New York City Council
Committee on Small Business
Jan 30, 2025
·
01:30 PM
2 hr 57 min
Summary
A hearing on legal and regulatory challenges affecting small businesses in New York City.
Discussions focused on three proposed bills:
- Intro 1132 (requiring SBS to report on violations issued to businesses and conduct education/training)
- Intro 449 (establishing a commercial landlord watch list focused on tenant harassment)
- Intro 1082 (requiring a study on costs/fees related to opening and maintaining a small business)
Key issues addressed included:
- Navigating complex regulations
- High operational costs
- Commercial tenant harassment
- Access to legal assistance
- Burdensome fines and violations
The hearing also explored various SBS support programs such as the Commercial Lease Assistance program and NYC Business Express Service Team (NYC BEST).
Features testimony from the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Oswald Feliz opens the joint committee hearing
Council Member Oswald Feliz calls the joint hearing of the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Economic Development to order. He introduces himself as the chair of the …
0:00:28
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45 sec
Council Member Feliz emphasizes the importance of small businesses in New York City
Council Member Oswald Feliz highlights the essential role of small businesses in New York City's neighborhoods and economy. He emphasizes their contribution to the city's vibrancy and the hard work …
0:01:14
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45 sec
Challenges affecting small businesses in New York City
Council Member Feliz outlines the difficulties faced by small businesses in New York City, particularly in navigating and complying with regulations from numerous city agencies. He acknowledges the need for …
0:01:59
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39 sec
Legal assistance and regulatory compliance support for small businesses
Council Member Feliz discusses the various forms of legal assistance and regulatory compliance support available to small businesses in New York City. He emphasizes the importance of educating and empowering …
0:02:41
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73 sec
Introduction of three bills addressing small business challenges
Council Member Feliz introduces three bills to be discussed during the hearing, each aimed at addressing different challenges faced by small businesses in New York City. He provides a brief …
0:03:55
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125 sec
Majority Leader Amanda Farias introduces the hearing on small business challenges
Majority Leader Amanda Farias opens the joint committee hearing on legal and regulatory challenges facing New York City small businesses. She emphasizes the vital role of local businesses in creating …
0:06:00
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3 min
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse discusses small business challenges and introduces Intro 1082
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, drawing from her experience as a former small business owner, discusses the challenges faced by small businesses in New York City. She introduces Intro 1082, which …
0:09:49
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3 min
Introduction and purpose of testimony
Commissioner Dynishal Gross of the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) introduces herself and her team to the city council committees. She expresses readiness to discuss SBS support for …
0:13:50
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33 sec
Post-pandemic economic recovery initiatives for small businesses
Commissioner Gross outlines the city's response to the economic impact of the pandemic on small businesses, highlighting key initiatives launched by the Adams administration in 2022. - Mentions the creation …
0:14:24
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96 sec
Small Business Forward initiative and regulatory reforms
Commissioner Gross details the Small Business Forward initiative, launched by Mayor Adams to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses. - Explains Executive Order 2, which required city agencies to review …
0:16:01
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59 sec
Small Business Advisory Commission (SBAC) and its impact
Commissioner Gross introduces the Small Business Advisory Commission (SBAC), established by Mayor Adams through Executive Order 15. - Explains that SBAC is composed of small business leaders and community stakeholders …
0:17:01
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42 sec
NYC Business Express Service Team (NYC BEST) and its impact
Commissioner Gross introduces the New York City Business Express Service team (NYC BEST), a new initiative launched by SBS in 2022. - Explains that NYC BEST works one-on-one with small …
0:17:45
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27 sec
Ongoing challenges, vacancy rates, and commissioner priorities
Commissioner Gross acknowledges ongoing challenges for small businesses and outlines her priorities in addressing these issues. - Notes declining storefront vacancies citywide, but persistent challenges in Manhattan's Central Business District …
0:18:13
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59 sec
Response to proposed small business legislation
Commissioner Gross addresses three proposed bills related to small business challenges, providing SBS's perspective on each. - Discusses Intro 449 (commercial landlord watch list), noting potential limitations due to insufficient …
0:19:13
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3 min
Conclusion and invitation for engagement
Commissioner Gross concludes her testimony by expressing gratitude for the City Council's partnership and emphasizing SBS's commitment to assisting small businesses. - Thanks the City Council for their support, including …
0:22:23
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49 sec
Council Member Feliz introduces Intro 1132 on small business violation reporting
