There shall be a Department of Planning and Community Development,
the head of which shall be a Commissioner of Planning and Community
Development, who shall be appointed by the Mayor to hold office during
his pleasure. The Commissioner of Planning and Community Development
shall appoint to hold office during his/her pleasure, except as otherwise
provided by law, a First Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Community
Development, a Second Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Community
Development and such other subordinates in the said Department as
may be prescribed by the Board of Estimate and Contract. In case of
absence or disability of the Commissioner of Planning and Community
Development or a vacancy in the office, the Deputy Commissioner of
Planning and Community Development shall discharge the duties of the
office until the Commissioner of Planning and Community Development
returns, his disability ceases or the vacancy be filled. In case of
an absence or disability of both the Commissioner of Planning and
Community Development and the Deputy Commissioner of Planning and
Community Development, the Mayor shall designate one of the administrators
of the Division of Research and Grant Administrator and the Division
of Planning to act in the place or stead of the Commissioner until
either the Commissioner or Deputy returns, their disability ceases
or their office is filled. The Commissioner of Planning and Community
Development shall be a professional, educated and experienced in the
administration and techniques of planning, community development and
grants administration.
The Commissioner of Planning and Community Development shall
have the following powers and duties, which he shall exercise and
perform subject to the provisions of law:
1. Formulate and recommend major development and redevelopment policies,
in the form of statements, plans, maps and other appropriate material,
to serve as reference guides with the object of achieving a development
of the City that will be orderly, harmonious, economically sound,
and of attractive appearance. Such policies shall relate, among other
things, to: land use; population density; transportation facilities,
including roads and highways; parks, recreation areas, and other open
space; community appearance; and public buildings.
2. Advise and assist the Mayor, the City Council and the Board of Estimate
and Contract, the Capital Projects Board and other departments, officials
and agents of the City with respect to the physical, social, economic
and environmental planning and public improvement aspects of all matters
related to the development and redevelopment of the City.
3. Confer with the appropriate officials of federal, state or county
governmental agencies, other municipalities or other agencies with
respect to any matters affecting the orderly development of the City
and to coordinate all applications for funds under any state or federal
program.
4. Conduct continuous studies and collect statistical and other data
to serve as the basis for planning recommendations, and as may be
necessary in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the
duties as set forth in this article.
5. Be the consultant of and advise the Planning Board and to attend
each of its meetings and to provide assistance to it in all matters
under its jurisdiction.
6. Administer the City's on-street and off-street parking program, including
collection of revenues from permits, usage of meters and parking lease
agreements.
7. Perform such other functions as are assigned to him by the Mayor,
or as may be required or empowered under any other provision of law
not inconsistent with this article.
[Added 11-23-2020, approved 11-4-2020]
The City Council shall pass an ordinance to adopt a Comprehensive
Plan that will be updated and reviewed at least once every 10 years.
Such Plans shall be consistent with General City Law § 28-A.
The cost of the Comprehensive Plan shall constitute a charge upon
the general funds of the City. The Planning Commissioner shall prepare,
develop, implement and update the Comprehensive Plan with input and
support from the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and applicable City
departments and agencies, and with input from the community for the
development and improvement of the City, which Comprehensive Plan
shall include, but not be limited to, reports and data on the following
matters: (i) transportation; (ii) socio demographics; (iii) economic
development; (iv) community facilities; (v) land use and zoning; (vi)
capital projects; (vii) environment sustainability; and (viii) historic
preservation. The Comprehensive Plan shall also include a specific
policy statement indicating the relationship of the proposed development
of the municipality as developed in the Comprehensive Plan to: (i)
master plans of contiguous municipalities; (ii) the master plan of
the county; (iii) any regional master plans; and (iv) any statewide
master plans. The process and preparation of the Comprehensive Plan
shall commence no later than the year 2022, and be completed as soon
as reasonably possible. This local law shall become effective on January
1, 2021.