NYC Council hearing examines proposed aid for small-business security technology

Council Member Oswald Feliz opened a Committee on Small Business hearing Tuesday about cybersecurity and retail security for small businesses and said the City should take steps to protect merchants: “Small businesses are the heart of our economy, and we must protect them from threats that hurt their ability to operate,” he said.

The hearing focused in part on Intro. 1180, sponsored by Chair Feliz, which would require the city to establish a program to provide financial assistance to small businesses that purchase security-system technology such as cameras, plexiglass and panic buttons. The proposal drew detailed testimony from Harish Khan, chief of staff at the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), and public witnesses including representatives of the Bronx business community.

Why it matters: Council members framed the bill as an effort to lower the cost barrier to security technology for mom-and-pop retailers, bodegas and other storefronts that have reported losses from retail theft. Supporters said better equipment can protect merchandise and…