Council Member Aldebol explains vote on COPA and horse carriage bill
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.
Permission to explain my vote?
Permission granted.
Thank you, Majority Leader.
First, I want to congratulate Council Member Sandy Nurse on her incredible hard work,
coalition building, listening to the concerns of myself and others, and her perseverance in bringing COPA to a vote today.
We rightly spend a significant amount of time on City Council discussing and working on how to build more affordable housing, but preserving existing affordable housing is just as impactful and vital to tackling the housing crisis.
I'm excited to continue to work with this coalition, opportunities to expand affordable housing and not not-for-profit housing development organizations in the Bronx.
I'd also like to take a moment to explain my vote on Intro 943A, prohibiting the operation of horse-drawn cabs and establishing an industry transition plan.
This bill has a unique and challenging intersection of issues for me.
Fundamentally, I believe that it is time to end the horse carriage industry due to the consumer and worker protection risks that it poses, in addition to the animal welfare concerns that it raises.
Recent tragic incidences have reinforced the risks that both passengers and drivers face while navigating horse carriages on an increasingly busy road.
busy, unpredictable streets of New York City and Central Park.
I have a deep respect for workers and small business owners who have built their livelihood through the horse carriage business and the unions that fight for them.
Many have done this work for decades and come to it from a passion for animals and an interest in working with people.
I do appreciate the work of both Speaker Menon and Mayor Mamdani to incorporate transition planning commitments for affected workers and business owners into this legislation.
And I am optimistic that we will hold the administration accountable and ensure that the transition plans will include compensation.
Thank you, Council Member.
Thank you.
Council member, eligible?
I vote aye.
Thank you.
Ariola.