Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Fire and Emergency Management
Apr 03, 2025
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 34 min
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Summary
A hearing on residential displacement after emergencies, focusing on challenges faced by displaced residents and proposed legislation to improve support and protections.
Discussions covered agency coordination, tenant rights, emergency housing assistance, and accountability for negligent landlords
Features testimony from the Fire Department, Department of Buildings, Housing Preservation & Development, and the public, including displaced residents and legal advocates.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez introduces joint committee hearing on residential displacement after emergencies
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez, chair of the committee on housing and buildings, opens a joint hearing with the committee on fire and emergency management to discuss residential displacement after …
0:00:36
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13 sec
Council Member Ariola's opening remarks and introductions
Council Member Joann Ariola, chairperson of the committee on fire and emergency management, opens the hearing with introductory remarks. She thanks her co-chair Sanchez and acknowledges the representatives from the …
0:00:50
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27 sec
Overview of the hearing's purpose and main goal
Council Member Ariola outlines the primary objective of the hearing, which is to determine what can be done for individuals displaced from their homes following devastating emergencies. - The hearing …
0:01:17
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11 sec
Recent emergency incidents and city agency coordination
Council Member Ariola discusses recent emergency incidents that have displaced residents and outlines the committee's focus on examining city agency coordination during and after such emergencies. - Mentions recent emergencies …
0:01:29
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57 sec
Introduction of legislation: Intro 751
Council Member Ariola introduces Intro 751, a piece of legislation that aims to improve support for residents affected or displaced by fires. - Intro 751 would require FDNY, in consultation …
0:02:26
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63 sec
Council Member Sanchez's opening remarks and recent fire incidents
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez provides context for the hearing by discussing recent major fire incidents that have resulted in significant displacement of residents. - Mentions the five-alarm fire at …
0:03:38
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44 sec
Fire statistics and city response infrastructure
Council Member Sanchez presents fire statistics for 2024 and outlines the city's response infrastructure for addressing fires and displacement. - Provides statistics on structural fires and their severity in 2024 …
0:04:22
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160 sec
Explanation of proposed legislation addressing displacement
Council Member Sanchez outlines several pieces of legislation being considered to address issues related to residential displacement after emergencies. - Intro 749: Would create an office to support residents displaced …
0:07:02
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137 sec
Council Member Sanchez's acknowledgments and introductions
Council Member Sanchez concludes her opening remarks with acknowledgments of staff members and introductions of other council members present at the hearing. - Thanks various staff members for their work …
0:09:20
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42 sec
Council Member Gutiérrez introduces the Back Home Act legislation package
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez introduces and advocates for the Back Home Act, a comprehensive legislative package aimed at addressing the challenges faced by New Yorkers displaced from their homes due …
0:10:03
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134 sec
Council Member Kevin C. Riley advocates for legislation to protect tenants displaced by fires
Council Member Kevin C. Riley addresses the devastating impact of fires on New York City families and calls for the passage of state legislation to protect tenants displaced by fires …
0:12:20
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106 sec
FDNY Chief John Esposito testifies on proposed fire response guide legislation
John Esposito, Chief of Department of the New York City Fire Department, testifies on Intro 751, which would require FDNY to develop and distribute a residential guide for residents affected …
0:14:31
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173 sec
Department of Buildings testimony on Intro 750 and demolition permit requirements
Jamell Isidor, Assistant Commissioner for Administrative Policy and Enforcement at the NYC Department of Buildings, testifies on Intro 750 and proposed changes to demolition permit requirements. He expresses concerns about …
0:17:27
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134 sec
HPD Deputy Commissioner AnnMarie Santiago testifies on certificate of no harassment program and related legislation
AnnMarie Santiago, Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Neighborhood Services at HPD, testified about proposed changes to the certificate of no harassment pilot program and related legislation. She expressed concerns about using …
0:19:42
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148 sec
Council member criticizes agency attendance at hearings
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez expresses disappointment about the absence of some agencies at the council hearing, describing it as chaotic and 'not a good look' for the city. She …
0:22:34
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82 sec
Discussion on Intro 751 and FDNY's role in emergency information distribution
Council Member Sanchez inquires about Intro 751 and the FDNY's potential role in distributing emergency information to the public. Chief Esposito responds, expressing his view on the fire department's involvement …
