The City Council could be going out with a bang on Thursday while holding its final stated meeting of the session. 

As many as 70 bills could be voted, with some already facing opposition.

What You Need To Know

  • During the final City Council slated meeting, as many as 70 bills could be voted, with some already facing opposition

  • Councilmember Sandy Nurse’s bill, known as COPA, would allow for a trusted list of non-for-profit housing groups first bid at buying distressed buildings with five or more units

  • Other legislation set to be voted on would clarify the city’s sanctuary laws and prohibits from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from setting up office’s in the city’s jails

“These are buildings at risk and under a lot of stress with tenants who are in unsafe conditions,” Brooklyn Concilwoman Sandy Nurse said.

Her bill, known as COPA, would allow for a trusted list of non-for-profit housing groups first bid at buying distressed buildings with five or more units.

The real estate industry and small landlords oppose the bill, citing their right to sell to the buyer of their choosing and for complicating the sale process.

Nurse and advocates say its about preserving affordable housing in the city.

“A lot of times these buildings that are in disrepair in distress are bought up by venture capitalists from all over the world from Argentina, Germany, China. We don’t have accountability over these actors,” Nurse said.

Another bill looks to open up the city to more short term rentals.

However, the legislation is currently at risk of not getting a vote. One that is on the calendar, is a bill that would require projects that received certain public financing to include two and three bedroom units.

Meanwhile, there are a few vendor bills on the calendar: one that would lift the cap on street vendor licenses. Two others deal with “deactivation” or firing without review of app-based delivery workers and rideshare drivers. 

“Every worker deserves notice and fair process before they lose their livelihood,” Queens Councilman Shekar Krishnan said.

He said his bill is about allowing rideshare drivers the opportunity to fight back against unjust firings. 

Uber and Lyft have criticized the legislation for not allowing unsafe drivers to be removed easily. 

“When drivers are fired they lose their livelihood. Their ability to pay their ren, their mortgage, their ability to pay for childcare,” Krishnan said.

There’s also legislation dealing with police transparency. 

One bill would give “professional journalists” access to police radio frequencies. Another would allow the Civilian Complaint Review Board direct access to body camera footage. 

The Police Benevolent Association president has called the legislation an “unneccessary power grab.” 

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams told NY1 earlier: “Everybody wants more transparency except for it seems our law enforcement partners and we are hoping it does pass.” 

Other legislation set to be voted on would clarify the city’s sanctuary laws and prohibits from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from setting up office’s in the city’s jails. 

Separately, the Standards and Ethics Committee is set to meet on whether to open an investigation into an Islamophobic social media post by Councilmember Vickie Paladino.