🍎 citymeetings.nyc #9
Hi!
Every meeting in the last two weeks went up the same-or-next day.
This is a significant milestone: it took a whole summer of iterating on my software and chapter extraction methodology to get here and I'm able to make good on my promise to be back on track now.
I'm going to publish every meeting same-or-next day going forward.
For each meeting, I also want to begin publishing a quick read that gives you a summary with quotes, citations, and links to chapters.
I'd love your feedback on:
- An example meeting report (see below): what’s good, what’s bad, what do you want to see instead or in addition?
- How interested you are in receiving these reports for every meeting.
You can reply to this email to give me feedback (I read and respond to everything).
Thanks!
Vikram
City Council Stated Meeting
Date: August 16th, 2024
At every Stated Meeting:
- The council convenes and the speaker (Adrienne Adams) addresses the body.
- Members pass legislation and introduce new legislation, and they all talk about it.
- There's a bunch of general discussion.
Details on all that below.
"Hey, neat."
Curious or fun moments from the meeting.
- Amanda Jaggernath from MS137 won a veterans essay contest, addresses the chamber, and it's a nice little moment. Link
- Council members acknowledge and appreciate their summer interns. Link Link Link.
- Council Member Lynn Schulman mentioned that her student interns created a "TikTok kind of experience" video for Instagram that received over a thousand views. Link
- I think it's this spotlight on small businesses in District 29, which is kind of fun! Here, have some more views
Speaker's Address Highlights
Speaker Adrienne Adams expressed serious concerns about recent developments in city governance, focusing on attacks against the rule of law and a rushed charter revision commission.
"This disregard of democratic governance and processes cannot be normalized. The strength of our city, our government, and our democracy relies on upholding these principles that safeguard public confidence and trust in our institutions." Link
Discussion Highlights
Council Member Gale A. Brewer raised concerns about increased crime in Central Park, noting that perpetrators are primarily young migrants. She called for more activities and support for young people in migrant hotels.
"It seems to me that what we should be doing as a city is working in the hotels where the young people are coming from and giving them something to do. It's not clear that they have anything to do according to NYPD. It's not NYPD's job to do the social work. It is our job." Link
Council Member James Gennaro strongly opposed the mayor's charter revision commission, describing it as a "two-pronged attack on this institution" and urged colleagues to push back against what he sees as an abuse of power by the mayor Link.
Legislation Voted On
Bronx Metro North Station Rezoning
Approved with modifications, including a $500 million capital commitment package for infrastructure improvements.
"Securing nearly $195,000,000 in capital investments from the administration was a significant achievement, one that required rigorous negotiations and a strong commitment to our shared vision." - Amanda Farías
"This smart development plan will bring new transit options, thousands of jobs, and homeownership opportunities for our constituents." - Kristy Marmorato
The original hearing on this rezoning proposal is here, with more extensive comments and negotiation. Link
Student newspapers in high schools
Resolution 372 passed, calling on the New York City Department of Education to provide support for student newspapers in every high school.
"A student newspaper offers a platform for students to express their ideas and develop critical thinking skills. Participating in student newspapers not only enhances students' knowledge and abilities, but also fosters Democratic values, government accountability, and a well-informed society." - Rita Joseph
"As someone who was both a publisher and reporter for my college newspaper, I was very proud to be a co-sponsor on Resolution 372." Lynn Schulman
Other land use items
Several land use items were approved, including rezoning projects in Brooklyn's Sheepshead Bay and Williamsburg neighborhoods, and Staten Island's Prince's Bay Link.
New Legislation Introduced
Installation of vape detectors
Intro 999 requires the installation of vape detectors in schools to address youth vaping.
"These devices will not only alert staff in the event that vape is detected on school grounds, but they will also serve as a physical deterrent to prevent young people from trying these products while on campus." - Joann Ariola
Eliminating fees for firearm permits
Intro 1008 eliminates the $340 fee for firearm licenses and permits in New York City.
"The application fee for the New York City pistol permit can be a significant financial burden for many people. This fee may disproportionately affect individuals from lower income backgrounds, making it harder for them to exercise their second amendment rights compared to those with more financial resources." - Vickie Paladino
Increasing transparency in 3K and pre-K programs
Intro 1009 increases transparency in the Department of Education's 3K and pre-K programs. "We should have real time access to this information throughout the school year. Information on what neighborhoods have capacity, 3K and Pre-K, what types of seats, what staffing needs the DOE may have, and what outreach the DOE is doing." - Lincoln Restler
A system to deliver important information to parents'
Intro 1001 creates an NYC Text for Kids system for delivering important information to parents.
"The purpose of this bill is simple. To ensure that parents in New York City have easy access to helpful, important, and accurate information regarding their children's health and development." - Jennifer Gutiérrez
Jamaican Heritage Month
Resolution 518 designates October as Jamaican Heritage Month in New York City.
"In honor of Jamaican Jamaica's National Heritage Week celebrated the 3rd week of October each year, I am proud to recognize and celebrate Jamaican heritage on this important month." - Selvena Brooks-Powers
The right to legal council for homeowners facing foreclosure
Resolution 524 calls for the right to legal counsel for homeowners facing foreclosure.
This crucial legislation would grant homeowners facing foreclosure, the right to legal counsel, providing them with vital protection as they navigate complex legal proceedings." - Kevin Riley
Making it unlawful for protesters to conceal their identity
Resolution 525 supports a state bill to make it unlawful for protesters to conceal their identity.
"It's time to unmask the hate. In the past months, we've seen an explosion of anti American anti Semitic violent protests and riots celebrating terrorism at home and abroad, emboldened by their ability to be anonymous through face coverings." - Inna Vernikov
Requiring schools to stock airway clearing devices
Intro 1002 requires all schools to stock airway clearing devices.
"This bill was inspired by a personal family tragedy. In 1992, my grandfather's life was cut short by choking after a failed attempt of the Heimlich maneuver." - Kristy Marmorato
Virtual hearings for parking and camera violations
Resolution 59 calls for virtual hearings for parking and camera violations in New York City.
"All New Yorkers deserve the right to a to a live hearing on parking and camera violations. Yet many are not able to attend a hearing in person due to transportation issues, accessibility concerns, and more." - Selvena Brooks-Powers
Thanks for reading!
Comments, questions, or feedback? Reply to this email or shoot me a note at vikram@citymeetings.nyc