New York City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo co-authored three new bills--Intros 771, 952, and 957-- that were signed into law on Monday, including one that would standardize sex education in public schools; increase transparency on new construction and building alterations within the Department of Buildings; and extend the MetroTech Area Business Improvement District.
The sex education bill, Intro 952-- co-authored by Council Members Corey Johnson and Vanessa Gibson-- will assess student access to health services, staffing, and incident rates; hold the New York City Department of Education accountable for implementing a citywide comprehensive sex education program for students in grades six through twelve that better empowers youth to make informed decisions and ensures instructors are trained to facilitate conversations on sexual health education in a responsible manner.
"We must engage our youth in real conversations that will address gender identity, cultivating healthy relationships, and their options," said Cumbo.
Intro 49 would require the Department of Buildings to notify the appropriate Council Members and Community Boards whenever an application for a new building permit or an alteration that will require a new certificate of occupancy for a building is received or denied.
Through the passing of Intro 771, the MetroTech BID will expand its reach. Several cultural institutions including BAM, Theatre for a New Audience, the Mark Morris Dance Group and BRIC will receive additional support to attract thousands more visitors to frequent the neighborhood of Fort Greene for a unique arts experience.
"Over the last 20 years, the City of New York has worked with local partners to craft a world-class cultural destination in Downtown Brooklyn, investing more than $100 million dollars in new venues and infrastructure to support that vision," said Tucker Reed, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.
"The expansion of the MetroTech BID ensures these world class assets will be cared for and programmed to their greatest potential."
