File #: Res 0797-2023    Version: * Name: Prohibits residential and commercial properties from operating digital billboards or signs that use flashing, intermittent or moving lights near certain Mitchell-Lama housing. (A.7456A/S.1931B)
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfronts
On agenda: 9/28/2023
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.7456A/S.1931B, which prohibits residential and commercial properties from operating digital billboards or signs that use flashing, intermittent or moving lights near certain Mitchell-Lama housing.
Sponsors: Kevin C. Riley, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Julie Menin, Robert F. Holden, Lincoln Restler
Council Member Sponsors: 5
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 797, 2. September 28, 2023 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 9-28-23, 4. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - September 28, 2023

Res. No. 797

 

Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.7456A/S.1931B, which prohibits residential and commercial properties from operating digital billboards or signs that use flashing, intermittent or moving lights near certain Mitchell-Lama housing.

 

By Council Members Riley, Gutiérrez, Menin, Holden and Restler

 

Whereas, Artificial light is a common occurrence in New York City (City), due to lamp posts that illuminate the City’s sidewalks, flood lights highlighting landmarks, and digital signs showcasing advertisements; and

Whereas, Science News, an online publication, reported in a study that the night sky grew about 10 percent brighter around the world, on average, every year from 2011 to 2022, due to artificial lights; and

Whereas, The International Dark Sky Association, an international organization that combats light pollution worldwide, defines light pollution as the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light; and

Whereas, Not only does light pollution affect the number of stars a person can see at night, it can also affect a person’s health; and

Whereas, According to an article published in Integrative Cancer Therapies (ICT), a peer reviewed academic journal, melatonin plays a critical role in regulating circadian rhythms, which are responsible for controlling sleeping cycles; and

Whereas, The ICT article also stressed that excessive nighttime light exposure can suppress the production of melatonin, disrupt sleeping cycles, and may create an elevated risk of cancer; and

Whereas, It is critical to take steps to minimize exposure to artificial light during the evening hours; and

Whereas, It has been reported that residents in Co-op City, a Bronx development in the Mitchell Lama  housing program, had intrusive lights from billboards that have been entering their apartments in the evening, causing discomfort and keeping them up all night; and

Whereas, Mitchell Lama housing is a type of affordable housing for middle income New Yorkers; and

Whereas, A.7456A, sponsored by Assembly Member Michael Benedetto in the New York State Assembly, and S.1931B, sponsored by State Senator Jamaal Bailey in the New York State Senate, would prohibit the use of digital billboards near certain Mitchell Lama housing in the City; and

Whereas, Limiting the use of artificial light could promote healthier sleep patterns and the overall health of residents living in a building affected by light pollution; now, therefore be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.7456A/S.1931B, which prohibits residential and commercial properties from operating digital billboards or signs that use flashing, intermittent or moving lights near certain Mitchell-Lama housing.

 

JLC

LS 13555

7/6/23