0:24:01
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28 sec
HPD's role in distributing information to displaced tenants
AnnMarie Santiago from HPD explains the agency's role in distributing information to tenants displaced by emergencies, particularly through their collaboration with the American Red Cross (ARC). - ARC already distributes …
0:24:30
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52 sec
Details of HPD's contract with American Red Cross for fire response
AnnMarie Santiago provides information about HPD's contract with the American Red Cross (ARC) for fire response and the services provided to displaced residents. - HPD has a contract with ARC …
0:25:21
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119 sec
Vacate orders issued by HPD and Department of Buildings
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the criteria and statistics for vacate orders issued by HPD and the Department of Buildings. Representatives from both agencies provide detailed responses. - HPD issues …
0:27:22
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4 min
Coordination of property safety and security after a fire
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the coordination of property safety and security in the immediate aftermath of a fire, including responsibilities for securing the property and boarding up windows. - …
0:31:45
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84 sec
Council member criticizes NYSEM's absence from the hearing
Council Member Joann Ariola expresses disappointment over NYSEM's absence from the committee hearing on fire and emergency management. She emphasizes the importance of NYSEM's presence, especially in light of proposed …
0:33:09
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88 sec
FDNY procedures for evacuating buildings during structural fires
Chief John Esposito of the FDNY explains the department's procedures for evacuating buildings during structural fires in response to questions from Council Member Joann Ariola. - Evacuation decisions depend on …
0:34:38
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123 sec
Monitoring and controlling access to evacuated buildings after fires
Council Member Joann Ariola questions representatives from FDNY, DOB, and HPD about procedures for monitoring and controlling access to buildings evacuated due to fires. - FDNY sets up restricted areas …
0:36:42
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159 sec
Interagency coordination during and after fire incidents
Chief John Esposito of the FDNY explains the coordination process among various agencies during and after fire incidents, responding to Council Member Joann Ariola's question. - For significant fires, interagency …
0:39:22
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121 sec
Process for allowing residents to retrieve belongings after a fire
Deputy Commissioner Yigal Shemash of the DOB explains the process for allowing residents to retrieve belongings from apartments after a fire, in response to Council Member Joann Ariola's question. - …
0:41:26
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140 sec
Informing rent-regulated tenants about rent reduction options after vacate orders
Representatives from HPD and DOB explain how rent-regulated tenants are informed about rent reduction options when a vacate order is issued for their unit or building. - HPD and the …
0:43:46
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80 sec
Discussion on creating and distributing a residential fire emergency response guide
Council Member Gutiérrez and Chief Esposito discuss the creation and distribution of a residential fire emergency response guide. Gutiérrez emphasizes the importance of providing information to fire victims, while Esposito …
0:45:31
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4 min
Inquiry into DOB's demolition permit approval process
Council Member Gutiérrez inquires about the Department of Buildings' (DOB) process for approving demolition permits. Deputy Commissioner Shemash explains the steps involved in a normal demolition application. - The process …
0:49:44
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123 sec
Concerns about landlords exploiting vacate orders for demolition
Council Member Gutiérrez expresses concerns about some landlords potentially exploiting vacate orders to pursue demolitions instead of making necessary repairs. She emphasizes the need for greater barriers in the demolition …
0:51:48
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81 sec
DOB's protocols for demolition requests in buildings with regulated units
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the Department of Buildings' (DOB) special protocols or considerations for demolition requests in buildings with regulated units. Deputy Commissioners Patino and Shemash provide information on …
0:53:12
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92 sec
Council Member Riley questions HPD about 2910 Wallace Avenue violations
Council Member Riley questions HPD about violations at 2910 Wallace Avenue prior to a recent fire. HPD's representative, AnnMarie Santiago, admits to not having specific building information but doesn't recall …
0:54:51
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71 sec
Discussion on determining negligence in fire incidents
Council Member Riley questions HPD and other agencies about determining negligence in fire incidents and landlord responsibility for displaced tenants. Agency representatives state that they do not determine negligence related …
0:56:04
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29 sec
Inquiry about DOB's requirements for landlords notifying displaced tenants
Council Member Riley inquires whether the Department of Buildings (DOB) requires landlords to notify displaced tenants once repairs are completed. DOB representatives confirm they have no such requirements and decline …
0:56:34
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41 sec
Council Member Riley's remarks on the Wallace Avenue fire and tenant displacement
Council Member Riley expresses frustration with the agencies' responses and provides context about the ongoing situation at 2910 Wallace Avenue following a fire in January. He highlights the continued displacement …
