June 10, 2008
Dear Council Member,
On Behalf of the 700 members of the Sign Manufacturers & Erectors of Local 137 of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association, I am writing you to urge you to support Intro 623 sponsored by Council Member Katz, a bill which would support the safety and beautification of New York’s sidewalk sheds.
Intro 623, also known as the Sidewalk Beautification Act, seeks to address the problems of the proliferation of unsightly and in some cases, unsafe sidewalk sheds in neighborhoods across the City in several innovative ways.
First, Intro 623 would raise significant revenue for the Department of Buildings to be able to do additional enforcement of its existing mandate. Indeed, at a time when the city is projecting considerable budget gaps in the foreseeable future, Intro 623 could generate an estimated $4million to $8million for enforcement activities- resources that Department of Buildings could desperately use.
Second, in return for allowing a reasonable amount of advertising only in commercial and manufacturing areas (and prohibiting it completely in front of landmarked buildings), Intro 623 would set strict design guidelines for improving the appearance of sidewalk sheds. It would require that sheds be well lit, properly maintained, and both the outdoor advertising agency and the shed contractor would be required to be listed in order to ensure full compliance with all regulations.
And Intro 623 would also end the incentive for sheds to stay up forever, as so many seem to do, by limiting advertising to one year out of any five years in front of any particular address. Strict fines of up to $25k would be assessed for violations.
Most importantly to me and my members, Intro 623 would ensure that unionized sign hangers are put back on the job. Since the advertising industry took down all signs from sidewalk sheds to voluntarily comply with Department of Buildings regulations, my members have lost more than $1 million worth of work a year. At a time when jobs are particularly important to our industry, we need this work.
In sum, Intro 623 would create an environment in which sidewalk sheds, many of which have to go up to comply with local Laws 10 and 11, would be safer, more attractive and go up and come down more quickly. We at Local 137 believe this is the right thing to do for our City and hope you will support this important bill.
Sincerely,
Paul Collins, Jr.
President/Business Manager
Sheet Metal Workers International
Association, Local Union 137.