Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Jennifer Chait (212) 788-8479
The bill now before me today is Introductory Number 100-A. This bill would amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to exempting businesses that display the United States flag on City property from paying a fee for the maintenance or erection of a post or flagpole.
Specifically, this proposed local law would exempt all businesses as well as any military war veteran organization that chooses to display the United States flag on City property from the current fees associated with obtaining a revocable consent from the City. The present fee structure is $750 for the placement of the flagpole on a sidewalk, and a $500 annual renewal maintenance fee for such display.
Although the fees will be waived, businesses or organizations that wish to fly our nation's flag from a flagpole on the City's streets will still be required to obtain a permit or revocable consent from the Department of Transportation. Such a requirement assures that the installation of such flagpole meets certain safety standards so as to protect pedestrians, parked vehicles, and other nearby property.
This proposed local law provides an opportunity for businesses to express their patriotism by displaying the American flag, while at the same time recognizing the safety concerns that need to be addressed when the Department of Transportation issues permits for the installation of flagpoles on City sidewalks.
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.