Chair Abreu reads Councilmember Epstein's remarks on Intro 866 disruptive work signage

I'll now read Councilmember Epstein's remarks on introduction number A66.

Thank you to Chair Abreu and all my colleagues for the opportunity to hear my bill, Intro 866, at today's hearing.

My office has already had discussions with DOT and will be moving forward with amending this bill to require the entity obtaining the permit, not a DOT, to put up the signage.

We all know the feeling.

You wake up to unexpected noise coming from the sidewalk below.

You're walking your child to school and suddenly the path you take every day is taped off for construction.

You go to open up your deli for the day, only to find someone jackhammering outside of your business.

You didn't know this was going to happen, and you're not sure how long it will last.

This type of disruptive work presents additional challenges for individuals who use assistive mobility devices who may struggle to get around if their typical sidewalk route is changed.

While the work being done to improve our streets and sidewalks

walks is necessary, it can be disruptive to our daily life.

It is critical that all New Yorkers have access to the information necessary so they can plan ahead for when construction projects arise.

My bill, Intro 866, addresses this all too common occurrence by providing New Yorkers with posted signs within a 500 foot radius of the location of planned disruptive work at least 48 hours before the work is scheduled to begin.

It would also include contact information, ensuring the public knows who to talk to about the work if there are questions or concerns.

Constructions can be disruptive to surrounding residents, schools, and businesses.

It is important that neighbors have advance notice of disruptive construction so they can make necessary plans.

This bill is about increasing transparency between city agencies and residents and increasing accessibility in our government system.

I look forward to hearing feedback about this bill, about how we can make our streets more accessible for everyone.

Thank you.

That was a statement by my colleague, Councilmember Epstein.

And I would like to recognize the colleagues who have joined us today, Council Members Brewer, Wong, Krishnan, Justin Sanchez-Lewis, and Thomas Henry.

I will now pass it over to my colleague, Council Member Thomas Henry, to speak on her bill.