Council Member Oswald Feliz introduces Intro 1132, a bill requiring SBS to analyze and report on violations issued to small businesses in each community district. The bill aims to provide …
0:23:19
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94 sec
Discussion on Local Law 156 and SBS reporting requirements
Council Member Feliz and Commissioner Gross discuss Local Law 156 of 2019 and SBS's reporting requirements. The Commissioner acknowledges a delay in submitting the first report for this law and …
0:24:54
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145 sec
Overview of SBS training and education programs
Commissioner Gross provides an overview of SBS's training and education programs, both under Local Law 156 and beyond. These programs cover a wide range of topics to support small businesses …
0:27:20
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3 min
SBS outreach methods for ensuring access to trainings
Commissioner Gross details the various outreach methods SBS uses to ensure small businesses have access to their training and education programs. The agency employs multiple strategies to reach and engage …
0:30:30
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4 min
Administration's position on Intro 1132 and implementation challenges
Commissioner Gross discusses the administration's position on Intro 1132 and potential challenges in implementing the bill. While supportive of the bill's focus on city-wide violations data, she highlights resource constraints …
0:34:38
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154 sec
Data on businesses seeking help with regulatory compliance
Commissioner Gross provides data on the number of businesses SBS has served with government navigation services, which includes help with regulatory compliance and other issues. - Over 8,000 businesses citywide …
0:37:12
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92 sec
Potential insights from implementing Intro 1132
Commissioner Gross discusses potential insights and outcomes that could result from implementing Intro 1132. The bill's implementation could provide valuable data on regulatory enforcement and its impact on small businesses. …
0:38:45
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139 sec
Estimated resources needed to implement Intro 1132
Council Member Feliz inquires about the estimated funding and staffing requirements to implement Intro 1132. The SBS representatives provide some initial estimates and considerations. - The overall fiscal impact across …
0:41:04
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76 sec
Discussion on criteria for determining commercial tenant harassment
Council Member Amanda Farias inquires about the criteria used to determine commercial tenant harassment, referencing 30 cases mentioned earlier. Commissioner Dynishal Gross explains that SBS has only looked at case …
0:42:21
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143 sec
Overview of Commercial Lease Assistance program and SBS legal services
Commissioner Dynishal Gross provides an overview of the Commercial Lease Assistance (CLA) program and other legal services offered by SBS to small businesses. The discussion covers the types of issues …
0:44:44
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5 min
Analysis of commercial leasing practices and vacancy rates
Council Member Amanda Farias inquires about SBS's analysis of the relationship between commercial leasing practices and high vacancy rates. Commissioner Dynishal Gross explains the agency's efforts to understand and track …
0:49:58
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5 min
SBS programs to help small businesses relocate
Commissioner Dynishal Gross outlines SBS programs and services available to help small businesses relocate when facing difficulties with commercial landlords. The discussion covers specific relocation programs and their limitations. - …
0:55:38
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121 sec
Current vacancy rates in New York City
Council Member Amanda Farias inquires about specific vacancy rate statistics for New York City. Commissioner Dynishal Gross provides information on citywide and borough-specific vacancy rates, as well as trends over …
0:57:40
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107 sec
SBS's role in street vendor outreach and education
Council Member Amanda Farias inquires about SBS's role in conducting street vendor outreach and education. Commissioner Dynishal Gross explains the agency's approach to supporting street vendors as micro-businesses. - SBS …
0:59:26
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4 min
Council Member Feliz questions SBS on commercial tenant harassment and watchlist proposal
Council Member Oswald Feliz questions Commissioner Dynishal Gross of the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) about Intro 449, which proposes creating a commercial landlord watchlist focused on tenant harassment. …
1:03:35
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4 min
Current vacancy rates and trends for storefronts across New York City
Council Member Bottcher inquires about current storefront vacancy rates in New York City. Commissioner Gross reports that the citywide vacancy rate is about 11% and there have been four consecutive …
1:08:05
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107 sec
Factors affecting vacancy rates in different areas of New York City
Council Member Bottcher and Commissioner Gross discuss the factors contributing to declining vacancy rates citywide and persistent vacancies in the central business district (Midtown and parts of downtown Manhattan). - …
1:09:52
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104 sec
Vacancy rates by borough and changing business landscape
Council Member Feliz inquires about vacancy rates in different boroughs and the types of businesses closing and opening in recent years. Commissioner Gross provides insights on borough-specific vacancy rates and …
1:11:39
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103 sec
