News Archive 2024

Below are notices and information from government agencies, community-based organizations, and other community stakeholders.

December 2024

DSS/HRA Announcement: Fair Fares Program

Fair Fares NYC is a city program created to help New Yorkers with low incomes manage their transportation costs. Using the Fair Fares NYC MetroCard, eligible New York City residents receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. Pay-per-Ride, weekly unlimited, and monthly unlimited options are all available. Fair Fares can also provide 50% off MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit trips.

Fair Fares is open to eligible low-income New Yorkers who don’t have discounted transportation from the MTA or the city.

Fair Fares has expanded access by increasing the income threshold to qualify for the program. Now eligible New York City residents ages 18 to 64 with incomes up to 120% of federal poverty levels may enroll.

All Fair Fares NYC MetroCards come ready to add time and/or value. When you add time to your Fair Fares NYC MetroCard, you will be charged half the current price for the unlimited weekly or monthly option. When you add value, you will add the amount you choose to your card and the turnstile will deduct half the current fare when you swipe.

Check your eligibility at nyc.gov/fairfares or call 311 for more information.

Service Alert: No Trash, Curbside Composting, or Recycling Collection on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2025

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that in observance of New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, there will be NO trash, curbside composting nor recycling collection on the holiday.

Residents who normally receive Wednesday trash, curbside composting, or recycling collection may place their material at the curb Wednesday evening, for collection beginning Thursday, January 2. However, residents should expect collection delays, as is common after holidays. We appreciate patience as we work to collect the backlog of material.

For questions about Sanitation services and holiday schedules contact 311 or visit nyc.gov/sanitation.

About the New York City Department of Sanitation

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) keeps New York City clean, safe, and healthy by collecting, recycling, and disposing of waste, cleaning streets, attacking the scourge of illegal dumping, and clearing snow and ice. The Department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms, 705 salt spreaders, and several dozen bike lane operations machines. Under the Adams Administration, the Department is aggressively cleaning more parts of the City than ever before, including over 1,000 long-ignored areas spread across every neighborhood. With the highest wintertime uniformed headcount in 20 years, DSNY is more equipped than ever to remove snow and ice from the approximately 19,000 lane-miles of City streets.

When is Christmas Tree Collection? This Week, Next Week, the Following Week…Any Week You Want!

With Citywide Curbside Compost Collection, All City Residents Have Even More Opportunities for Christmas Tree Pick-ups

The hap-happiest season of all is now all year ‘round – and we are adding some real “pine fresh” scent to our compost collection trucks! The New York City Department of Sanitation is announcing that Christmas tree collection is now any week you want! Are you a family that takes the tree down on Christmas? Do you hold out for all twelve days? Rather wait until May? It’s all ok!

Thanks to the expansion of curbside composting collection, city residents no longer must wait to get rid of their trees during a specific time period. Naked trees – trees without decoration, ornaments and stands – can go to the curb for collection on your curbside compost day, the same day the rest of your recycling is collected.

Christmas trees are treated similarly to the other material the Department collects for composting, where food scraps, food-soiled paper products and yard waste are turned in to finished compost or renewable energy.

Trees and natural wreaths should be set at the curb next to other compostable materials. Trees should not be wrapped in plastic bags.

Before curbside composting, the Department announced a limited number of dates Christmas trees would be collected.

Need to get rid of an artificial tree? Residents looking to get rid of an artificial tree should separate and remove the metal base and trunk and place those parts with their other metal recycling.

For more information on Christmas tree collection and recycling visit www.nyc.gov/dsny or call 311.

Work Zone Safety Billboard Contest

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) is pleased to invite all New York City high school students in grades 9-12 to participate in the We’re Working Here: Work Zone Safety Billboard Design Competition. The design contest encourages students to develop public service announcements that remind the public to slow down and take caution in work zones. With the majority of New Yorkers coming across work zones daily, we are calling on the next generation of drivers to help educate all roadway users about ways to change dangerous behaviors and prevent work zone intrusions that can lead to injuries and fatalities for both the public and work crews. Please read the agency’s full announcement HERE.

Contest application materials are available at www.nyc.gov/WorkZoneSafety
Submission deadline is Friday, January 17, 2025.
Winning design will be featured on a large-scale billboard as part of New York City’s recognition of National Work Zone Awareness week in April 2025. Cash prize will be awarded to the student’s school.

DSNY Issues Winter Operations Advisory for Tuesday, December 24 at 4:00 a.m.

Department issues clear reminder to New Yorkers: You are not Rudolph! Drive SLOWLY AND SAFELY during winter weather this Christmas Eve.

The New York City Department of Sanitation has issued a Winter Operations Advisory for Tuesday, December 24, 2024, beginning at 4:00 a.m., and salt spreading operations are possible throughout the day. A Winter Operations Advisory is the Department’s “lower level” snow-fighting notification, as opposed to the “higher level” Snow Alert.

Up to an inch of snow is expected Tuesday morning, and a significant portion of that may fall during the Tuesday morning rush hour. Given the extremely cold temperatures the last few days, the majority of this snow is likely to “stick,” necessitating a substantial and prolonged salting operation.

During the length of these winter operations, New Yorkers are strongly urged to stay off the roads if possible, and if they must drive, to do so SLOWLY AND SAFELY. Remember, there is no one but you guiding your sleigh this Christmas Eve; be safe on the roads so that New York’s Strongest can make it home safely as well.

For this weather event, DSNY may begin pre-treatment and brining operations as early as Monday evening, with 700 salt spreaders filled and ready to go when precipitation begins early Tuesday morning. The Department has approximately 700 million pounds of salt on hand, a historically high wintertime headcount, and new high-tech ways of tracking snow operations.

Sanitation Workers will also be on extended shifts collecting trash, recycling, and compostable material, especially given that there is no collection on Christmas Day.

In a snow event, New York City’s Sanitation Workers cover our streets, highways, and bike lanes, but all residents should remember that clearing snow from sidewalks is the property owners’ responsibility. Property owners must to do their part to make sure that the sidewalks are passable.

All winter weather information and information about the City’s response to the storm can be found by visiting the City’s Severe Weather website at nyc.gov/severeweather or by calling 311.

Operations Update

Thanks to historic investments in DSNY, the Department’s Workers and equipment are more prepared for winter weather than ever before.

Every street is on a route, and unlike in past years, every route can be dispatched at the same time, bringing equity in snow clearance to the entire City. Thanks to historic investments in DSNY, bike lanes will also be serviced simultaneously alongside car lanes. DSNY will be tracking these operations via the new Bladerunner 2.0 platform.

In the unlikely event that a plowable depths of 2” or more are reached, residents will be able to track the progress of DSNY snow removal vehicles at nyc.gov/PlowNYC. Remember, a plowed or salted street will not show blacktop right away.

Trash/Recycling Collection:

There is no change to DSNY collection or to bin requirements at this time.

Snow Clearing Information

While DSNY clears streets and bike lanes, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks. As a reminder, property owners and car owners may NOT push snow into the street, including bike lanes. This impedes snow clearing operations and is illegal. Snow may be moved against the building, to the curb line, or areas on private property. Sidewalks should be passable for all pedestrians, including a minimum 4-foot clear path, where possible.

If the snow stops falling between:

7 a.m. and 5 p.m., property owners must clear sidewalks within 4 hours
5 p.m. and 9 p.m., property owners must clear sidewalks within 14 hours
9 p.m. and 7 a.m., property owners must clear sidewalks by 11 a.m.

The fine for failure to clear sidewalks is $100 for the first offense, $150 for the second offense and $250 for the third offense.

Alternate Side Parking

Alternate Side Parking will be suspended Tuesday, December 24, to allow these operations to proceed and to help New Yorkers stay off the roads.

New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for NotifyNYC, the City’s free emergency notification system, available in 14 languages including ASL. Through NotifyNYC, New Yorkers can sign up to receive phone calls, text messages, and emails alerts about severe weather events and emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit [http://www.nyc%2Cgov/]nyc.gov/notify or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

Find information on Sanitation snow operations along with residents’ responsibilities during and after snow at nyc.gov/snow.

#FDNYSmart Fire Safety Tips for Chanukah

Chanukah, the festival of lights, is a time of family gatherings, celebrated with special foods, songs and customs. Chanukah is a time for traditional cooking and candle rituals. However, without safety precautions, these customary religious observances may increase the risk of fires and fire-related injuries. Be sure to take extra precautions during this time.

Please visit www.fdnysmart.org and view our safety video messaging here: Chanukah Safety

Congestion Pricing Public Webinars

Starting January 5, 2025, vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan—local streets and avenues at or below 60 St—will be charged a toll. The program will reduce traffic, improve air quality, and fund better public transit.

The MTA is hosting public webinars in December where people can learn about Congestion Relief Zone tolling. Webinars will explain why New York needs Congestion Pricing, how the Congestion Relief Zone works, what the toll rates are, who is eligible for discounts and exemptions, and how to prepare before tolling begins on Sunday, January 5. The sessions will feature a brief presentation, followed by Q&A.

Learn more about the sessions and register to attend at mta.info/crzwebinars.

The toll amount will depend on the type of vehicle, time of day, whether any crossing credits apply, and the method of payment. Most vehicles with E-ZPass will be charged $9 in the peak period or $2.25 overnight, once daily. Discounts or exemptions may apply – visit mta.info/discounts for more details.

Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative US Fellowship Program

Woodhull was selected as 1 of 10 sites nationwide for the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative US Fellowship Program, a program to improve early detection of memory loss, cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's in primary care settings across the United States. With early detection of memory loss and early linkage to care, the hope is to improve the lives of our patients and their families. This grant will train the Woodhull Geriatrics Practice in an evidence-based memory screening tool that is appropriate for our diverse and complex patient population. This screening will be performed as part of our geriatrics patients' annual wellness visits, which also assesses patients for falls risk, mental health concerns, and medication needs. We will be trained by the leaders of the Health + Hospitals Geriatrics Council, and it will be an team-based approach to patient care. We will collaborate with the 9 other fellowship sites across the country to learn from each other.

Who: Woodhull Geriatrics Primary Care Practice
What: Grant to implement screening for memory loss and link patients who need it to additional care
When: 2025
Where: Geriatrics practice to start, with hopeful expansion to other primary care practices
Why: to improve early detection, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's and other cognitive impairments
How: Using the PMIS tool (Picture Based Memory Impairment Screening Tool) as part of patients' annual wellness visits

Press release link: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/766945301/us-fellowship-program-launched-to-accelerate-early-detection-of-cognitive-impairment-and-alzheimer-s-disease

The 5th Annual NYC Trash Academy

NYC Trash Academy is a free educational series tailored for New Yorkers passionate about creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city. The program explores the far-reaching impacts of waste management on our environment, society, and economy.

The upcoming 2025 course includes ten on-demand modules, three virtual office hours sessions with Academy instructors, and two live in-person networking events. Students are free to view the modules on their own or can join others in their cohort at scheduled evening Watch Parties. This year there will also be an option to attend an in-person field trip (limited spots) to Balcones Recycling.

The 5th Annual NYC Trash Academy is taught by a diverse panel of waste management experts, featuring seasoned professionals from the NYC Department of Sanitation and NYC Department of Environmental Protection, along with innovative minds from the private sector. Upon completion of the program, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and agency to drive meaningful change in their lives, their communities and the city at large.

The curriculum will explore topics such as:

The past, current and future landscape of trash in NYC
The origins of American “throwaway culture” and an introduction to circular economies
The role that waste and litter plays in the health of our water system
New initiatives to keep trash off of sidewalks
A focused look at food waste, the most significant diversion opportunity in our waste stream

Service Alert: No Trash, Curbside Composting, or Recycling Collection on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that in observance of Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024, there will be NO trash, curbside composting nor recycling collection on the holiday.

Residents who normally receive Wednesday trash, curbside composting, or recycling collection may place their material at the curb Wednesday evening, for collection beginning Thursday. However, residents should expect collection delays, as is common after holidays. We appreciate patience as we work to collect the backlog of material.

For questions about Sanitation services and holiday schedules contact 311 or visit nyc.gov/sanitation.

About the New York City Department of Sanitation

Reduced-Fare OMNY cards are here!

Introducing the Reduced-Fare OMNY Card – your ticket to convenient, affordable transportation across New York City! Read on to learn more about switching over to OMNY and register for our webinar on all things Reduced-Fare OMNY on December 20.

If you currently have a Reduced-Fare MetroCard, you can expect to automatically receive a new Reduced-Fare OMNY Card in the mail in December or January.

Once you have received your new card, you can add value and tap to pay half price anytime at:

Subway turnstiles
Local, limited, or Select buses
Off-peak express buses
Staten Island Railway
Hudson Rail Link
Roosevelt Island Tram

Your new Reduced-Fare OMNY card has the same benefits as a MetroCard: You get the same free subway-to-bus and bus-to-bus transfers as before, and you can refill it at OMNY card vending machines in subway stations.

There are also new benefits:

Earn free rides when you ride a lot: Tap the same card for 12 rides within seven days and any additional rides within the seven days are automatically free. That means you won’t spend more than $17 in a week. (Note: taps on express buses and AirTrain JFK don't count toward free rides.)
Add value to your card at select retail locations across the New York City area.
Add value to your card online or set your card to refill automatically with a free, optional OMNY account. Your account also lets you see how close you are to earning free weekly rides. Visit omny.info to set up an account and link your card.

Your Reduced-Fare MetroCard will work until the expiration date printed on the back. We recommend you continue swiping to use up any remaining value on your MetroCard, and then start tapping with your OMNY card. Check out this video to learn more about the Reduced-Fare OMNY card.

If you are not enrolled in the MTA’s Reduced-Fare program or have previously used a temporary Reduced-Fare MetroCard, we encourage you to sign up today! You can apply in person at our Customer Service Center at 3 Stone St in Lower Manhattan or by mail. Visit our website to learn more about how to apply.

You can also register to join our public webinar on Friday, December 20 at 10 a.m. to learn more about new Reduced-Fare OMNY cards.

If you have questions about your card, call OMNY customer service at 877-789-6669 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, or from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Health Insurance - Open Enrollment Period Communication

The Office of Health Insurance Services (OHIS) at the New York City Health Department would like to inform you that the NY State of Health Open Enrollment Period for coverage in a 2025 Qualified Health Plan is currently underway and continues until January 31, 2025. NewYorkers can enroll by the 15th of the month to have coverage starting on the 1st of the following month. New Yorkers can take advantage of new cost-sharing reductions that will lead to additional savings, especially for individuals with diabetes, pregnant and postpartum people, and those with moderate incomes.

For more information, visit nyc.gov/health/healthcoverage or call 347-665-0214 to connect with an enrollment counselor.

IBX Outreach Update

We wanted to share some exciting updates from our outreach in 2024. The team has been traveling along the IBX corridor over the last several months to engage directly with communities and businesses, gathering valuable insights and feedback to shape the future of our project. We connected directly with residents, commuters, business owners, and local stakeholders to understand their priorities, questions and concerns.

These activities resulted in meaningful engagement with over 1,360 community members and 260 businesses along the route! This IBX pop-up outreach has provided us with valuable feedback that to guide us as we move into the project design phase.

In addition to these efforts, we have also hosted five open houses along the project route in 2023 and 2024 to share information about the project and hear directly from the community about how the IBX would impact their commutes and connectivity.

We are committed to continuing this engagement and ensuring that the voices of our community members are heard and integrated into the project design as the project moves ahead. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we look forward to sharing more updates as we progress.

Stay tuned for more information about upcoming IBX outreach events in 2025! new.mta.info/ibx

Save the Date: Small Business Financing Panel & Networking!

Mark your calendar for our upcoming IN-PERSON Small Business Financing Panel & Networking Event, hosted by the Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) New York District Office.

Event Details:

Date: January 15, 2025, from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Pace University, One Pace Plaza – Student Center.

This free event will bring together more than a dozen lenders, including:

Banks and Credit Unions:Flushing Bank, Valley National Bank, TD Bank, Carver Bank, Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union, and Spring Bank.

CDFIs and Alternative Lenders: Accompany Capital, Ascendus, Grow America, Lendistry, Pursuit, and TruFund Financial Services.

Attendees will hear directly from lenders about their financing programs and have the opportunity to connect with them individually during the networking session.

Stay tuned and get ready to secure your spot!

FDNY Holiday Safety Tips

Winter holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones, but also a prime time for fires to occur. More than one-third of home fires occur during the months of December, January and February. It's important to celebrate safely. View the FDNY Smart winter safety video: Winter Holiday Safety PSA

Rainproof NYC Deadline Extended! Apply by December 12th

THE OPPORTUNITY: As climate change accelerates, New York City faces mounting challenges that demand innovative, collaborative solutions, as well as shared ownership over the challenges.

Rebuild by Design is excited to offer micro-grants of $10,000 each to three community organizations working to implement ongoing or new initiatives that address the recommendations and guiding principles from the Rainproof NYC Working Group process.

WHO YOU ARE: We are seeking individuals or organizations with ideas that align with the Rainproof NYC citywide recommendations and guiding principles to address the unique needs of NYC’s diverse communities, we are seeking applicants who will implement the Rainproof NYC recommendations at a community level to address a community’s localized risk.

WHAT WE OFFER:

$10,000 micro-grants to support up to three new or ongoing initiatives that address the challenge of adapting to increased heavy rain in NYC.
Implementation support from the Rainproof NYC working groups’ resources.
Integration into the growing Rainproof NYC community of leaders and experts collaboratively addressing increasing heavy rainfall.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, please complete the application form, including attaching a link to your full project proposal. The proposal should be no longer than 3 pages. Proposals can include creative elements such as visuals, diagrams, or other innovative formats that help tell the story of your project such as videos, presentations, storyboards, etc.

The proposal should address the following questions:

What is your proposed or ongoing project?
What are the main goals of your initiative and what do you aim to achieve?
How will a $10,000 micro-grant help your community Rainproof?
How does your project align with the Rainproof NYC Recommendations?
Who will benefit from this project?
If applicable, where will the project take place?
If available, what are the expected start and end dates of your project?

PLEASE NOTE:

Application Deadline: Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 11:59 PM
Grant Notification: Final grant recipients will be notified by mid-December
Accommodation Requests: To request any accommodation, contact info@rebuildbydesign.org. Please note that we will not respond to general inquiries.

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES WEATHER ALERT FOR HIGH WINDS AND HEAVY RAIN

High Winds and Minor Flooding may Disrupt the Wednesday Evening Commute

December 10, 2024 – The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) today issued a weather alert ahead of high winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms tomorrow, Wednesday, December 11. The National Weather Service (NWS) has also issued a citywide Wind Advisory in effect from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow.

Drizzle turns into steady light rain overnight tonight with periods of moderate showers and embedded thunderstorms tomorrow morning. Little to no impact is expected during this time, including during the morning commute.

