THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

 

OFFICE OF THE HON. YDANIS RODRIGUEZ

  

CITY HALL

NEW YORK, NY 10007

(212) 788-7053

 

***Press Release***

March 12th, 2014

 

Contact: Russell Murphy - (917) 584-9574 - Russmurphy55@gmail.com

 

COUNCIL MEMBER RODRIGUEZ INTRODUCES 4 PIECES OF LEGISLATION AIMED AT STREET SAFETY AND PUNISHING SLUMLORDS

 

New York, NY--On Wednesday, March 12th, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez introduced three bills and one resolution aimed at improving the lives of New Yorkers. 3 pertain to street safety and quality of life, while one deals with landlords who perpetually fail to keep their buildings up to code. The legislation is detailed below and Council Member Rodriguez's statements on each can be found in Bold.

 

Int 0167-2014

By Council Member Rodriguez:

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting certain exhibitionist behavior with motorcycles.

Transportation

 

Exhibitionist motorcycle behavior has been a consistent problem for New Yorkers, starting up every year as the temperatures rise. Actions such as wheelies, burnouts and drag races disrupt the quality of life in NYC. They threaten to impede the city's ability to maintain a safe environment in particular for pedestrians, but also for cyclists and other motor vehicle operators abiding by the law.  The aim of this bill is to deter exhibitionist behavior on city streets and high ways and ensure the safety of pedestrians, motorists and cyclists. The administrative codes already ban such behavior from motor vehicles, extending this to cover motorcycles as well is necessary to increase the safety and well being of NYC residents and visitors.

 

"For too long, some users of dirtbikes, ATVs and motorcycles have terrorized our streets, acting recklessly with no regard for others who use the road," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. "It's time to take action so we can prevent these thrill seekers from engaging in dangerous and disruptive behavior. Last summer's incident involving a large group of motorcyclists provided shocking images that resulted in a public uproar across NYC. This law takes a measured approach, looking to punish only those that seek to use our streets for their personal playgrounds, while allowing legally licensed and responsible riders to continue to enjoy these streets in peace."

 

Int 0168-2014

 

By Council Member Rodriguez:

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to safer arterial streets.

Transportation

 

Several recent reports have found that while arterial roads in NYC (main thoroughfares) make up just 15% of all streets, 40% of traffic related deaths occur on these roads. This is due to increased speeds, more lanes and few traffic calming measures such as those found on other streets throughout the city. Additionally, as noted in several recent studies including those from the DOT as well as other non-public organizations, the health of our arterial roads are deteriorating at a rate much higher than the rate of repair, leading to accidents, delays, and ultimately the costing the city millions of dollars in terms of lost productivity.  Requiring the DOT to include regular studies of all arterial streets under jurisdiction will drastically improve the city's ability to reliably and consistently identify roads in need of repair or redesign and will help to protect pedestrians as well and will put us one step closer to achieving Vision Zero.

 

"Our arterial streets are a source of major concern for street and pedestrian advocates across our city, and for good reason. A disproportionate number of deaths and injuries occur from traffic crashes due to high speeds and few traffic calming measures. These streets cannot be used as highways any longer and this bill will ensure that the DOT is taking a serious look into how they can be better redesigned. Traffic and pedestrian safety is a priority in our city and this bill will help in achieving Vision Zero."

 

Int 0169-2014

By Council Member Rodriguez:

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to denying permits to building owners who have repeatedly been found to violate the city's building codes and zoning laws.

Housing and Buildings  

 

New York City has major issues with landlords that fail to live up to city laws when it comes to maintaining their buildings responsibly. Particularly in lower income areas, problems with landlords are commonplace and battles in housing court can go on for years without an adequate resolution. This bill seeks to give the city an additional tool in getting violations fixed by prohibiting the further granting of permits to landlords that consistently keep their buildings in disrepair.

 

"Too often, irresponsible landlords go unpunished after repeated failures to care for their buildings and tenants. While city power is limited in holding landlords fully accountable, this bill will ensure no further work is done until violations are dealt with and tenants are free from violation laden buildings. Any landlord that repeatedly violates city laws is unfit to maintain their position, and certainly should not be encouraged to continue such behavior. Passing this bill will force landlord to take the maintenance of their buildings more seriously, and will result in better housing conditions for thousands of city residents."


Res 0116-2014

By Council Member Rodriguez

A Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass legislation which would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license regardless of our immigration status.

Immigration

 

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Jose Peralta (S5965B-2013) would allow limited use driver's licenses for persons currently residing in New York State who do not have legal immigration status. This resolution supports that bill and would encourage all undocumented immigrants who are active drivers to not only gain NYS ID but go through the DMV required courses ensuring they are actually able to drive responsibly. New York City is estimated to have nearly 500,000 undocumented immigrants. In order to ensure they are safe drivers and can be identified in the case of an accident or crash, they should be brought out of the shadows and incorporated into our society regardless of their immigration status.

 

"On a day when the NYS DREAM Act is one step closer to becoming a reality for the thousands of young immigrants dreaming about a college education, I am proud to introduce this resolution calling for a greater incorporation of undocumented immigrants into our society. With so many cars on our streets across the state, it would be best if all drivers were fully licensed and educated on the rules of the road. This is not only a common sense solution to a lack of ID for hundreds of thousands of immigrants across the state, but it can contribute to greater safety on our roads as well. I commend Senator Jose Peralta and Assembly Member Sepulveda for their efforts on this legislation in Albany and I hope to see it pass soon."

 

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