Impact of e-commerce and Amazon on local businesses
Council Member Feliz raises questions about the impact of e-commerce, specifically Amazon, on local businesses. Commissioner Gross discusses the prevalence of deliveries in NYC and the challenges faced by local …
1:13:25
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122 sec
Trends affecting bodegas and impact of online delivery apps
Council Member Feliz inquires about trends affecting bodegas and the impact of online delivery apps. Commissioner Gross discusses the challenges and adaptations in the food and beverage industry. - Some …
1:15:30
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105 sec
Role of retail theft in commercial vacancies and SBS initiatives to address challenges
Council Members Feliz and Farias discuss the impact of retail theft on commercial vacancies and ask about SBS initiatives to help businesses adapt. Commissioner Gross outlines various efforts to address …
1:17:17
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7 min
COVID-19's impact and changes in consumer behavior affecting small businesses
Council Member Vickie Paladino discusses the profound impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and changes in consumer behavior. She emphasizes that everything changed during the pandemic, affecting people's lifestyles and …
1:24:32
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72 sec
Challenges faced by small businesses in adapting to new market conditions
Council Member Vickie Paladino outlines the various challenges small businesses face in adapting to new market conditions post-COVID. She emphasizes the financial struggles and the difficulty in competing with large …
1:25:45
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68 sec
Concerns about regulations and constraints on small businesses
Council Member Vickie Paladino expresses her concerns about the increasing regulations and constraints placed on small businesses. She shares her personal experience as a former small business owner. - Mentions …
1:26:52
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32 sec
Personal responsibility in supporting local businesses
Council Member Vickie Paladino emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in supporting and revitalizing small businesses. She calls for community engagement in keeping local businesses alive. - Stresses the need …
1:27:24
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26 sec
Importance of neighborhood businesses for community resilience
Commissioner Dynishal Gross emphasizes the critical role of neighborhood businesses in providing essential goods and services, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. She highlights their importance for community resilience. …
1:27:51
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51 sec
Inequitable treatment of small businesses vs. large chains during COVID-19 lockdowns
Council Member Vickie Paladino expresses her frustration about the inequitable treatment of small businesses compared to large chain stores during the COVID-19 lockdowns. She argues that this policy severely impacted …
1:28:42
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79 sec
Technology adoption and digital marketing support for small businesses
Council Member Feliz inquires about SBS initiatives to help small businesses leverage technology and digital marketing. Commissioner Gross outlines various programs and services offered by SBS to support small businesses …
1:30:01
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3 min
Discussion on bill to study costs related to opening and maintaining a business
Council Member Feliz inquires about SBS's position on a proposed bill to study costs related to opening and maintaining a business. Commissioner Gross expresses concerns about the feasibility and reliability …
1:33:30
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7 min
Legal assistance program for community-based organizations
Council Member Feliz inquires about the legal assistance program for community-based organizations. Commissioner Gross provides details on the program's scope, funding, and services. - The program is for community-based nonprofits, …
1:41:02
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164 sec
Commercial Lease Assistance (CLA) program details and services
Council Member Feliz inquires about the Commercial Lease Assistance program, its services, outreach efforts, and impact. Commissioner Gross provides detailed information about the program's operations and effectiveness. - Most clients …
1:43:47
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7 min
Street vendor outreach and education efforts
Council Member Feliz inquires about SBS's role in street vendor outreach and education. Commissioner Gross explains SBS's efforts and collaborations in this area. - SBS works closely with street vendor …
1:51:23
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133 sec
NYC Business Express Services (BEST) team structure and services
Council Member Feliz inquires about the NYC Business Express Services team, its structure, and the services it provides. Assistant Commissioner Natasha Joseph provides detailed information about the team's operations and …
1:53:36
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4 min
Testimony by Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce
Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of several proposed bills aimed at helping small businesses in New York City. She emphasized the importance of …
2:02:32
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166 sec
Testimony by Jessica Walker, President and CEO of Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Jessica Walker, representing the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, strongly supports Intro 1132 and discusses the recent increase in small business fines and summonses. She emphasizes the need for better data …
2:05:29
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126 sec
Testimony by Lindsey Vigoda, New York Director of Small Business Majority
