NYC Council meetings, chaptered and linked by time.
Independent project. Not affiliated with the New York City Council.
Created by Uzair Qadir
Inspired by Vikram Oberoi's City Meetings
New York City Council
Read summaries and jump into the video at the segment start.
Council Staff welcomes attendees, then Majority Leader Shaun Abreu calls the October 22, 2026 stated meeting to order, reminds members of decorum and public silence, and welcomes the public.
Council Member David M. Carr leads the chamber in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The clerk conducts a roll call of all council members. Most members respond present, with some arriving late.
Shaun Abreu introduces Father Khader El-Yateem of Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, who delivers an invocation praying for wisdom, courage, and justice for the city and its leaders.
Council Member Kayla Santosuosso provides a biography of Father Khader El-Yateem, noting his service in Brooklyn and interfaith work, and moves to spread the invocation in full upon the record.
Council Member Sandra Ung moves to adopt the minutes of the October 8, 2026 stated meeting. The motion is carried without objection.
The Council receives mayoral appointments M93 through M97 and M98, which are referred to the Rules Committee. Petitions and land use call-ups are announced as none.
Speaker Julie Menin delivers her communication, focusing on the 19-year effort to ban horse-drawn carriages. She thanks Romancia's family, advocates, and colleagues, and announces the passage of Romancia's law.
Speaker Menin details the horse carriage phase-out set for June 2028, humane treatment requirements for horses, worker transition programs, and consideration of compensation for medallion owners.
Speaker Menin discusses the homeowner expo with Deputy Speaker Williams, the expansion of free 2K to the Bronx and Staten Island, a hearing on EMS response times, the Champions Plaza street co-naming, and the vote to raise SCRI/DRI income eligibility to $75,000.
Speaker Menin acknowledges Hindu festivals, Filipino American, Polish American, and Disability Employment Awareness Months, honors first responders, wishes a happy Halloween, encourages voting on Election Day, and welcomes One Strong Brotherhood.
Speaker Menin lists three land use items: 48-50 Convent Avenue Cluster ANCP for affordable homeownership, 1455 Coney Island Avenue rezoning for a long-term care facility, and 135-27 Sapphire Street rezoning for a six-story building with affordable units.
Speaker Menin lists finance items: Intro 978B to increase SCRI/DRI income limit to $75,000, Resolution 666-A for BID expenditures, a transparency resolution, and pre-considered resolutions for 40-year tax exemptions.
Speaker Menin lists Resolution 625B for Reggaeton Heritage Month, Resolution 650 opposing federal Head Start rule changes, Intro 927 renaming Shorefront Parkway, Intro 797A on voter registration in jails, and Intro 853A on special education access.
Speaker Menin describes Intro 905A (COPA) giving nonprofits first opportunity to purchase distressed properties, Intro 786A requiring procedures for curing ballots in DOC custody, and Intro 296A requiring reports on gender-based violence data.
Speaker Menin details Intro 943A, which winds down the horse-drawn cab industry by prohibiting new licenses after June 1, 2028, requiring humane disposition of horses, and establishing a transition plan for workers and owners.
Council Member James Gennaro moves to amend Intro 943A to extend the effective date to January 1, 2030. He argues workers need more time to transition and that the bill lacks concrete commitments for their livelihoods.
Council Member Frank Morano opposes the amendment, arguing that the industry has had decades to prepare and that delaying the vote would reinforce political cynicism. He urges colleagues to vote on the bill without amendment today.
Council Member Vickie Paladino supports the amendment to extend the deadline, arguing the bill was rushed and that the real danger in parks comes from unlicensed scooters and bicycles. She questions the number of fatalities caused by horse carriages.
Council Member Joann Ariola aligns with Paladino, arguing for extended time for horse owners and warning that if the referendum passes, other industries could be targeted next.
Speaker Julie Menin addresses Romancia's family, apologizing for any suggestion that they were being used and expressing condolences for their loss.
The Council conducts a roll call vote on Council Member Gennaro's amendment to extend the effective date of Intro 943A to January 1, 2030. During the roll call, Council Members Brewer, Gennaro, and Marte explain their votes. The amendment is defeated by a vote of 6 in favor and 43 against.
