Board of Directors Meeting, 10/23/2024, New York City
Resolution to advocate preservation of NYC public parks and gardens in scaffolding reform
legislation
WHEREAS: Dag Hammarskjold Plaza and its Katharine Hepburn Garden, and other NYC parks including Ralph Bunche and Trygve Lie Plaza, are adversely impacted by Local Law 11, which protects public safety with scaffolding and fencing (sidewalk sheds) but makes no provision to protect parks and gardens when safety structures are required on parkland;
WHEREAS: Under the NY State Constitution “Green Amendment,” art.1, §19, added in 2022, New Yorkers are guaranteed the right to clean air, water and a healthful environment, and public officials have duties in that regard. The mandate is designed, among other purposes, to protect the 29,000 acres of the New York City’s park system, and as such, applies to scaffolding reform bills;
WHEREAS: Scaffolding that impedes parkland for extended periods with no work performed leads to unlawful behavior, dangerous and derelict conditions, endangering the public and preventing the enjoyment and benefits of parks, playgrounds and greenspaces;
WHEREAS: Bills to reform scaffolding introduced through City Council and the Manhattan Borough President under Mayor Eric Adams initiative to modernize Local Law 11 curb abusive practices, provide for innovative new materials and architectural design but make no provision for preserving public gardens and greenspaces deprived of light, water and maintenance;
WHEREAS public parks and gardens increase the health of residents, economies and ecologies in an equitable and just manner and a community rich in parks and gardens increases the desirability of neighborhoods and property values;
WHEREAS Hammarskjold Plaza’s renowned Katharine Hepburn Garden is imperiled, the $4
million Capital Renovation delayed; with no provision for maintenance, resulting in a public nuisance with no public recourse;
WHEREAS: Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza represent community stakeholders in the
enhancement, safety and vitality of parkland through the investment of private and public funding, volunteer labor and contracted services to preserve, beautify and maintain the green landscape;
BE IT RESOLVED:
That scaffolding reform legislation provide for the preservation of gardens and plant life in NYC public parks and greenspaces to include lighting specifications, horticultural needs and consideration of landscape in the architectural design of safety scaffolding and fencing per codes NYBC 3307.6. 3307.7 and 3309 with appropriate fines, timelines and proceedings for violations. FDHP further advocates that the NY State Green Amendment be applied to language pertaining to scaffolding reform and legislation.
Passed by a vote of the Board of Directors, Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza 10/23/2024. Office: 224 E. 47th St. Rm 304, NYC 10017~ fdhp@hammarskjoldplaza.org.