A period of heavy downpours and potential severe storms is then expected between noon and 6 p.m. tomorrow. Heavy rain during this time may cause minor flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas, and may temporarily disrupt the evening commute. In addition, there's a low chance for severe thunderstorms to produce sudden, localized damaging wind gusts, which may result in downed trees and power outages. A few lingering showers will be possible through midnight Thursday, but the heaviest of the rain is expected to end before 6 p.m. Citywide rainfall totals of around 2 inches are expected with locally higher amounts possible.

Outside of thunderstorms, winds increase citywide out of the south tomorrow morning, reaching gusts of up to 55 mph in the afternoon, highest along the coast. Winds will peak between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. tomorrow, which may cause scattered down tree limbs, localized power outages, and hazardous driving for high profile vehicles. Poorly secured outdoor objects may also be damaged or blown away.
Minor coastal flooding will also be possible during high tides tomorrow in Jamaica Bay, where a Coastal Flood Statement is in effect from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. for above-ground inundation of up to one-half foot along vulnerable shorelines. Finally, temperatures will drop about 30 degrees from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday evening, with periods of wind chills in the teens through Saturday morning. Icy conditions are not expected as the strong winds tomorrow will help dry out surfaces before temperatures drop below freezing.

View the full press release

Congestion Pricing Public Webinars

Learn more about the sessions and register to attend at mta.info/crzwebinars.

E-ZPass is the best way to pay the toll. Drivers will be able to pay with their existing E-ZPass transponder and account. If you already have an E-ZPass account, make sure it is up to date with your current license plate number to ensure you are charged the E-ZPass toll rate and receive any peak period crossing credits.

For more information, visit congestionreliefzone.mta.info.  Sign up for newsletter updates at mta.info/crznewsletter.

Energy Affordability Program Reduces Bills Up To $173 a Month For Low-Income Customers

Payment Plans, Budget Billing, Low-Income Discounts Available

NEW YORK – Con Edison customers who receive qualifying government assistance benefits can receive a discount of up to $173 per month on their energy bills, through the Energy Affordability Program (EAP).

Customers receiving Medicaid, Veterans Disability or Survivors Pension, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Lifeline Telephone Service Program benefits among others can enroll online or apply via email, fax, mail, or in person at one of Con Edison’s walk-in centers.

Most customers receiving certain benefits, like Supplemental Security Income, Home Energy Assistance Program, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, are automatically enrolled in the EAP.

The company encourages customers to visit coned.com/billhelp or scan this QR code for more information on eligibility and how to apply, and to learn more about additional assistance programs, like HEAP and EnergyShare.

This year, Con Edison has applied more than $201 million in discounts for electric and $40 million in gas discounts to low-income customers’ bills.

View the full press release

Nominate GreenThumb Gardens and Gardeners for the 8th Annual GreenThumb Garden Recognition Awards

Each year, GreenThumb honors and celebrates community gardeners who are beautifying their neighborhoods, growing healthy food, protecting the environment, and healing their communities at the annual GreenThumb Garden Recognition Awards. Nominate GreenThumb gardens and gardeners (including your own and yourself!) for one of the 2024 awards. Learn more and complete the Nomination Form by Friday, January 10, 2025.

Reminder: SNAP Benefit Skimming Replacement - December 20th Deadline

Please be advised that the federal authority that allows for the replacement of skimmed SNAP benefits ends on Friday, December 20, 2024. The Department of Social Services is not allowed to issue SNAP skimming replacement for theft that occurs after December 20, 2024. Clients can still file claims for replacement of skimmed SNAP benefits after December 20, 2024, as long as the theft occurred on or before December 20, 2024, and the claim is filed within 30 days after they learned the benefits were stolen. This deadline does not impact claims for skimmed Cash Assistance benefits.

For additional Benefit Skimming Replacement information and resources, please visit our dedicated webpage.

NYC Sanitation Now Hiring Emergency Snow Shovelers to Help Clear Snow and Ice from Bus stops, Crosswalks, Hydrants and Step Streets

The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced that recruitment is underway for Emergency Snow Shovelers to work the 2024-2025 winter season. Emergency Snow Shovelers are per-diem workers who remove snow and ice from bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants and step streets after heavy snowfalls. Snow Shovelers earn $18.54 per hour to start, and $27.81 per hour after 40 hours are worked in a week.

Those interested in becoming an Emergency Snow Shoveler should register for an application appointment at nyc.gov/snow. Registration appointments take place at the Department’s garages.

Snow Shovelers must be at least 18 years of age, be eligible to work in the United States, and capable of performing heavy physical labor. All applicants must bring the following items at the time of registration:

Two small photos (1 ½ square)
Original and copy of two forms of identification
Social Security card

While Emergency Snow Shovelers remove snow and ice from public, pedestrian areas, the Department reminds all residents, businesses and property owners that they are responsible for keeping their sidewalks clear and accessible. More information at nyc.gov/snow.

About the New York City Department of Sanitation

Friends of Irving Square Park Holiday Season Update

Saturday 12/7 —

Riseboro Holiday Farmer’s Market 2-7pm

Wilson Stop Holiday Craft Market 5-9pm @ Father Knows Best

Christmas Tree Lighting 6-8pm

Sunday 12/8 —

Friends of Irving Square Park Holiday Happy Hour

4-6pm @ Evil Twin Brewery

We’d love to have your voice in our group chat! Follow this link to join our Signal chat for more regular info on the park.

Notice of Funding Opportunity – Request for Proposals: Enhanced Distribution of Safer Sex Products Among Priority Populations in New York City

Public Health Solutions (PHS), on behalf of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department), has released the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Enhanced Distribution of Safer Sex Products Among Priority Populations in New York City.

Public Health Solutions, on behalf of the NYC Health Department, releases this Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund subrecipients to support the distribution of safer sex products and to provide education on the use and benefits of safer sex products and HIV prevention strategies to priority populations in high priority area ZIP codes through partnerships with NTS and outreach activities across two service categories: Service Category 1: Enhanced Distribution of Safer Sex Products Among Priority Populations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Service Category 2: Enhanced Distribution of Safer Sex Products Among Priority Populations in Staten Island The aim is to award one organization in each of the four boroughs listed in Service Category 1 (the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens), and one organization in Service Category 2 for the borough of Staten Island. The overall goals for this RFP are: • To support the availability of safer sex products among priority populations. • To support the accessibility of safer sex products among priority populations. • To support the acceptability of safer sex products among New Yorkers.

Please note the following important dates:

Deadline for submitting questions: January 15, 2025, 5:00pm ET
Proposal Due Date: February 10, 2025, 3:00pm ET

The RFP is available now and can be downloaded from the PHS Procurement Portal:

https://healthsolutions.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

NOTE: PHS has partnered with Bonfire Interactive to create a new PHS Procurement Portal that will allow you to receive Notice of Funding Opportunities and submit proposals to PHS digitally. Organizations and vendors are requested to visit the new PHS Procurement Portal, then follow the “Log in / Register” link to the Vendor Registration page to register your organization. Registration is easy.

https://healthsolutions.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

Winter Diabetes Management Classes!

Diabetes Self-Management Classes start soon! The NYC Health Department is offering free evidence–based, five or six-week courses in which participants learn tools to help them manage diabetes.

Participants who attend all five classes in a series will receive a free FitBit while supplies last.

Linked here and below is information for the upcoming classes:

Riseboro Community Partnerships
518 Bushwick Ave Brooklyn,NY 11206
Fridays, 12/06/24-01/10/25
From 1:30PM-3:30PM

Brooklyn Public Library
DeKalb Branch
790 Bushwick Ave Brooklyn, NY 11221
Tuesdays, 01/07/25-02/04/25
From 1:00PM-3:00PM

Bedford Health Center
485 Throop Ave Brooklyn, NY 11221
Wednesdays, 01/15/25-02/12/25
From 1:00PM-3:00PM

November 2024

MTA Public Webinars on Congestion Pricing

The MTA is hosting eight public webinars in December where people can learn about Congestion Relief Zone tolling. Webinars will explain why New York needs congestion pricing, how the Congestion Relief Zone works, what the toll rates are, who is entitled to discounts and exemptions, and other things people need to know before tolling begins on Sunday, January 5. The sessions will feature a brief presentation, followed by Q&A.

Learn more about the sessions and register to attend here.

The toll amount will depend on the type of vehicle, time of day, whether any crossing credits apply, and the method of payment. For example, passenger vehicles with E-ZPass will be charged $9 in the peak period or $2.25 overnight, once daily. Discounts or exemptions may apply to your trip – visit mta.info/discounts for more details.

E-ZPass is the best way to pay the toll. Drivers will be able to pay with their existing E-ZPass transponder and account. If you already have an E-ZPass account, make sure it is up to date with your current license plate number, to ensure you are charged the E-ZPass toll rate and receive any peak period crossing credits.

For more information, visit congestionreliefzone.mta.info.

Jamaica Line (JMZ) Overcoat Painting Project Work Update - Gates Ave to Myrtle Ave - Night Shift

Please be advised that as part of the ongoing Jamaica Line (JMZ) overcoat painting project contractors will be starting work over a night shift (11PM-6:30AM) to install safe span platform decking on Broadway from Gates Avenue to Myrtle Avenue. As previously noted contractors are permitted by DOT to work over a night shift only for decking installation work which does not produce as much noise as the equipment used for daily painting activities. Contractors will be using manlifts in the street to access the underside of the elevated structure and will be using battery powered tools for the installation. Minimal noise is anticipated from backup alarms while moving the lifts.

Work over the night shift is anticipated to begin on or about Monday 11/25 and last for approximately 4-6 weeks, Monday-Saturday. Day shift crews will continue to work from Gates Avenue to the Broadway Junction station. As a reminder the project hotline is 516-618-0570 and is posted at every work area segment.

As always please be in touch with any questions or concerns. Thank you to the community for your patience as we continue work on this critical project.

MAYOR ADAMS ELEVATES DROUGHT LEVEL TO WARNING, PAUSES DELAWARE AQUEDUCT REPAIR PROJECT, ORDERS CITY AGENCIES TO IMPLEMENT WATER-SAVING MEASURES AND NEW YORKERS TO CONTINUE CONSERVING WATER

Comes After City Saw Longest Rainless Streak in Recorded History; City’s Water Supply Needs Almost Eight Inches of Rain to Reach Normal Levels

Drought Warning is Second of Three Levels of Water Conservation Declaration Possibly by City; Mayor Issued Drought Watch on November 2nd

Mayor Banned Grilling in Parks, Urged New Yorkers to Take Additional Precautions and Preserve Water Following Forest Fire in Prospect Park

Last Drought Warning Issued in 2002

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala today elevated the citywide drought watch to a drought warning and paused the final phase of DEP’s largest ever infrastructure repair project — the $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project — amid a historic and continued precipitation shortage. As such, Mayor Adams ordered city agencies to implement a range of drought protocols to conserve water and reminded New Yorkers to continue to do their part in saving water wherever possible. Pausing the repair project will allow the city to reopen the aqueduct soon, restarting the flow of water from four additional reservoirs. Conserving water will slow the depletion rate of the stored water in city reservoirs and can potentially postpone or eliminate the threat of a serious shortage. Mayor Adams and Commissioner Aggarwala first issued a drought watch back on November 2.

Given the lack of precipitation forecast in the coming weeks, DEP will halt repairs currently underway to the Delaware Aqueduct, an 86-mile pipeline that delivers half of the city’s water supply from the Catskill Mountains. The final phase of the $2 billion repair project, which is DEP’s largest-ever infrastructure project, would have prevented 35 million gallons of drinking water from leaking into the ground in upstate New York every day by connecting a 2.5-mile bypass tunnel near Newburgh, where the leak is occurring. In order to initiate that final phase, the city stopped the flow of water from the four reservoirs that feed into the Delaware Aqueduct. However, the lack of rain upstate has meant that water reserves across all reservoirs are not where they need to be to complete the project in the spring. In the coming days, the city will begin the process of reopening the aqueduct to resume the flow of water from those reservoirs to New York City. DEP will work to restart the project next year to ensure that the Delaware Aqueduct — the world’s longest tunnel of any kind — continues to bring New Yorkers the best drinking water in the world for generations to come.

A drought warning is the second of three levels of water conservation declarations from the city. As conditions evolve, the city may declare a drought emergency, which involves escalating requirements on government agencies and New Yorkers to reduce water usage.

City and state agency water-saving measures include:

The New York City Department of Sanitation is suspending street flushing activities and reducing vehicle washing.
The New York City Police Department and Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) are assisting in closing illegally opened hydrants and reducing vehicle washing.
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) is limiting water use for fountains and golf courses and no longer providing make-up water for artificial ponds and lakes unless they are habitats for fish or other wildlife.
The New York City Housing Authority and New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development are requesting plumbing leak surveys and appropriate repair work, seeking to install low-flow plumbing fixtures wherever possible and restricting lawn watering.
New York City Public Schools is initiating water conservation awareness programming for students.
The New York City Department of City Administrative Services (DCAS) is conducting leak survey and leak repair activities where necessary at city facilities and is no longer washing the exteriors of city buildings.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is communicating with food service establishments about reductions of water use.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is reducing fleet washing.

As part of the initial drought watch, DEP has already expanded its leak detection, leak repair, and hydrant surveillance programs.

Mayor Adams, today, also reminded all New Yorkers to do their part to conserve water. Some simple tips include:

Report open fire hydrants and street leaks to 311. An open hydrant can release more than 1,000 gallons per minute, which wastes 1.4 million gallons of drinking water in a 24-hour cycle.
Don't flush the toilet unnecessarily. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toilets are by far the main source of water use in a home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average home's indoor water consumption. Each flush can use 1.6 gallons, with older models using as much as 6 gallons.
Take shorter showers, saving five to seven gallons a minute. When taking a bath, fill the tub only halfway and save 10 to 15 gallons.
Don't run the tap while shaving, washing hands, or brushing teeth. Faucets use two to three gallons per minute.
Fix leaks. A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, according to the EPA.
Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Use short cycles if available. Turn off the water while washing dishes.
Install water-saving fixtures, including low-flow toilets and showerheads, as well as faucet aerators.
Sweep driveways and sidewalks clean rather than washing them down with a hose.
For even more ideas, visit DEP's Water Savings Tips

New York City has been successful in conserving water for decades. The city’s average daily water demand has decreased by approximately 35 percent over the past several decades, even as the city’s population has grown by more than 1 million people. During its peak, in 1979, the city’s average water usage was 1.5 billion gallons of water a day. Thanks to improved management strategies — systemwide leak detection and repairs, replacing old meters with automated meter readers, and providing an online platform for customers to track and monitor water usage and quickly detect leaks in their buildings — the city now uses just 1.1 billion gallons a day on average, and under 1 billion gallons during the winter months.

DEP manages the nation’s largest municipal water supply system, which provides high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.3 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels, and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs.

View the full press release.

END OF SEASON: NOVEMBER 29 IS THE FINAL DAY TO REMOVE ROADWAY OUTDOOR DINING SETUPS

NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez reminds all food service establishments with roadway outdoor dining setups that these setups must be removed by the end of the day on November 29. Establishments with compliant sidewalk-based outdoor dining setups may continue to operate year-round. Dining Out NYC, the nation’s largest outdoor dining program, made outdoor dining a permanent part of our city’s streetscape. The program preserves what New Yorkers came to enjoy about outdoor dining while addressing important quality of life concerns.

Any establishment that does not remove its roadway setup by the end of the day on November 29 will be subject to fines. Under legislation passed by the New York City Council, the roadway outdoor dining season operates from April 1 through November 29 each year.

To make it as convenient as possible for small business owners to participate in outdoor dining, the Dining Out NYC Marketplace is available as a resource to help businesses find storage, setup, and rental solutions for their outdoor dining furniture and materials. The Marketplace vendors provide a variety of services and products, including setup design, assembly, breakdown, and more. Participating restaurants are not required to utilize Marketplace vendors or products.

Restaurants can continue to apply to the Dining Out NYC program throughout the year. Roadway dining is permitted from April 1 through November 29, while sidewalk dining is allowed year-round.

Restaurants can visit the Dining Out NYC website for more information, including an FAQ on program rules, the Setup Menu with design options for compliant outdoor dining setups, and access to the optional Dining Out NYC Marketplace for purchasing or renting outdoor dining materials and services.

For more information and to apply, visit nyc.gov/DiningOut.

Congestion Relief Zone tolling begins January 5

On November 14, 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a phased-in approach to New York’s Congestion Pricing program, which was previously on pause. Today, the MTA Board approved this plan. Now, Congestion Relief Zone tolling will begin on Sunday, January 5, at midnight.

When tolling begins, vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan—local streets and avenues at or below 60 Street—will be charged a toll.

The toll amount will depend on the type of vehicle, time of day, whether any crossing credits apply, and the method of payment. For example, passenger vehicles with E-ZPass entering the Congestion Relief Zone at 60 Street will be charged $9 in the peak period and $2.25 overnight, once daily. Visit our website for more details on toll rates.

E-ZPass is the best and cheapest way to pay the toll. Most drivers will be able to pay with their existing E-ZPass tag and account.

If you already have an E-ZPass account, make sure it is up to date with your current license plate number as this will be needed for appropriate discounts, exemptions, and crossing credits.

If you do not have an account, you can sign up for one on the E-ZPass website.

Congrats to CB4 District Manager Celeste León

Celeste was selected as a recipient of the 2024 Sloan Public Service Award. Since 1973, the Fund for the City of New York has honored outstanding civil servants with the “Nobel Prize of Public Service”–the Sloan Public Service Awards. The Awards, generously supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for over two decades, honor six civil servants each year who exhibit an extraordinary level of commitment to the public. They routinely step beyond the bounds of their job responsibilities to ensure that New Yorkers’ needs are met. Only one other community board district manager received a Sloan Award over twenty years ago. Ms. León’s nomination for the award included support from Bushwick community stakeholders, current and former board members and colleagues, and others she has met in her ten years of city service.

EXTENDED TO NOV. 22: Strengthening Communities Program Application is Now Live!

The Strengthening Communities Program Application is now open for Cohort 4! NYC Emergency Management is seeking up to 20 local coalitions who serve and lead within the five boroughs of New York City to apply to the Strengthening Communities program. This program provides up to $40,000 to each participating coalition during their first year of programming to create a community emergency plan.

The application deadline has been extended to November 22nd.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024SCApplication

Learn more about Strengthening Communities Program at https://www.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/strengthening-communities.page

--------------------

Qualifying Criteria for a Community or Faith-Based Coalition:

Must have at least three member organizations
Must have convened as a group at least four times within the past 12 months
Can demonstrate involvement and/or impact in the community within the past 12 months
Must have an established communication method with its member organizations
Must be able to demonstrate connections with the community it serves
Must select and identify at least two community organizers who are also member of the coalition to participate in all mandatory trainings and coaching sessions
Must have the capacity to complete ALL five deliverables listed above

Definition of Coalition: NYC Emergency Management defines a coalition as group of two or more organizations (community and/or faith-based organizations) who are organized to address a need, gap or inequity within their community. Some examples include but are not limited to climate change, gun violence, housing, disability rights, food insecurity, faith education, health equity, etc.

