AGENCY TESTIMONY
DSNY's perspective on Intro 534 and sidewalk snow removal
0:08:55
ยท
41 sec
Commissioner Lojan addresses Intro 534, which proposes increased penalties for certain businesses failing to remove snow from sidewalks. He discusses the department's role in enforcing sidewalk clearing rules and their perspective on the proposed legislation.
- Intro 534 would increase penalties for certain businesses failing to clear sidewalks
- DSNY is responsible for enforcing sidewalk clearing rules
- The department issued over 4,000 summonses for non-compliance in a single storm last year
- DSNY has concerns about the bill's narrow focus on chain businesses and the ambiguity of the proposed fine structure
- The department is willing to work with Council Member Brandon on refining the bill
Javier Lojan
0:08:55
Intro 534, sponsored by council member Brannon, increases penalties on certain, but not all businesses for failure to remove snow, ice, and dirt from sidewalks.
0:09:03
This raises an important point.
0:09:05
While the ASNY clears snow and ice from roadways and bike lanes, pedestrian infrastructure is the responsibility of the property owner.
0:09:12
And the SNY is prepared to enforce these rules to ensure that residents can get where they need to go.
0:09:17
We wrote over 4,000 summonses for this in a single storm last year.
0:09:21
We have concerns about the narrow focus on chain businesses in this bill as opposed to all properties and with the ambiguity of the fine structure as proposed.
0:09:29
That said, we would have we'd be happy to work with council member Brandon on next steps.
0:09:33
Thank you, and we look forward to taking your questions.