FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lauren Mannerberg, 929-553-7702, lauren@anatgerstein.com
New York, NY (March 20, 2025) – Citizens Union today released the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum, applauding the New York City Council for passing legislation to address the city’s long-standing sidewalk shed problem. Citizens Union’s 2023 report, Sidewalk Shed Reform in New York City, highlighted how these structures, originally intended as temporary safety measures, have become permanent fixtures that obstruct sidewalks, diminish the city’s architectural beauty, and pose safety risks of their own:
“Sidewalk sheds were meant to be temporary safeguards, yet many remain in place for years, turning into safety hazards and urban blights. For years, our laws have encouraged noncompliance with city code on sidewalk sheds. The reforms passed today will help ensure that building owners complete necessary repairs swiftly and that sheds no longer clutter our sidewalks indefinitely.
“We thank Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Council Members Keith Powers and Erik Bottcher for their leadership in sponsoring these bills and Speaker Adrienne Adams for prioritizing this issue. This legislative package represents a crucial step toward restoring New York City’s vibrant streetscapes while maintaining pedestrian safety.”
About Citizens Union
For over 125 years, Citizens Union has been a leading non-partisan advocate for reform, accountability, and ethics in New York City and State government. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.