Council Member Epstein on Flatiron Nomad concessions and Scoop Act composting

Thank you.

I also want to thank Councilmember Wilson for his friendship and partnership during this major concession.

I think probably on day two when he started, he was like, Mike Carl, we have to deal with this.

Deal with it quickly.

And really, the planning and land use staff and the Flatiron Nomad partnership was amazing.

Our staff, Dana and Chelsea, really helped us get through this process.

And a major concession agreement is really to make sure that the Broadway space is managed by this bid,

but also talks about things we care deeply about, about sustainability, public access to space, securing commitments for water fountains, public restrooms, compostable bins, and waste removal.

This is like a comprehensive plan that I'm really proud of.

I also want to thank the speaker for the SCOOP Act.

This issue came up early in her term.

I saw what was happening during the winter and then all the dog waste, and she kind of, she jumped right on it.

We created a package, allowed the Animal Caucus to take some leadership in this, and, you know, the bill that I'm talking about on composting dog waste is both an environment

issue and a cleanliness issue and I think this all across the board is really really palatable for the future of New York and a plan that we can really be proud of.

And finally I just I know we're talking about some budget allocations I don't have conflicts but I really want to thank the council for allocating what we did in the budget on pet food pantries we're making some of those allocations today I think that's going to help the affordability crisis we're seeing in New York.

I know we keep talking about affordability and I know the leadership of the speaker and this council we're actually acting on those issues and are moving those issues forward today.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Thomas Henry, followed by Pierina Sanchez.