PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jeffrey LaFrancois, Executive Director of Meatpacking District Management Association on Trash Containerization
2:19:51
·
132 sec
Jeffrey LaFrancois, representing the Meatpacking District Management Association, testifies about concerns regarding DSNY's proposal for mandatory trash containerization for BIDs. He argues that while containerization could be positive, the current proposal ignores existing partnerships and would place undue burdens on BIDs.
- LaFrancois emphasizes the BID's role in supplementing city services and maintaining a clean environment for visitors, workers, and residents.
- He expresses opposition to DSNY's proposal, citing lack of engagement with BIDs, potential reduction of core city services, and violation of contracts and procurement policies.
- The testimony highlights concerns about complex application processes, siting reviews, and potential conflicts with landmarks preservation requirements in the Meatpacking District.
Jeffrey Lefrancois
2:19:51
Mister chair, madam chair, I'm Jeffrey LaFrancois, the executive director of the Meatpacking District Management Association.
2:19:57
We're a bid charged with maintaining the city's premier cultural district for 50,000 plus daily visitors, workers, and residents on the west side.
2:20:03
And central to our mission is the management of public refuse, which our hardworking sanitation staff sets out for DSNY collection.
2:20:10
As a bid, we supplement the city's core service is improving what the city cannot otherwise address.
2:20:16
Well maintained waste management is central to our ability to host significant public programming while supporting a thriving retail and hospitality corridor.
2:20:24
Mentioned that bids pile bags of trash next to our receptacles indicating it's unsightly, and I agree.
2:20:30
But I ask you to look across the street from where our bid boundary ends and where sort of the other side of services picks up.
2:20:36
You'll see overflowing trash cans and streets coated in litter.
2:20:39
The bid believes trash containerization is a positive next step in New York streetscape res revolution, but we've not been a welcome at the planning table, nor has DSNY attempted to understand our operations, contracts, and budgeting processes.
2:20:53
And so we oppose DSNY's current proposal to mandate trash containerization forbid collected public refuse.
2:20:59
The proposal ignores long standing partnerships, would reduce core city services, and violate contracts and procurement policies.
2:21:06
The mandate will place an undue burden on bids by requiring complex applications and significant siting review processes.
2:21:12
Notably, DSNY did not have accurate numbers for the city's expenses for this program, but it seems they had a clear understanding of what it would cost bids.
2:21:20
And given their lack of engagement, I find that quite surprising.
2:21:24
Beyond complicated DOT rules in the meat packing district, we're also uncertain about whether container placement and design would require approval through lengthy landmarks review process.
2:21:33
A good first step would be for DSNY to effectively demonstrate and pilot public containerization, managing this transition by identifying container locations and viable products.
2:21:42
The cleaning services that bids provide are supplemental to DSNY's core function.
2:21:47
Trash collected comes from not a household or commercial operator, but from the people of New York and visitors walking our streets.
2:21:54
If DSNY ish wishes to implement this policy, they should recognize the partners that help them keep the city clean and also be responsible for seeing it through.
2:22:02
Thank you.