Con Edison to Customers: Stay Informed & Alert To Avoid Scams

NEW YORK - As part of International Fraud Awareness Week starting November 17, Con Edison is joining forces with more than 150 U.S. and Canadian energy and water companies to help protect consumers from fraud. The campaign is spearheaded by Utilities United Against Scams, with November 20 recognized as Utility Scam Awareness Day.

Con Edison is urging customers to stay vigilant and learn to identify the tactics scammers use to pose as company employees. Scammers often demand personal information, and create a sense of urgency to trick their targets.

Here are signs that the person contacting a Con Edison customer is a scammer:

Scammers call customers and instruct them to buy a pre-paid card. Once the customer puts money on the card and provides the scammer with the card number, the scammer steals the money. Con Edison does not accept payment by pre-paid debit cards, MoneyGram or similar transfers.
Scammers contact customers and demand payment via apps like Cash App, Venmo and Zelle. Con Edison does not support these platforms for payment. The company also does not accept payment via PayPal or bitcoin.
Many scammers try to get customers to give up their Con Edison account number, Social Security number or other personal information. The customer should hang up and call 1-800-75-CONED or the local police department.

Phone scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from a legitimate Con Edison number.

Once a customer makes a payment, scammers often claim the transaction failed and demand additional payments, leading some victims to lose thousands of dollars.

To avoid these scams, customers should always use the approved bill payment options available on Con Edison’s website.

Some utilities have reported an increase in utility impostor scams through digital methods, including search engine-related scams. Digital scam tactics include:

Sponsored ads on search engines that lead to an identical - but fake - utility bill payment page.
QR codes that scammers falsely claim link to a utility payment page.
Texts from a scammer claiming to be a utility representative, with a link to an impostor payment page.

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $15 billion in annual revenues for the year-end 2023 and $69 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas, and steam, and serves 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County. For financial, operations, and customer service information, visit conEd.com.

US EPA radon testing along Irving Avenue Queens/Brooklyn - Wolff-Alport Superfund - RESCHEDULED for November 19 & 20

NYC DEP had to reschedule this outreach, which will now be conducted on November 19 and November 20 (if needed). See the original notice below.

Parks Greenways and Drives Input Tool

NYC Parks is excited to announce our NYC Parks E-Pilot Map Input Tool! We are asking for park users to share thoughts on their experiences on NYC Parks' greenways and drives, especially related to the flow of bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, pedestrians, or other park users, to improve conditions on these shared facilities.

Share your thoughts on the conditions of greenways and drives in parks! Use our input tool (available in various languages through the translate feature).

As we move into the second year of our NYC Parks Electric Micromobility Pilot, we are looking to gain additional insights, test new methods for e-micromobility management, and expand efforts to prevent heavier vehicles like mopeds from entering parks. The feedback from our input tool will help us create better experiences and manage the flow of traffic on greenways and park drives.

As parks are shared spaces, Parks expects all park users to be considerate of others, and operate their bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, roller skates, or any other legal devices in a safe manner – especially on drives and greenways, which see a variety of uses and speeds. The pilot allows the same bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters that are legal to operate in NYC streets to also operate on park drives, such as the Central Park and Prospect Park loops, and greenways, such as the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. These are spaces where bicycles are already permitted in parks. Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes, as well as lighter-weight e-scooters, are already allowed to operate on NYC streets and in bike lanes, and are allowed in parks as part of the pilot. The pilot does not allow any electric micromobility devices to be ridden on pedestrian paths, and does not include faster, heavier mopeds or motorcycles anywhere in parks or on greenways. You can learn more about the program at nyc.gov/parks/ebikes.

BNYDC's 2025 Open Call for Public Art (RFP)

The Brooklyn Navy Yard has issued a request for proposals for temporary public art along the Flushing Avenue fence line with the option to extend Building 92. Artists who work at the Brooklyn Navy Yard or live in Brooklyn are welcome to apply. Work must respond to the theme of Our Brooklyn and all applications are due by Sunday, December 15, 11:59 p.m. The Yard is hosting two Information Sessions on Tuesday, December 3 at 11:00 am (virtual) and 3:00pm (in-person). Creatives can RSVP, here, and submit any questions they have prior, here. One artist or artist collective will be awarded up to $30,000 and their work will be on view between May 2025 and November 2025. Read more here: https://www.brooklynnavyyard.org/exhibits/.

Social Security Administration Changes to Accessing Our In-Person Services

In our ongoing commitment to serve the public more efficiently, we are expanding appointment-based services at our local Social Security offices. By scheduling appointments, we will aim to reduce wait times, streamline service delivery, and improve the overall customer experience. Nearly 400 field offices have already moved to appointment-based service this year. These offices have seen significant improvements in wait times due to more efficient and helpful visitor experiences and increases in the number of customers able to complete their business online.

We are implementing appointment-based services nationwide in two phases. The first phase is a transition period now through January 5, 2025. The purpose of this transition period is to educate our customers about needing to schedule an appointment for SSA services. As a reminder, many of our services can be provided via phone with an appointment and do not require a customer to walk into an office for service.

Effective January 6, 2025, we will require customers to schedule an appointment for service in our field offices, including requests for Social Security cards. We encourage customers to become accustomed to our:

online services, where many transactions can be completed conveniently and securely, and
automated services available on our National 800# at 1-800-772-1213.

Customers who are not able to handle their business online or with the automated options, may call their local Social Security office or our National 800# to schedule an appointment.

We want to make clear that we will not turn people away for service who are unable to make an appointment or do not want to make an appointment. For example, members of vulnerable populations, military personnel, people with terminal illnesses, and individuals with other situations requiring immediate or specialized attention may still walk in for service at our field offices. Some of our offices also have minimal to no wait times, and they will still serve customers who walk in.

New York State Department of Public Service Important Information Regarding Winter Preparedness

Energy affordability is a serious concern for many New Yorkers. In addition, winter bills may be particularly hard on vulnerable New Yorkers such as the elderly and households with fixed or low incomes since energy use can often be higher during heating months.

Heading into each winter season, the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) prepares an outreach and education campaign designed to help consumers manage their energy bills while staying warm and safe during the cold weather months. We encourage consumers to take simple, low-cost energy savings measures to reduce energy use and to consider bill payment options and financial assistance programs to help manage energy costs.

Our campaign includes:

A webpage dedicated to winter preparedness information at www.dps.ny.gov/winter
Virtual "one-stop-shopping" workshops
Multi-agency In-Person Energy Fairs about resources available to help consumers this winter season
Free publications related to the upcoming winter season

Learn How to Apply for Open Streets 2025 – Webinar on Nov 19!

NYC DOT is excited to collaborate with community-based organizations, educational institutions, and business groups to launch Open Streets citywide. With our partners, we help develop operational plans to manage streets for a variety of uses, including outdoor dining, programming, and outdoor learning/recreation for schools. We also ensure that loading, deliveries, and emergency access are coordinated as part of the Open Streets operations.

If your organization is interested in managing your own Open Street, the application for the 2025 program is now open! Please note the following key deadlines:

For Open Streets launching on or before June 30, 2025 – Apply by January 31, 2025
For Open Streets launching on or after July 1, 2025 – Apply by March 31, 2025 (This is also the deadline for schools applying for the 2025-2026 academic year)

To help you through the application process, NYC DOT’s Public Space team is hosting a webinar for all prospective Open Streets partners on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, from 2:00 - 4:00pm. The session will cover applicant requirements, the application process, and answer any questions you may have.

East Brooklyn Workforce Development Fund RFP

New York City Economic Development Corporation (“NYCEDC”) invites nonprofit organizations in East Brooklyn to submit proposals to receive funding from the East Brooklyn Workforce Development Fund (the “Fund”) for workforce program pre-development activities – the essential tasks required prior to program implementation that are crucial to designing and deploying effective and impactful services. The Fund will enable nonprofit organizations to incubate their workforce program ideas and equip them with the flexible funding necessary to operationalize those program concepts.

NYCEDC is deepening its commitment to equitable development across New York City (the “City”) and is working to ensure that its economic development investments are coupled with an equal emphasis on workforce development to ensure all New Yorkers benefit from the opportunities created. To complement the City’s ongoing investments in Broadway Junction station and the East New York Industrial Business Zone, NYCEDC seeks to grow the slate of workforce programs that connect to both legacy industrial and emerging Green Economy career pathways.

To download a copy of the solicitation documents, please visit edc.nyc/RFPs

Please be aware that all potential updates and notifications will be sent via email to respondents who have accurately and completely filled out the download form or have picked up the relevant documentation.

In addition to downloading the RFP, you may also be interested in signing up to be listed as a potential subcontractor or supplier for companies responding to our development and procurement opportunities.

We need your help for HOPE 2025!

On the night of Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, DSS-HRA-DHS will conduct its annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey, a point-in-time survey undertaken each winter that helps the City estimate the number of New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness on one of the coldest nights of the year. The results gathered through this survey provide the City with valuable information that helps better inform the allocation of resources to address homelessness in New York City. This is the 20th annual HOPE survey, and we hope you can join us for this special night!

We need your help to conduct this survey by canvassing streets, subways, and other public spaces. Volunteers are needed from approximately 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on the night of January 28th. Just a few hours of your time will help us in our ongoing efforts to support New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness and encourage them to take that first important step to come off the streets and subways and accept the vital services and supports they need and deserve. New York City has one of the most comprehensive outreach programs in the nation, with outreach workers canvassing the five boroughs 24/7, and the City has heavily invested in specialized beds with robust services for this population. Thanks to the aggressive expansion of these resources, the City has been able to connect nearly 2,400 New Yorkers who were living unsheltered on city streets and subways to subsidized permanent housing. Your participation in HOPE will help us build on that progress.

Please visit nyc.gov/hope to learn more and to register. Your participation is essential to helping us address the challenge of homelessness and support some of our City's most vulnerable residents as they get back on their feet.

NYC Small Business Services New Grant Announcement: Building Creative Capacity

Vacant storefronts have a significant impact on the quality of life, public realm, and small business engagement in our communities. While a long-term strategy is essential to tackle these issues, immediate action is sometimes needed to mitigate the effects of vacancy perception on our commercial districts.

To help address this, we are excited to announce that the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), in partnership with the Van Alen Institute, is currently accepting applications for the Building Creative Capacity program, a unique opportunity for Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDOs) who are interested in revitalizing commercial corridors. Building Creative Capacity is part of Van Alen’s Design Sprints program, which pairs community leaders and design professionals to collaborate on short-term solutions and tools to meet immediate neighborhood needs. Selected organizations will work with design advisors to creatively address storefront vacancy issues.

Applications close on November 15, 2024. Please help us spread the word to any organizations in your network and encourage them to apply by clicking here.

US EPA radon testing along Irving Avenue Queens/Brooklyn - Wolff-Alport Superfund - November 13 & 14

On November 13^th and 14^th NYC DEP will be doing door-to-door outreach in the area of the Wolff-Alport Superfund site to speak with residents about radon testing that is required by the US EPA. Some residents have already given us voluntary permission to conduct testing in their homes. This week we will try to reach more residents to offer them this free testing.

These tests are being performed out of an abundance of caution to rule out any sewer service line contamination. While radon does naturally emit from the ground and can concentrate in basements, based on previous testing, we do not anticipate finding elevated levels of radon.

Participating residents will receive advanced notice prior to the actual testing, which we plan to conduct this winter. To test for radon, we will place radon detection devices in basements or the lowest accessible level of the home, and leave them for 3 days, after which they will be picked up and analyzed. The US EPA will determine next steps, should any tests come back with elevated levels.

NYC Residential Bin Mandate

As a reminder beginning on Tuesday, 11-12-2024, all 1-9 residential units must put their refuse out in 55 gallon or less bins with secure lids at the proper set out times. Properties owners and building managers of buildings with 1-9 residential units must ensure there are sufficient bins to store the trash produced by residents of their buildings. The new rules also apply to special-use buildings receiving DSNY collection – including City Agencies, non-profits, houses of worship, and professional fee offices.

A warning period will be in effect from 11-12-2024 through 1-2-2025 for residential units only.

All other City Agencies, non-profits, houses of worship, and professional fee offices must be in compliance starting 11-12-2024.

Beginning June 2026, all properties containing 1-9 residential units will be required to use the official NYC bin for refuse set out.

Below is the link providing additional information regarding the bin mandate:

https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/collection/containerization/nyc-bin-faq.page

Pace SBDC Expands to Support Bushwick Small Businesses!

We are excited to announce that the Pace University Small Business Development Center has launched in-person and high-impact one-to-one business advisory sessions from Bushwick, Brooklyn. These no-cost sessions are targeted to the business’ needs, and cover areas such as access to financing, marketing and sales strategies, government procurement and business planning.

In-person sessions will resume at RiseBoro’s office in Bushwick on Thursday, November 21st and all interested small businesses must complete the SBDC counseling request form to register for a session, and mention they want to schedule an in-person session in Bushwick.

We would appreciate your help in promoting these expanded (and free) services to small businesses. And please note that free in-person one-to-one sessions are offered both in English and Spanish, and are also available at the Brooklyn Public Library’s and New York Public Library’s business branches, in Flatbush at the Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn’s office, in Industry City (Sunset Park) at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce's Office, and from the Pace SBDC’s downtown Manhattan office, as well as virtually.

Pace SBDC’s counseling services and training programs are offered at no cost to our clients through funding support by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York, and Pace University. Please contact us with any questions.

Best Practices for Preventing Rats in Your Outdoor Dining Setup

As NYC transitions to the new outdoor dining program, Dining Out NYC, the NYC Health Department offers this guidance for keeping your outdoor dining area rat-free, whether your outdoor dining is being set up or taken down:

Check daily for evidence of rats.

Check planters for rat activity, including holes or burrows.
Look for cracks or holes in the curb, sidewalk and building foundation.

Clean thoroughly every day.

Keep outdoor dining structures clean, well-maintained, and clear of trash, debris, vermin, animal waste and food scraps.
Clean at least 18 inches on all sides surrounding the outdoor dining structure.
Remove and clean under any flooring at least once per week.
Wash away rat droppings and urine and sanitize the area with a 10% bleach solution.
Remove rat nesting material.
Remove clutter, debris, garbage and food waste before closing.

Make sure you have enough garbage cans to completely contain all food waste that is placed out for pickup.

All businesses in NYC must use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids when setting out trash for collection.
Recycling should be rinsed and free of food debris.
Follow NYC Department of Sanitation rules for businesses setting out waste on the curb.

Inspect carefully with your licensed pest professional on every visit.
Follow best practices in rat mitigation and pest proofing, including:

For more information, visit the Operating a Restaurant webpage.

Para más información, visite la página web Cómo gestionar un restaurante.

NYC Civic Engagement Commission The People's Money

We have recently launched the third year of The People’s Money, our city-wide participatory budgeting process! We invite all New Yorkers, 11 years and older, regardless of immigration or incarceration status, to help decide how to spend part of the city’s budget. Last year, thousands of residents submitted ideas and voted on programs for their communities. This year, Idea Generation is open from October 11 to November 22, 2024. We welcome you to submit project ideas online or find out about a local workshop at participate.nyc.gov.

Get Involved in Borough Assemblies!

Once all the project ideas are in, we’ll kick off the next phase: Borough Assemblies! During this part of the process, NYC residents who have been randomly chosen to represent their borough come together and narrow down the submitted project ideas and determine which ones will end up on the ballot.

This is an awesome chance to build your leadership skills, connect with your neighbors, and dive deeper into how local government works. Applications are open for the Borough Assemblies and we’d love for you to be a part of this and apply at on.nyc.gov/bac.

NYC Parks GreenThumb Updates

2025 GreenThumb Leadership Academy

The GreenThumb Leadership Academy (GLA) is a leadership development program designed for NYC community gardeners from registered GreenThumb gardens. The program is offered by GreenThumb in collaboration with the Cooperative Economics Alliance of New York City. Eligible gardeners may be at different stages in leadership and experience, from someone newly elected to a leadership role to a seasoned garden coordinator looking to pass the torch. Learn more and apply by filling out the GLA Application Form by Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

NYC Parks GreenThumb T-Shirt Design Contest

Submit your original design to the 2025 GreenThumb T-Shirt Design Contest based on the theme: Seeds of Resilience / Semillas de Resiliencia. Pick up a pen, crayon, pencil, or whatever you use to draw, and submit your artwork to our t-shirt design contest! The winning design will appear on GreenThumb t-shirts, worn by hundreds of gardeners all over the city. Applicants may submit up to three entries. For submission guidelines, visit our website. Submission deadline: Sunday, January 19, 2025

October 2024

NYC Department of Transportation Open Streets Program

NYC DOT works with community-based organizations, educational institutions, and business groups to execute Open Streets citywide. In coordination with community partners, NYC DOT can also assist in developing operational plans to manage streets for multiple uses, including outdoor dining, programming, and outdoor learning/recreation for schools. NYC DOT works with partners and local stakeholders to ensure loading, deliveries, and emergency access is coordinated as part of the Open Streets' operations. The Open Streets application is for partners that want to manage their own Open Street.

NYC DOT is hosting an informational Webinar on the 2025 Open Streets Application. We will be going through applicant requirements, the overall application process and answering questions from prospective applicants. Please register through the link below and join us on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, from 2:00 - 4:00pm.

The 2025 application features important deadlines partners should consider before applying:

For Open Streets launching on or before June 30, 2025, the application deadline is January 31, 2025.

For Open Streets launching on or after July 1, 2025, the deadline is March 31, 2025, which is also the deadline is also for any school applying for the 2025-2026 academic year..

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lcOuhpz8rH9K8BBRvpbgso6izIL-7C26b

For more information visit nyc.gov/OpenStreets. Applications should be submitted online through the Open Streets 2025 Application.

Shape the Future of NYC Industrial Policy: Take the NYC Industrial Plan Survey

The NYC Department of City Planning is collecting data for a report on industrial land use and business service policies in NYC. It will be released in late 2025 and set the table for policymaking for the next 8 years. YOU have an opportunity to share your challenges, concerns, and opinions to help shape this plan and guide policies for growth and innovation by taking this survey!

The survey is open until 12/31/24, but we urge you to submit your response as soon as you can. Businesses should indicate that they operate a business in an industrial area when responding on Page 1 to ensure you get the most detailed set of questions about the challenges and opportunities of operating a business in industrial NYC.

If you have any questions, contact Stephen Fabian to discuss this and any other issue facing your business!

Service Alert: No Trash, Curbside Compost or Recycling Collection on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024

No Trash, Curbside Compost or Recycling Collection on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that there would be no trash, curbside compost or recycling collection on Tuesday, November 5, Election Day.

Residents who normally receive Tuesday trash, curbside compost or recycling collection should place their material at the curb Tuesday evening for collection starting Wednesday, November 6.

Please note that residents may experience collection delays, as is common after holidays. We appreciate patience as we work to collect the backlog of material.

For questions about Sanitation services and holiday schedules contact 311 or visit nyc.gov/sanitation.

