The paper-thin, but nevertheless controversial legislation, which is estimated to affect hundreds of New Yorkers per year, has been batted around the City Council in some form for two years. Ms. Quinn announced her support of the legislation in January, but only after the law changed to exclude tenants of developments that received taxpayer subsidies and to only apply directly to developers. For a few months, Ms. Quinn walked the fine line between pleasing the unions (almost all are for living wage legislation) and the business organizations who oppose it.
She seems to have found some middle ground. If you’ve been following this column, there’s not much news in the details. Developers who receive more than $1 million in taxpayer subsidies will be required to pay a living wage, defined as $10 per hour with benefits or $11.50 per hour without. Businesses with annual incomes of less than $5 million are exempt, as well as businesses that rent space in affordable housing buildings.
Part of the Hudson Yards project has been grandfathered in and will not be required to pay a living wage.
In its weakened state, the bill is sure to pass even though Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been a vocal opponent.
Mr. Koppell has told The Riverdale Press he has no doubt it will pass and even if Mr. Bloomberg were to veto it, the Council would probably have enough support to override the veto.
The City Council plans to vote on the bill on Monday, April 30.
Rivera has a challenger
State Sen. Gustavo Rivera has a challenger for his seat.
Manny Tavarez has created a campaign committee for Senate District 33, which will include less of Kingsbridge and no part of Riverdale beginning next year due to redistricting.
According to Capital New York, Mr. Tavarez worked for former District Leader Hector Ramirez’s unsuccessful Assembly campaign in 2010 against Assemblyman Nelson Castro.
The address in his campaign filing is Tavarez Sporting Goods Inc. in University Heights.
Any other information on him was hard to find.
Mr. Tavarez could not be reached by press time. We’ll keep you posted.
Stanton hits the streets
