Public Meetings - New York City, New York

On October 22, 2026, the New York City Council's Committee on Health, chaired by Councilmember Lynn Schulman, voted on Proposed Introduction 943-A (Int 0943-2026), sponsored by Councilmember Christopher Marte. The legislation would prohibit the operation of horse-drawn cabs after June 1, 2028, require the humane disposition of carriage horses, and mandate a transition plan for the industry to be developed by the Mayor and published by April 1, 2027. The committee approved the bill by a vote of 6-3. The vote followed a previous nine-hour public hearing held in July 2026 and was motivated in part by the death of carriage driver Ramanch Mahajan earlier in the year. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was taken during this voting session. Chair Schulman instructed members of the public to remain silent, stating that a full public hearing on the legislation had been held in July 2026. Discussion Items - Chair Lynn Schulman: Outlined the main provisions of the bill, emphasizing public safety, horse welfare, and worker welfare. She noted the council listened to all stakeholders and that the bill reflected input from the extensive hearing process. - Councilmember Christopher Marte (Sponsor): Argued that the city must evolve past the "outdated" horse carriage industry, which he characterized as "legalized animal cruelty" that puts the public at risk. He stated that decades of inaction led to the death of Romash Mahajan and that this legislation would honor his sacrifice. - Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa (Aye): Voted in support but stressed the need for a responsible transition plan for workers, including medallion buy-backs, upskilling of drivers, and sanctuary placement for horses. She committed to accountability for the transition plan. - Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse (Aye): Voted in support, stating she would hold the administration accountable for the transition plan and fight alongside TWU Local 100 to ensure serious answers on jobs, compensation, and horse care. - Councilmember Harvey Epstein (Aye): Voted in favor, calling it a "new day" and expressing solidarity with New Yorkers, the Central Park Conservancy, animal rights organizations, and drivers seeking new jobs. - Councilmember Carl Wilson (Aye): Voted in the affirmative in memory of Ramanch Mahajan. - Councilmember Joann Ariola (Nay): Voted against, stating that while she advocates for animals, she also supports workers' rights and small businesses, and that the bill lacked a concrete plan for the future of drivers and owners. - Councilmember James Gennaro (Nay): Voted against. He criticized the advocacy group New York Class, questioned the direct link between the industry and the death of Mahajan (noting the industry was not named in the lawsuit), and argued horses require work for their health, comparing animal sanctuaries to nursing homes. Key Outcomes - Decision: The Committee on Health voted to approve Proposed Introduction 943-A (Int 0943-2026-A). - Vote Tally: 6 in favor (Schulman, De La Rosa, Epstein, Marte, Narcisse, Wilson) to 3 opposed (Ariola, Felder, Gennaro). - Next Steps: The approved bill will proceed to the full City Council for consideration. The legislation requires the Mayor to publish a horse-drawn cab industry transition plan by April 1, 2027. The ban on new licenses and operations is set to take effect on June 1, 2028.

The New York City Council’s Committee on Rules, Privileges, Elections, Standards and Ethics met on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 9:30 AM. Chaired by Council Member Sandra Ung, the committee convened to consider a single agenda item: a resolution to approve the appointment of Marricka Scott-McFadden as Commissioner of the Board of Elections, as recommended by the Bronx County Democratic Committee. Discussion Items T2026-2716 – Appointment of Marricka Scott-McFadden to the Board of Elections Chair Ung opened the meeting and stated that the purpose was to vote on the resolution approving the appointment. The Clerk called the roll. Key Outcomes Vote on Resolution The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of 8 in favor, 0 against. Voting in favor were Chair Ung, Shaun Abreu, Chris Banks, David M. Carr, Elsie Encarnación, Shekar Krishnan, Linda Lee, and Nantasha M. Williams. Council Member Kevin C. Riley was absent. The item was approved as a Preconsidered Item with a Companion Resolution. Discrepancy in Meeting Record While the official meeting minutes and agenda indicate a brief, standard vote on a single item, the raw transcript of the proceedings contains a lengthy informal, off-topic conversation among committee members regarding personal scheduling conflicts and mistaken identities. This sidebar conversation is not reflected in the official minutes and does not correspond to any formal agenda item or committee action. The official minutes are the binding record of the meeting.

