Now we start a new year, full of optimism and hope and new beginnings.

Unfortunately for the members of the City Council, they must make this fresh start in a chamber that is falling apart. Literally. Chunks of paint and plaster have already peeled. Newly dislodged bits hang ever lower at several points along the ceiling.

This is more than just an image problem: there is also the simple fact, shockingly ignored, that even to the naked eye, the state of the ceiling is plainly dangerous. Will a Council member or staffer or protester need to get whacked with raining roof before anything gets done? What will it take for the city to prioritize at least basic repairs?

The condition of the ceiling is ridiculous. But it is also unquestionably shameful.

There is something refreshing, even strangely reassuring, about imagining that all 51 Council members are so focused on proceedings during stated meetings and committee hearings that they have not let their eyes wander upward—because how else could they not notice? Because how, if they did notice, would they not demand immediate action?

Enough is enough. The time has come to do something about this, and quickly.

Various proposals have been considered over the years for how to address the renovation and reconstruction. Plans have been put forward, budgets composed, alternative meeting places for the Council considered.

Even as the mayor knocked down walls to make his bullpen in 2002 and the executive side of City Hall was rewired over the summer, the Council chamber has fallen into a sorrier and sorrier state. New high-rises have joined the skyline while the chamber ceiling has drooped even lower.

There are a lot of problems in this city, many of them affecting more lives than a crumbling ceiling. But if the Council cannot mind its own house, cannot finally make progress on an issue that has so long been batted around, New Yorkers could rightly see this as a statement about the body’s abilities in general.

In addition to the speaker, the Council has a majority leader, an assistant majority leader, a majority whip, two deputy majority leaders and 35 committee chairs, some of whom could rightfully claim ceiling renovation as something within their jurisdictions.

In 2008, at least one of these people should step forward to spearhead an appropriate, cost-effective and complete plan to finally begin the renovations.