Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.7456A/S.1931B, which prohibits residential and commercial properties from operating digital billboards or signs that use flashing, intermittent or moving lights near certain Mitchell-Lama housing.

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Res. No. 797 ..Title Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.7456A/S.1931B, which prohibits residential and commercial properties from operating digital billboards or signs that use flashing, intermittent or moving lights near certain Mitchell-Lama housing. ..Body By Council Members Riley, Guti�rrez, Menin, Holden and Restler Whereas, Artificial light is a common occurrence in New York City (City), due to lamp posts that illuminate the City's sidewalks, flood lights highlighting landmarks, and digital signs showcasing advertisements; and Whereas, Science News, an online publication, reported in a study that the night sky grew about 10 percent brighter around the world, on average, every year from 2011 to 2022, due to artificial lights; and Whereas, The International Dark Sky Association, an international organization that combats light pollution worldwide, defines light pollution as the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light; and Whereas, Not only does light pollution affect the number of stars a person can see at night, it can also affect a person's health; and Whereas, According to an article published in Integrative Cancer Therapies (ICT), a peer reviewed academic journal, melatonin plays a critical role in regulating circadian rhythms, which are responsible for controlling sleeping cycles; and Whereas, The ICT article also stressed that excessive nighttime light exposure can suppress the production of melatonin, disrupt sleeping cycles, and may create an elevated risk of cancer; and Whereas, It is critical to take steps to minimize exposure to artificial light during the evening hours; and Whereas, It has been reported that residents in Co-op City, a Bronx development in the Mitchell Lama housing program, had intrusive lights from billboards that have been entering their apartments in the evening, causing discomfort and keeping them up all night; and Whereas, Mitchell Lama housing is a type of affordable housing for middle income New Yorkers; and Whereas, A.7456A, sponsored by Assembly Member Michael Benedetto in the New York State Assembly, and S.1931B, sponsored by State Senator Jamaal Bailey in the New York State Senate, would prohibit the use of digital billboards near certain Mitchell Lama housing in the City; and Whereas, Limiting the use of artificial light could promote healthier sleep patterns and the overall health of residents living in a building affected by light pollution; now, therefore be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.7456A/S.1931B, which prohibits residential and commercial properties from operating digital billboards or signs that use flashing, intermittent or moving lights near certain Mitchell-Lama housing. JLC LS 13555 7/6/23

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