The motion to amend Intro 943A to extend the effective date to January 1, 2030 is defeated by a vote of 6 in the affirmative, 43 in the negative, and 0 abstentions.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams speaks in support of Intro 797, which requires the Department of Correction to report annually on voter registration and absentee ballots in city jails. He highlights the disenfranchisement of eligible incarcerated New Yorkers.
Council Member Harvey Epstein thanks the Romach family and advocates, speaks in favor of the horse carriage ban, praises the COPA bill for supporting nonprofits, and celebrates the increase in SCRI/DRI income eligibility to $75,000.
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers presents two bills: Intro 927A to rename Shorefront Parkway to Edgemere Avenue, and Intro 786A to improve ballot submission and curing for incarcerated individuals eligible to vote.
Council Member James Gennaro argues that in the 168-year history of the horse carriage industry, no driver has ever had their license revoked or been convicted of animal cruelty. He criticizes the rush to judgment and calls for an oversight hearing instead of a ban.
Council Member Farah Louis speaks in support of Intro 296 to improve coordination of gender-based violence data and Intro 978 to raise the SCRI/DRI income limit to $75,000, sharing the story of Nathalie Ramirez.
Council Member Christopher Marte, the bill's sponsor, speaks about the 160-year history of the ASPCA and the need to evolve past the horse carriage industry. He honors Romach Mahajan and argues that the city can thrive without legalized animal cruelty.
Council Member Frank Morano speaks against Intro 905A (COPA), arguing it raises constitutional questions about property rights, adds uncertainty to property transactions, and is bad housing policy. He urges colleagues to vote no.
Council Member Sandy Nurse, sponsor of COPA, describes the six-year saga to pass the bill. She explains that COPA lets trusted housing providers buy distressed buildings, keep tenants in their homes at affordable rents, and is a critical anti-displacement tool.
Council Member Gale Brewer speaks in favor of the SCRI and DRI bills, which help older adults and people with disabilities afford to stay in their homes. She thanks colleagues and says 'yay for old people.'
Council Member Chris Banks speaks on Intro 943, recognizing Romach Mahajan and arguing that while animal welfare is important, the workers and small business owners in the industry must not be left behind. He calls for real job placement, training, and compensation.
Council Member Vickie Paladino speaks against COPA, arguing it infringes on private property rights and will stall sales. She also criticizes the council for killing the horse carriage industry and questions whether members have minds of their own.
Council Member Susan Zhuang advocates for Intro 853, which requires an annual study on how geographic location, income, and language affect access to special education. She shares the story of a school bus incident involving nonverbal students.
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse speaks in support of the horse carriage bill, addressing the workers directly. She commits to holding the administration accountable to ensure the transition plan includes jobs, compensation, and care for the horses.
Council Member Justin Sanchez speaks in support of COPA, highlighting the history of Bronx nonprofit developers like Banana Kelly and Nos Quedamos. He argues COPA will empower community-based organizations to preserve affordable housing.
The clerk reads the reports of standing committees for various bills, including Intros 786A, 797A, 853A, 978B, 943A, 905A, and others. All items are amended and coupled on general orders, and a roll call vote is ordered.
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez explains her vote in favor of COPA, detailing how it targets distressed buildings and gives mission-driven organizations a chance to acquire them. She congratulates Council Member Nurse.
Council Member Shirley Aldebol explains her vote in favor of COPA, emphasizing the importance of preserving existing affordable housing. She also explains her support for Intro 943A, ending the horse carriage industry, while calling for accountability on worker transition.
Council Member Joann Ariola discloses that her son works for DSNY, which is on the transparency resolution. She votes aye on all except Intros 786A, 905A, Reso 695, and Intro 943A, on which she votes no.
Council Member Chris Banks discloses that his brother works for the Parks Department and another for the Department of Juvenile Justice. He congratulates sponsors of several bills and votes aye on all.
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers discloses that she has family associated with the Department of Education. She explains her vote in favor of the bills, particularly emphasizing the need to hold the administration accountable on workforce transition for the horse carriage industry.
Council Member Tiffany Cabán associates herself with remarks by colleagues and explains her vote in favor of COPA, stating it will help preserve at-risk buildings and keep families in their homes.
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa discloses her daughter works for the Department of Education. She explains her vote in favor of Intro 943, arguing that protecting workers and animals are not competing values and that the city can do both.
Council Member Eric Dinowitz thanks Speaker Menin and bill sponsors. He highlights that the SCRI eligibility increase also applies to Mitchell-Lama residents facing rent increases, and votes yes on everything.
