CITYWIDE — MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANI has until Saturday to sign, veto or allow to lapse into law a City Council bill directing the New York City Police Department to develop “buffer zones” to keep protesters away from schools and educational institutions, according to THE CITY.
Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su met last week by video with leaders of more than a half-dozen unions and the New York City Central Labor Council, who are pressing for a veto, and characterizing the measure as a “radical overreach” that imperils free speech.
The bill passed on March 26 by a 30-to-19 margin — thin enough for a successful veto, unlike a companion bill covering houses of worship, which cleared the council 44–5, a veto-proof majority. Brooklyn Councilmember Sandy Nurse, co-chair of the Progressive Caucus, voted against the schools bill, citing opposition from education labor partners.
A City Hall spokesperson said Wednesday there was no update on the mayor’s intentions. Council Speaker Julie Menin, who sponsored both bills as part of a five-point antisemitism action plan, has warned against a veto.
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