NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order Tuesday aimed at reforming the fines that city small businesses face.
The order calls on the Departments of Buildings, Envrionmental Protection, Sanitation, FDNY and more to review business regulations in order to reduce fine schedules and allow for warnings for first-time violators.
“Our small businesses have been through so much during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Adams. “The last thing they need to deal with are unnecessary fines. We’re cutting the red tape and bringing real relief to the entrepreneurs who have made their dreams a reality and keep our local economy strong.”
Within three months, Adams is calling on each agency to identify the 25 violations responsible for the largest amount of fines and submit ideas for reforms — whether that be eliminating them, scaling them back or adding warnings. If there aren’t reforms, the departments are asked to explain why not.
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The agencies are also asked to update violation tracking systems or procedures and summons ticket language so they’re prepared to use warning or cure periods for first-time violators.
Adams said the goal of the changes is moving toward compliance instead of punishment.
“With this Executive Order, New York City is being decisive and focusing on what municipal government can do right now to help our small businesses,” said incoming Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services Kevin D. Kim. “Ultimately this EO will save small businesses millions of dollars and countless hours of dealing with red tape and bureaucracy.”
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Adams said earlier Tuesday that bigger companies like banks should be pushing forward with reopening plans instead of moving them back in the face of rising COVID-19 cases.
“What we must understand is the resiliency of returning back to a normal life,” said Adams. "If we don't open our cities, there are almost a million people that are behind in their rents right here in this city. We have low-skilled employees who can't do remote employment from home or telecommuting.”
Adams instead doubled down on vaccinations, booster shots and testing in order to reopen.