About the New York City Department of Sanitation

NYC Small Business Services Access Loan and Grant Resources for FREE with NYC Funds Finder

Need financing for your small business?

Use NYC Funds Finder to access loan and grant resources -- for FREE!

The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has partnered with Next Street to make affordable financing more accessible to all NYC entrepreneurs, including women and minority-owned businesses.

Check out NYC Funds Finder, NYC's first-ever online funding marketplace for small businesses, to get:

Custom lists of loans and grants, for your business through our Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partners and other responsible lenders
Free one-on-one financial counseling
Help with documentation preparation

Get Started with NYC Funds Finder Here

NYC Emergency Management Strengthening Communities Program Application is Now Live!

Application deadline is November 15th!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024SCApplication

Learn more about Strengthening Communities Program at https://www.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/strengthening-communities.page

--------------------

Qualifying Criteria for a Community or Faith-Based Coalition:

Must have at least three member organizations
Must have convened as a group at least four times within the past 12 months
Can demonstrate involvement and/or impact in the community within the past 12 months
Must have an established communication method with its member organizations
Must be able to demonstrate connections with the community it serves
Must select and identify at least two community organizers who are also member of the coalition to participate in all mandatory trainings and coaching sessions
Must have the capacity to complete ALL five deliverables listed above

Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign Update from the MTA

Thank you for your continued interest in the Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign and for your patience. Brooklyn deserves bus service that goes where people want to go, and the Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign will accomplish that. As we discussed during our outreach on the Draft Plan, the Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign is a large, wide-ranging project, and it is intertwined with the concurrent Queens Bus Network Redesign.

At this time, we are addressing the most recent round of public comment on the Queens Bus Network Redesign, and at the same time we are continuing essential planning and scheduling work for the Brooklyn Redesign based on your valuable feedback. We plan to publish the Brooklyn Proposed Final Plan in the latter half of 2025. This timeline will allow us to ensure we have the resources in place to make the investments in the Brooklyn bus network that our riders deserve.

NYC Emergency Management Ready NY Outstanding Older Adult Center of the Year!

Ready New York is NYC Emergency Management's public education campaign. Through the program, you can learn about the hazards you may face in New York City and prepare for all types of emergencies by writing an emergency plan, choosing a meeting place, gathering supplies for your home, and preparing a Go Bag in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.

NYC Emergency Management can send knowledgeable staff members and NYC CERT volunteers to educate your community about preparing for emergencies. You also can request presentations and materials in other languages. Use this form to request an event in your workplace, school, community center, or house of worship.

One of the highlights of our Ready NY program is our Outstanding Older Adult Center of the Year. We are proud to serve the older adults of our city and community, and we’re excited to celebrate the center that goes above and beyond with exceptional care and preparedness. If your Older Adult Center exemplifies readiness and community spirit, don’t miss this chance to shine! Apply now for the 2024 Ready New York Older Adult Center of the Year Award and show how your center leads with preparedness.

To apply, visit: https://www.research.net/r/NWH8NWQ
Deadline: November 15, 2024

Avoid Federal Fines: Check Your Business and File for FREE by Dec. 31

Corporate Transparency Act

By December 31, 2024, businesses will need to report information about the individuals who own or control them. Any newly formed businesses must do the same within 90 days of being registered with the state.

Businesses will be fined for not registering the appropriate information. Completing the form is free. You do not need to pay to process this one-time filing for your business.

Be advised that businesses may be subject to civil penalties of $500+ for each day that they have not completed the filing requirement.

Join NYC Small Business Services at an upcoming info session to learn:

which companies need to file
the contents and timing of the filings
the process of completing such filings

We will be hosting at least one info session per month before the December 31, 2024, deadline.

RSVP for Upcoming Info Sessions

Walk in COVID and Flu vaccines start tomorrow!

For a limited time, the Bureau of Brooklyn Neighborhood Health will be hosting walk-in clinics for the updated COVID-19 booster and flu shots at our Bedford District Public Health Office at 485 Throop Ave in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Hours of operation:

Thursday, October 17 through Wednesday, October 30
Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Walk in (no appointments)

Vaccines Offered:

Updated 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (ages 3 years and older)

Flu vaccine (ages 3 years and older)

See flyers and please distribute widely. New Yorkers who are unavailable on the dates of the walk-in clinic can use the City's Vaccine Finder.

Idea Generation Sessions at El Puente / Session de Ideas en El Puente

Bushwick Community members are invited to attend El Puente's The People's Money Idea Generation Session to cultivate what programs and/or services they want to see in Bushwick.

Please feel free to attend our sessions scheduled on:

1) Thursday October 24th at 6:15 PM at 311 Central Ave Brooklyn, NY 11221

2) Thursday November 7th at 6:15 PM at 311 Central Ave Brooklyn, NY 11221

We ask that you please register for the upcoming sessions using the following forms:

English RSVP Form

Formulario en Español

Key Dates for the Upcoming Elections

-The last day to register to vote is October 26th. Mail in registration forms are available at the District Office. Online registration link: https://elections.ny.gov/voter-registration-process

-Request a ballot by mail - online or mail in request deadline is October 26th. In-person deadline is November 4th. To request a ballot by mail: https://elections.ny.gov/request-ballot

-Early voting is open October 26th through November 3rd. Your early voting poll site may be different from your Election Day poll site.

-Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th.

Check your voter registration status, early voting poll site and Election Day poll site here: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

National Lead Poisoning Prevention 2024

Join us in celebrating National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from October 20 through October 26, 2024. This year’s theme: “Bright futures begin lead-free.”

As you know, lead is a harmful metal that can cause serious health problems in children and adults. Lead can be found in old paint and the dust that it turns into. Lead can also be found in some consumer products. The NYC Health Department is collaborating with the NYC Housing Preservation and Development to host in-person events across the city and virtual webinars open to everyone. To view the schedule, visit us at: www.nyc.gov/lead.

MTA Launches Fall 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey

Customers Encouraged to Take Online Survey Available from Tuesday, Oct. 15 Through Thursday, Oct. 31

Survey Streamlined to Only Take Customers 10 to 15 Minutes

Take the Survey Here

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced its Fall 2024 Customers Count Survey launched on Tuesday, Oct. 15, for New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, and Access-A-Ride Paratransit customers. The results of the online survey will identify key service attributes that are priority issues for customers and will provide the MTA with a better understanding of how customers currently rate the service and where to direct future resources for the best possible improvements in the transit system.

Customers can take the survey online today through Thursday, Oct. 31 here. The Fall survey is available in nine languages with a telephone option available for customers in need of assistance. Results of the survey will be available in the winter. The Customers Count Survey is conducted twice a year, in the spring and fall.

View the full media advisory.

NYC Heat and Hot Water Requirements

Building owners are legally required to provide heat and hot water to their tenants. Hot water must be provided 365 days per year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat must be provided between October 1st and May 31st, i.e. "Heat Season," under the following conditions:

Day
Between the hours of 6:00am and 10:00pm, if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Night
Between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am, the inside temperature is required to be at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

Download the Heat Season graphic | Spanish. You can report heat or hot water issues online or by calling 311.

NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Off-Hour Deliveries Incentive Program Application Deadline Extended

The Off-Hour Deliveries (OHD) Incentive Program aims to help businesses switch their deliveries from daytime to nighttime hours. Beginning in 2024, DOT will offer one-time monetary incentives to help businesses make that transition.

As much as $6M in incentive funding is available to reimburse businesses for a range of eligible investments in equipment and systems that enable OHD. Eligible expenses include access enhancements, security equipment, low-noise cargo handling equipment, and green delivery methods (e.g. cargo bikes, EV vans).

In addition to incentives, we will provide other forms of support to help participants succeed with OHD, including technical assistance and guidance on best practices.

The program is open to businesses of all sizes and specifically aims to help smaller businesses that face financial barriers to transitioning to OHD.

For more information and to apply, visit the DOT website.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

The New York City Department of Health and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development are holding in-person educational events throughout the city.

View the flyer

Participatory Budgeting Season Is Here! Get Involved!

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez and her team are excited to kick off the 2025 Participatory Budgeting (PB) season, and we’d love to involve you!

Participatory Budgeting is a unique opportunity for community members, to have a direct say in how up to $1 million in public funds are spent on capital projects to improve our neighborhoods. This could be improvements to schools, parks, libraries, and other community spaces! PB allows individuals to propose ideas, share their voices, and vote on the projects they want to see funded.

We are currently in the idea-collecting phase from now until November 15. This is a great opportunity to submit ideas on projects you feel will improve your community. For any improvements to a public space, we want you to submit your ideas!

Last year, our district had the most votes in the city. Let’s make that happen again! You can submit ideas online at bit.ly/D34Ideas.

We want to have everyone involved in Participatory Budgeting! Feel free to let us know if we can provide any additional information.

Reminder! Brooklyn Air Quality Monitoring Public Meeting THURSDAY Oct. 10

A reminder that this Thursday, October 10 from 6-8pm at Borough Hall, the Office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso will co-host a public meeting with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation about their Community Air Monitoring Initiative for Brooklyn. DEC recently released the results of hyper-local air quality data collected in the most impacted areas of the borough between 2022-2023. As part of the initiative, which was the largest in state history, DEC’s contractor, Aclima, Inc., used hybrid vehicles equipped with mobile sensors to measure local air pollution from sources such as cars, diesel trucks, construction equipment, commercial sources, industrial facilities, and more. They have released a website with more information about the initiative, including a detailed “story map,” and interactive maps and analysis tools so anyone can review the data collected. At this meeting, Brooklynites can review this information together with DEC and provide their input and feedback about their experience with air quality in their neighborhood, to inform mitigation strategies that will be developed over the next few months.

See the updated flyer.

Retaining Wall Civil Penalties

Owners of retaining walls that are 10 feet or higher and fronting a public right of way are required by NYC Administrative Code §28-305.4 to hire a NYS licensed professional engineer who is designated by the Department of Buildings as a Qualified Retaining Wall Inspector (QRWI) to inspect the structure at least once every five years and file a report with DOB according to the schedule set out in 1 RCNY §103-09. Retaining Wall Report Filing Process (nyc.gov).

Civil Penalties for Failure to File Retaining Wall Report
Beginning with Cycle 3, owners who fail to file an acceptable retaining wall compliance report with the Department of Buildings by the due date will be subject to the civil penalties listed in 1 RCNY Section 103-09.

DOHMH Covid and Flu Vaccine Events

The NYC Health Department (DOHMH) is holding a series of free Covid and Flu vaccinations events beginning Thursday October 17, 2024 through Wednesday October 30, 2024. All locations are DOHMH sites except for Staten Island. We are not utilizing social media to promote these events at this time as DOHMH is specifically targeting outreach to high risk (e.g., 65+) and underserved populations in these zip codes. Our goal is to reach people for whom vaccination is most important like seniors and people without insurance.

Dates (all sites)

Thursday, October 17, 2024, through Wednesday, October 30, 2024,

Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays

Location and Times

Bedford Health Action Center

485 Throop Ave Brooklyn NY 11221

718-637-5453

Monday to Saturday,10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Target ZIPS: 11221, 11233, 11216, 11213

MTA NYC Transit Employment Opportunity - Track Worker Open Competitive Exam

We’d like to inform you about an entry-level job opportunity for Track Worker at MTA NYC Transit that is currently open for filing until October 21, 2024. The current minimum salary for Track Worker is $27.00 per hour for a 40-hour work week increasing to $38.57 in the sixth year of service.

This title has no minimum education or experience requirement, and it offers advancement opportunity.

Tips for applying:

Use the following link to locate the Notice of Examination Filing (application) for NYC Transit Track Worker, Open Competitive Exam No. 5608. (Scroll down the list of exam titles to locate Track Worker.) https://new.mta.info/careers/mta-exams/exam-schedule

The link to the on-line application is in the “How to Submit an Application” section, Page (3) Section (1) in the Notice of Examination. Applicants who are seeking a Fee Waiver for this exam filing, do not fill out Sections. Applicants filing for a FEE WAIVER, should NOT COMPLETE Steps 5, 6, or 7 IN THE ONLINE APPLICATIONS.

Application Fee: There is a $68.00 application fee to file for this exam; however, qualified applicants may obtain a fee waiver. The FEE WAIVER application is in the “How to Submit an Application” Section, Page (4) Section (4). The fee waiver application is filed outside of the online application and must be completed by November 4, 2024.

Request to Bushwick Partners: Hosting a DSMES Class

We are looking for partners to host and promote Diabetes Self Management Workshops.

The NYC Health Department is offering free Diabetes Self-Management workshops in Bushwick and across Brooklyn! These workshops are an evidence–based, five-week course led by a registered dietician in which participants learn tools to help them manage diabetes. These workshops can be offered in English and Spanish.

Requirements to host a class are:

Be able to recruit at least 10 individuals interested in participating in the class

Ensure that the class is open to the public

Be able to host classes for the entirety of the 5-week series

The health department will provide:

Class facilitators

Structured outreach to retail outlets and our mailing list to support enrollment

Fitbits to participants who complete all five classes while supplies las

If you are interested in hosting Diabetes Self-Management classes please contact Tanisha Herrera-Pearce at 718-637-5226 or therrera@health.nyc.gov.

For information on classes that are already happening, please check our website for the most recent classes. New classes are added weekly. Flyers of the most recent classes are here to share with your networks.

FREE MAMMOGRAM SCREENING

The time is quickly approaching. There are still slots available, if you or anyone you know need a Free Mammogram, please sign-up and share.

The Community Engagement team at the Brooklyn Neighborhood Health is happy to Bring you FREE MAMMOGRAM SCREENING. We have partnered with the American – Italian Cancer Foundation to host the Mammogram Bus at our Farmers Market on October 11, 2024 at 485 Throop Ave from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. See flyer.

To be eligible you must be:

Woman aged 40 – 75
Currently living in New York City
No Mammogram in the past 12 months

Services are at no-cost. No co-pays required and deductibles are waived. Uninsured patients also welcomed. Please bring your photo ID and health insurance card (if insured)

Schedule a no-cost mammogram today! Email: cjosephleconte@health.nyc.gov Call: 718-637-5317 or 1-877-628-9090

EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER SAVES LIVES!

September 2024

Help NYC Businesses Avoid Fines - Share the Federal Corporate Transparency Act Requirements

Please help us spread the word to your business networks about a new federal reporting requirement. Enacted to curb illicit finance, the Corporate Transparency Act requires many companies doing business in the United States to report information about the individuals who ultimately own or control them.

Filing is free of charge. Existing companies created before January 1, 2024, must file by January 1, 2025. Companies created or registered after January 1, 2024, have 90 calendar days to file after receiving notice that their company’s creation is effective.

Free resources are available to help businesses.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has developed a compliance guide translated into 11 languages, along with other materials.
The NYC Department of Small Business Services is hosting free webinars to introduce NYC small businesses to the new requirements. Businesses can find the upcoming schedule and register here.

Become a Shape Up NYC Certified Volunteer

If you’re an accredited certified fitness professional who wants to make a real difference in your community, Shape Up NYC is a great opportunity for you. We’re looking for passionate people who want to contribute to their community and provide a valuable service.

About the Opportunity

Our Shape Up NYC volunteers teach free fitness classes in public spaces such as libraries, community centers, older adult centers, recreation centers, and parks (weather permitting) across all five boroughs.

The classes are open to everyone 18+ and only require a commitment of one hour per week for at least 12 weeks. You’ll be able to offer free weekly group fitness classes in your area of expertise, and this role allows for flexibility and creativity.

For more information, visit the NYC Parks website.

NYC Votes: New York State General Election

Early Voting

Sat, October 26, 2024 - Sun, November 3, 2024

Vote early in person before Election Day! Find your early voting site and hours.

Early mail/absentee ballot and voter registration form request deadline

Sat, October 26, 2024

Last day for the Board of Elections to receive an application for Early mail ballot, absentee ballot, and voter registration form by mail, online portal, email, or fax.

Voter registration application deadline

Sat, October 26, 2024

Last day voter registration application must be received by the Board of Elections by mail or in person. Find your borough Board of Elections office.

Early mail/absentee ballot request deadline (in-person)

Mon, November 4, 2024

Last day to apply in person at Board of Elections for Early Mail Ballot and Absentee Ballots. Find your borough Board of Elections office.

Election Day

Tue, November 5, 2024

Polls are open 6am-9pm. Find your poll site.

Deadline to return early mail/absentee ballot

Tue, November 5, 2024

Last day to postmark your early mail ballot and absentee ballot return envelope. Last day to deliver a ballot in person at the Board of Elections or drop it off at a poll site. Find your poll site.

Reminder: New Rules for Trash Begin November 2024

Beginning November 12, 2024, all properties with 1-9 residential units will be required to use bins (55 gallons or less), with secure lids to set out trash. This rule also applies to any special-use building with DSNY collection—including City agencies, houses of worship, and nonprofits.

You can use a compliant bin (55 gallons or less with a secure lid) that you already have, but starting June 2026, you MUST use an Official NYC Bin.

NYC Official Bin

The NYC Bin is available for purchase at a significantly lower price than similar bins at retail stores, at www.bins.nyc or by calling 1-855-NYC-BINS.

Order your Official NYC Bins by October 1 to get guaranteed delivery by November 12!

DSNY will retrofit or replace hundreds of collection trucks by 2026, adding mechanical tipping arms compatible with the new bins. This upgrade will speed up collection and minimize the possibility of spills that occur with manual collection.

Learn more about NYC Bins.

Spread the Word

Join one of our weekly online info sessions to learn more about residential containerization across the city.
Download the flyer to share, available in 11 languages.

Recycling and Composting

NYC Bins are available to order for recycling and composting, although they are not required. Compost must be set out in bins (55 gallons or less) with secure lids. Curbside Composting is mandatory in Brooklyn and Queens and will expand to all five boroughs October 6.

About the New York City Department of Sanitation

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) keeps New York City healthy, safe and clean by collecting, recycling and disposing of waste, cleaning streets and vacant lots, and clearing snow and ice. The Department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms and 705 salt spreaders. The Department clears litter, snow and ice from approximately 6,500 miles of City streets and removes debris from vacant lots as well as abandoned vehicles from City streets.

Brooklyn Bridge – Single Lane Rolling closures - September 25th

On Wednesday, September 25th, the NYC DOT will conduct maintenance on the Brooklyn Bridge. As a result, there will be single-lane, rolling closures in both directions from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. These closures will be limited to the immediate work zone of approximately 40 feet as the work crew progresses. Only one lane at a time will be closed.

Click here for a downloadable version of this notice.

Fall into Free Diabetes Self-Management Classes!

The NYC Health Department is offering Diabetes Self-Management Classes in Bedford Stuyvesant that start September 25th. These workshops are free evidence–based, five or six-week courses in which participants learn tools to help them manage diabetes. The next class will be:

Wednesdays,
September 25th, 2024
to October 23rd, 2024
6:00PM-8:00PM

415 Lexington Avenue, #1B
(Community Room)
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Participants who attend all five classes in a series will receive a free FitBit while supplies last.

