REMARKS
Introduction of three bills addressing small business challenges
0:03:55
ยท
125 sec
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 overview of each bill and its intended impact.
- Intro 1132: Requires SBS to report on violations issued to businesses and conduct education and training
- Intro 449: Establishes a commercial landlord watch list focused on tenant harassment
- Intro 1082: Requires a study on costs and fees related to opening and maintaining a small business
- Acknowledged council members Stevens and Narcisse for introducing two of the bills
- Thanked staff members and other council members for their contributions to the hearing
Oswald Feliz
0:03:55
With that goal in mind, the Committee on Small Business will hear 3 bills today.
0:04:00
The first is my bill which requires that SBS report on the different types of violations issued to businesses.
0:04:08
Report on the different types of violations so that we can know the specific challenges affecting the many different commercial corridors in our city.
0:04:16
The legislation also requires, that the SBS conduct education and training, to ensure that we as a city are helping these small businesses with the specific challenges that they're facing.
0:04:27
These measures would enhance transparency and fairness in regulatory enforcement and support services from the city so that all of our small businesses can receive tailored support and avoid unnecessary, burdensome penalties.
0:04:43
That's the first bill.
0:04:44
The second bill is intro 449 sponsored by Councilman Ralthea Stevens, which requires SBS to establish and maintain a commercial, landlord watch list, specifically focused on the harassment of commercial tenants.
0:04:58
Finally, the 3rd bill is in intral 1082 by Councilmember, Mercedes Narcisse, which will require SBS to conduct a study on the many costs and fees related to opening and maintaining a small business.
0:05:12
I'm grateful to council members Stevens and RCs for introducing these bills and focusing on the needs of our small businesses, and we look forward to hearing from the administration on these bills.
0:05:22
I would like to thank, Jessica and Rebecca Barela, from Central staff for their work putting this hearing together as well as my own team, my chief of staff Esperanza Diaz, deputy chief of staff Guillermo Rodriguez, budget director Santiago, Barrena, and, of course, our, Nicole who, from my team who has also joined us.
0:05:43
And I would like to recognize council members who have joined us including our majority leader Amanda Farias, council member, Mercedes Narcisse and, council member Rafael Salamanca.
0:05:54
I will now turn it over to my co chair, majority leader Amanda Farias, for her opening statement.