The New York City Council Committee on Finance, chaired by Councilmember Linda Lee, convened on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. The committee considered and voted on seven agenda items, including a local law adjusting senior and disabled rent exemptions, a transparency resolution for expense budget designations, a public hearing authorization for eight Business Improvement Districts, and several preconsidered land use applications for real property tax exemptions. Discussion Items - MHANY Cluster Tax Exemption (T2026-2688 / LU 0156-2026): Councilmember Justin Sanchez (District 17) spoke at length regarding the MHANY cluster, specifically citing conditions at 917 Eagle Avenue, a five-story walk-up which he noted had accumulated 123 recorded violations, including 41 Class C violations. Sanchez stated that he demanded MHANY provide a clear plan and timeline, which they did in advance of the vote. However, he stressed that residents deserve "independently verified repairs and lasting solutions" rather than just "promises and paperwork." Sanchez stated that this vote was a "direct signal to future applicants" for tax abatements in his district that comprehensive maintenance plans are required. Sanchez abstained from the vote on this item. - Transparency Resolution (T2026-2686): Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers disclosed a conflict of interest on the record, stating she had a family member associated with the Department of Education, an entity involved in the funding designations covered by the resolution. She voted aye on all items. - General Disclosure: Councilmember Frank Morano voted against the transparency resolution, stating his position on the record. Key Outcomes - Int 0978-2026-B (Senior/Disabled Rent Exemption): Approved. The local law, sponsored by Councilmember Farrell Lewis, increases the maximum income level qualifying for exemption from rent increases. The official written minutes record a roll call vote of 15 in the affirmative. - Res 0666-2026-A (BIDs Budget Hearing Authorization): Approved. The resolution sets a public hearing for November 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM to consider budget increases for eight BIDs: 34th Street, 82nd Street Queens, East Mid-Manhattan, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn, Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue, Southern Boulevard Bronx, Greater JFK, and West Village. Official minutes record a vote of 15 in the affirmative. - T2026-2686 (Transparency Resolution): Approved. Official minutes record a roll call vote of 14 to 1, with Councilmember Frank Morano voting in the negative. - T2026-2688 / LU 0156-2026 (MHANY Cluster 2 NR Rehab Tax Exemption): Approved. Official minutes record a roll call vote of 14 in the affirmative, with Councilmember Justin Sanchez abstaining. - T2026-2687 / LU 0155-2026 (300 W 17th Street HDFC Tax Exemption): Approved (Official minutes: 15-0). - T2026-2689 / LU 0157-2026 (Albans HDFC Tax Exemption): Approved (Official minutes: 15-0). - Councilmember Attendance: The roll call showed 15 members present (Lee, Abreu, Aldebol, Brooks-Powers, Feliz, Gennaro, Hudson, Maloney, Marte, Morano, Narcisse, Restler, Sanchez, Williams, Wong). Councilmember Alexa Avilés was absent and Councilmember Darlene Mealy was absent on medical leave. Note on Vote Count Discrepancy: The official written minutes record 15 affirmative votes for the bulk items, 14-1 on the transparency resolution, and 14-0-1 on the MHANY cluster. In contrast, Chair Lee's verbal synopsis in the transcript summarized the bulk votes as 13-0, the transparency resolution as 12-1, and the MHANY cluster as 12-0-1. This discrepancy is noted, and the official minutes are the authoritative record for vote tallies.