Council Member Elsie Encarnación associates herself with comments by colleagues and expresses pride in the bills passing today. She votes aye on all.
Council Member Harvey Epstein thanks the council for tackling tough issues and encourages colleagues and the public to engage in respectful discourse, avoiding personal attacks. He votes aye on all.
Council Member Amanda Farías explains she cannot support Intro 943 because the transition plan lacks concrete commitments for workers. She votes aye on all other items, abstaining on Intro 943.
Council Member Simcha Felder votes yes on everything except Intros 786A, 905A, and 943A, on which he votes no.
Council Member Oswald Feliz speaks in favor of the horse carriage ban, arguing that horses do not belong in a busy city and that the industry poses public safety risks. He also congratulates Council Member Nurse on COPA.
Council Member James Gennaro explains his no vote on Intro 943A and 905A. He discusses the difficulties of retiring horses and the lack of answers for workers and medallion owners. He votes yes on the rest.
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez explains her vote in favor of COPA, thanking Council Member Nurse for her work and emphasizing that COPA is a necessary tool to protect tenants and preserve affordable housing.
Council Member Shahana Hanif speaks in support of Romancia's law and COPA, praising the advocates and colleagues who fought for these bills. She votes aye on all.
Council Member Ty Hankerson votes aye on all items.
Council Member Kamillah Hanks associates with Council Member De La Rosa and says losing a child isn't political. She votes aye on all with the exception of Intro 905A, on which she abstains.
Council Member Crystal Hudson congratulates Council Member Nurse on passing COPA, calling it a lifeline for communities facing displacement and systemic racism. She votes aye on all.
Council Member Rita Joseph speaks in support of COPA, sharing stories from her district of tenants suffering from neglectful landlords. She argues COPA will keep buildings affordable and in community hands.
Council Member Shekar Krishnan sends condolences to the Mahajan family and speaks in support of the horse carriage ban. He also congratulates Council Member Nurse on COPA, emphasizing the importance of preserving affordable housing.
Council Member Linda Lee congratulates Speaker Menin and Council Member Lewis on the SCRI/DRI bill and Council Member Nurse on COPA. She highlights the importance of taking care of older adults and explains that COPA gives nonprofits an opportunity to bid on properties.
Council Member Farah Louis discloses her affiliation with the Parks Department. She congratulates Council Member Nurse and Marte, but highlights concerns raised by TWU about job placement and buyouts for medallion owners. She votes aye on all.
Council Member Virginia Maloney votes aye on all items.
Council Member Christopher Marte thanks Speaker Menin, Chair Shulman, the Mahajan family, staff, and advocates for their work on the horse carriage bill. He celebrates the passage and says enough is enough.
Council Member Frank Morano explains his vote in favor of Intro 943A, acknowledging that reasonable people disagree. He believes horses are not machines and that ending the industry is necessary, while also supporting transition assistance for workers.
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse explains her struggle with Intro 905A (COPA), citing concerns about private property rights and the lack of compensation. She abstains on 905A and votes aye on the rest.
Council Member Sandy Nurse votes aye on all and thanks the many organizations and individuals who worked on COPA for over six years, including the New York City Community Land Initiative, former Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Speaker Menin.
Council Member Chi Ossé votes aye on all and commends Council Member Nurse for delivering on COPA despite private interests opposing it. He says COPA is the type of legislation New Yorkers need.
Council Member Vickie Paladino votes no on Intros 786A, 797A, 905A, and 943A, and on Resos 695 and 650. She speaks about the middle class and her opposition to COPA, arguing it infringes on property rights.
Council Member Lincoln Restler speaks in support of banning horse carriages and passing COPA. He explains that COPA targets severely distressed properties and gives nonprofits an opportunity to preserve affordable housing.
Council Member Kevin Riley discloses his affiliation with the Department of Education and votes no on Intro 943A, aye on the rest.
Council Member Yusef Salaam votes aye on all items.
Council Member Justin Sanchez votes aye on all but abstains from pre-considered LU 156 and Resos 705-706, which grant a tax exemption for a building with 123 recorded violations. He calls for accountability.
Council Member Kayla Santosuosso congratulates Council Member Nurse on passing COPA, rebutting claims that it ends private property ownership. She says COPA is a crucial tool for preserving affordable housing.