Adams Administration Launches NYC Industrial Plan to Boost 21st Century Economy, Support Industrial Businesses and Good-Paying Jobs

For Immediate Release

September 16, 2024

Multilingual Survey, Website Mark the Start of Engagement for the Industrial Development Strategic Plan

New Research Offers Insight into Strengths, Challenges Facing Industrial Sector

NEW YORK – Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick, Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Acting Commissioner Dynishal Gross, and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC) President Andrew Kimball today announced the launch of the NYC Industrial Plan, a comprehensive framework to support the development of industrial businesses and jobs. Outlined in Local Law 172-2023, sponsored by City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias, the New York City Industrial Development Strategic Plan will bolster the development and adaptation of a modern, sustainable industrial economy.

To kick off the planning process, the Adams administration is initiating a period of public engagement, which includes a multilingual survey and outreach to a wide range of stakeholders across New York City, including industrial businesses, service providers, advocates, and New Yorkers who work in and live nearby industrial businesses. In combination with robust analysis of the industrial sector’s strengths and challenges today, the insights gained from this engagement will inform the NYC Industrial Plan’s draft vision and goals. A draft report developed by an interagency team including DCP, EDC, SBS, the Department of Transportation, Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, and other relevant agencies is expected in mid-2025, and the final NYC Industrial Plan will be released by the end of 2025.

New York’s industrial sector plays an important role in the city’s economy, encompassing more than 590,000 public and private sector jobs across sub-sectors of construction, transportation and logistics, wholesaling, information and media, manufacturing, waste management, repair, and energy/utilities. The Industrial Plan comes at a pivotal moment, as the sector adapts to modern business needs and faces challenges such as competition for space and climate change. The plan will serve as a guide for policymakers to support businesses, workers, neighbors and neighborhoods, and the industrial sector as a whole.

In addition to the survey, the NYC Industrial Plan is launching with a website that features new research on the composition and geography of the industrial sector, as well as early descriptions of the challenges it faces and role it plays in the city’s evolving economy. The final plan will include additional detailed research on land use and development conditions in the city’s industrial areas, market research on the growth patterns and space needs of industrial businesses, information on the infrastructure and environmental challenges of industrial areas, and the first ever designation of "Primary Industrial Areas," a new classification for predominantly industrial areas.

The NYC Industrial Plan will build on recent and ongoing initiatives across New York City, including:

the adoption of City of Yes for Economic Opportunity, which updated the city’s commercial and manufacturing zoning for a modern economy;
the Green Economy Action Plan, which laid out a vision, analysis, and policy blueprint for how the city will grow “green jobs,” especially those in industrial sectors;
the EJNYC Report and Mapping Tool which assess key environmental justice issues facing the city;
the development of a Last-Mile Facility Zoning Text Amendment, led by the Department of City Planning;
the Truck Route Network Redesign, led by the NYC Department of Transportation;
the comprehensive freight strategy detailed by NYC DOT in Delivering New York and Delivering Green; and
the Blue Highways initiative to explore waterborne freight and modernize marine infrastructure, led by NYC DOT and NYC EDC.

###

Department of City Planning

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.

Read the full press release

NYC Commission on Human Rights "Understanding New Yorkers' Experiences with Discrimination" Survey

The Commission on Human Rights is requesting your support in spreading the word about our “Understanding New Yorkers’ Experiences with Discrimination” survey!

This comprehensive citywide survey explores New Yorkers' experiences and perceptions of discrimination in their daily lives. The survey covers several key themes around the perceptions of where and why discrimination occurs, contributors to discrimination, willingness to report discrimination and familiarity with the Commission. All responses will inform the Commission’s impact, outreach efforts, and collaborations with other local government agencies.

Available in over 10 languages, this survey is part of our new TogetherNYC campaign, which encourages all New Yorkers to take actions to reduce and prevent discrimination.

Upcoming Track Work on J Line at Broadway-Myrtle Ave

Please be advised there will be scheduled renewal of mainline track on the Jamaica Line (JMZ) north and south of the Broadway-Myrtle Ave Station in Brooklyn. This project is scheduled for two consecutive weekends, commencing on Friday, September 6^th, 2024, and ending on Sunday, September 15^th, 2024. Scheduled working hours will be as follows: 6:00AM-4:00PM on Fridays for preparatory work, which includes the staging of street cranes, track panels and related materials at the crane sites listed below, and 5:00AM-9:00PM on Saturdays and Sundays, for track removal and installation. NYC Transit will have a maximum of two cranes staged adjacent to the elevated structure for hoisting and lowering of track panels and materials at the locations listed below.

NYCDOT-approved flagging and traffic devices will be utilized for the safety of the public. Parking will not be permitted on Myrtle Avenue between Park Avenue and Myrtle Avenue t to allow for traffic diversions, maintaining one lane opened at all times. Parking will also be restricted for 150 feet along each curb lane at each crane location to allow for the placement of cranes and materials.

Crane Locations and Potential Road Closures:

Park Avenue, between Marcus Garvey & Broadway - (Partial Closure 06:00-16:00 Fri / 5:00-21:00 Sat & Sun).

Lewis Avenue, between Broadway & Myrtle Ave - (Closed 06:00-16:00 Fri / 05:00-21:00 Sat & Sun).

Stockton St, between Lewis Ave & Broadway - (Closed 06:00-16:00 Fri / 05:00-21:00 Sat & Sun).

Broadway, between Park Ave & Myrtle Ave - (Reduced to (1) Lane in each direction 5:00-21:00 Sat & Sun).

Crane Locations & Street Closures:

Broadway, between Myrtle Ave & Vernon Ave – (Closed 05:00-21:00 Saturday & Sunday).

Stuyvesant Ave, between Broadway & Vernon Ave - (Closed 06:00-16:00 Fri / 05:00-21:00 Sat & Sun).

We thank the local communities for their patience while we perform this important capital work in order to maintain the safety and efficiency of the track in this area.

News: 2024 Fall SAFE Disposal Events Start Soon!

Fall SAFE Disposal Events Start Soon!

First Event is Saturday, September 14 in Queens;

Events Give Residents an Easy Way to Dispose of Potentially Harmful Household Items

The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced its fall 2024 SAFE Disposal (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics) Events schedule. The events provide city residents an easy way to safely dispose of potentially harmful household products. The first event of the season will be held Saturday, September 14, at the Cunningham Park, Ball Field Parking Lot in Queens.

Household products such as pesticides, strong cleaners, mercury-containing devices, paints, automotive fluids, and medications may be brought to the drop-off events. Residents can also bring electronics, which may no longer be collected with trash and other recycling, due to a New York state law. Only city residential waste will be accepted.

The Department will hold five SAFE Disposal events this fall, one in each borough. All events are rain or shine, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fall events are:

Saturday, September 14 - Queens

Cunningham Park, Ball Field Parking Lot
Cars enter on Francis Lewis Boulevard between Union Turnpike and Grand Central Parkway

Sunday, September 22 - Manhattan

Union Square, North Plaza
South side of 17th Street, between Park Avenue South and Broadway
Cars approach from Park Avenue South & 20th Street

Sunday, September 29 - Brooklyn

Brooklyn Army Terminal, Pier 4 Parking Lot
Cars line up at 63rd Street and 2nd Avenue (follow blue signs to Ferry Parking)
Co-Sponsored by NYCEDC

Saturday, October 19 – Staten Island

Midland Beach Parking Lot 8
Father Capodanno Boulevard & Hunter Avenue
Cars approach from Slater Boulevard

Saturday, October 26 - Bronx

Orchard Beach Parking Lot
Cars follow Park Drive to the end

To identify harmful products, look for items marked DANGER, WARNING, POISON, or CAUTION.

Examples of Accepted Items

Automotive products such as motor oil, transmission fluid, and auto batteries
Personal care items like unwanted medicines or cosmetics
Thermometers
Syringes (clearly labeled and packaged in a “sharps” container or other leak proof, puncture-resistant container)
Household products such as pesticides, paint, hazardous cleaners, compact fluorescent light bulbs
Electronics, such as computers, televisions, and printers

Materials collected are either recycled, blended for fuel, or sent to licensed hazardous waste treatment facilities for safe disposal.

For those unable to participate in these events, visit www.nyc.gov/safedisposal or contact 311 for additional disposal options.

More information, with full list of accepted items, available at nyc.gov/SafeEvents.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO SPRAY FOR ADULT MOSQUITOES IN PARTS OF QUEENS AND BROOKLYN-QUEENS TO REDUCE RISK OF WEST NILE VIRUS

Trucks Will Spray Pesticide in Parts of Queens and Brooklyn-Queens on September 10 and 12, Respectively.

September 5, 2024 – To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the Health Department will conduct adulticide treatments in Queens and Brooklyn.

Trucks will spray pesticides in sections of Queens beginning Tuesday, September 10, 2024, between the hours of 8:30 PM and 6:00 AM the following morning. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Wednesday, September 11, 2024, between the hours of 8:30 PM and 6:00 AM the following morning.

Trucks will spray pesticides in sections of Brooklyn-Queens beginning on Thursday, September 12, 2024, between the hours of 10:30 PM and 6:00 AM the following morning. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Monday, September 16, 2024, between the hours of 10:30 PM and 6:00 AM the following morning.

The Health Department will use very low concentrations of Anvil® 10+10, Duet® or MERUS® 3. The risks of pesticides applied by the Health Department for mosquito control are low to people and pets. Some people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short-term eye or throat irritation, or a rash. People with respiratory conditions may also be affected.

To stay safe during spraying:

Stay indoors, whenever possible.
Air conditioners can remain on. While unnecessary, you may wish to close air conditioner vents, or choose the recirculate function.

After spraying:

Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
Always wash fruits and vegetables with water.

The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water. New Yorkers are also encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors.

Reducing exposure to mosquitoes

Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.

Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv. For more information about West Nile virus, call 311 or visit nyc.gov.

Locations of truck spraying in Queens for Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Borough	Neighborhoods	Boundaries	Zip Codes
Queens	Parts of Arverne, Arverne By The Sea, Bayswater, Belle Harbor, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Hammels, Neponsit, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, Seaside, Somerville, and Wave Crest.	Bordered by Beach 149 Street to the West; Jamaica Bay to the North; Queens-Nassau County Boundary to the East; and Atlantic Ocean to the South.	Parts of 11691, 11692, 11693, and 11694.

Locations of truck spraying in Brooklyn-Queens for Tuesday, September 12, 2024

Borough	Neighborhoods	Boundaries	Zip Codes
Brooklyn-Queens	Parts of Broadway Junction, Brownsville, Bushwick, Cypress Hills, East Williamsburg, Ocean Hill, and Ridgewood.	Bordered by Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to the West; Newtown Creek, Scott Avenue, Johnson Avenue, Cypress Avenue, Menahan Street, Wyckoff Avenue, Halsey Street, Irving Avenue, Cooper Avenue, Cypress Avenue, Jackie Robinson Parkway to the North; Cypress Hills Street, Euclid Avenue to the East; and, Atlantic Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, Pitkin Avenue, Howard Avenue, Broadway, Myrtle Avenue, Marcy Avenue to the South.	Parts of 11206, 11207, 11208, 11211, 11212, 11221, 11222, 11233, 11237, and 11385

###

  #M12-24

  MEDIA CONTACT: Patrick Gallahue: pressoffice@health.nyc.gov

44th Annual GreenThumb Harvest Fair

Get ready for the 44th Annual GreenThumb Harvest Fair on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at El Jardin del Paraiso at 710 E 5th St. in Manhattan. Join us and GreenThumb community gardeners in celebrating the start of fall with workshops, live entertainment, healthy cooking demonstrations, and more!

At this year's Harvest Fair, take part in our 2024 Harvest Fair Passport! Complete a few assignments during the event to get three stamps in order to receive a 2024 GreenThumb gardener t-shirt with the winning t-shirt design by Melissa Zavala! Assignments include visiting a greening partner table, visiting the Harvest Fair Competition display, and more.

Keep an eye out for our special Harvest Fair Newsletter going out the week of Harvest Fair for a full schedule of the day!

Rain Date:
In case of severe weather, a smaller scale event will take place at El Jardin del Paraiso on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

Volunteer at the GreenThumb Harvest Fair 2024

We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist at the 44th Annual GreenThumb Harvest Fair on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at El Jardin del Paraiso in Manhattan. To volunteer, you must be 18 or older and able to commit to the entire event from 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and a 1-hour virtual volunteer orientation. Lunch and t-shirt will be provided. For more information and to register, please fill out the 2024 Harvest Fair Volunteer Form.

What Makes for Quality Services in HIV Prevention?

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) would like to know what you think quality HIV prevention and sexual health care should look like in New York City, including HIV testing, STI testing and treatment, HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and emergency PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), immediate initiation of HIV treatment, and supportive services.

Take our brief survey, here, by September 13, 2024. The survey should take five to 10 minutes. Your feedback will inform the NYC Health Department’s future HIV prevention and sexual health programming and services.

Greater New York Veteran and Military Family Summit at Yankee Stadium

The New York City Department of Veterans Services (NYCDVS) are thrilled to invite you to the Greater NYC Veteran and Military Family Summit, a landmark event hosted at Yankee Stadium on Friday, September 20th, 2024. This summit is a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Blue Star Families, and the Center for Women Veterans, dedicated to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

Date: September 20, 2024

Location: Yankee Stadium | 1 East 161st Street The Bronx, NY 10451

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.

Registration Link: Greater NYC Veteran and Military Family Summit

The summit aims to bridge gaps and build a stronger community for those who have served our nation. It is more than just a gathering; it is a commitment to recognizing the challenges veterans and military families face and providing them with the resources they need to thrive.

Our Partners and Their Roles

Blue Star Families plays a crucial role in addressing the isolation often felt by military families as they transition into new communities. Each year, about 600,000 families move, and Blue Star Families is dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and community for these families through initiatives like the Blue Star Welcome Week, taking place nationally, this year, from September 21st to 29th. The Craig Newmark New York Tri-State Chapter is kicking off their Welcome Week with us at Yankee Stadium.

The Center for Women Veterans advocates for equitable access to VA benefits and services for women veterans. Established by Congress in 1994, the center is committed to empowering women veterans to achieve their life goals through education, outreach, and collaboration with community stakeholders. Their involvement ensures that the unique needs of women veterans are addressed and supported.

The Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC) is an integral part of the summit, providing direct assistance to veterans and their families. The VEAC brings together VA, state, and community partners to offer one-on-one help with VA health care enrollment, claims and appeals filing, PACT Act eligibility, survivor benefits, and more. This is an invaluable opportunity for veterans to connect with experts who can guide them through the benefits available.

Be sure to check out the flyer for a breakdown of the day’s events. Your involvement is essential in helping us reach every veteran and military family who could benefit from the services and activities offered. Together, we can build a network of support and solidarity, ensuring that those who have served feel valued and connected.

Help us spread the word and maximize participation by sharing the attached flyer. Let’s come together to make a meaningful impact in the lives of veterans and their families, honoring their sacrifices with the support and resources they deserve.

We look forward to welcoming you to Yankee Stadium on September 20th for this important and inspiring event!

UPDATE 9/17 Rat Academy with Spanish Interpretation

We are happy to announce that our Rat Academy on September 17, 2024 at 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. will have live Spanish Interpretation available.

Nos complace anunciar que nuestra Rat Academy el 17 de septiembre de 2024 a las 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. tendrá interpretación en español en vivo disponible.

Regístrese aquí.

play:groundNYC Second Location Search

Building on the success of our flagship adventure playground on Governors Island, play:groundNYC is launching a search for a second location to bring transformative adventure play to even more young people across New York City.

Have a site or an idea for us? Respond to our request for interest now with an extended deadline: October 1, 2024.

An adventure playground is a child-led zone where children direct their own play, supported by trained playworkers. At an adventure playground, children build and destroy structures, interact with nature, dress up, use tools, paint, dig, and so much more. They take physical, social, and emotional risks that develop their confidence, creativity, collaboration skills, and independence.

Adventure playgrounds offer an important “third place” for children, beyond home and school. They provide employment and community for the neighborhood. And they participate in the city’s climate resiliency by connecting children to natural features, absorbing stormwater, and repurposing materials otherwise destined for landfill.

Adventure playgrounds offer critical opportunities for city children to engage in independent, creative, and unstructured play, and are particularly suitable for 6- to 12-year-olds who are aging out of fixed play equipment like swings and slides.

play:groundNYC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming New York City through play. Since our founding in 2016, our playworkers have welcomed tens of thousands of children at our adventure playground, The Yard on Governors Island, through both free weekends and paid summer camp programs. We also serve over 1,000 children every year on field trips and at free pop-ups throughout the city.

FREE Construction Training

Registration is now open for upcoming Carpentry, Plumbing and Electrical training at Positive Learning Center.

Visit us at www.plc-nyc.org/training to register online or use the direct links below:

Carpentry begins Monday, September 9 & registration closes Tuesday, September 3 at 6:00PM - REGISTER HERE à

https://form.jotform.com/242255476822157

Electrical begins Monday, September 9 & registration closes Tuesday, September 3 at 6:00PM - REGISTER HERE à

https://form.jotform.com/242256514292152

Plumbing begins Monday, September 23 & registration closes Monday, September 16 at 6:00PM - REGISTER HERE à

https://form.jotform.com/242256027786159

August 2024

MTA IBX September Open House

The Interborough Express (IBX) will be kicking off the environmental review process and preliminary engineering as the next steps in this exciting and transformative project that would create 14 miles of new public transit between Brooklyn and Queens.

Attend our upcoming Open House to learn more about the project and how to share your feedback. Register here: https://bit.ly/3XhQviz.

Open House

Monday, 9/16/2024

6:00 – 8:00 pm

127 Pennsylvania Avenue (3rd Floor)

Brooklyn, NY 11207

RSVP Here

You can learn more about the IBX here.

New school year, new housing questions. Get your housing answers here – NOW with translation!

Look no further for your NYC housing answers. Housing Information Classes covers all the housing questions you have. Presented by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) in partnership with NYC Public Schools’ Parent University.

Live translation available in Spanish and Chinese! For translation into other languages please indicate when you register!

All classes are 100% free and taught over Zoom.

Learn from experts about all the housing resources you can access for free. From pest removal to responding to violations to navigating Housing Court. Our classes are taught by the housing experts that renters and homeowners need to work with.

We’re ready to help everyone: tenants and homeowners, new residents and long-time New Yorkers.

Classes Schedule:

Sept 5 at 1pm – Flood Preparedness: Preparing Families and Communities for Coastal Storms – REGISTER HERE
Sept 17 at 6pm - Owning a Home in NYC – REGISTER HERE
Sept 25 at 6pm – Tenants: Know Your Rights – REGISTER HERE
Sept 30 at 6pm – NYC Housing Connect: The Affordable Housing Lottery – REGISTER HERE
Oct 8 at 6pm – Rental Housing Discrimination and Harassment – REGISTER HERE
Oct 15 at 12pm – Financial Literacy for Housing – REGISTER HERE
Oct 22 at 12pm – Rental Housing Discrimination and Harassment – REGISTER HERE

More classes coming! Check the HPD Events page (filter categories by Housing Information Class).