The New York City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings, chaired by Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez, convened on October 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM to vote on Proposed Introduction No. 905-A, the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA). Sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse, the legislation aims to give qualified entities, such as nonprofits and community land trusts, the first opportunity to submit a statement of interest and purchase certain multifamily residential properties before they can be sold to private parties. After remarks from the chair and the sponsor, the committee voted 10-0-1 to approve the item. Discussion Items - Chair Sanchez opened the meeting by framing the vote against the backdrop of New York City's severe housing crisis. She stated that the city cannot build its way out of the crisis while losing existing affordable housing stock. Sanchez explained that COPA would apply to buildings with 4 to 100 units that either have affordability agreements managed by HPD or show significant physical distress. The program is modeled after a similar law in San Francisco. - Chair Sanchez cited key statistics, noting a 0.39% vacancy rate for apartments renting below $1,100 and a rate below 1% for apartments under $1,649. She also noted that tens of thousands of regulatory affordability agreements expire each year. - Council Member Sandy Nurse, the bill's sponsor, described the effort to pass COPA as a "six-year saga" spanning three mayoral administrations, four introductions, three hearings, a prior passage, and a veto. She emphasized that COPA is an anti-displacement tool that gives tenants and communities a fighting chance to acquire and stabilize their buildings. Nurse stated that "one in five New Yorkers say they plan to leave within five years because it costs too damn much to stay." - Council Member Nurse thanked the COPA coalition and the New York City Community Land Initiative for their relentless advocacy. She also acknowledged colleagues who opposed the bill but engaged with her on the issue. Key Outcomes - Vote on Proposed Int. No. 905-A (COPA): The committee voted to approve the legislation. - Vote Tally: 10 in the affirmative (Sanchez, Riley, Feliz, Hudson, Joseph, Maloney, Salaam, Williams, Wilson, Abreu), 0 in the negative, and 1 abstention (Zhuang). - Speaker Statements: - Council Member Joseph delivered an impassioned statement explaining her support, stating "Housing is not a commodity, it is a home." She highlighted the challenges facing tenants in her district (Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Ditmas Park, Crown Heights), including lack of heat and unfulfilled repairs, and framed the bill as a tool to break the cycle of speculative ownership. - Council Members Riley, Feliz, Hudson, and Wilson offered congratulations to Council Member Nurse for her persistence and work on the legislation. - Next Steps: As this was a committee approval, the resolution will proceed to the full City Council for consideration. Council Member Sanchez noted that the legislation is "close to" heading to the full council.

The New York City Council met for a Stated Meeting on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. Majority Leader Shaun Abreu presided as President Pro Tempore. A quorum of 49 members was present. The meeting featured historic final votes on long-debated legislation, including the ban on horse-drawn carriages (Romanche's Law) and the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA), alongside numerous land use, finance, and policy items. Consent Calendar - The Council adopted the Minutes of the October 8 meeting and spread the invocation upon the record. - Most items on the General Orders Calendar were approved en masse via a consent vote of 49-0. This included: Int. 0853-A (Special education study), Int. 0978-2026-B (SCRIE/DRIE income eligibility increase to $75,000), Res. 0666-A (BID expenditures), multiple tax exemption resolutions (Res. 0704, 0707-0708), land use actions (Res. 0709-0714 covering zoning and an Urban Development Action Area Project in Manhattan), Int. 0927-A (street renaming in Queens), Res. 0715 (appointment of Marricka Scott-McFadden as Bronx County Commissioner of Elections), and Int. 0296-2026-A (Gender-based violence data collection). - Six high-profile items were removed from the consent calendar and received individual roll call votes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was taken during the Stated Meeting, as only council members are permitted to speak during these sessions. Discussion Items & Major Floor Debate Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban (Int. 0943-2026-A / Romanche's Law) - Amendment Debate: Councilmember Gennaro moved an amendment to extend the phase-out date to January 1, 2030, arguing the 18-month transition provided inadequate support for workers and owners. Councilmember Paladino argued the industry was being unfairly scapegoated and that the bill was rushed. Councilmember Morano spoke against the amendment, arguing that two decades of debate was sufficient and that a vote was needed now. Amendment Defeated 6-43-0. - Final Vote: The bill prohibits new carriage horse licenses after June 1, 2028, requires a transition plan for workers (including job training and placement), and requires the humane disposition of horses (prohibiting slaughter). Passed 40-7-2. - In favor: Speaker Menin, Councilmember Marte (sponsor), De La Rosa, Feliz, Morano, Restler, Nurse, Wilson. - Opposed: Ariola, Felder, Gennaro, Paladino, Carr (Minority Leader), Riley, Vernikov. - Abstained: Farías, Zhuang. - Speaker Menin specifically thanked the family of victim Romanche Mahajan for their advocacy. Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA - Int. 0905-2026-A) - COPA grants qualified nonprofits and community land trusts a "first look" and matching right on offers for certain distressed residential properties (4-100 units) to preserve affordable housing. - Supporters (Councilmember Nurse, Menin, Cabán, Hudson, Joseph, Lee) emphasized its role as an anti-displacement tool against speculative investment. Councilmember Nurse noted the bill was significantly narrowed to target roughly 2,100 buildings. - Opponents (Councilmembers Morano, Paladino, Carr, Ariola, Narcisse) argued it violates private property rights, creates legal uncertainty, and represents flawed housing policy. Councilmember Narcisse expressed concern about the long-term impact on property owners. Passed 38-9-2. - Abstained: Hanks, Narcisse. SCRIE/DRIE Income Cap Increase (Int. 0978-2026-B) - Raised the income eligibility cap for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) from $50,000 to $75,000. Councilmember Farah Louis, the sponsor, described it as essential for allowing seniors and disabled New Yorkers to age in place. Passed via Consent Agenda. Voting Rights in City Jails - Int. 0786-2026-A (Ballot Curing): Requires the Department of Correction to review absentee ballots for errors before submission. Passed 42-7. - Int. 0797-2026-A (Jail Voter Reporting): Requires annual demographic reporting on voter registration in jails. Passed 48-1. - Public Advocate Jumaane Williams spoke in favor, highlighting the disenfranchisement of eligible voters (mostly pretrial detainees) on Rikers Island. Land Use & Tax Exemptions - LU 156 / Res 705-706 (Bronx Cluster): Approved tax exemptions for a cluster of properties. Councilmember Justin Sanchez abstained (48-0-1), citing over 500 housing violations in related buildings and arguing against tax breaks without stricter accountability. Resolutions Adopted - Res 0625-2026-B: Declared October as Reggaeton Heritage Month. (Voice vote). - Res 0650-2026: Opposed federal rule changes reducing Head Start requirements. (Voice vote. Record indicates 5 members, including Minority Leader Carr, noted intent to vote no). Introduction & Referral of New Legislation - Over 30 new items were introduced and referred to committees. Highlights included: - Int. 1153 "Stop Super Speeders Bill" (Speed limiting devices for repeat offenders in school zones, sponsored by Santosuosso). - Int. 1137 (Business incubator pilot program for persons with disabilities, sponsored by Hanif). - Int. 1132 (Landmarks Preservation Commission public records portal, sponsored by Brewer). - Int. 1144 (Analysis of gender-based violence data, sponsored by Joseph). - Res 0687 (Call for state passage of Drag Racing and Speeding Enforcement Act). - Res 0693 (Moratorium on new data center permits). - Five Mayoral nominations for the City Planning Commission (M0093-97) and one for Bronx Commissioner of Elections (M098) were referred to the Committee on Rules. Key Outcomes - Int 0943-2026-A (Horse Drawn Cab Ban): Adopted (40-7-2). Gennaro Amendment Defeated (6-43). - Int 0905-2026-A (COPA): Adopted (38-9-2). - Int 0978-2026-B (SCRIE/DRIE): Adopted (Consent Agenda). - Int 0786-2026-A (DOC Ballot Curing): Adopted (42-7). - Int 0797-2026-A (Jail Voter Registration): Adopted (48-1). - Preconsidered Res 0695 (Budget Designations): Adopted (44-5). - LU 156 / Res 705/706 (Bronx Tax Exemptions): Adopted (48-0-1). - Res 0625-B & Res 0650: Adopted via voice votes. - Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned to Thursday, November 12, 2026.

