S5936A

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring auto body shops and vehicle repair facilities to obtain community board approval before operating, mirroring the approval process for liquor licenses. Senate Print 5936A, sponsored by Sen. Rivera, passed on a 50-10 vote. The measure was prompted by complaints from Community Board 6 in the Bronx regarding auto repair shops on Jerome Avenue that block sidewalks with vehicles awaiting repair or parts. Sen. Rivera said the bill does not oppose small businesses but ensures communities have input on their establishment. "We wanted to make sure that the process by which these are placed in the future actually corresponds to a process that we already know," Rivera said, noting that liquor license applicants already face community board review. Ten senators voted against the bill: Ashby, Borrello, Griffo, Oberacker, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Weber, and O'Mara. The bill takes effect 120 days after becoming law and now moves to the Assembly.