0:57:15
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67 sec
Council Member Sanchez's inquiries on HPD's reimbursement practices
Council Member Sanchez follows up on HPD's practices for seeking reimbursement from landlords for relocation services provided to displaced tenants. HPD's representative, AnnMarie Santiago, explains the circumstances under which they …
0:58:22
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101 sec
Fire Department's role in determining cause and origin of fires
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the Fire Department's role in investigating fires. Chief John Esposito explains that fire marshals determine the cause and origin of fires but do not make …
1:00:04
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39 sec
HPD's ongoing efforts regarding 2910 Wallace Avenue
AnnMarie Santiago from HPD provides an update on the agency's ongoing efforts regarding the situation at 2910 Wallace Avenue. She mentions continued communication with elected officials, tenants, and the building …
1:00:44
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74 sec
Council Member Áviles inquires about guardrails for landlord repairs
Council Member Alexa Áviles raises concerns about prolonged repairs in vacated buildings and the increasing costs of emergency shelter. She asks about guardrails to ensure landlords are making good faith …
1:01:58
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64 sec
HPD representative explains monitoring and litigation process for vacated buildings
AnnMarie Santiago, Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Neighborhood Services at HPD, explains the agency's process for monitoring and potentially litigating cases of vacated buildings due to fires. - Describes HPD's follow-up …
1:03:06
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103 sec
Council Member Áviles probes HPD's litigation thresholds and timelines
Council Member Alexa Áviles asks detailed follow-up questions about HPD's criteria and timelines for initiating litigation against unresponsive landlords. - Inquires about the threshold used to decide on litigation - …
1:04:49
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65 sec
DOB representatives explain procedures for enforcing repairs after fires
Council Member Áviles questions DOB representatives about their procedures for ensuring landlords make repairs after fires, and DOB officials explain their enforcement process. - Council Member asks about guardrails and …
1:05:54
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127 sec
Interagency communication after fires and vacate orders
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about the communication processes between agencies (FDNY, DOB, and HPD) after a fire and vacate order. She seeks to understand if there's a central location …
1:08:21
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146 sec
Tenant and homeowner access to information after fires
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez inquires about how tenants and homeowners can access information about their buildings after a fire, focusing on communication from DOB and HPD. - DOB has an …
1:10:47
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157 sec
Proposal for a central information portal after emergencies
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez proposes the idea of a central portal for information sharing between agencies, tenants, and homeowners after emergencies like fires. She asks agency representatives if they would …
1:13:24
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114 sec
Challenges in contacting displaced tenants after fires
Council Member Alexa Áviles raises concerns about contacting displaced tenants in the aftermath of fires and proposes ideas to ensure agencies can reach affected residents. - Áviles suggests compelling landlords …
1:15:20
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119 sec
HPD's process for seeking reimbursement for emergency housing costs
Council Member Sanchez inquires about HPD's process for seeking reimbursement for emergency housing costs. Deputy Commissioner Santiago explains that recent legislation allows HPD to bill through the Department of Finance, …
1:17:21
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85 sec
Resident experience and agency coordination during fire displacement
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the resident experience during fire displacement and the coordination between agencies. Deputy Commissioner Santiago explains the process involving the American Red Cross (ARC) and HPD's …
1:18:46
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160 sec
HPD's relationship with hotels and challenges in locating emergency housing
Council Member Sanchez inquires about HPD's relationships with hotels for emergency housing. Deputy Commissioner Santiago clarifies that neither HPD nor ARC have contracts with hotels, and placements are made on …
1:21:26
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175 sec
Billing and payment process for emergency housing in hotels
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the billing and payment process for emergency housing in hotels. Assistant Commissioner Kim explains the reimbursement system between ARC, HPD, and the hotels. - ARC …
1:24:22
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49 sec
Transition from ARC to HPD's Emergency Housing Services and EHS staff roles
Council Member Sanchez inquires about the transition from initial ARC response to HPD's Emergency Housing Services (EHS) and the roles of EHS staff. Deputy Commissioner Santiago and Assistant Commissioner Kim …
1:25:16
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101 sec
Services provided by Emergency Housing Services and facility management
Deputy Commissioner Santiago explains the services provided by Emergency Housing Services (EHS) and family living centers, as well as how these facilities are managed. Council Member Sanchez asks follow-up questions …
1:26:58
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108 sec
HPD's process for tenant information and challenges in assisting displaced residents