The New York City Council Committees on General Welfare and Veterans held a joint oversight hearing on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM, to examine veteran homelessness in New York City, the conditions at the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence (BAVR), and four proposed legislative items. The hearing featured testimony from city agency commissioners, shelter operators, advocates, and veterans themselves. Public Comments & Testimony - Veterans, advocates, and providers testified about poor conditions at Borden Avenue, including leaking roofs, lack of shower privacy, inadequate food, and restricted access to amenities. Many called for a change of shelter operator and improved oversight. - Several speakers supported the proposed legislation, including Intro 1051 (property tax exemption for disabled veterans) and Res 0560 (co-op access for veterans), while others raised concerns about the rejection of federal GPD funding and the enforceability of NDA requirements for council visits. - Former and current residents described both positive and negative experiences with ICL staff, highlighting inconsistent case management and the need for more veteran-specific services. Discussion Items - Oversight of Veteran Homelessness: Chair Morano noted that homeless veteran counts dropped 44% from 1,558 in 2015 to 697 in 2025, but increased from 482 in 2022 to 697 in 2025. The administration reported 209 permanent housing placements in FY26 and a 702-veteran aftercare contact rate. - Borden Avenue Conditions: Commissioner Dalton of DSS detailed a 4.3 million roof replacement project (scheduled June 2027–Dec 2029), a 2.9 million flood wall, and shower privacy upgrades (6–8 weeks). He reported a 44% decline in serious incidents and a 48% decline in 911 calls from 2025 to 2026. Councilmembers criticized the slow pace of repairs and questioned why 63 of 231 beds were empty (later updated to 198 occupied, 7 offline due to leaks). - Federal Grant Rejection: Dalton explained that the city declined a reduced $1.3 million GPD grant (down from $4 million) because new terms required compliance with federal executive orders on gender that conflict with state and local anti-discrimination laws. The city is using local tax-levy funds to cover all costs, with no disruption to services. - NDA and Oversight Access: Multiple councilmembers objected to the requirement that they sign a confidentiality agreement before visiting shelters. Dalton argued it is required by state law (Social Services Law §136) to protect resident privacy, but Chair Hudson countered that the city charter gives council broad investigatory powers. The issue remains unresolved. - Legislative Items: - Int 0897 (severe weather response) – DSS expressed concerns about flexibility but supported reporting requirements. - Int 1051 (disabled veteran property tax exemption) – Supported by DVS; pending implementation by Department of Finance. - Res 0560 (co-op access for veterans) – Supported by advocates; calls on Congress to pass H.R. 1803. - Res 0634 (Veterans Organizations Awareness Week) – Supported; one witness suggested moving the week to avoid overlap with Veterans Day. Key Outcomes - All four legislative items (Int 0897, Int 1051, Res 0560, Res 0634) were heard and laid over by the committee without a vote. - The oversight hearing (T2026-2558) was filed by committee. - Several councilmembers committed to pursuing legislative clarification on unannounced shelter visits and to monitoring the progress of capital repairs at Borden Avenue. - The administration agreed to provide the committee with a written update on the shelter capacity plan, the status of the nonprofit ownership program, and any policy barriers to new safe haven sites. - No final decisions were made on changing the shelter operator or reallocating budget; further review and continued oversight were promised.

The New York City Council’s Committee on Veterans, chaired by Frank Morano, met jointly with the Committee on General Welfare, chaired by Crystal Hudson, at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Hearing Room 3 at 250 Broadway. The hearing covered oversight of veteran homelessness in New York City, with particular focus on the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence (BAVR), the loss of federal Grant and Per Diem (GPD) funding, and four legislative items. Roll call showed Committee members Morano, De La Rosa, Paladino, and Wong present; Gennaro absent; Hudson, Avilés, Won, Gutiérrez, Nurse, and Wilson also attended. Opening Statements - Chair Morano reported 697 homeless veterans in NYC in 2025, down 44% from 1,558 in 2015, but up from 482 in 2022, and said he would work until the number reaches zero. - Chair Hudson said approximately 700 homeless veterans is unacceptable and that the goal is permanent housing. - Councilmember Paladino called Borden Avenue an absolute disgrace, noted the city budget provides only $6.5 million for veterans, and urged new financing approaches. Discussion Items Oversight: Veteran Homelessness and Borden Avenue - DVS Commissioner Yesenia Mata testified that DVS provides outreach, intake, housing navigation, subsidies coordination, inspections, and 22 months of aftercare; permanent housing placements rose from 55 in FY22 to 209 in FY26, and 702 veterans answered aftercare calls in FY26. - DSS Commissioner Aaron Dalton testified that DHS asks every intake if they served; the VA’s GPD award was reduced from 154 beds/up to $4 million to 44 beds/up to $1.3 million. DHS declined the award because the grant’s terms, tied to federal Executive Order 14168, would require compliance with conditions the city says violate state and city anti-discrimination laws. DHS is replacing the lost federal funds with city tax-levy