February 2025 Newsletter

The NYC Business Express Service Team (BEST) serves as a single point of contact between city agencies and small businesses operating in the five boroughs to help:

• streamline interactions with city agencies
• navigate permit and licensing processes
• connect you to government resources
• educate you on city rules and regulations

NYC BEST in Your Community

Hero of the Month

Stanton Sanichar, Small Business Advocate

Stanton was born in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in Jamaica, Queens. He graduated from CUNY John Jay College with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. With six years of experience serving the City of New York, he is eager to continue advancing his career in public service.

In his previous role as an inspector with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement unit, Stanton honed his knowledge of compliance and inspection processes, which he uses to help business owners avoid fines and violations. At SBS, he has gained valuable insights into the diverse regulatory challenges faced by businesses in New York City. He is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs navigate these complexities to successfully launch and manage their businesses.

Stanton’s commitment extends to helping fellow New Yorkers avoid fines and violations, and he looks forward to making a positive impact each day at SBS.

Fun fact: This spring, Stanton will help coach his nephew's little league baseball team. He is a huge baseball fan, and this sport is a great passion of his.

Did You Know?

Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements

Effective Date: January 26, 2025

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has adopted a newly amended rule regarding the installation and location of Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

Pursuant to section 915.1.2 of the Building Code (BC), listed carbon monoxide (CO) detectors must be installed in buildings equipped with a fire alarm system that contain Group A-1, A-2, A-3, B or M occupancies, as defined in BC Chapter 3. Such listed carbon monoxide detectors must be connected to the fire alarm system control panel and installed in accordance with the requirements of this section.

Business that may be affected include:

Group M

• department stores
• grocery stores
• markets

Group A-2

• restaurants
• banquet halls
• nightclubs
• bars

Charge Safe, Ride Safe.

Effective Date: February 1, 2025

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the final rules enabling property owners and tenants to install electric micro mobility device battery swapping and charging cabinets on sidewalks.

These cabinets, aimed at reducing lithium-ion battery fires and promoting safer e-mobility use, are part of Mayor Adams' Charge Safe, Ride Safe initiative.

DOT will be reviewing applications through revocable consent.

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) announced applications are now open for New York City’s e-bike trade-in program for food delivery workers, the first-ever municipal program of its kind.

Eligible food delivery workers will be able to trade in an uncertified electric bicycle (e-bike) or non-street legal moped for a safer UL-certified e-bike and UL-certified spare battery at no cost.

The program will help reduce the risk of deadly e-battery fires, often caused by uncertified equipment, and enhance street safety by getting faster and heavier illegal mopeds off our streets.

It's Tax Time!

💵 Accurate tax filing.

💵 Full credits.

💵 Your small business deserves it.

💵 Get it back.

If you earn $93,000 or less (families) or $65,000 or less (single filers) with business expenses of $250,000 or less, file for FREE!

Resources for Immigrant New Yorkers

The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) created newly designed & updated booklets with guidance for immigrant New Yorkers:

• Learn what to do after a friend or family member is detained by ICE
• Know Your Rights with ICE
• Guidance on Sanctuary City Laws in NYC

Lower the Cost of Installing Micromobility Chargers

As e-bikes continue to revolutionize urban transportation, ensuring safe and reliable charging is more important than ever. Con Edison is offering $18M in incentives to help offset the electric infrastructure costs associated with installing e-bike chargers.

Many places can be hosts for e-bike chargers such as businesses like restaurants, bodegas, bike shops, community centers, and affordable apartment buildings.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of the e-bike revolution.

NYC BEST Stories

Helping Lifestyle 1104 Open a Second Location

When Kristopher Afum began his personal journey toward a healthier lifestyle, he realized there was an opportunity to make a real difference, and was inspired to open a beautiful, welcoming juice bar in the food desert where he was raised.

Following the success of his first juice bar in the Bronx, Kristopher recently opened a second location of Lifestyle 1104 in midtown Manhattan. The venture is family-run, with one location overseen by his sister.

When Kristopher reached out to SBS for help with opening his new location, NYC BEST’s Stanton Sanichar helped Kristopher navigate permits, licenses, and inspections required before the opening and Angel Pagan provided guidance on regulations from enforcement agencies such as the NYC Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Fire (FDNY), Environmental Protection (DEP), and Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

Thanks to the help of NYC BEST, the juice bar successfully opened within a short period!

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A Message From the Mayor

Week in Review

February 1 - 7, 2025

The NYC Week In Review videos are available weekly on the Mayor's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

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