Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) praised the City Council passage of the bill introduced by Council Member Espinal which imposes a two year moratorium on new fines for storefront sign violations-as well as rescinding unpaid fines to store owners.

However Colton, who previously called for the passage of such a moratorium, also stated that he is still demanding that fines previously paid by small businesses should be refunded.

“I am pleased that the council has acted promptly and the bill was voted on to stop future fines, but it will not take effect until the Mayor signs it into law. It simply means that the Department of Buildings will continue harassing and imposing on the small business owners throughout the city with the unjust fines for the antiquated sign regulations until it becomes a law,” Colton stated.

“The city administration’s policy must support and encourage small businesses which provide so many jobs to New York City neighborhood people. A bill becomes a law once it is signed by the Mayor.  It’s only then added to the New York City Charter or Administrative Code. I am calling on you, Mayor de Blasio, to immediately sign the signage bill and make it into the law, so that the small business owners will not have the threat hanging over them and be able to run their businesses in peace,” Colton added.