dollars; 105 people were at BAVR when the grant ended September 30, 2026, 168 on October 19, and 198 on the hearing date, with capacity 231 and seven beds offline due to roof leaks. - Dalton said DVS estimates more than 200,000 veterans live in NYC, and the 2026 point-in-time count found 791 veterans in shelter and one unsheltered. As of October 18, 55 women in DHS shelter identified as veterans. - Dalton described BAVR improvements: $4.3 million roof/skylight replacement (procurement next, construction June 2027–December 2029), $2.9 million flood wall (design complete), and shower privacy partitions expected within six to eight weeks. He also cited declines of 44% in serious incidents, from 674 to 377, and 48% in 911 calls, from 813 to 419, comparing the same periods in 2025 and 2026. - In Q&A, Morano pressed Dalton on whether the city could have accepted the reduced grant for eligible beds while funding others; Dalton said the grant’s conditions prohibited acceptance. Morano asked for a legal analysis. - Chair Hudson asked about street homelessness, safe havens, and a long-term shelter capacity plan; Dalton said a homelessness plan is being developed and committed to a written status update within 30 days. - Several council members, including Wong, Won, and Paladino, sharply criticized BAVR conditions, the length of roof repairs, food quality, shower privacy, the culinary program, and the requirement that council members sign an access form before shelter visits. Dalton said the form protects resident privacy under state and local law and is not an NDA. - DVS Associate Commissioner Donnie Smalls said all 209 FY26 placements remained housed; the median time from first housing request to move-in was approximately seven to eight months. Public Comments & Testimony - ICL CEO Jody Rudin defended BAVR’s services: 75 staff, 147 permanent housing placements in FY25 and 111 so far in FY26, 55% employment, average length of stay about eight months, and 80% of residents reporting positive experiences. She said the culinary training program has 20 slots per cohort and veterans are prioritized; food is not confiscated; and bathroom privacy is not a reported issue. - Phoenix House CEO Anne Marie Foster testified in support of veterans-specific substance-use and trauma treatment and described the organization’s collaboration with BAVR. - Former and current residents gave mixed testimony: Rodney Silas praised the help he received; Charles Warner described systemic casework failure; Matt Weth called conditions detention-like and said he planned legal action; Anthony Byrd, a former resident, called for a new building and said culinary program access was denied when he was there; William Gibson, a current resident, said conditions are uneven, residents share responsibility, and library and internet access exist with limits. - Advocates and veterans organizations raised accountability concerns. Michael Matos of Five Borough Veterans said his group had filed FOIA requests and was talking to DOI and the Comptroller; he called for replacing ICL with a veteran-community provider. Mike Munoz demanded canceling ICL’s contract, resignations of Commissioners Dalton and Mata, a Comptroller audit, and open access for VSOs. Ryan Graham of the VFW and NYC Veterans Advisory Board also recommended severing the ICL contract after review. Kevin Meggett said budget choices show insufficient priority for veterans. - On legislation: NILAG and Homeless Services United supported Intro 897, with HSU warning against an unfunded mandate. VFW representatives and others supported Intro 1051 and Res 560. Dr. Cleopatra Brown supported Res 560 but questioned the proposed 3.25% co-op loan fee. Joe Bello supported Intro 1051 and Res 560 but opposed Res 634 in its current form, recommending the awareness week not overlap with November Veterans Month. - Zoom testimony included Dr. Mecca Nelson, a Gold Star spouse, who called for dignified, trauma-informed shelter conditions and recommended a New York City location for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s veterans village model; Christopher Leon Johnson supported the bills and criticized the mayor’s administration’s treatment of veterans. Key Outcomes - The oversight item T2026-2557 was heard and filed by the committee. - Intro 0897-2026, Intro 1051-2026, Res 0560-2026, and Res 0634-2026 were all heard and laid over by the committee without a vote. - DSS committed to provide the Council a written update within 30 days on the shelter capacity plan, the nonprofit ownership program, and policy/budget barriers to new safe haven and drop-in center projects. - DVS said it would provide housing retention rate data; DSS said it would provide a breakdown of BAVR 911 calls and details on capital and repair timelines. - Chair Morano indicated the Council would pursue legislative clarification of Council access to shelters, including the form currently required before visits. - Written testimony will be accepted for 72 hours after the hearing at testimony@council.nyc.gov.