Planned Service Change: No M Service: Sept 7-8, 14-15

Please be advised that due to track replacement work there will be no M service from 3:30AM Saturday to 10:00PM Sunday on Sept 7-8^th and Sept 14-15^th.

Free shuttle buses will make stops between Middle Village-Metropolitan Av and Marcy Av.
J trains will provide service between Marcy Av and Delancey St-Essex St.

(No J between Broadway Junction and Marcy Av during this time).

For direct service to/from Manhattan, take the L via transfer at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs.

Transfer between trains and shuttle buses at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs or Marcy Av.
When exiting Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs or Marcy Av, get a GO ticket for re-entry into the subway.

As always please consult the MTA website or the MyMTA app for the latest service information and alternative service options. Customers can also sign up for the MTA’s customer real-time email and text alert system, or call 511 for service-related information. To stay up-to-date on weekend service, customers can sign up for our MTA Weekender newsletter.

Planned Service Change: No J between Broadway Junction-Marcy Av: Sept 7-8, 14-15

Please be advised that due to track replacement work there will be no J service in Brooklyn between Broadway Junction and Marcy Av from 3:30AM Saturday to 10:00PM Sunday, on Sept 7-8^th and Sept 14-15^th.

J service will run in two sections:

Between Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer and Broadway Junction

Between Marcy Av and Broad St

Free shuttle buses will make stops between Broadway Junction and Marcy Av. For service between Brooklyn and Manhattan, customers can take the A, C, or L via transfer at Broadway Junction.

Transfer between J and Shuttle Buses at Broadway Junction and/or Marcy Av
Transfer between J and A, C at Delancey St-Essex St
When exiting Broadway Junction or Marcy Av, customers can get a GO ticket for re-entry into the subway.

You're Invited! Apply to Implement a PB Project in Your Community

We are excited to announce that the Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) is taking applications from organizations for the implementation of 20 community-driven expense projects funded through the city's participatory budgeting (PB) initiative, The People’s Money. Take a look at this year's winning projects here. All 20 projects were proposed, vetted, and selected by the community through this PB process which engaged over 140,000 New Yorkers.

Your organization is invited to apply for this upcoming opportunity! We are looking for impactful projects that can make a significant difference in our neighborhoods. The PB initiative is designed to support projects that address a wide range of community priorities, including but not limited to education, health, safety, and arts.

Eligible applicants must:

Be a registered 501C3 non-profit organization operating in NYC.
Have a proven track record of successful project implementation.
Demonstrate strong ties to the community and a deep understanding of local needs in the neighborhoods where the project will be implemented.
Be capable of managing the project within the proposed budget and timeline.
Be able to attend an in-person onboarding training.
Have the ability to send at least 1 designated staff person who works on the impact assessment of the project to a series of 10 in-person evaluation-focused workshops.

Additional details about the application:

Where to apply: Apply by filling out and submitting this form. Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on September 10^th.
Guidelines: Applications may be submitted by a single organization or by a coalition of organizations. Learn more about how and what it means to apply as a coalition in the application FAQ.
Projects: See a list of all the winning projects here. Projects must be implemented in the geographies specified.
Funding: Projects will be funded through allocated city funds for the participatory budgeting initiative. See the winning projects page to find out more about how much each project will be funded.

Register to attend an our application information sessions on Zoom:

08/16/24 - Register here
08/20/24 - Register here

We also encourage you to share this opportunity with your network and/or community partners! If you’re not interested in applying to implement a project, we are looking for passionate community-based partners to evaluate and score applications for this funding initiative. If you would like to participate in this way, reach out to opportunities@civicengagement.nyc.gov.

LL 154 of 2021- Periodic Gas Piping System Inspections

Local Law 154 of 2021 prohibits the onsite combustion of fuels that emit more than 25kg CO2 / MMBTU.

What does this mean?

The City is phasing out the usage of natural gas and fuel oil in buildings for cooking, heating and service hot water (Service HW). This impacts appliances such as cooking ranges and clothes dryers.

What types of applications are affected and when?

New Building or Alt-CO New Building with Existing Elements to Remain (alterations that must be filed as New Buildings), submitting applications on or after these dates:

January 1, 2024: - Group R-3 (1,2 family homes)

- All other occupancies less than 7 stories (excluding Service HW)

- December 31, 2024: for NYC School Construction Authority projects

- December 31, 2025: for Affordable Housing* less than 7 stories (excluding Service HW)

- July 2, 2027: for all occupancies (includes Service HW)

- December 31, 2027: for Affordable Housing* 7 stories or taller (includes Service HW)

*50% or more of the units are subject to a regulatory agreement, restrictive declaration, or similar instrument with a federal, state, or local governmental entity or instrumentality for the creation or preservation of affordable housing.

Are there exceptions to the law?

Yes. The following are exceptions to the law:

- Buildings used by a regulated utility for energy generation

- Buildings operated by DEP for treatment of sewage or food waste

- Specific spaces within buildings in which fossil fuels are necessary for a manufacturing use or purpose, such as:

- Laboratories

- Laundromats

- Hospitals and Crematoria

- Commercial Kitchens

- For Emergency or Standby Power

ANNUAL PARAPET OBSERVATION

Gentle Reminder - Annual Parapet Observations

Beginning on January 1, 2024, every building owner must have an observation of the parapet on their building(s) performed in accordance with the requirements of Section 28-301.1.1 of the New York City Administrative Code. This requirement applies to all buildings with parapets fronting the public right-of-way, regardless of height.

EXCEPT:

Detached 1- or 2- family homes
buildings with a fence or other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall.

The observation must include close-up inspections of the entire parapet which could be conducted from a fire escape or roof. See 1 RCNY §103-15 for more information on observation and report requirements.

Report Requirements The person performing the observation or the owner in consultation with the person performing the observation is required to prepare a report of the observation. Owners must maintain the observation reports for at least 6 years and make the reports available to DOB upon request. Review 1 RCNY §103-15 for more information about the observation and report requirements.

As per Maintenance of Buildings_Chapter3 §28 - 301.1.1 Parapets.

A building’s parapet shall be maintained in a safe condition. A building owner must have an annual parapet observation performed as described in the rules of the department. This observation must be performed on all buildings, regardless of height

How is a parapet defined? 1 RCNY 103-15 defines a parapet as the part of any wall entirely above the roof line

What is considered a public right-of-way? The elevation of an exterior wall is part of the public right-of-way if a member of the public who is not associated with the property in question can freely walk up to the façade of the building, even if that exterior wall is on private property. Buildings with a continuous barrier within a perpendicular distance from the exterior wall that is equal to or less than half the height of the exterior wall must be inspected.

Helpful Links:

Parapet FAQs

1 RCNY §103-15

Parapets - Buildings

The People's Money Vote Results Are in!

I am excited to announce that we have the vote results of The People’s Money, New York City’s annual citywide participatory budgeting process! From May 1 through June 16, close to 140,000 New Yorkers voted to select 20 community projects to be funded with $3.5 million in mayoral expense funding. The winning projects address a variety of community priorities, such as youth job training and college preparedness, mental wellness, food access services for older adults and people with disabilities, art programming, and employment readiness for immigrants. The projects will be implemented by community organizations to be selected through a competitive process.

Distribution of project funding for each borough is based on population and poverty indicators. The list of winning projects and breakdown of funding is:

In the Bronx, five projects will be funded with $174,000 each: Job Training for Young Adults and Adults in Trade Work; College Prep and Career Readiness for Youth; Creative Mental Wellness Program for Families with Children; Slashing Bronx Hunger and Boosting Knowledge About Healthy Eating; Youth Activity and Enrichment Program with the Arts.
In Brooklyn, five projects will be funded with $200,000 each: Life Prep for High School Students 101; Language and Job Recertification Information for Immigrants; Errands for Older Adults and People with Disabilities; Path to Success: Positive Money Habits; Home Repair Liaisons for Older Adults.
In Queens, five projects will be funded with $170,000 each: Healthy Meals Partnership; Youth Empowerment Afterschool Workshops; Connection Resource Center; Bridging the Skills Gaps: Job Training for High Schoolers; Connectivity Program for Seniors.
In Manhattan, four projects will be funded with $150,00 each: Mothers' Matter; Restorative Justice Education for Youth; Self- Defense Education for Women; Resource Outreach for People with Disabilities.
On Staten Island, one project will be funded with $180,000: Building Success for High School Students.

The projects listed on the five borough ballots were selected by demographically representative Borough Assembly Committees made up of volunteers who reviewed hundreds of project ideas submitted by New Yorkers in the Idea Generation Phase.

Based on the participation of hundreds of New Yorkers during idea generation and the vote period, we are convinced that New Yorkers know best about the challenges in their communities, they want to be at the table to propose solutions, and to have a direct say in how the City budget is spent to respond to their priorities.

The People’s Money exemplifies our commitment to put community voice first. We are grateful to over 100 partners who made it possible to reach thousands of residents all across the City and to all the residents who added their voices to this process.

We are excited to partner with community organizations to implement the projects so that New Yorkers will see direct results of their participation and have proof that their voices have impact.

Thank you for your commitment to democracy, and your support for the People’s Money!

Dr. Sarah Sayeed
Chair and Executive Director
NYC Civic Engagement Commission

2024 Trick or Streets - Expression of Interest Form

The New York City Department of Transportation is excited to announce the third annual Trick-or-Streets season! Today, we would like to encourage you to fill out the Trick-or-Streets Expression of Interest form to become an official participant in this year's festivities. The deadline to submit an expression of interest is Friday, August 30th at 5 pm.

Why participate?

Reimagine public spaces: Show what's possible when we come together!
Unleash the Halloween spirit: Celebrate the spookiest season in style!
Get the word out: Be featured on the official website and socials!

Trick-or-Streets is NYC DOT’s annual citywide celebration of the Halloween season. We host and work with community partners to plan activations throughout the entire month of October leading up to Halloween, adding space for more pedestrian circulation during one of the busiest times of the year for NYC’s streets. We are looking forward to working with even more Open Streets, Plaza, and community partners on the fun and engaging Halloween events that you may already be planning! This is an opportunity to gather with your community in a car-free space and experience the Halloween holiday like never before! While not guaranteed, in some cases NYC DOT may be able to offer limited support for your event! Support includes providing free programming and festive giveaways! Plus, your event will be featured on the NYC DOT website and regularly promoted through press releases and social media. With your participation, we can reimagine what is possible in our public spaces, all while celebrating the spookiest time of year!

For more information about our ghoulish public realm initiative, please visit the official Trick-or-Streets website (nyc.gov/TrickOrStreets). We will be adding new and exciting information, events, and announcements to the website as we get closer to the October launch, so stay tuned!

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions and share this opportunity widely. We're looking forward to the scary good times ahead!

https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/trickorstreets.shtml

Fall into Free Diabetes Self-Management Classes!

The NYC Health Department Bureau of Brooklyn Neighborhood Health is offering Diabetes Self-Management Classes that start next week! These workshops are free evidence–based, five or six-week courses in which participants learn tools to help them manage diabetes.

Participants who attend all five classes in a series will receive a free FitBit while supplies last. Below is information for the upcoming classes:

Interfaith (Virtual Classes)
(Link provided after registration)
Thursdays, 08/15/24- 09/19/24
From 5:30PM-7:00PM

NEBHDCO
376 Throop Ave Brooklyn, NY 11221
Fridays, 09/06/24-10/04/24
From 11:00AM-1:00PM

Restoration
415 Lexington Avenue, #1B
(Community Room)
Brooklyn, NY 11216
Wednesdays, 09/25/24 -10/23/24
From 06:00PM-08:00PM

Please consider sharing this information with anyone you know.

Evergreen Business Engagement Survey 2024 Closing Monday 8/12!

Our annual survey is closing soon and we need your feedback ASAP! We at Evergreen are asking you to respond to our Business Engagement Survey which is closing on Monday so we can be best positioned to support you! Survey results are used to inform our organization's priorities, advocacy campaigns and program offerings.

Your information will not be shared publicly.

You may have met this summer's Evergreen interns, Luke Rogers and Leo Shaw, as they were visiting business throughout our catchment area. If you did not have time to chat when they visited your business, please fill out our survey now! If you prefer to meet with staff you can still schedule an appointment to meet either at your place of business or over the telephone to discuss your business needs.

Otherwise, please fill out the survey online at your convenience. Please complete the survey with as much detail as possible. The entire survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Monday is the last day to submit your responses.

If you have any questions please contact Karen Nieves.

New rules for setting out trash begin November 2024

Attention property owners and managers: Beginning November 12, 2024, all properties with 1-9 residential units will be required to use bins (55 gallons or less), with secure lids to set out trash.

You can use a compliant bin (55 gallons or less with a secure lid) that you already have, but starting June 2026, you MUST use an Official NYC Bin.

The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is committed to making New York City cleaner and healthier by removing bags of trash on the street and reducing rats—improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. The NYC Bin is the next step in New York City's plan to get black bags of garbage off the streets and make our city cleaner and safer for all New Yorkers.

Order your Official NYC Bins by October 1st to comply with new rules for setting out trash!

The NYC Bin is available for purchase at a significantly lower price than similar bins at retail stores, at www.bins.nyc or by calling 1-855-NYC-BINS.

DSNY will retrofit or replace hundreds of collection trucks, adding mechanical tipping arms compatible with the new bins. This upgrade will speed up collection and minimize the possibility of spills that occur with manual collection.

Learn more about NYC Bins.

Recycling and Composting

Learn More!

Join one of our weekly online info sessions to learn more about residential containerization across the city.

SBS Resources Available to Help Businesses Impacted By An Emergency

As the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby move into the region, the New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a Travel Advisory for Tuesday, August 6 into Wednesday, August 7. The National Weather Service has issued a citywide Flood Watch in effect from 2:00 p.m. Tuesday to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday.

The resources listed below can help guide businesses before, during, and after an emergency. Please help spread the word.

Communications Toolkit: Please amplify messaging from Notify NYC and SBS social media accounts. Additionally, the information listed on our website can be shared by email, text, or social media post as a whole or in parts, depending on a specific disruptive event:

Collateral to Print for In-person Outreach: If your organization is planning to go door-to-door visiting businesses in your neighborhood before or after an emergency, please print and hand out SBS's emergency services brochure in English +13 other languages. These can also be emailed to your constituents as a PDF attachment. Do not modify or convert these files to images that will be embedded on websites, in e-mails, etc., which makes them inaccessible for people with disabilities. Learn more about accessibility and best practices here.

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Mobile Car Wash Enforcement Transfer

Due to recent law changes, Local Law 32 of 2024, in relation to unlicensed mobile car wash operators, DCWP launched an outreach campaign to create greater awareness of mobile car wash license requirements and inform community members of the transition of future enforcement efforts to the Department of Sanitation (DSNY). We have shared information directly to operators regarding the license application process and penalties regarding operating without a license.

The outreach efforts conclude on August 14, 2024. Starting August 15, 2024, please send all inquiries regarding Mobile Car Wash enforcement to the Department of Sanitation.

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY FOR HEAVY RAINFALL AND POTENTIAL FLASH FLOODING

NYCEM ACTIVATES CITY'S FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY PLAN AND PLACES CITY'S RESPONSE AGENCIES AND CREWS ON ALERT

A second heavy rainfall is also possible later this week as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby move into the region

August 5, 2024 – The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a Travel Advisory for Tuesday, August 6 into Wednesday, August 7. The National Weather Service has issued a citywide Flood Watch in effect from 2:00 p.m. tomorrow Tuesday to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday. According to the latest forecast, a frontal boundary will move through the metro area beginning tomorrow and will stall in the region into Wednesday. A few isolated showers and thunderstorms may produce briefly heavy rainfall and minor flooding as early as tomorrow morning with storms increasing in coverage by the afternoon. More widespread showers and thunderstorms may develop over the city overnight into Wednesday morning, with the potential for continued storm activity during the day Wednesday. As of right now, the worst of the impacts are anticipated tomorrow evening and overnight into early Wednesday morning.

The magnitude and location of heavy rain and flooding remains uncertain. Currently, the NWS predicts the heaviest rain to occur to the southwest of the city. The latest forecast calls for 1 to 2 inches of rain with locally higher amounts possible. Increased amounts will be possible if the boundary stalls directly over the city.

In terms of impacts, flash flooding of roadways and properties may occur quickly, particularly in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Underground infrastructure, including basements, may also experience flooding. While much of the flooding is expected to be localized, more extensive flooding will be possible depending on where the boundary stalls. Travel delays and disruptions will also be possible during both the evening commute tomorrow and again Wednesday morning. In addition, there’s a low chance for severe thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon and evening producing sudden strong to damaging wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph, which may blow down trees and cause localized power outages.

New Yorkers are strongly urged to subscribe to emergency weather alerts on Notify NYC, which amplifies all National Weather Service advisories, watches and warnings in 14 languages including American Sign Language, and to stay informed about weather conditions from trusted sources. NYCEM encourages New Yorkers in the next few days to exercise caution when traveling, expect travel delays, and to remain off the roads during and after active weather to allow crews to operate and respond to weather conditions.

In preparation for the forecasted weather conditions, NYC Emergency Management has activated the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan. This proactive measure includes enhanced coordination with the National Weather Service, city and state agencies, utility providers, and private sector partners. Coordinated interagency calls are being organized to brief partners on emerging risks, review operational plans for potential severe weather, and to prepare them for possible escalation in their own response measures. Specialized emergency assets and response teams are on standby, ready for rapid deployment as conditions warrant.

The City's Emergency Operations Center, already active due to the ongoing asylum seeker humanitarian crisis, has enhanced its posture to address the potential weather hazards. Crews from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation are actively inspecting and clearing catch basins in flood-prone areas. Additionally, NYC Emergency Management's 24/7 Watch Command continues to track the progress and development of any further systems forming in the Atlantic basin on a 24/7 basis.

NYCEM strongly advises all residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas and basement apartments, to take immediate steps to prepare for the approaching storm and future weather event, starting with prioritizing their safety by staying alert and informed by monitoring the latest forecasts and updates from NYC Emergency Management, create a plan to ensure safety during a storm, and prepare a Go Bag with essential supplies like food, water, first aid, and other necessities.

NYC Emergency Management issued the following guidance to help New Yorkers and their family stay safe, regardless of the storm's ultimate course:

Allow for extra travel time and expect delays with little to no notice. Use public transportation whenever possible.
Do not walk, bike, or drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.
If you live in a basement or below-grade apartment, be aware that you may be vulnerable to flooding. Follow city guidance for additional actions aimed at below-grade dwellings: before or during heavy rain, remove debris from catch basins in your area to allow the water to enter, and pick up the leaves from your yard to keep them from clogging streets and catch basins. Prepare to move to higher ground if flooding begins, even if it's raining.
Ahead of the weather, property owners and managers should clean their property, including roofs, crawlspaces, vents, decks/patios, and gutters. Dispose of any debris that could become dangerous projectiles during a storm.
Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
If you require assistance for daily activities, make arrangements in advance for support during the expected weather, ensuring caregivers are aware of and prepared for the weather conditions.
Charge your phones and keep a flashlight and batteries handy. If you lose power and have a disability and/or use life-sustaining equipment and need immediate assistance, call 911.
Always have an emergency kit in your car. It should include items like blankets, a flashlight, water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a snow shovel.
To report power outages, downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment, call your power provider immediately to report the outage. Con Edison’s 24-hour hotline is 800-75-CONED (752-6633) (TTY: 800-642-2308). You can also report an outage online on Con Edison's website. National Grid’s 24-hour hotline is 718-643-4050 (TTY: 718-237-2857). PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour hotline is 800-490-0025 (TTY: 631-755-6660).