Council Member Sanchez inquires about HPD's process for obtaining tenant information after fires, their involvement in fires with vacate orders, and challenges in informing and assisting displaced residents. HPD representatives …
1:28:47
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165 sec
Council member inquires about Emergency Housing Services statistics and information gaps
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez asks about statistics related to Emergency Housing Services, highlighting the lack of public information. She inquires about the number of units and households affected by …
1:31:33
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85 sec
HPD responds to website information issues and provides data on vacate orders
AnnMarie Santiago, Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Neighborhood Services at HPD, addresses the lack of information on the HPD website about Emergency Housing Services and provides some data on vacate orders. …
1:32:58
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100 sec
Discussion on locations and placement criteria for HPD emergency housing shelters
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about the locations of HPD emergency housing shelters and the criteria for placing families in these facilities. AnnMarie Santiago provides information on the shelter …
1:34:40
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47 sec
Inquiry into funding sources for emergency housing services
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez asks about the funding sources for emergency housing services, and AnnMarie Santiago provides information on the various funding streams. - Funding sources include federal funding …
1:35:28
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49 sec
Relationship between Emergency Housing Services and agency enforcement staff
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about the relationship between Emergency Housing Services (EHS) case managers and Department of Buildings (DOB) and HPD enforcement staff, particularly regarding information flow about …
1:36:21
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49 sec
Discussion on the process of notifying tenants about lifting of vacate orders
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez questions HPD and DOB representatives about the process of notifying tenants when vacate orders are lifted and they can return home. The discussion reveals gaps …
1:37:10
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82 sec
Statistics on units affected by HPD and DOB vacate orders
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez requests detailed information on the number of units affected by HPD and DOB vacate orders. Representatives from both agencies provide available data and explain some …
1:38:35
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164 sec
Discussion on DOB violation categories and correction rates
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about DOB violation categories, correction rates, and the agency's position on these rates. DOB representatives provide detailed statistics and explain their approach to violations. …
1:41:20
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4 min
Inquiry about data on renters insurance in New York City
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez inquires about the availability of data on renters insurance in New York City, specifically in relation to Intro 817. - The council member asks if …
1:46:09
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38 sec
Council member Restler's concerns about assisting displaced constituents
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses concerns about the challenges in contacting and supporting constituents displaced by fires. He emphasizes the need for better mechanisms to facilitate communication between council offices …
1:46:48
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3 min
Discussion on improving coordination between agencies and council members
Council Member Restler and agency representatives engage in a discussion about improving coordination to better assist displaced residents. They explore potential solutions and agree to further discussions on the matter. …
1:50:04
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81 sec
Chair Sanchez's closing remarks on agency coordination and bill follow-up
Chair Pierina Ana Sanchez provides closing remarks, emphasizing the need for better coordination among agencies and expressing disappointment at NYCEM's absence. She also mentions follow-up actions on proposed legislation. - …
1:51:25
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97 sec
Closing remarks and dismissal of administration representatives
Council Member Joann Ariola delivers closing remarks, thanking the participants and staff involved in the hearing. The administration representatives are then dismissed. - Ariola thanks the administration representatives for their …
1:53:07
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60 sec
Testimony by Yolanda Richardson, Tenant Association Leader of 2910 Wallace Avenue Tenant Association
Yolanda Richardson, a tenant and leader of the 2910 Wallace Avenue Tenant Association, testified about her experiences being displaced by a fire and the inadequate support received from city agencies. …
1:56:13
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163 sec
Testimony by Kelly Rowland, Member of 2910 Wallace Avenue Tenant Association on Residential Displacement After Fire
Kelly Rowland, a member of the 2910 Wallace Avenue Tenant Association, testifies about the challenges faced by tenants after a fire in their building. She highlights issues with security, assistance …
1:58:59
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131 sec
Council Member Sanchez empathizes with constituents and explains her current situation
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez expresses empathy for the constituents' experiences with displacement, relating it to her own efforts in coordinating assistance. She also explains that she is currently on …
2:01:10
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38 sec
Testimony by Vanesa Perkins, Displaced Resident
