Damaged newspaper boxes littering New York City’s sidewalks may soon be a thing of the past.
Last week, the City Council passed a bill aimed at expediting the removal of broken or unsightly boxes and tightening regulations on their appearance and upkeep. The legislation is part of a broader effort to declutter New York’s crowded sidewalks.
Recent measures include the removal of abandoned outdoor dining sheds and a mandate for landlords to containerize trash outside apartment buildings.
Under the bill, the Department of Transportation will set standards for the size, shape and materials of newspaper boxes. The bill also requires boxes to display owner contact information, making it easier for pedestrians to report damaged or neglected units.
“This bill finally gives DOT the authority to regulate how these boxes look and ensures they’re maintained properly,” said Manhattan Councilmember Erik Bottcher, who sponsored the legislation.
“I know it’s not the biggest issue in the world. But we get calls from constituents who are really sick and tired of looking at beaten up, graffitied, broken and tipped over plastic periodical boxes on the sidewalk,” Bottcher said.
The bill now heads to Mayor Eric Adams’ desk for approval. Bottcher expressed confidence that the mayor will sign it into law. Neither the mayor’s office nor the DOT immediately responded to requests for comment.
“How a neighborhood looks matters,” Bottcher said. “And all of the small things add up together to set the tone for a neighborhood.”
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