In honor of Earth Day, Council votes on package confirming New York City’s status as leader in combating climate changeCity Hall – Today, the New York City Council will vote on an environmental protection bill package implementing wind power and energy efficiency measures. In addition, the Council will vote on a bill amending parts of the recently passed “Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act.” Finally, the Council will vote on a number of land use items.Environmental Protection PackageRequiring All City-Owned Buildings to Go Green by 2050Introduction 598-A, sponsored by Speaker Corey Johnson, would require that city-owned buildings be completely powered by green energy sources by 2050. This bill would also require the commissioner of Citywide Administrative Services to report concerning the implementation of this requirement every ten years.“Though we just celebrated Earth Day, we should always be cognizant of our environment and do our part to protect Mother Nature. With this environmental protection package, the Council serves as a model for other municipalities to take action to save our planet at a time when the federal government questions the rapid climate change we face. Introduction 598-A will require all city buildings to go green by 2050 and by doing this, New York City will be the leader for the rest of the country. I thank Environmental Protection Committee Chair Costa Constantinides for his leadership and all my colleagues for their support,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.Calling for the Creation of Wind MapsIntroduction 48-A, sponsored by Council Member Costa Constantinides, would require each long-term sustainability plan required by the charter to contain a wind resource assessment that would identify and map the areas of the city where wind resources are available for the effective utilization of a wind turbine.Authorizing Installation of Small Wind TurbinesIntroduction 50-A, sponsored by Council Member Costa Constantinides, would authorize the installation of small wind turbines designed to generate electricity along with supporting structures. This would cover design standards, wind speed, brakes and locks, visual appearance, signal interference, noise, shadow and setbacks.“This Earth Day, I am proud that my Council colleagues will vote on this legislative package that will encourage greater use of wind energy. As we work to meet our goal of reducing emissions 80% by 2050, we must replace our use of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources including wind energy. With new technologies making wind turbines more practical to use in cities we must work to encourage their use and decrease impediments that New Yorkers may encounter when trying to install them. Thank you to Speaker Johnson and my Council colleagues for their support,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides.Allowing Residential Cooperatives to Consolidate Energy Efficiency ReportsIntroduction 96-A, sponsored by Council Member Peter Koo, would allow residential cooperatives to file a single consolidated energy efficiency report where the cooperative covers multiple buildings on different tax block numbers.“Consolidating energy efficiency reports for residential cooperatives will significantly reduce the administrative burden for those well-intentioned properties looking to comply with Local Law 87. As residential coops are the leading middle class option for home ownership in many parts of the city, especially in northeast Queens, this effort will streamline reporting and simplify paperwork for both the City and property owners. Thank you to Speaker Johnson and my colleagues for supporting this important legislation,” said Council Member Peter Koo.Resolution 176, sponsored by Council Member Donovan Richards, expresses support for New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s commitment to and facilitation of the development of large-scale offshore wind projects by 2030.“As a city, state and nation, we must get serious in our efforts to combat climate change today as tomorrow is too late. Tapping into wind energy off our shores will not only provide us with sustainable, clean energy, but it will also generate economic activity and create quality jobs for local communities. It’s clear that the federal government won’t be answering this call any time soon so it is imperative that the State makes bold decisions now to facilitate large off-shore wind projects. I’d like to thank Speaker Johnson and Chair Constantinides for their support and leadership on this issue,” said Council Member Donovan Richards.“Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC” Act AmendmentIntroduction Number 858, sponsored by Council Member Helen Rosenthal, would make amendments to two recently passed legislative bills, Int. 612-A for the year 2018 and Int. 664-A for the year 2018. The amendments clarify that “interactive training” on anti-sexual harassment shall be determined by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. The amendments further clarify that climate surveys would be available to all agencies for dissemination to agency employees on or before September 30, 2018. The City Council will also vote on the following land use item(s)…500 West 174th Street HDFCThe Council will vote on the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)’s application for approval of an Article XI tax exemption for 500 West 174th Street in Washington Heights. This tax exemption will facilitate the preservation of this 27-unit building as an HDFC tenant-owned cooperative. This project is located in Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez’s district.721 Van Siclen HDFCThe Council will vote on the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)’s application for approval of an Article XI tax exemption for 721 Van Siclen Avenue in East New York. This tax exemption will facilitate the preservation of this 37 unit building as an HDFC tenant-owned cooperative. This project is located in Council Member Inez Barron’s district.West 108th Street WSFSSH, ManhattanThe Council will vote on the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)’s application for approval of an Urban Development Action Area Project (UDAAP), zoning map amendment, and zoning text amendment to facilitate the development of a phased project that includes a 110-bed transitional shelter, 119 units of supportive housing, 79 units of affordable housing, 82 units of senior housing, and 6,000 SF of community facility space. This project is located in Council Member Mark Levine’s district.Park Haven Rezoning, BronxThe Council will vote on the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)’s application for approval of an Urban Development Action Area Project (UDAAP), zoning map amendment, and zoning text amendment to facilitate the development of an 11-story mixed-use project that includes 169 units of affordable housing, a 7,500 SF FRESH food store, and 3,000 SF of community facility space. This project is located in Council Member Diana Ayala’s district. ###