council Member Hudson's district.

Port Authority Bus Terminal Replacement - an application for several actions related to the redevelopment of the Midtown Port Authority Bus Terminal in Council Member Bottcher's district. Through this project, the Port Authority will construct a new bus terminal, storage and staging facility, ramp system, and facilitate the construction of two private commercial office buildings to be located above the new terminal.

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