Williams Committee Considers Single Gender Bathrooms
Flatlands City Council Member Jumaane Williams today will chair the Committee on Housing And Buildings which will consider a bill that would require single-occupant bathrooms usable by persons of any gender in all city buildings. Sunset Park City Council Member Carlos Menchaca is among the co-sponsors of the proposed bill.
Additionally, the committee will air out proposed legislation related to that would amend the temperature requirements in residential buildings during heat season.
The hearing is slated for 1 p.m. today in the City Hall Chambers.
Dilan Bill Would Dedicate TNC Tax For Public Transportation
Senator Martin Malavé Dilan (Bushwick, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Cypress Hills) and Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) yesterday introduced a bill seeking to dedicate a portion of the sales tax revenue generated through Transportation Network Companies (TNC) such as UBER and Lyft to bolster dedicated public transit aid throughout New York State.
The bill would ensure that 25 percent of the gross TNC sales tax revenue within the state’s general fund is dedicated to either the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) or for Upstate providers, the Public Transportation System Operating Assistance Account, depending on the origin of the initial trip.
“Transportation network companies have made a significant impact in New York City and it won’t be long before their success expands statewide. Likewise, public transit ridership continues to increase as does the disparity between necessary upkeep and the funds to do so. Traditional ride services have played a part in closing this gap. It only makes sense that new technology-based services do the same,” said Dilan, ranker Senate Transportation Committee.
In the last four years, transportation network companies have made significant gains in New York City and beyond. Estimated to soon be a billion dollar citywide enterprise, these services do not fall under existing tax law that allocates a portion of traditional medallion tax revenue to dedicated public transit accounts.
In 2009 a fifty cent ($0.50) per-ride surcharge on all yellow taxi rides within New York City was established to stave off proposed system-wide service cuts and sharp fare increases. These surcharges amounted to about $85 million for the MTA Aid Trust Account. Since the proliferation of TNC’s, the MTA estimates it lost $10 million in revenue last year alone. As TNC competition increases and existing services grow in popularity, the MTA expects these losses to grow.
The legislation does not impose any new taxes or fees.
Bichotte Bill Mandates M/WBE Compliance
Midwood/Ditmas Park Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, Chair of the Subcommittee on the Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs), this week introduced legislation that would require any municipalities or localities (village, town, city, county, or school districts within the State) that receive appropriated funds from the State budget to comply with New York State’s M/WBE goal.
The Assembly Bill (A. 8700) runs in line with Governor Cuomo’s 2016 Legislative Proposal No. 14 to increase opportunity for minority and women-owned business enterprises across New York State with a goal of 30 percent for M/WBEs on all state funded contracts.
“I am pleased that this Bill will help close the gap in economic disparity allowing opportunities for minority/women communities to flourish and advance in the workforce,” said Bichotte. “I look forward to working continuously with the Governor and seeing this Bill become law.”
Late last year Bichotte sent a letter to both the Real Estate Board of New York and the Building Trades Council of Greater New York regarding the inclusion of M/WBE goals in the negotiated 421 A tax exemption program.
Barclays Center Hosts First Ever Brooklyn Open Skate
Barclays Center, home of the New York Islanders hosts its first ever Brooklyn Open Skate on Monday, January 18.
There a two sessions to choose from: 9-10:45 a.m., and 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
Passes can be obtained online with a $5 donation by clicking here, or at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Thursday at noon with all proceeds benefiting the BEC Foundation. Inventory is limited, so secure your place on the ice now.
Attendees must provide their own skates.
Seddio Leads Heavy Hitter Fundraiser For Richardson
Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio is heading an A-List of elected and political officials in a cocktail reception fundraiser for Crown Heights/Lefferts Gardens Assembly Member Diana Richardson tomorrow.
“Assemblywoman Richardson has done a tremendous job fighting for the constituents of the 43rd AD; let’s ensure that we continue to help her go further,” wrote Seddio in an emailed appeal.
Richardson won the assembly seat last year in a special election on the Working Families Party line, but Seddio’s appeal strongly points to her getting the Democratic Party line when she runs for re-election this year.
Also expected at the fundraiser are Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Central Brooklyn State Sen. Jesse Hamilton and Working Families Party New York State Director Bill Lipton.
The event is slated for 6:30-9 p.m., tomorrow at 333 Lounge, 333 Flatbush Avenue.
Colton, Tong Demand Accommodations For Upcoming MTA “N” Line Work
Assemblyman William Colton (Bath Beach, Bensonhurst) and Democratic Assembly District Leader Nancy Tong today will go to the “N” Line Subway Station at Kings Highway from 5-7 p.m. to alert the public about the upcoming construction on the line that will disrupt service for thousands of commuters for over 20 months.
Colton and Tong will also give out petitions that will be forwarded to the MTA regarding accommodations that Colton has proposed including 3 extra temporary platforms at Avenue U, Kings Highway, and 18th Avenue, running the N line on the express Q track for Manhattan-bound service, or shuttle bus service for the convenience of the riders.
