Council Member Brewer on 9/11 memories, Intro 1025 on police radio access, and Intro 1026 on pedicab relief stands

Councilmember Brewer, followed by Joanne.

Thank you very much, Councilmember Hudson.

A couple of things just to remember on 9-11.

My predecessor, Helen Rosenthal's brother, was killed that day.

And then to mention just this morning at a school, I learned that one of the parents has dementia, is not expected to live.

She was at Trinity Church, and it is 100% based on 9-11 toxic.

Never goes away.

Intro 1025, I want to mention that earlier this year, local law 46, my law, went into effect.

requires the NYPD to ensure that credentialed journalists retain access to police radio communications as the department moves to encryption.

NYPD's proposed implementation would impose a one-hour delay, which is too long for journalists and photojournalists covering breaking news.

So today I'm introducing this bill to limit that delay to no more than 15 minutes and require technology that allows journalists to scan multiple channels for active transmission

as they could with traditional police scanners.

It is important to have timely access for journalists to report breaking news, to keep New Yorkers informed and provide independent oversight of this activity.

I particularly want to thank Josh Kingsley of the council staff.

He's a rock star.

And all those from my office.

Intro 1026.

Last month, I introduced a package of pedicab reforms to improve safety, accountability, and regulation.

This legislation today addresses another part of that work, how pedicabs use curb space.

Now, drivers have very few legal places to wait for passengers or to take a break.

Including near major destinations where customers look for them.

This bill would allow these cabs to use existing taxi and for-hire vehicle relief stands and require DOT.

To establish the 15 pedicab relief stands.

DOT will decide where they go.

Giving drivers legal places to wait is important.

And I want to thank the New York Pedicab Alliance for their input.

City Council Legislative Council, Margaret Lieford and Shula Puder for my staff.

Thank you.