Lindsey Vigoda, New York Director of Small Business Majority, testified in support of Intro 1132, which aims to provide transparency and guidance to small businesses regarding regulations and fines. She …
2:07:41
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128 sec
Testimony by Ian Stern, Representative of Greater Jamaica Development Corporation
Ian Stern, representing the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC), expresses strong support for Intro 1132, which aims to enhance fine transparency for small businesses in New York City. The legislation …
2:09:56
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156 sec
Council member asks about common fines affecting small businesses
Council Member Oswald Feliz asks the panel about the most common fines affecting small businesses in their commercial corridors. Multiple panelists respond, highlighting various issues: - Jessica Walker mentions the …
2:12:32
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125 sec
Testimony by Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of New York City Hospitality Alliance
Andrew Rigie, representing the New York City Hospitality Alliance, presented six key points to improve conditions for small businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry. He emphasized the need for community …
2:15:24
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171 sec
Testimony by Robert Bookman, Attorney from New York City Hospitality Alliance on Sidewalk Cafe Reform and Small Business Challenges
Robert Bookman, an attorney for the New York City Hospitality Alliance, testified about the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly focusing on the failures of the new sidewalk cafe law. …
2:18:18
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3 min
Testimony by Max Bookman and Robert Bookman, Attorneys from New York City Hospitality Alliance, on OATH's Remote Hearing System and Its Impact on Small Businesses
Max Bookman and Robert Bookman from the New York City Hospitality Alliance discuss the challenges small businesses face with the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) remote hearing system …
2:21:55
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164 sec
Discussion on reasonable period for requesting remote hearings
Council Member Feliz inquires about a reasonable period for requesting remote hearings. The attorneys from the NYC Hospitality Alliance explain the current challenges with the system and argue for same-day …
2:24:39
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84 sec
Information on fines and violation data for small businesses
The attorneys provide information on fines and violation data for small businesses, particularly in the restaurant industry. They discuss historical trends, challenges in obtaining current data, and issues with the …
2:26:04
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3 min
Testimony by Norine Medas, Founder and Executive Director of Canarsie Merchants Association
Norine Medas, representing the Canarsie Merchants Association, testified in support of Intro 1082, which proposes a review of initial fees and costs for starting a business in New York City. …
2:31:00
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3 min
Testimony by Ahyoung Kim, Director of Economic Empowerment at Asian American Federation
Ahyoung Kim testifies on behalf of the Asian American Federation, focusing on the proposed commercial landlord watch list (Intro 449) and its potential impact on immigrant small business owners. She …
2:34:40
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3 min
Testimony by Andrea Tan, Director of Microenterprise Project at Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS)
Andrea Tan, representing Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS), testified in support of proposed bills addressing challenges faced by small businesses in New York City. She emphasized the importance of analyzing …
2:38:07
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136 sec
Council member inquires about specific fines affecting small businesses
Council Member Oswald Feliz asks panel members about specific fines that negatively affect small businesses in their areas. The discussion reveals several key issues: - Repeat fines for the same …
2:40:26
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150 sec
Discussion on small business awareness of available support programs
Council Member Oswald Feliz inquires about small businesses' awareness of available support programs, including commercial lease assistance and other legal aid. The panel members provide insights on program awareness and …
2:43:04
·
5 min
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in opposition to Intro 449, arguing that it's a scheme to extort commercial property owners. He also advocates for protections for street vendors, particularly in light …
2:48:29
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160 sec
Testimony by Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez, Deputy Director of Street Vendor Project on Small Business Intros
Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez, Deputy Director of the Street Vendor Project, provided testimony on Intros 1132 and 1082, emphasizing the importance of including street vendors in small business initiatives and support services. …
2:51:25
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3 min
Discussion on SBS services for street vendors
Council Member Oswald Feliz asks Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez about the Street Vendor Project's experience with SBS services, particularly the New York City Business Express team and compliance advisors. - Kaufman-Gutierrez indicates …
2:55:00
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122 sec
Closing remarks and adjournment of the hearing
Council Member Oswald Feliz concludes the hearing with closing remarks and procedural announcements. - He asks if anyone else would like to testify, either in person or remotely. - He …
2:57:06
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38 sec