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/WeatherUpdates. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, New Yorkers can visit the Notify NYC website, call 311, or download the free Notify NYC app for your Android or Apple device. You can now text to 692-692, using the code NOTIFYNYC, NOTIFYNYCESP (Spanish), and NOTIFYFRE (French) to be instantly enrolled to receive the highest priority, verified alerts across all the five boroughs.

MEDIA CONTACT: Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)

@nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)

Facebook: /NYCemergencymanagement

The Advance Warning System (AWS) alerts organizations who work with people with disabilities and access and functional needs to various types of hazards and emergencies in New York City that may affect people's independence and daily lives. Participating organizations receive public preparedness and emergency information that they can relay to their clients and other similar agencies. If you work for an organization that serves people with disabilities or access and functional needs you can subscribe for AWS Alerts at the following link: https://www2.pardot.health.nyc.gov/e/944933/aws/nlmnr/544691557/h/3JchgNQnsp2aqq4WIBJjtT_VbQZAePEBVYCFm1qTUmI

District 34 Trash Force - Office of Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez

This is a reminder that our office leads a District 34 trash force. The trash force is a good way to encourage people to participate in our clean-up and tree care events. Also, the trash force is a way for our office to advocate for any trash concerns that constituents are experiencing. We encourage constituents to submit 311 complaints and our sheet so our office can follow up with the appropriate agencies.

If you can help spread the word by posting the flier online or handing it out to your families and friends, it will be greatly appreciated.

Trash Force Flier

To submit a complaint - bit.ly/TrashForce311

To volunteer - bit.ly/TrashForceVols

July 2024

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE ADVISE NEW YORKERS TO BEAT THE HEAT

Heat Emergency Plan activated Wednesday through at least Thursday.

Cooling centers will open across the city through Thursday, Aug. 1. To find locations, including hours of operation, call 311 or visit the City’s Cool Options Map.

New Yorkers should also take advantage of additional cool options such as museums, movie theaters, coffee shops, pools, houses of worship, or a neighbor, friend, or family member's home.

July 31, 2024 — New York City Emergency Management Department and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advise New Yorkers to take precautions as dangerously high heat is expected beginning Wednesday afternoon and extending through at least Thursday. NYC Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the forecast as the city faces another heat advisory. Additionally, beachgoers are urged to exercise caution at beaches due to a high risk of life-threatening rip currents.

NYCEM and the Health Department urge New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. For more information, including heat-related health tips and warning signs of heat illness, visit NYC.gov/health or NYC.gov/beattheheat. In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner.

To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City cooling centers will be open throughout the five boroughs. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City's Cool Options Map. This year's newly-revamped map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and cool options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat. New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers.

New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more. These resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. New York City outdoor pools are generally open 11AM-7PM, Olympic and intermediate-sized pools will be open through 8PM on Wednesday. State Parks, including Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park pool and Roberto Clemente State Park pool are open, call ahead to confirm.

During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access a designated cooling area. DSS staff and the agency’s not-for-profit contracted outreach teams engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7/365 and redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness to services and shelter.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS DURING EXTREME HEAT

Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older, and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events.

Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.

Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.

Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM.

Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty (avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine), rest in the shade, and watch out for others on outdoor teams. Employers are required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.

Eat small, frequent meals.

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Participate in activities to keep cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.

Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and cannot fall on someone below.

Never leave a child or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:

Hot dry skin

Trouble breathing

Rapid heartbeat

Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.

Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.

Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fire safely and quickly.

Use “spray caps” to reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death:

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death:

Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.”

Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.

Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.

Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.

Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.

If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.

Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.

Join us for Rat Academy Training this August!

To register for a training, click on the date.

If you are interested in working with the Health Department to sponsor a virtual or in-person training, contact the Health Department and select Pest Control as a Health Topic.

Virtual

Virtual Rat Academy for Community Gardeners

Tuesday, August 27, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sincerely,
Rat Academy Staff
Pest Control Services
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

We Need Your Help to Promote Student OMNY Tapping

At the start of this school year, all eligible students will receive brand new Student OMNY Cards with expanded transit benefits. Starting September 5^th, students can tap their Student OMNY card to receive:

Four free rides every day  
All day (not just certain hours) 
Every day of the year (not just school days)
Even weekends, and over the summer
One card for the entire year

The new Student OMNY card is a faster, easier, and better way to ride! Every tap helps bring better service to your neighborhood. Learn more about the Student OMNY program here.

DOE and SCA Five Year FY2025 - 2029 Capital Plan July 2024

The Department of Education (DOE) and the School Construction Authority (SCA) are publishing an updated capital plan for Fiscal Year 2025 - 2029 with a total funding of $19 billion. This Plan reflects a significant increase of $2 billion for the New Capacity program, thanks to the dedicated partnership and tireless advocacy of our state and city elected officials.

Enclosed please find a link to the Department of Education and School Construction Authority's July 2024 Fiscal Year 2025 - 2029 Five Year Capital Plan: FY2025 - 2029 Five Year Capital Plan Proposed July 2024 (Classic Version).

IT Outage Update: HRA Client Services

July 22, 2024

Dear Community Partner,

We are pleased to share that all HRA client services are available following Friday’s global IT outage. Clients can submit applications and documents through ACCESS HRA, reach us by calling One Number and complete their interviews by calling the on-demand numbers.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, and for all that you do every day to help New Yorkers in need.

Sincerely,

Office of Community Outreach

NYC Department of Social Services

NYC Outdoor Dining Program

Passed by the New York City Council in 2023, New York City’s permanent outdoor dining program, Dining Out NYC, will expand sidewalk dining to all boroughs — year-round, allow roadway dining for eight months a year, provide restaurants with clear design guidelines, and be managed by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT).

As a reminder, and as also outlined in the legislation and rules, food service establishments (FSEs) currently participating in the temporary program must apply to the Dining Out NYC program by August 3rd, 2024, to continue operating their current temporary outdoor dining setup. If by August 3rd, an FSE has not submitted a Dining Out NYC application, they must remove their current temporary outdoor dining setup at their sole cost and expense.

If an FSE operating a current temporary outdoor dining setup submits an application to the Dining Out NYC program by August 3rd, they will need to bring their setup into compliance with the Dining Out NYC program design requirements by the earlier of: (i) 30 days after NYC DOT approves the Dining Out NYC application; or (ii) November 1st, 2024.

An FSE that is currently participating in the temporary program and didn’t apply by August 3rd will need to remove their existing roadway or sidewalk setup and will be able to apply whenever they are ready through the online application portal.

To learn more about the Outdoor Dining Program, please visit nyc.gov/diningout. The website features interactive Setup Guides that explain the requirements for participating in the program, How to Apply, as well as Restaurant Resources from City agencies. NYC DOT encourages you to share this information throughout your district and with your constituents.

To contact the Dining Out NYC program, please email DiningOutNYC@dot.nyc.gov or call 212-839-4500.

Important Update: IT Outage Impacting DSS Services

July 19, 2024

Dear Community Partner,

A recent software update has triggered a global IT outage affecting Microsoft and other essential services, thereby impacting both government and private sectors. Consequently, several DSS services have been affected and we are working on making sure that they are all functioning in order to provide services.

Our ITS services are actively collaborating with all city agencies to implement recovery strategies. We will issue further updates as additional information becomes accessible.

All client-facing HRA offices, including SNAP and Benefit Access Centers, Medicaid, Child Support, HASA, Fair Fares, IDNYC, Burial Services and HEAP offices, remain open and are serving clients. Manual emergency cash assistance and SNAP benefits may be available on an as needed basis.

As a result of the global IT outage, New York State’s Office of Disability Assistance (OTDA) has extended the deadline to submit applications for HEAP Cooling Assistance and Emergency benefits until close of business (5pm) on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, and for all that you do every day to help New Yorkers in need.

Sincerely,

Office of Community Outreach

NYC Department of Social Services

TECHNOLOGY ISSUE AFFECTING SERVERS AND WORKSTATIONS

Dear AWS Partner Agencies,

NYC Emergency Management is aware of a widespread global issue impacting some computers running a CrowdStrike technology product. Affected workstations and servers are experiencing a Blue Screen error.

NYC agencies are working to address impacts to their technology platforms and we recommend that all AWS agencies and organizations work with their Information Technology Departments or vendors to asses any impacts that they may be experiencing due to their use of this technology and to address them promptly. Please prioritize critical products that may have impact on life safety operations as well as your organization’s critical functions.

CrowdStrike has provided a workaround for the issue, which requires a manual process. Guidance from CrowdStrike can be found here: https://www2.pardot.health.nyc.gov/e/944933/ment-on-windows-sensor-update-/nl377/536601636/h/6MATjiJxv9LBlzHqZJGGRjgyJqSLZZ-JH7d4fMErJow

As always please call 911 if you are experiencing a life safety issue.

The Advance Warning System (AWS) alerts organizations who work with people with disabilities and access and functional needs to various types of hazards and emergencies in New York City that may affect people's independence and daily lives. Participating organizations receive public preparedness and emergency information that they can relay to their clients and other similar agencies. If you work for an organization that serves people with disabilities or access and functional needs you can subscribe for AWS Alerts at the following link: https://www2.pardot.health.nyc.gov/e/944933/aws/nl37f/536601636/h/6MATjiJxv9LBlzHqZJGGRjgyJqSLZZ-JH7d4fMErJow

NYC Department of Veterans Services Resources and Materials

As part of our summer outreach, we are writing to inform you about several upcoming events that will be of interest to your community, particularly New York City Veterans, service members and their families.

Post-9/11 Memorial Open Call for Artists: We are excited to announce a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for artists interested in creating a public monument that honors the lives and legacy of the service members who were killed in action during the Global War on Terror. Interested individuals can view the guidelines and apply ahead of the August 30, 2024, deadline by visiting nyculture.submittable.com.

Veteran Advisory Board Public Session: Scheduled for Wednesday, September 12, 2024, in the Bronx, this next VAB session will start at 6:00 PM. The exact location will be provided closer to the session date and there is also a virtual option available for those who cannot attend in person. Visit nyc.gov/vetboard for more details. All Veterans, their family members and caregivers are encouraged to attend.

Big Apple TAP Initiative – ‘Welcome Home’ Summit: This event will take place at Yankee Stadium on Friday, September 20, 2024. It is designed for transitioning service members and veterans interested in making New York City their home. The event will feature a Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC), where VA representatives will offer one-on-one counseling on VA benefits, healthcare, crisis support, and more. Visit nyc.gov/vettap for the most up-to-date information on how to register.

To stay updated on these and other events, we encourage everyone to sign up for our newsletter at nyc.gov/vetnewsletter.

(M) Myrtle Avenue Line - Painting and Steel Repair - 7/15

Please be advised the Myrtle Avenue line painting and steel repair project work is scheduled to begin on or about this coming Monday July 15^th.

Work will begin on Myrtle Avenue and Willoughby Avenue and progress eastward toward Wyckoff Avenue. Below is a construction bulletin with additional information for your reference.

MTA Myrtle Avenue Line_Construction Bulletin

Water Main Shutdown at Willoughby Avenue & Broadway

Wednesday, July 10th - DEP is investigating a water main break in the vicinity of Willoughby Avenue & Broadway in Brooklyn. Discolored water is expected with a potential for low pressure. Lane closures are needed as crews work to make the necessary repairs. At this time, no one is without water.

City Planning Commission Public Meeting - July 10, 2024, 10:00 am, City of Yes for Housing Opportunity

The City Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, July 10th at 10:00 am.The public is invited to attend. There are several items on the meeting Agenda prior to the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity and the public hearing portion will begin following those agenda items.

How to Participate:

In-Person: City Planning Commission Hearing Room, Lower Concourse 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271 Anyone attending a meeting in person is encouraged to wear a mask.

Online Testimony: Details on how to testify by videoconference will be posted on nyc.gov/engage one hour in advance of the meeting.

If you do not wish to testify but would like to watch the meeting via livestream, please visit bit.ly/NYCPlanningStream Please note that info to access the livestream will not be available until one hour prior to the meeting.

Via Phone: Dial any of the following numbers: • 877-853-5247 (US Toll-free) • 888-788-0099 (US Toll-free) • (253) 215-8782 (Toll number) • (213) 338-8477 (Toll number) If you wish to listen only, when prompted, enter: • Meeting ID: 921 6989 0775 • Participant ID: Press pound (#) to skip • Passcode: 1

Accessibility: Please inform NYC Planning if you need a reasonable accommodation, such as sign language interpretation, to participate in the meeting. Foreign language interpretation will be provided based on available resources. Please email requests to accessibilityinfo@planning.nyc.gov or call 212-720-3508 at least five business days before the meeting.

Speaking at Public Meetings: Speakers are generally limited to three minutes of testimony. Elected officials are given the courtesy of jumping to the front of the speaking line and are not limited to three minutes. For speakers with translators, the time will be extended to five minutes. While we welcome your comments on any project under review by the Commission, hate speech is not tolerated. Courtesy and decorum must be followed at all times.

To submit comments: click here

You will be directed to an online form. Please follow these directions:

Choose Citywide for Borough

Choose City of Yes for Housing Opportunity for project

Complete the form with your contact information and comments or upload your comments in an attachment.

Watch the meeting on YouTube

Next Steps: Follow the Milestones for upcoming actions and meetings as the proposal moves forward in the ZAP Portal here or subscribe to receive email updates about City of Yes here

UPDATE: NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE ADVISE NEW YORKERS TO BEAT THE HEAT

Heat Emergency Plan extended through Wednesday.

Cooling centers are open across the city.

To find the nearest location, including hours of operation, call 311 or visit the City’s Cooling Center Finder.

New Yorkers should also take advantage of additional cool options such as museums, movie theaters, coffee shops, pools, houses of worship, or a neighbor, friend, or family member's home.

July 8, 2024 — New York City Emergency Management Department and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advise New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat and announced updates to its heat emergency operations. NYC Emergency Management is extending the activation of the City's Heat Emergency Plan through Wednesday and is in close coordination with the National Weather Service on the forecast. Temperatures will be in the upper 80s to lower 90s with heat indices in the upper 90s to lower 100s through mid-week. Warm and humid conditions will continue into the weekend, but a slight drop in temperatures by Thursday may keep heat index values in the lower 90s. NYCEM is also monitoring a chance of showers and thunderstorms for tomorrow evening, with more storms possible Wednesday evening into the weekend. A few inches of heavy rain, localized flash flooding, and strong gusty winds will be possible if thunderstorms develop over the metro area.

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department urge New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. For more information, including heat-related health tips and warning signs of heat illness, visit NYC.gov/health or NYC.gov/beattheheat. In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner.

To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City cooling centers will be open throughout the five boroughs. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City's Cool Options Map. This year's newly-revamped map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and cool options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat. Certain Senior Centers/Older Adult Centers will be open to all ages, which are indicated on the map. New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers.

New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more. These resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. New York City outdoor pools are open 11AM-7PM. State Parks, including Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park pool and Roberto Clemente State Park pool are open, call ahead to confirm.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS DURING EXTREME HEAT

Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older, and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events.
Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.
Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM.
Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty (avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine), rest in the shade, and watch out for others on outdoor teams. Employers are required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.
Eat small, frequent meals.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Participate in activities to keep cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and cannot fall on someone below.
Never leave a child or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:

Hot dry skin
Trouble breathing
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness
Nausea and vomiting

If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.”
Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.
Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.
Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.
Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.
If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.
Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT: Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)

@nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)

Facebook: /NYCemergencymanagement

Parking Ticket Text Message Scam

The Department of Finance is aware of a scam targeting people about parking tickets or camera violations.

People are receiving messages advising them that they have “additional charges” on an “unpaid parking invoice.”

This is a scam. The Department of Finance does not send text messages to vehicle owners about their parking tickets or camera violations.

Customers should take the following steps to protect themselves:

Ignore and delete the message. Do not click any links.
Visit the Department of Finance’s website to review and pay valid parking tickets and camera violations.
Report the scam to your bank or credit card company as needed. You can also report attempted fraud to the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Additionally, here are some tips for how New Yorkers can stay vigilant against scams:

Be suspicious of unsolicited texts or emails from individuals seeking personal information, especially if they claim it's an urgent request.
If you believe you are being targeted by a social engineering attack:

Verify the company or individual contacting you.
Do not click on links or phone numbers in the message and never provide personal information or passwords.

If you think you are a victim of social engineering attack, contact the relevant account providers, and monitor your account activity, and change any passwords you may have provided.
To help better protect your phone and personal information, download the City's free NYC Secure app in the Apple or Google App store.

Please share this information with customers who contact you regarding this matter. If you have questions about outstanding parking tickets you may have, please call 311.

No Trash, Compost or Recycling Collection on Independence Day, Thursday, July 4

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that there would be no trash, curbside compost or recycling collection on Thursday, July 4, 2024, Independence Day.

Residents who normally receive Thursday trash or Curbside Composting collection should place their material at the curb Thursday evening for collection starting Friday, July 5.
Residents who normally receive Thursday recycling collection should hold their material for a week, and place it at the curb the evening of Wednesday, July 10 for collection on Thursday, July 11.

Please note that residents may experience collection delays, as is common after holidays. We appreciate patience as we work to collect the backlog of material.

For questions about Sanitation services and holiday schedules contact 311 or visit nyc.gov/sanitation.

Population FactFinder Updated with Newly Released 2020 Census Race and Ethnicity Data

Digital tool now includes data for City Council Districts, adds never-before-seen 2020 stats on race and ethnicity, and provides the latest ACS data on population and housing characteristics

NEW YORK – Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick today announced that DCP’s online, interactive Population FactFinder tool has been updated to include detailed demographic statistics from the 2020 Census, and characteristics from the 2018-2022 five-year American Community Survey (ACS) estimates. Never before had the Census Bureau published detailed race and ethnicity for all groups – Black and White respondents were not given the opportunity to further specify after marking their race on the 2010 Census questionnaire. Now this historic 2020 Census release has been incorporated into DCP's Population FactFinder application, revealing the astounding breadth of New York City’s diversity.

Population FactFinder provides a detailed look at the city’s population, including such characteristics as age, race/Hispanic origin, and housing tenure. Thanks to these updates, New Yorkers can compare information from the 2010 and 2020 Censuses, showing change over time in a straightforward format. The site offers a clear, easy-to-navigate way for the public to research and understand the diversity of neighborhoods, and how they compare to New York City as a whole.

