Int. No. 2194
By Council Member Van Bramer
A Local Law in relation to requiring the department of cultural affairs to study the real estate issues impacting cultural spaces
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. For purposes of this local law, the following terms have the following meanings:
City. The term “city” means the city of New York.
Cultural space. The term “cultural space” means a facility where arts and cultural activities are conducted.
Department. The term “department” means the New York city department of cultural affairs.
§ 2. Study. The department shall conduct a study of the real estate issues driving the displacement of cultural spaces in the city and issue recommendations designed to address these issues with the goal of strengthening and preserving existing and incentivizing new cultural spaces. This study shall include, but not be limited to, an assessment of policy options, such as the creation of an entity with the expertise and ability to lease, develop, purchase and otherwise control and sublease real estate to promote cultural spaces. The department shall conduct the study in consultation with community members, property owners and developers, staff from relevant city agencies, artists, cultural organizations, architectural designers, real estate brokers, legal professionals and cultural stakeholders.
§ 3. Report. a. No later than 270 days after the effective date of this local law, the department shall submit a report to the mayor and the speaker of the council setting forth its findings, as well as recommendations for legislation and policy to address any challenges identified. The report shall include a summary of information considered in formulating any conclusions or recommendations.
b. The department shall publish the report electronically on its website no later than 10 days after submission to the mayor and the speaker of the council.
§ 4. Agency support. Each agency affected by this local law shall provide appropriate staff and resources to support the work of such agency related to the study.
§ 5. Effective date. This local law takes effect immediately.
SG
LS #16699
12/9/20