Authorizes the New York city housing authority to promulgate rules and regulations governing the use of playgrounds, recreation areas, and other open spaces

7 Co-sponsors

• Ruben Diaz
• Thomas K. Duane
• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Liz Krueger
• George Onorato
• John L. Sampson
• Malcolm A. Smith

Title of bill

An act to amend the public housing law, in relation to authorizing the New York city housing authority to promulgate rules and regulations that are subject to criminal and civil penalties for governing the use of its playgrounds, recreation areas, and other open spaces

Purpose

Authorizes the New York city housing authority to promulgate rules and regulations governing the use of playgrounds, recreation areas, and other open spaces.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill would add a new subdivision 10 to Section 402 of the Public Housing Law to grant the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) power to adopt rules and regulations relating to the use of its playgrounds, recreation areas and other open spaces located within NYCHA projects. The bill would authorize penalties for violations of such rules and regulations, including criminal penalties of not more than ninety days imprisonment, a fine of one thousand dollars or both. The bill authorizes civil penalties of up to ten thousand dollars per violation. Under the bill, NYCHA may recover these penalties in an action or proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction. The bill also provides that before taking effect the rules and regulations adopted by NYCHA must be filed under section 54 of the public housing law and with the municipal clerk of the county where NYCHA's principal office is located. NYCHA is further required to make responsible efforts to post appropriate signs in specific locations within NYCHA projects as to the rules and regulations governing conduct at such locations.

Section 2 provides that the bill shall take effect immediately.

Justification

This bill would grant NYCHA authority to promulgate rules and regulations governing playgrounds, recreation areas and other open spaces in housing projects similar to those issued by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation ("Parks Department") with respect to similar locations under the jurisdiction of the Parks Department. The bill would authorize NYCHA to obtain similar penalties for violations of its rules as those available for violations of rules governing City parks. Those using NYCHA playgrounds, recreation areas and other open spaces would be apprised of applicable rules and regulations governing users of such locations by signage that the bill requires to be posted at locations governed by the rules and regulations. Enactment of this bill would improve the quality of life in public housing in New York City just as rules and regulations issued by the Parks Department have improved the quality of life in City parks. Among other benefits, rules and regulations on closure would eliminate late night noise and reduce the potential for criminal activities. While NYCHA has been authorized by the public housing law to adopt rules and regulations governing conduct on its property, it has lacked authority to impose specific penalties for violation of such rules. This bill would resolve this and provide for criminal and civil penalties similar to those authorized for violation of rules and regulations promulgated by the Parks Department. Charter, §533 (9).

Legislative history

2000 - A10336 - referred to housing 2002 - A2250 - referred to housing 2004 - A2620 - referred to housing 2006 - S4435 - referred to housing 2008 - S2236 - referred to housing

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.