Int. No. 879

By Council Members Brooks-Powers, Krishnan, Stevens, Hanif, Hudson, Richardson Jordan and Riley (in conjunction with the Manhattan Borough President)

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of bollards at reconstructed sidewalks, curb extensions and pedestrian ramps

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1. Section 19-189.1 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by local law number 80 for the year 2018, is amended to read as follows:

§ 19-189.1 Installation of bollards. a. [Definition. As used in this section the term “bollard” means any raised concrete and/or metal post that is designed to stop or slow motor vehicles.] Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

Bollard. The term “bollard” means any raised concrete and/or metal post that is designed to stop or slow motor vehicles.

Curb extension. The term “curb extension” means an expansion of the curb line into the lane of the roadway adjacent to the curb for a portion of a block either at a corner or mid-block.

Pedestrian ramp. The term “pedestrian ramp” means a curb area which has been cut down, lowered or otherwise constructed or altered to provide access to persons with disabilities at a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Sidewalk. The term “sidewalk” has the same meaning as provided in section 19-176.

b. By July 30, 2019, and every year thereafter, the commissioner shall submit to the council an annual report on the installation of bollards in the city. [Such report] The applicable time period for such report shall be the 12-month period beginning on June 30 of the prior year and ending on June 30 of such year and shall include:

1. The total number of locations under the jurisdiction of the department where bollards have been installed by the department and the total number of such bollards installed [in the 12-month period ending on June 30 of such year; and];

2. The total number of authorizations for bollard installation by third parties at locations under the jurisdiction of the department issued [during the 12-month period ending on June 30 of such year.];

3. The total number of requests submitted to the department for bollard installation and the determinations reached on those requests; and

4. The total number of bollard installations performed in response to approved installation requests.

c. No later than 6 months after the effective date of the local law that added this subdivision, the commissioner shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of bollards in high pedestrian traffic areas throughout the city and  establish guidelines governing the installation of bollards at sidewalks, curb extensions, and pedestrian ramps throughout the city, during the repair or reconstruction of such a sidewalk, curb extension, or pedestrian ramp to make it accessible for pedestrians with a disability. Such guidelines shall consider pedestrian safety, risk of vehicular collision, feasibility of installation, and any other criteria necessary to determine whether bollards should be installed at sidewalks, curb extensions and pedestrian ramps in the interest of pedestrian safety. Such guidelines shall list the conditions under which installation of bollards is appropriate.

d. Upon determination that the installation of bollards at a sidewalk, curb extension or pedestrian ramp is necessary pursuant to the guidelines issued under subdivision c, the commissioner shall install bollards whenever the department or its agent makes accessibility-related repairs to or reconstruction of such sidewalk, curb extension or pedestrian ramp. Such bollards shall be installed and maintained to the satisfaction of the department. 

§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately.

DPM

LS #7893, 10284

1/11/23