Council Member Lynn Schulman speaks on two historic bills: COPA for affordable housing preservation and the horse carriage bill to protect horses and workers. She thanks advocates and votes aye on all.
Council Member Althea Stevens votes in support of Intro 943A but calls out unacceptable harassment and racist rhetoric from some advocates. She urges them to bring the same energy to fighting for black and brown communities.
Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry discloses that her children are affiliated with the Learning Tree Tutorial and Enrichment Program. She votes aye on all.
Council Member Inna Vernikov votes aye on all with the exception of Reso 695, Intros 786A, 905A, and 943B, on which she votes no.
Council Member Nantasha Williams thanks Council Members Lewis and Nurse. She notes COPA was amended from 10,000 to 2,100 buildings and hopes the transition period provides dignified lives for horses and workers. She votes aye on all.
Council Member Yusef Salaam discloses that his family is associated with Harlem.
Council Member Carl Wilson speaks in favor of Intro 943A, describing horses suffering in Hell's Kitchen. He also supports COPA, praising Council Member Nurse's tenacity. He votes aye on all.
Council Member Julie Won votes aye on all and congratulates Council Members Nurse and Marte.
Council Member Phil Wong votes aye on all except Intro 786A and Intro 905A, on which he votes no.
Council Member Susan Zhuang discloses her children attend public school. She votes aye on all except Intro 905A, on which she votes no, and Intro 943A, on which she abstains.
Council Member David Carr explains his vote against COPA and Intro 943A, citing his commitment to private property rights and free enterprise. He argues that ending the horse carriage industry is not justified and hopes for a dignified transition for workers.
Majority Leader Shaun Abreu votes aye on all and congratulates Speaker Menin for getting the horse carriage bill done.
Speaker Julie Menin congratulates Council Members Marte, Lewis, and Nurse on their bills. She reflects on the legislative process and the amendments that reduced COPA's scope from 10,000 to 2,100 buildings. She votes aye on all.
The Council adopts all items on the general orders calendar. Specific votes: Intro 786A adopted 42-7; Intro 905A adopted 38-9 with 2 abstentions; Intro 943A adopted 40-7 with 2 abstentions; Reso 695 adopted 44-5; Intro 797A adopted 44-5; another item adopted 48-1; LU 156 and resos adopted 48-1 with 1 abstention.
Speaker Julie Menin announces that all bills have been referred to committee as indicated on the agenda.
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez speaks in support of Reso 650, which opposes a federal rule change that would reduce services for multilingual learners in Head Start programs. She urges colleagues to support it.
Council Member Farah Louis speaks in support of Reso 625, which declares October as Reggaeton Heritage Month in New York City. She highlights the genre's Afro-Caribbean and Latin American roots.
The Council holds a voice vote on Resolution 625B, which declares October as Reggaeton Heritage Month. The ayes have it.
The Council holds a voice vote on Resolution 650, which opposes the federal rule change on Head Start programs. The ayes have it.
Council Member Kayla Santosuosso introduces the Stop Super Speeders bill, which requires speed limiting devices for drivers with 16 or more speeding violations in school zones. She also introduces legislation to prevent TLC-issued vehicles from using flock surveillance technology.
Council Member Shahana Hanif introduces Intro 1137, a three-year initiative to support businesses owned by New Yorkers with disabilities in every borough. She also honors two constituents who recently passed away.
Council Member Farah Louis introduces Intro 1146, which requires annual reporting on DYCD fiscal agent performance, and Intro 1147, which requires public disclosure of MWBE disparity studies and underlying data.
Council Member Gale Brewer introduces Intro 1132 for a Landmarks Preservation Commission public records portal, Intro 1133 for a stipulated fine program for small businesses, and a bill for a study on gambling behaviors and casino impacts. She also introduces resolutions on cryptocurrency kiosks and anti-aging product warning labels.
Council Member Carl Wilson introduces resolutions commemorating fashion designer Bob Mackie and music icon Dolly Parton, highlighting their contributions to culture and New York City. He notes Dolly Parton received the key to the city in 1978.
Council Member Rita Joseph introduces Intro 1144, which requires a full analysis of gender-based violence data across the city, including disparities by race, ethnicity, sex, and gender. She urges colleagues to sign on.
Speaker Julie Menin adjourns the stated meeting of October 22, 2026.