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Council adopts measure to speed removal of abandoned vehicles from city streets, sponsor says it will reclaim curb space
Summary
Intro 8‑57B would require sanitation to determine within 24 hours whether a reported abandoned vehicle qualifies as a state-defined derelict vehicle and to tow qualifying vehicles promptly; the sponsor said it restores curb access and addresses safety hazards.
Council member Rafael Salamanca described Intro 8‑57B on June 11 as a measure to require the Department of Sanitation to act quickly on abandoned and inoperable vehicles. Salamanca said the bill would require DSNY to determine within 24 hours whether a reported vehicle qualifies as a derelict vehicle under state law and, if the vehicle identification number cannot be ascertained, to remove the vehicle within 72 hours.
He argued abandoned vehicles block bike lanes, bus stops and curb spaces and create safety hazards; the bill sets time frames to speed enforcement and free public space. The committee reported Intro 8‑57B as “amended and coupled on general orders.” Sponsors said implementation will require DSNY operational changes and coordination with community boards and elected officials.
The committee report placed the measure on the general-orders calendar; the clerk later included it among adopted items on the general-orders calendar during the session’s final tally.
