Relates to tax abatements for building owners in a city having a population of one million or more who complete exterior repairs

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Erik Bottcher says this is needed

Local law 11 of 1998 mandates the inspection and repair of facades of buildings over 6 stories in the City of New York. These requirements and their predecessors came in response to documented negligence by building owners that resulted in tragic and preventable deaths. An unintended consequence of these requirements, however, has been the proliferation of sidewalk sheds (commonly referred to as "scaffolding," although scaf- folding is, more specifically comprehensive covering of a building's facade). Half of New York City's scaffolding-totaling 900,000 feet, or 170 miles' worth-is attributable to the requirements of Local Law 11. Because the cost of doing required repairs generally exceeds the cost of leaving sidewalk sheds in place, less conscientious building owners often delay making or completing repairs, sometimes for years. In addi- tion, building owners that do not proactively complete repairs and are forced to put up scaffolding immediately upon the finding of an unsafe condition, may encounter delays in lining up financing, contractors, and materials necessary for repairs to begin - sidewalk sheds up, and no work happening, all the while. For residents and businesses owners on scaffolded blocks, sidewalk sheds are a costly eyesore. They plunge formerly sun-drenched sidewalks into shadow and deter customers. According to one study commissioned by New York City, sidewalk sheds could cost businesses between $4,000 and $9,500 each month. In extreme cases, scaffolding boards provide shelter for drug-dealing and other illegal activity by reducing light and foot traffic. The Upper West Side is uniquely plagued by sidewalk sheds. In April 2024, it was reported that on one stretch of West End Avenue, between W. 107th St. and W. 72nd St., there were 57 sidewalk sheds, the most per-block in the entire City. Recognizing that facade repairs are both necessary and costly, this legislation aims to reward good actors by relieving the financial burden of facade repairs when they are completed, and sidewalk sheds are removed, quickly. These include building owners who proactively repair their facades before unsafe conditions arise, and as a result can coor- dinate the timing of repairs to minimize the time that sidewalk sheds are in place; and building owners who otherwise go to the expense of expeditious completion of facade repairs. Conversely, the bill penalizes building owners who leave sidewalk sheds up for more than eighteen months, unless the delays are the result of factors outside the owner's control. By rewarding good actors and punishing negligence, this legislation will reduce the scourge of scaffolding and improve the quality of life in New York City while still ensuring that buildings are maintained in a state of good repair.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.