The New York City Council Committee on Land Use, chaired by Councilmember Kevin C. Riley, convened on October 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM. The meeting began with votes on several land use applications, followed by an oversight hearing examining Mayor Mamdani's ambitious Block-by-Block Housing Plan, which targets 200,000 new affordable housing units and 200,000 preservation units over the next decade. Administration officials from the Department of City Planning (DCP) and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) testified, and a wide range of public testimony was heard. Consent Calendar - LU 0129-2026 & LU 0130-2026 (48-50 Convent Avenue Cluster, Manhattan): Approved by roll call vote, 11-0. These applications facilitate the preservation of four buildings, including approximately 77 home ownership units, through a UDAAP approval and Article 11 tax exemption. - LU 0142-2026 & LU 0143-2026 (1455 Coney Island Avenue Rezoning, Brooklyn): Approved by roll call vote, 11-0. These applications amend the zoning map and text to facilitate the development of a long-term care facility for seniors. - LU 0144-2026 & LU 0145-2026 (135-27 Sapphire Street Rezoning, Queens): Approved by roll call vote, 11-0. These applications change the zoning to R6A and establish a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing Area to facilitate a residential project with up to 268 apartments, up to 80 permanently affordable. Oversight Hearing: Administration Testimony and Discussion Chair Riley opened the oversight hearing, emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning and community engagement to support the Block-by-Block Plan's goals. Key points from administration testimony and discussion included: - Affordable Housing Fast Track: DCP Chair Sherman stated that the 12 fast track districts were selected based on a methodology required by the charter. DCP is assessing opportunities but has not yet released public analysis. Engagement with council members and community boards will be a priority. - Neighborhood Planning: DCP is pursuing two neighborhood plans (White Plains Road and South of Prospect) and is open to working with council members on additional plans. The administration committed to pairing large-scale rezonings with infrastructure investments. - Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): DCP is developing a citywide TOD initiative, focusing on areas near subway stations. Early conversations with the MTA are underway. - Micro Plans: A new concept of smaller publicly-led planning actions was introduced, which would include community engagement and appropriate investments. - Infrastructure and Capital Planning: Multiple councilmembers raised concerns about sewer, water, electric, school seats, and open space capacity. DCP acknowledged the need for a stronger role in capital planning but noted that implementation is led by other agencies. DCP has a centralized team for capital coordination. - Fair Housing Growth Strategy: The strategy sets citywide targets but councilmembers noted gaps in deeply affordable housing needs and omission of factors like displacement risk. HPD explained the methodology used population data and the administration's commitments. - Homeownership: HPD outlined programs to expand homeownership, including doubling down payment assistance and creating new co-op opportunities, with a focus on areas with low homeownership rates like the Bronx. - Spotlight on the Bronx: HPD is launching a planning process to address quality-of-life issues around affordable housing in several Bronx community districts, focusing on healthy homes and public space. - Environmental Review Exemptions (CEQR): DCP clarified that exempt projects (under 250-500 units) still undergo land use review and that the exemptions are based on a 10-year analysis showing minimal environmental impacts. - Community Input and Accountability: Several councilmembers expressed concern that the fast track removes final approval from the City Council, reducing democratic accountability. DCP stated that community board review and public hearings remain, and that the City Planning Commission will consider testimony and potentially require modifications. Public Comments & Testimony The committee heard from multiple panels of public witnesses: - Chris Walters (ANHD): Supported the plan's goals but called for comprehensive planning, accurate needs assessment, and empowered community participation. He urged legislation for a community-based neighborhood planning process. - Lacey Tauber (Brooklyn Borough President's Office): Echoed the need for comprehensive planning, raised concerns that the Fair Housing Growth Strategy targets may not provide enough deeply affordable housing in Brooklyn, and urged preservation of manufacturing zones. - Brendan Cheney (NYHC): Supported the plan and advocated for further neighborhood rezonings and transit-oriented development. - Kevin Wolf (Center for NYC Neighborhoods): Recommended expanding ADU programs and providing technical assistance to homeowners. - Matt Thibodeau (MAS): Called for a clear plan linking housing goals with capital commitments, and deeper housing needs analysis. - Yvette Chen (Fair Housing Justice Center): Urged funding for CCHR to enforce source of income discrimination laws and fair chance for housing. - Jack Connors (Open New York): Supported MIH and transit-oriented development to cross-subsidize affordable housing. - Stephanie Simone Mahaney and Victoria Hoffmell (Bay Ridge residents): Opposed the fast track designation for Community Board 10, arguing the methodology is flawed and will lead to displacement, loss of rent-stabilized housing, and inadequate infrastructure. - Josephine Backman (CB10 District Manager): Highlighted school seat deficits, antiquated sewers, and risk of displacement. - Rochelle Thompson (Harlem resident): Shared personal experience with harassment and eviction attempts from landlords, calling for tenant protections. - Andrea Goldwyn (NY Landmarks Conservancy): Opposed the fast track and growth strategy, warning of demolition of existing affordable housing and historic districts. - Emma Bartley (Historic Districts Council): Supported affordable housing but cautioned against incentivizing demolition, and called for recognizing conversions as housing production. - Dan Fortini, Anthony Orloski, Matthew Gogliata, Dave Pardee, John Biggers (Plumbers Union, Building Inspectors Union, Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute): Strongly opposed proposals in the Block-by-Block plan to expand plastic piping in buildings over five stories, citing fire safety, public health, and enforcement concerns. They urged the council to reject such code changes. - Fabian Derwisky (Local 78): Supported the plan but called for addressing delays in asbestos permitting through professional certification. - Kyle F. (tenant in HPD-financed building): Raised concerns about a large tax exemption awarded without tenant notification, questioning its cost and benefit. Key Outcomes - All six land use applications (LUs 0129-2026 through 0145-2026) were approved by the committee with a vote of 11-0. - The oversight hearing on T2026-2627 was held and filed by the committee. - Written testimony on the Block-by-Block Housing Plan may be submitted to landusetestimony@council.nyc.gov. - Several councilmembers indicated they would follow up on specific issues, including infrastructure planning, homeownership programs, and the plastic piping proposal.

