PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce
2:02:32
ยท
166 sec
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 funding for the Small Business Resource Network and expressed support for Intro 1082 and Intro 1132, while raising some concerns about Intro 0449.
- Supported Intro 1082 for studying fees and costs for small businesses
- Strongly endorsed Intro 1132 for determining common regulatory violations by district
- Expressed concerns about Intro 0449's language and potential impact on small commercial property owners, while supporting its intention
Lisa Sorin
2:02:32
Okay.
2:02:33
Good afternoon.
2:02:34
And thank you, Chairman, Felix.
2:02:38
Felix.
2:02:38
Felix.
2:02:40
Sorry.
2:02:40
It's a long day.
2:02:41
And majority leader fraud.
2:02:43
Yes.
2:02:44
My name is Lisa Soren, president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
2:02:47
I thank the council for ensuring the challenges faced by small businesses are of paramount concern when considering new legislation, particularly businesses in the outer boroughs, which are too often forgotten.
2:03:02
I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to highlight the importance of ensuring continued funding for the Small Business Resource Network.
2:03:11
In the upcoming budget cycle, this crucial program provides free personalized support to help businesses grow and thrive and to date has reached over 53,000 businesses across the city.
2:03:24
The chamber is pleased to support intro 1082, which requires SBS to conduct a study of many fees and costs required to start and maintain a small business with the intention of identifying ways to reduce and offset same.
2:03:40
The chamber strongly supports intro 1132 which requires SBS to determine most common type of regulatory violations issued to businesses in each community district.
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Your bill proposes a helpful solution that needs to be implemented swiftly.
2:03:57
Many believe that certain commercial quarters are disproportionately targeted and this is a needed step towards ensuring fairer enforcement practices.
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We also have reviewed intro 0449, which requires SBS to establish a commercial landlord watch list.
2:04:16
It is introduced by council member Stevens who has been an unwavering advocate for the Bronx and our small businesses And we sincerely appreciate her continued care and attention to the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and property owners in our communities.
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Done.
Oswald Feliz
2:04:35
Can you use another
Jessica Walker
2:04:36
Oh, thank
UNKNOWN
2:04:36
you.
2:04:36
One
Oswald Feliz
2:04:36
second to conclude.
Lisa Sorin
2:04:38
While we recognize and support the intention of the bill to weed out bad actors, landlords, and ensure safe, fair conditions for tenants, we do have concerns about some of the bill's language and its potential impact on small commercial property owners.
2:04:55
We would ask that this bill language be further clarified, including specific parameters and definitions, clarity on enforcement, transparency, and a commitment to due process.
2:05:06
We look forward to working with the council to ensure the needs of both tenants and property owners are met in a fair and balanced way.
2:05:13
Thank you for this opportunity today, and thank you for focusing on the Bronx.