For those who need up-to-date intelligence from authoritative sources, New York City Council hearings can offer a wealth of information. Council members can be counted on to prod those testifying for more detail, sometimes more than they’re prepared to give. The law-making body of the City of New York and an equal partner with the Mayor in governing, the City Council comprises 51 members from 51 different districts throughout the five boroughs. Hearings are open to the public, and anyone may register to testify.
December brings two water-related hearings to the New York City Council schedule.
On Monday, December 5, the Committee on Waterfronts, chaired by Council member Debi Rose from Staten Island, will host an oversight hearing on improving boaters’ safety. Safety on the waterways has been a hot topic of discussion since late summer, when a commuter ferry struck a group of kayakers on the Hudson River. This hearing will examine the state of current boating regulations in the face of growing commercial and recreational use of New York City’s waterways. The hearing will take place at 1pm, 250 Broadway, 14th floor.
On Tuesday, December 13, the Committee on Environmental Protection, chaired by Costa Constantinides from Queens, will host a hearing on legislation authorizing New York City to enforce its first MS4 permit, which governs the operation of New York City’s municipal separate storm sewer systems. Council members and those testifying will discuss how the City can deal with activities that contribute pollutants to stormwater runoff, which can contaminate local waterways, as well as the administration by the City of existing State stormwater programs. The December 13 hearing will take place at 1pm, at 250 Broadway, 16th floor.