Vanesa Perkins, a long-time resident of her building, testifies about the challenges faced by displaced residents after a fire. She expresses frustration with the lack of assistance and the difficulty …
2:01:56
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63 sec
Testimony by Ricardine Verdiner, Tenant Leader of 2910 Wallace Avenue Tenant Association
Ricardine Verdiner, a tenant leader from 2910 Wallace Avenue, testifies about her experience as a victim of a fire in her building on January 10. She expresses frustration with the …
2:03:04
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164 sec
Council member thanks and praises tenant leader Ricardine Verdiner
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez expresses gratitude to Ricardine Verdiner for her testimony and leadership. She acknowledges Verdiner's role as a tenant leader and her work with Good Shepherd Services …
2:05:48
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34 sec
Testimony by Monica Mercola, Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Society, on Residential Displacement After Emergencies
Monica Mercola, a staff attorney from the Legal Aid Society's Housing Justice Unit, testified about the challenges faced by displaced residents and the need for improved support systems. She highlighted …
2:06:36
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150 sec
Testimony by Jessica Bellinder, Supervising Attorney at Legal Aid Society
Jessica Bellinder, a supervising attorney from the Legal Aid Society, testifies about the importance of preserving tenants' rights to return to their homes after displacement due to emergencies. She emphasizes …
2:09:11
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103 sec
Overview of emergencies in District 14
Council Member Sanchez briefly discusses recent emergencies in District 14, including building collapses and fires. - Mentions a specific fire on Davidson Avenue from two years ago - Highlights the …
2:11:04
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30 sec
Improving collection and sharing of resident contact information
Council Member Sanchez addresses the need for better collection and sharing of resident contact information during emergencies. - Acknowledges privacy concerns while emphasizing the importance of efficient information gathering - …
2:11:35
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37 sec
Reflection on current inefficient emergency response practices
Council Member Sanchez reflects on the current inefficient practices for gathering and sharing information during emergencies. - Describes how her office uses 'pink hats' to identify staff and manually collect …
2:12:12
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34 sec
Testimony by Gabriel Fantacone, Civic Engagement Organizer at Churches United for Fair Housing
Gabriel Fantacone, representing Churches United for Fair Housing, testified in support of the Back Home Act, emphasizing the need for stronger tenant protections and emergency preparedness in New York City. …
2:13:54
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142 sec
Testimony by Marcus Jackson, Aging Friendly Community Organizer from Encore Community Services
Marcus Jackson from Encore Community Services testified about the challenges faced by homebound older adults regarding food insecurity and the need for expanded meal funding. He emphasized the importance of …
2:16:24
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103 sec
Testimony by Lacey Tauber, Legislative Director of Brooklyn Borough President's Office
Lacey Tauber, representing Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, testified in support of the Back Home Act and related legislation to address issues faced by residents displaced due to emergencies, particularly …
2:18:12
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131 sec
Testimony by Melissa Orlando, Tenant from 43-09 47th Avenue, Sunnyside
Melissa Orlando, a tenant from 43-09 47th Avenue in Sunnyside, Queens, testified in support of Resolution 802, sharing her experience of being displaced by a five-alarm fire caused by a …
2:20:26
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3 min
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in support of all the bills before the committee, focusing on the need for shorter timelines for landlords to address violations. Johnson advocates for a maximum …
2:24:17
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55 sec
Council member addresses inappropriate language during public testimony
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez interrupts a speaker due to their use of inappropriate language during public testimony. She attempts to maintain decorum in the council meeting while acknowledging everyone's …
2:25:12
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9 sec
Council member reinforces need for decorum and moves meeting forward
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez reiterates the need to maintain decorum in the council meeting after continued disruptions. She then attempts to move the meeting forward. - The council member …
2:25:21
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13 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown on Fire Safety and Tenant Protections
Sharon Brown testifies about concerns regarding fire safety in buildings and potential landlord negligence. She emphasizes the need for investigation into malicious evictions and the risks posed by lack of …
2:25:41
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129 sec
Testimony by Andrew Sokolof Diaz, Co-founder and Co-president of 89th Street Tenant Association, on Residential Displacement After Emergencies
Andrew Sokolof Diaz, representing the 89th Street Tenant Association, testified about his personal experience with displacement after an eight-alarm fire in his building in April 2021. He detailed the challenges …
2:28:54
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4 min
Council member Sanchez thanks Andrew and inquires about his baby
Council member Pierina Ana Sanchez expresses gratitude to Andrew Sokolof Diaz for sharing his story and recommendations. She briefly engages in a personal interaction by asking about his baby's current …
2:33:05
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17 sec