It his first major act since losing the race for Congress, City Councilman David Yassky (D-Park Slope) is taking aim at so-called “ludicrous” laws, which prohibit such “crimes” as washing laundry after midnight or hosing the crud off sidewalks in the morning.
According to Yassky, whose bill was passed on Wednesday, such arcane laws are rarely enforced, but they still manage to have a chilling effect on small business.
“When you have things on the books that are not enforced, it inhibits people,” said Yassky. “It’s important that the written code keep pace with the times.”
Some of the rickety laws date back to the 1930s, like the one that forbids people from selling second-hand goods after dark.
Other doozies include a rule that forbids food vendors from displaying non-perishable products on their carts.
Needless to say, not one of these so-called ludicrous laws is of more modern vintage.
“None of the ones I’ve authored qualify,” said Yassky. “I think they’re all really great… That was a joke.”