The New York City Council Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use, chaired by Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, convened on October 21, 2026, for an oversight hearing on syringe litter management and related support services. The committee also heard three pieces of legislation: Introduction 0067-2026 (establishing a public education campaign on fentanyl test strips), and Resolutions 0262-2026 and 0263-2026 (calling on New York State and the federal government to mandate addiction treatment training in medical schools receiving public funding). Witnesses included Dr. Rebecca Lynn Walton (Assistant Commissioner, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene) and Assistant Chief Frank Laterra (NYC Department of Sanitation). Public Comments & Testimony - Anne Marie Foster, President and CEO of Phoenix House of New York and Long Island, testified in support of all three bills. She highlighted that fentanyl test strips, naloxone, and recovery services must be brought into communities via mobile vans—similar to COVID-19 vaccine equity efforts. She emphasized that distributing test strips and naloxone is the "floor" and that the city must shift toward helping people achieve long-term recovery. Discussion Items - Chair Cabán’s Opening Remarks: Provided key statistics: in 2024, outreach teams collected nearly 200,000 syringes; six New Yorkers die from overdoses every day; Black and Latino New Yorkers die at twice the rate of white New Yorkers; the Bronx has the highest overdose death rate; and the Hunts Point/Mott Haven rate was more than triple the citywide average in 2023. She described the Community Syringe Redemption Program (CSRP), launched in 2025, which has safely collected over 2 million syringes and enrolled participants who receive training in safe disposal and overdose response. - Dr. Rebecca Lynn Walton (DOHMH): Reported that overdose deaths decreased 28% from 2023 to 2024, but inequities persist. Since its March 2025 launch, CSRP has collected over 3.5 million syringes and enrolled over 2,400 participants across eight sites. In 2026 (January–August), DOHMH outreach and syringe litter teams collected over 46,000 ground syringes, initiated 18,000 participant engagements, and made over 8,300 referrals. She expressed support for Intro 67 but noted desired clarifications in the bill language. - Assistant Chief Frank Laterra (DSNY): Reported that DSNY has collected nearly 40,000 needles so far in 2026. Needle stick injuries among sanitation workers have risen sharply: 69 incidents in 2026 (to mid-October), compared to 50 in all of 2025, 40 in 2024, and 23 in 2023. DSNY recently increased the penalty for improper needle disposal from $100 to $250. - Q&A Highlights: - CSRP data collection: The initial report showed only nine formal referrals across 1,700 enrollees, but DOHMH acknowledged that informal referrals (e.g., walking someone to a nearby service) are common and will be better tracked in year two. - Needle stick risks: DSNY described the extensive medical follow-up (28 days) for affected workers. - Enrollment disparities: Five Bronx sites accounted for 84% of syringes collected and 77% of enrollments; Queens and Brooklyn sites collected under 1% each. DOHMH noted cold weather reduced enrollment and is working to improve outreach in lower-performing boroughs. - No independent evaluation of CSRP exists; DOHMH relies on contractor and contract management reports. - Coordination between agencies: DSNY and DOHMH share data but lack a shared mapping platform for syringe collection schedules—a need identified during the hearing. - Policing near harm reduction sites: DOHMH works with NYPD precincts to build relationships and reduce stigma, but the chair expressed concern about enforcement deterring participation. Key Outcomes - Hearings Held: The committee held hearings on T2026-2658 (oversight), Int 0067-2026, Res 0262-2026, and Res 0263-2026. - All items were “Laid Over” by the committee, meaning no final vote was taken; further consideration is pending. - The committee will accept written testimony for 72 hours after the hearing. - DOHMH indicated it will work with council members to improve CSRP data collection, expand outreach to underperforming boroughs, and explore program expansions (subject to City Hall approval). - DSNY will consider placing sharps disposal receptacles near litter baskets in high-need areas.