A01865 Summary:

BILL NO    A01865 

SAME AS    Same as S 1354

SPONSOR    Nolan (MS)

COSPNSR    Espaillat

MLTSPNSR   

Amd SS1731 & 1732, Pub Auth L

Relates to siting requirements for the New York city school construction
authority's leasing program.

A01865 Actions:

BILL NO    A01865 

01/12/2009 referred to education
01/06/2010 referred to education

A01865 Votes:

A01865 Memo:

 BILL NUMBER:  A1865

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the public authorities law, in
relation to siting requirements for the New York city school
construction authority's leasing program

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :
The School Construction Authority's leasing program does not follow
some of the important procedural steps that are required with new
school construction. These provisions help protect the health of our
children.  This bill clarifies the School Construction Authority's
responsibilities.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :
This bill would simply clarify that the School Construction Authority
are required to submit site plans whenever they lease property for a
school, as they already do when they buy or build such property.

 JUSTIFICATION :
In 1997 the School Construction Authority spent millions leasing and
renovating a dry cleaning factory as a site for schoolchildren. The
school had to be abandoned, and those millions were wasted, as it was
discovered that the children were being exposed to hazardous chemical
fumes site plans, which enable community notice and environmental
review, provide an opportunity to avoid such mishaps.

The SCA is currently planning to lease Over 30 existing buildings
across New York City. In the past, schools have been sited on
contaminated properties Exposure to toxic chemicals can lead to
behavioral problems, learning disabilities and decreased I.Q. for
children. Whether a building is leased or newly constructed,
environmental hazards can pose serious risks to a school's occupants.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
A8838/S.7127 of 2007-2008

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effec immediately.