“The first of four bills before me today is Introductory Number 264-A, sponsored by Council Members Brewer, Gonzalez, Koppell, Mark-Viverito, Martinez, Recchia, Vallone, Weprin, Garodnick, McMahon, Nelson, Lappin, Gioia, Liu, Monserrate, Mendez, Vacca, White, Avella, Gennaro and Sears. 

“Introductory Number 264-A requires certain commercial establishments to keep their doors closed when operating air conditioning systems.  It is consistent with the goals of PlaNYC, as it seeks to reduce energy consumption and summer peak load demand, thereby helping to enhance the reliability of our electrical infrastructure.  At the same time, in recognition of the disproportionate burden this legislation may place on restaurants and small businesses, the bill exempts stores less than four thousand square feet in size that are not part of a chain, and also restaurants that open to sidewalk cafés.

“I would like to thank Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz and his staff for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation.”