Brooklyn Council adopts senior grass‑cutting pilot, approves sewer cost‑share and extends cannabis moratoria

Brooklyn — The Brooklyn City Council voted unanimously Feb. 24 to reinstate a senior grass‑cutting pilot program for 2025, approve a reimbursable $639,000 community cost‑share agreement with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) for a salt dome project, and extend two moratoriums affecting tobacco, vape and cannabis‑related permits through Sept. 9, 2025.

The council approved Resolution 2020‑53 to reinstate the senior grass‑cutting pilot program for residents age 65 and older and certain disabled homeowners. The program will run May 12–Aug. 19, is limited to three 40‑yard cuts per household, and carries a $100 fee; signups open in March and are subject to income limits. The Finance Committee recommended adoption.

Councilors also voted to adopt Resolution 2020‑54, authorizing a community cost‑sharing agreement with NEORSD for the salt dome project. The agreement is for $639,000, which the city expects to be reimbursed after the project bid process concluded and the final amount was known.

On cannabis and tobacco policy, the council adopted two emergency resolutions: Resolution 2020‑55 extends a moratorium (imposed earlier by Resolution 2020‑415) on issuance of building permits that would enable establishments selling or distributing vape products, unregulated cannabis and tobacco until Sept. 9, 2025; Resolution 2020‑56 extends an earlier moratorium (Resolution 2020‑410) on the acceptance, processing and granting of zoning, occupancy and building permits for adult‑use cannabis operators through the same date. Council members voted to suspend the usual rules and adopt both measures in the same meeting because existing moratoria were due to expire soon.

Separately, the council moved to hold Ordinance 2020‑53 — establishing a part‑time community resource specialist position — in abeyance at the Committee of the Whole’s request. Council asked the city’s HR consultant, Mr. Shabesta, to review and raise the minimum qualifications before the ordinance returns for consideration.

Mayor Tom Van Kirk thanked councilors for their support on the moratorium extensions and the senior program, saying adoption of the items will allow the city to maintain regulatory and service continuity while staff and committees complete additional review.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2020‑53 (senior grass‑cutting pilot): Adopted (unanimous). Key details: age 65+/disabled; May 12–Aug. 19; three 40‑yard cuts; $100 fee; signups open in March; income limits apply. - Ordinance 2020‑53 (part‑time community resource specialist): Held in abeyance; Committee of the Whole asked HR consultant to revise minimum qualifications. - Resolution 2020‑54 (NEORSD salt dome community cost share): Adopted (unanimous); reimbursable amount $639,000 (final amount from bid opening). - Resolution 2020‑55 (extend moratorium on permits enabling vape/unregulated cannabis/tobacco sales): Adopted (unanimous); moratorium extended through 2025‑09‑09; emergency declared. - Resolution 2020‑56 (extend moratorium on adult‑use cannabis operator permit applications): Adopted (unanimous); moratorium extended through 2025‑09‑09; emergency declared.

Council President Stephen Coyle presided over the meeting. No public testimony was offered on related zoning changes at the public hearing earlier in the evening (see separate article on the planning and zoning ordinance).