STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Ever gotten a ticket for putting your trash out too early? Or maybe your building’s awning is a shade too long? Welcome to the world of OATH — the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, aka the city’s polite way of saying, “We need to talk or you will pay.”
Staten Islanders facing city summonses can receive free assistance navigating the administrative court system during a workshop next month at the Broadway YMCA.
Got a ticket for putting your trash out too early? This free workshop could save you money. NYC’s administrative court is bringing experts to Staten Island’s Broadway YMCA to help residents fight or resolve city summonses.Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance
OATH will partner with the Broadway YMCA to offer the workshop on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. in the North Gym. The session is open to the general public.
OATH staff will provide comprehensive support, including answering questions about summonses and the hearing process, checking the status of existing summonses, helping residents understand how to respond to citations, and assisting with submitting online defenses, rescheduling hearings, or requesting new ones for missed dates.
Representatives will also check for outstanding summonses and advise on resolution options. Materials and other resources will be available with facts about remote hearings.
What is OATH?
OATH serves as New York City’s central administrative court system, handling civil summonses issued by various city agencies. It provides impartial hearings for violations such as sanitation issues, building code infractions, and health violations.
Unlike traditional courtrooms, OATH hearings do not require an attorney, and help centers are available at each borough location — on Staten Island, that’s in St. George. Most hearings are conducted by phone, but in-person sessions are available upon request at 350 St. Mark’s Place. The office operates independently from both the state court system and the mayor’s office.
In this vintage 1979 photo, Mayor Ed Koch is joined by then-Borough President Tony Gaeta. Koch was mayor when OATH was established.Staten Island Advance
Established in 1979 under Mayor Edward I. Koch, OATH was created to consolidate administrative hearings across city agencies into one independent tribunal. It now includes divisions such as the Hearings Division, Trials Division, Environmental Control Board, Taxi and Limousine Tribunal, and Special Education Hearings.
The Broadway YMCA is located at 651 Broadway in West Brighton. To RSVP, visit member services in person or call 718-981-4933, ext. 101.
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