"The next set of bills before me are Introductory Numbers 328-A and 329-A, sponsored by Council Members Gennaro, Quinn, Boyland, Clarke, Gerson, Gioia, Koppell, Liu, Lopez, Martinez, Nelson, Perkins, Sanders, Vallone, Weprin, Moskowitz, Reyna, Foster, McMahon, Recchia, Monserrate, Gentile, Brewer, Yassky, Fidler, DeBlasio, Baez, James, Palma, Avella, Reed, Jackson, Sears, Rivera, Barron, Katz, Speaker Miller and Public Advocate, Betsy Gotbaum.  These bills amend the City's Administrative Code regarding the notification and use of pesticides.

"The Administration supports the use of safe and effective pest control, and has made significant strides in recent years to decrease the amount of pesticide applied in City-owned housing, offices and parks through the use of Integrated Pest Management - also known as IPM. IPM combines improved hygiene, public education and the judicious use of the least toxic materials to reduce pest populations. However, New York City's unique built environment and significant pest control challenges require the use of pesticides to control pervasive pest populations.  Under these circumstances, we remain committed to limiting human exposure to pesticides to the greatest extent possible.

"Introductory Number 328-A adopts special notice requirements for commercial and residential pesticide applications as set forth in the State Neighbor Notification Law.  Under this law, lawn-care businesses are obligated to provide 48 hours notice to residents of any adjacent properties before applying pesticides for commercial purposes.  Individuals applying pesticides for residential, non-commercial, lawn-care purposes will be required to post signs around the impacted area notifying the public of such application.

"Introductory Number 329-A phases out the use, on City owned or leased property, of pesticides known or thought to be a carcinogen, a developmental toxin, or otherwise classified by the EPA as a Toxicity Category I pesticide.  Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of an interagency pest management committee to develop plans to further reduce the use of pesticides by City agencies.

"These actions reinforce the City's commitment to exploring alternatives to pesticides and adopting Integrated Pest Management strategies.

"I would like to thank the City Council, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Tom Frieden, Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrien Benape, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Emily Lloyd, Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Gretchen Dykstra and all of the agency staff for their leadership and hard work on this issue."