
CITY HALL — THE NUMBER OF SIDEWALK SHEDS COULD DECREASE if the City Council votes, as expected on Wednesday, to approve a package of five bills dealing with these construction scaffolds, Crain’s New York Business reports.
The bills reform Local Law 11, implemented during the 1990s, which requires landlords to inspect façades every five years and erect the protective – but unappealing – green plywood sheds for the inspections. As inspections and other repairs dragged, the number of sheds increased, with 8,500 of them now surrounding buildings throughout the city.
The headliner bill, from Manhattan Councilmember Keith Powers, would shorten permits for new sheds to three months, down from one year, with renewals granted for financial hardships or other extenuating matters. Some of the other legislation would allow significant extensions between inspections, contingent on the results of a safety study, as well as pushing aesthetic improvements, like altering the designs of the sheds, allowing more colors than just dark green, and doubling the mandatory minimum lighting.
Another bill would significantly increase the fines and penalties (ranging from $5,000 to $20,000) for failing to complete façade repairs on time.
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SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.