Abrams Fensterman, LLP partner, Commissioner Frank V. Carone testifies at a public hearing in which the TLC Commission proposed regulations which sought to implement the historic HAIL legislation that was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo this past February. The HAIL legislation authorizes the TLC to implement regulations to authorize what has been done illegally for years, namely street hails in what has become known in the vernacular as the “outer boroughs.” Historically, only the owner of a medallion had an absolute exclusive right to street hails throughout the City. The passage of the HAIL legislation created a certain yet understandable sense of anxiety by many stakeholders and hence the meeting received tremendous interest.
Commissioner Carone expressed concern and advocated for two substantive changes. The first was strict adherence to the handicap accessibility requirement mandated by the HAIL legislation and two, real meaningful enforcement.
For complete minutes see http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/transcript_03_22_12.pdf.
See some of the many articles covering the vote: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120419/TRANSPORTATION/120419859
