The New York City Council voted on Wednesday to institute a two-year moratorium on violations related to store signs and awnings after a mysterious spike in 311 complaints that led to costly penalties for small businesses. The bill, which Mayor Bill de Blasio is expected to sign, would also create an interagency task force to study the issue, waive or return fines for some past violations, and require the city to provide education and training to help small businesses ensure their signs comply with the law. “Businesses will not have to feel the burden of these unjust fines while we work on comprehensive reform,” said Councilman Rafael L. Espinal Jr., the Brooklyn Democrat who sponsored the bill. Two years ago, businesses in his district, which includes Cypress Hills and East New York, were hit with a wave of sign violations, whose fines start at $6,000. More recently, businesses in Sunset Park, Bensonhurst and other Brooklyn neighborhoods were targeted for inspection.

Source: New York Times January 09, 2019 22:50 UTC