The NYC Council approved a new set of regulations on Wednesday designed to reduce the presence of scaffolding and sidewalk sheds throughout New York City’s five boroughs.
Mayor Eric Adams praised the approval of these bills—Intro 393-A, Intro 661-A, Intro 391-A, Intro 394-A, and Intro 660-A—calling them an essential part of the administration’s “Get Sheds Down” initiative.
“When our administration took office, we made it clear that the era of leaving scaffolding sheds to sit idle on our streets was over,” Adams remarked in a statement. “These unsightly structures were obstructing our sidewalks, hurting small businesses, and casting a shadow over our city; it was high time we made a change.”
He continued, “These updated regulations will assist the New York City Department of Buildings in eliminating unattractive scaffolding, while also making sure that sidewalk sheds are safer, more stable, and visually appealing when they are temporarily erected.” Adams emphasized that the new measures would also allow for the reclaiming of valuable public space and let sunlight return to the streets.
Manhattan Council Member Keith Powers, a sponsor of the bills, explained that the purpose of the legislation is to reduce the number of scaffolds and the time they remain in place, while also improving their appearance. “There will be far less scaffolding going up,” Powers stated. “And when it does, we’ll apply much more pressure to ensure it’s taken down quickly. While it’s up, we’re also going to make sure it’s a lot more aesthetically pleasing, so our streets are safer, brighter, and more inviting.”
At present, there are approximately 8,400 scaffolding structures scattered throughout New York City. On average, these structures remain in place for nearly 500 days. Powers mentioned that 200 of these structures have been standing for over five years.
These scaffolding units are often viewed as eyesores by many, staying up for extended periods while building owners delay necessary repairs. A particularly notorious area is West End Avenue on the Upper West Side, where scaffolding appears on nearly every building.
Powers expressed his belief that “New Yorkers have had enough” of these unsightly structures. “No more 10-year scaffolding that just sits there with no work being done,” he said.
Last August, the city dismantled one of the longest-standing sidewalk sheds, located at the medical examiner’s office building on Manhattan’s East Side, which had been there for over 15 years. In 2023, Adams introduced the “Get Sheds Down” initiative, which aims to remove hundreds of sidewalk sheds across the city.
{Matzav.com}The post NYC Council Passes Laws To Reduce Scaffolding: ‘New Yorkers Have Had Enough’ first appeared on Matzav.com.