See-through security gate requirement repealed for businesses as part of city budget
The City Council passed Intro 910-A on June 30, repealing the requirement for roll-down security gates to have a see-through section to the businesses behind it, as opposed to the solid covering that many businesses use citywide.
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Small business owners in New York City will no longer be required to meet storefront security grille visibility standards after the City Council approved a repeal of the law that was first set to take effect in 2004, as part of their budget negotiations this week.
The City Council passed Intro 910-A on June 30, repealing the requirement for roll-down security gates to have a see-through section to the businesses behind it, as opposed to the solid covering that many businesses use citywide.
Business owners say while for some the upgrade costs would fall on the landlord, others were anxious about footing a nearly $6,000 bill after over two decades of delays.
"It's been hanging over many places, so it's great that it's another cost we are saving for small businesses," said Select Vintage owner Albert Martiniello.
Even those with the correct gates say they were on edge. Theirs may not qualify under the rule or require costly upgrades.
"I had to do a minor cosmetic upgrade to our gate, and that was $700. If I had to replace the whole thing, that would be automatic credit card debt, and why would you put me through that?” said Sunday C&C bakery owner Christian Torres.
According to the Department of Buildings, the new bill still mandates the installation of security grills for businesses that do not have any coverings for their stores.
The DOB is advising business owners to consult a registered design professional to determine what permits may be required for any storefront security grille project.
In a statement to News 12, United Bodegas of America spokesman Fernando Mateo wrote, "We understand the goal was to improve public safety and reduce crime, but the cost of replacing existing roll-down gates would have placed an overwhelming financial burden on thousands of neighborhood bodegas."
