City Council introduces sweeping coronavirus relief package

Council Speaker Corey Johnson announced a slate of COVID-19 related bills, which will be introduced in the City Council today. Photo by John McCarten/City Council

By Victoria Merlino

The City Council is looking to give a boost to tenants, essential workers and small businesses affected by the coronavirus via a relief package that will be introduced during today’s first ever remote Council hearing. 

The slate of legislation includes an “NYC Essential Workers Bill of Rights,” which grants sick leave for gig workers, premiums to certain non-salaried workers, and just cause rights. 

Bills related to residential tenants and public health include extending time for tenants to pay their rent, blocking evictions and suspending debt collection.

Another piece of legislation would punish landlords for COVID-related housing harassment. The Council would also mandate that every New York City resident experiencing homelessness receive a room for the duration of the pandemic.

Additional bills would open 75 miles of city streets to promote social distancing, levy fines for commercial tenant harassment and suspend personal liability provisions for business owners.

“We are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis for our City, and mourning the loss of so many neighbors, friends and fellow New Yorkers,” Council Speaker Corey Johnson said in a statement. “But even in this dark time, we must be laser-focused on helping New York City emerge from this crisis while prioritizing our public health. These bills provide relief where it is needed most right now, including protecting tenants from eviction.”