Making use of the latest data from the United States Census Bureau, Population FactFinder now shows population counts for detailed race and ethnic groups, which can be examined for various geographies, including census tracts, Neighborhood Tabulation Areas (NTAs), Community Districts, City Council Districts, boroughs, and user defined areas.

Thanks to this update, the public can use Population FactFinder to discover wide-ranging demographic information that speaks to the diversity of New York City. For example:

African American is the largest origin group in New York City, followed by Dominican, Chinese, Puerto Rican, and Italian.
The largest Hispanic group in Queens is Ecuadorian. In the Bronx and Manhattan, it is Dominican. And in Brooklyn and Staten Island, it is Puerto Rican.
Washington Heights is the neighborhood with the largest Dominican population.
Jamaica is home to the largest number of people identifying as Bangladeshi.
South Ozone Park is the city’s top Guyanese neighborhood.
A quarter of Staten Island’s population identifies as Italian – the 2nd highest share for any U.S. county.

2020 Census updates are also available in DCP’s Population MapViewer, which allows the public to view these populations across neighborhoods in maps and ranked charts.

Population FactFinder has also been updated with the American Community Survey’s 2018-2022 five-year estimate, incorporating characteristics not featured in the decennial census, such as educational attainment, veteran status, computers and Internet use, occupation, and other detailed economic and housing statistics. These data updates in Population FactFinder are now also available for City Council Districts.

DCP will continue to update Population FactFinder and Population MapViewer regularly as new Census data are released, keeping researchers, policymakers, and communities up-to-date on this critical information.

Department of City Planning
The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

Mark your calendar, NYC Children Child Protective Specialist Hiring Event is on July 12, 2024 & July 26, 2024

The Administration for Children’s Services is hosting a Child Protective Specialist Hiring Event on Friday, July 12, 2024, and Friday, July 26, 2024, from 10:00AM-3:00PM. This in-person hiring event offers qualified candidates the chance to meet with hiring managers, interview, and receive a HIRING DECISION AND CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER ON THE SPOT!

Here, at NYC Children, we are looking to hire for the position of Child Protective Specialist. This is an excellent career for anyone who is a recent college graduate or a seasoned professional that wants to work as a Child Protective Specialist (CPS). Extensive training, coaching and professional development is available.

Registration is now open for NYC Children Child Protective Specialist Hiring Event!

Applicants are required to preregister by or before Tuesday, July 23, 2024: https://forms.office.com/g/XztkycENjM

NOTE: To attend this event, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the Child Protective Specialist position to be considered for an interview. Human Resources will prescreen applicants to ensure they meet these requirements, therefore, eligible candidates deemed qualified will receive an interview invitation.

To learn more about the Child Protective Specialist position, applicants can visit: https://www.nyc.gov/site/acs/about/becoming-cps.page

Know anyone who’s a good fit? If so, graduating college students, recent college graduates, or alumni in the following majors or minors are highly preferred: social work, psychology, sociology, human services, criminal justice, education (including early childhood), nursing, or cultural anthropology.

June 2024

Free Breakfast and Lunch at NYC Public Schools, Community Pool Centers, Parks and Libraries

NYC Public Schools offers free breakfast and lunch to anyone 18 years old or younger from June 27, 2024 to August 30, 2024. You can get these meals at specific places like select NYC Public Schools, community pool centers, parks, and libraries. You do not need to sign up or show ID.

There is no service Thursday, July 4, 2024 (4th of July)
There is service Friday, July 5, 2024 (Day after 4th of July)
Breakfast Service Time: 8am - 9:15am
Lunch Service Time: 11am - 1:15pm
Text: NYCFood to 304-304 (standard text messaging rates may apply)
Call 311
Find A Free Breakfast & Lunch Location Near You

You may also be eligible for Summer EBT to supplement the cost of groceries during the summer months. You can read more about Summer EBT on OTDA's website.

Alerting Communities About West Nile Virus and How To Be Alerted About Mosquito Control Events

The Health Department monitors mosquito populations and applies pesticides during the summer to reduce the number of mosquitoes and lessen the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus. Residents can register to receive direct alerts about spray events by phone call, email, or text messaging through Notify NYC. Residents can sign up for Notify NYC, residents can download the Notify NYC Phone App, call 311, or visit the Notify NYC web page.

Additionally, residents can also follow the DOHMH’s social media account at @NYCHealthy on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. To learn more about mosquito control in NYC and what to do during a spray event, click here.

AS HEAT CONTINUES INTO THE WEEKEND, NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE URGE NEW YORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory until 8 P.M. Sunday, June 23

Cooling centers are open across the city, including, on Sunday, up to 45 NYC public schools as part of whole community approach. Each school will have the capacity to host and cool several hundred New Yorkers

To find the nearest location, including hours of operation, call 311 or visit the City’s Cooling Center Finder

New Yorkers should also take advantage of additional cool options such as museums, movie theaters, coffee shops, or a neighbor, friend, or family member's home

June 21, 2024 — New York City Emergency Management Department and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advise New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect until 8 P.M. Sunday, June 23. Hot and humid conditions are in the forecast throughout weekend, with heat index values in the upper-90s to 100 across the city. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will also be possible each afternoon and evening through early next week. These may bring localized heavy downpours and gusty winds; however, flooding is not anticipated in NYC at this time. In addition, there is an Air Quality Health Advisory in effect until 11 P.M. today for ground-level ozone pollution. Finally, beach-goers are urged to exercise caution at Atlantic-facing beaches this weekend due to a high risk of life-threatening rip currents.

To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City cooling centers will continue to remain open throughout the five boroughs. Senior Centers/Older Adult Centers will be open to all ages this weekend. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City's Cool Options Map. New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers. This year's newly-revamped map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and cool options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.

New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more. These resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. State Parks, including Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park and its pool are open, and all sprinkler systems are operating at all state parks in New York City.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS DURING EXTREME HEAT

Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older, and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events.
Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.
Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM.
Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty (avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine), rest in the shade, and watch out for others on outdoor teams. Employers are required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.
Eat small, frequent meals.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Participate in activities to keep cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and cannot fall on someone below.
Never leave a child or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:
Hot dry skin
Trouble breathing
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.”
Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.
Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.
Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.
Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.
If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.
Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.

NYC SANITATION RESTRICTIONS ON PROVIDING UTENSILS, CONDIMENT PACKETS, NAPKINS AND CONTAINERS

Fines will be issued starting July 1, 2024. NYC food service establisments providing take-out or delivery may not provide utensils, condiment packets, napkins, or extra plates for take-out or delivery, unless requested by the customer.

Visit nyc.gov/skipthestuff or call 311 to learn more.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT FIRST AERIAL LARVICIDING OF THE MOSQUITO SEASON TO MARSHES AND OTHER NONRESIDENTIAL AREAS OF THE BRONX, BROOKLYN, QUEENS AND STATEN ISLAND

Aerial Larviciding Reduces the Number of Mosquitoes and Minimizes the Risk of Mosquito-Borne Disease

The Health Department Applies EPA-Approved Pesticide to Mosquito Breeding Grounds When Appropriate Throughout the Season

June 3, 2024 – To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the Health Department will conduct its first aerial larviciding treatment of the season to marshes and wetland areas of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island on Friday, June 7 and Monday, June 10 to Tuesday, June 11, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting. The helicopter will treat only nonresidential areas. While two days are allotted for the aerial larviciding, the application may be completed in less time. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Wednesday, June 12 to Friday, June 14, 2024 during the same hours.

The Health Department monitors mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus. To date, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported this season. During warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any still water that has been standing for more than five days. In the targeted areas, existing hot and wet weather conditions can cause a rise in mosquito populations. Due to size and limited accessibility, these areas will be treated using a low-flying helicopter.

For the aerial application in marshes and wetland areas of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, the Health Department will use larvicides to kill young mosquitoes before they grow into adults. VectoBac® GS and VectoPrime® FG contain naturally occurring bacteria and will be used for this application. These products have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and will be used on mosquito breeding grounds throughout the mosquito season.

The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water. New Yorkers are encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors.

Reducing exposure to mosquitoes

Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Maintaining standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.
Wear lightweight and light-colored long pants and shirts when in marshy areas as possible.

Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv. For more information about West Nile virus, call 311 or visit nyc.gov.

Read the full press release

MTA Announces Public Webinars on Congestion Relief Zone Tolling to be Held Starting June 5

Public Encouraged to View Webinars and Submit Questions on Upcoming Tolling Plan

The MTA announced it will host six public webinars during the first three weeks of June where people can learn all the facts and features of the Congestion Relief Zone.

The webinars will explain how the Congestion Relief Zone works, how the program benefits the region, discounts and exemptions, and what people need to know before tolling begins on Sunday, June 30.

The 60-minute webinars will feature a 30-minute presentation on the Congestion Relief Zone and a Q&A session.

The six public webinars will take place:

Wednesday, June 5: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday, June 6: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, June 10: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, June 14: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tuesday June 18: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday June 18: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Participants must register online prior to the start of the session(s) they wish to attend.

Register here for the public virtual webinars.

Participants are invited to submit questions in advance of the webinars through the registration link.

May 2024

NYC DOT Art Summer Streets Art Interventions

NYC DOT Art Summer Streets Art Interventions: Request for Proposals

NYC DOT Art recently released the Summer Streets Art Interventions: Request for Proposals. Summer Streets is an annual event taking place later this summer on select Saturdays. Miles of NYC’s streets are open in both directions for people to play, walk, and bike along while taking a break at the route rest stops to enjoy free activities. As part of the event programming, NYC DOT Art is seeking proposals for artwork to activate the event routes as a one-day installation throughout all five event dates. Selected artists may receive up to $20,000 to cover all expenses to design, fabricate, and present the artwork. Artists may consider an additive format with components created through public participation, allowing the artwork to shift, grow, and evolve throughout each event date and the event series.

Application deadline: Sunday, June 16, 2024

NYC DOT Art Summer Streets Art Interventions RFP PDF: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/dotart-summer-streets-rfp-2024.pdf

NYC DOT Art Summer Streets Art Interventions RFP application: https://nycdotart.submittable.com/submit

NYMTC's Moving Forward 2055 Online Public Forums Series

Help Shape the Future of Transportation

* Alternative Energy

* Curb and Parking Management

* Smart Systems for Transportation

Join our Online Public Forum Series

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) invites you to join a series of Online Public Forums where you can share your insights on critical transportation issues, needs, and opportunities in the areas of alternative energy, curb and parking management, and smart systems for transportation with regional transportation experts.

Information shared during these 90-minute interactive virtual forums will be collected and used in the update of Moving Forward 2055, the next Regional Transportation Plan for New York City, Long Island, and Lower Hudson Valley.

These events are eligible for 1.5 Certification Maintenance credits from the American Planning Association. See below for topics, dates, meeting links, and credit information. Content for afternoon and evening sessions is the same.

Moving with Alternative Energy: Current and Emerging Trends - NYMTC Regional Alternative Energy Sources Forum

Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Join a conversation with regional experts and participants to explore issues and opportunities in the region’s alternative transportation energy sources, including vehicle technologies and charging networks.

Click to join the afternoon Alternative Energy Sources Forum: https://bit.ly/4brhj50

Click to join the evening Alternative Energy Sources Forum: https://bit.ly/44xzbsW

APA Credit Certification: https://www.planning.org/events/eventsingle/9289948/

Moving Efficiently: Exploring Curb and Parking Management Needs - NYMTC Regional Curb and Parking Management Forum

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Join a conversation with regional experts and participants to explore issues and opportunities in the region’s shared curb space and efficient parking for all transportation services.

Click to join the afternoon Curb and Parking Management Forum: https://bit.ly/3Uw6xUp

Click to join the evening Curb and Parking Management Forum: https://bit.ly/3wv5vzW

APA Credit Certification: https://www.planning.org/events/eventsingle/9289953/

Moving to the Future: Smart Systems for Transportation - NYMTC Regional Transportation and Technology Forum

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Join a conversation with regional experts and participants to explore issues and opportunities in the region’s new and emerging transportation technologies for personal and freight mobility.

Click to join the afternoon Transportation and Technology Forum: https://bit.ly/44vtH1M

Click to join the evening Transportation and Technology Forum: https://bit.ly/3UElhkm

APA Credit Certification: https://www.planning.org/events/eventsingle/9290575/

Visit NYMTC’s movingforward2055.org for updates and to learn more.

NYMTC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and federal Limited English Proficiency guidelines. If you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, or translation services into Spanish, Russian, Chinese, or American Sign Language, please email NYMTC-Public-Info@dot.ny.gov no later than 72 hours prior to the meeting.

Language Access:

For translated documents, go to www.nymtc.org |

Para los documentos traducidos ir a www.nymtc.org |

對於翻譯文件去 www.nymtc.org |

对于翻译文件去 www.nymtc.org |

Для получения переведенных документов перейти на www.nymtc.org

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program Waitlist Reopening on June 3rd

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) will reopen the waitlist for its Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program from Monday, June 3, 2024, at 12:00 AM through Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 11:59 PM. To apply, visit on.nyc.gov/section8-application. Questions? Visit on.nyc.gov/sec8-app-faq

If you previously submitted a Section 8 housing application when the waitlist was open, you may log on to the Self-Service Portal to check the status of the application and update your information.

Solicitation Notice Mistaken as Department of Buildings (DOB)

This is to notify you that a private company's solicitation notice is being mistaken for DOB's Service Notice: Annual Parapet Observation. This private notification is NOT a Department of Buildings notice. If you have any questions/or concerns, please contact the board's district office.

Open Garden NYC is this weekend! Visit a garden near you!

Seventh Annual Open Garden NYC

Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, 2024

Rain or Shine

Hundreds of community gardens will open their gates to the public for a special weekend of free activities and exploration, including environmental education workshops, garden tours, cultural programs, arts and crafts, music performances, and so much more!

Open Garden NYC is a great way to explore your neighborhood community garden, meet garden group members, and learn how to get involved. To find a list of free activities and participating gardens, visit the Open Garden NYC events page.

Can't make it this weekend? NYC Parks GreenThumb community gardens are open to the public April 1 - October 31, visit our garden map to find the garden closest to you.

Schedule subject to change.

Knickerbocker Avenue Puerto Rican Day Parade - Register Today

6th Annual Knickerbocker Avenue Puerto Rican Day Parade

¡EMPODERANDO A NUESTRA JUVENTUD!

Sunday, June 9, 2024 / Kick Off at 3:00pm

Deadline to submit: Friday, May 24.

For more information contact: KnickerbockerPuertoRicanParade@gmail.com

GET DOB SUMMONSES CORRECTED

Are you having trouble completing your Certificate of Correction forms?
Do you need help uploading documents in the DOBNOW system?
Don't fret...DOB is here to help you!

Through the Get Summonses Corrected (GSC) campaign, a Department of Buildings (DOB) enhanced education and outreach campaign, you will receive the needed information for you to successfully certify correction of unresolved DOB-issued summonses. Join us Friday, May 31st for 2 virtual sessions designed to help you complete and submit your Certificate of Correction forms. See the flyer for additional informational and to register.

Announcing the Closure of the Bushwick Food Co-op

With a heavy heart, we are reaching out to inform you of the closure of the Bushwick Food Co-op.

Since 2009, the BFC has offered high-quality produce and goods to residents of North Brooklyn. Moreover, it provided a cherished gathering space for neighbors to meet and build community around a shared interest in food justice. Together over the years, we:

Stocked our community’s kitchens with products from small farms and vendors local to New York State and the broader Northeast
Operated our business democratically, with member-led committees, annual elections, and a member-appointed board
Joined our neighbors at community events throughout the year, from Taste of Bushwick to CalabazaFest
Ran annual Thanksgiving drives to provide groceries to our neighbors in need
Connected with other cooperatives within NYC’s solidarity economy and promoted the cooperative model in our neighborhood
And so much more!

The challenges of operating a cooperative grocery store are many, and with the loss of our retail space due to a fire in 2019, followed soon after by the Covid-19 pandemic, the BFC found itself needing to pivot its business model in order to continue its mission. Over the next few years we ran a successful Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in collaboration with Mayday Space and Bushwick Abbey, offering a safe way for our community to purchase local produce and connect with one another. Ultimately however, we did not regain the momentum necessary to keep the work moving forward towards reopening a dedicated retail store, and have made the difficult decision to dissolve the business.

As a close partner of ours over the years, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you; we owe so much of our success to your support. Through the fabric of community we weaved together, our work found deeper meaning. Attending Community Board events facilitated an important exchange between our little co-op community and the broader community of Bushwick. It emphasized the importance of sharing information and earning public trust. We always enjoyed learning about the goings-on of the neighborhood, learning about the work and causes of other groups, and having a chance to promote our own. For all of this, we express our utmost gratitude. Additionally, we would love the opportunity to thank Bushwick residents directly for their support over the years. Please find attached a thank you note for this purpose; we hope that you might include it in your next newsletter to pass along our message.

Though the BFC’s story has come to a close, we feel grateful that our legacy and mission live on; the projects of expanding food access in Bushwick, supporting local agriculture, and growing the solidarity economy all carry forward into the future, stewarded by the very partners that supported us in our own contribution to these causes, by partners like CB4.

Once again, thank you.

In solidarity,

Brittni, Chris, Jen, Morgan, Nikki

The Bushwick Food Co-op Board of Directors

NYC Aging Service Needs Assessment and Community Boards Engagement

The Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) has released a Service Needs Assessment survey to better understand the needs of older adults, so they can live the quality of life they deserve. The information we collect will help us improve our services and be better advocates for their needs. This is a great opportunity for New York City’s older adults (aged 60 and older), as well as their caregivers, to have their voices heard. Please take a moment to complete the survey (or access the survey using the QR code) to ensure all of our city’s diverse communities are represented. All responses to this survey are anonymous; however, NYC Aging will be randomly selecting 50 households for the chance to receive one Visa gift card worth $50; those who would like to be considered for this drawing should provide contact information by September 30, 2024. And by completing the survey, you may be entered into our drawing and may win a $50 gift card. For more information, call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469).

SBS Commercial Revitalization Grants- Applications Open!

Applications for the Commercial Revitalization Grant Programs are OPEN:

Avenue NYC Commercial Revitalization Grants
Neighborhood 360° Grants to support Red Hook, Port Richmond, and West Brighton
New Public Realm Grant Program

Preliminary applications for all programs are due on May 20, 2024.

Learn More and Apply

A Woodbine Street Garden update and save the date

Garden Friends & Fans:

FOR the BIRDS! SATURDAY MAY 18 • 2:30PM - 4:00PM
A fun & free, all-ages workshop in our beautiful & historic Woodbine Street Block Association Garden.
Learn about the colorful little birds currently migrating through our area, as well as some year-round "locals."

This is a rain-or-shine, all-ages & all levels event: beginners are welcome - experienced birders are encouraged to bring their knowledge and enthusiasm.

If you have binoculars, bring them along… one lucky participant will take home a brand-new pair!

RSVP (not required, but appreciated) on our Facebook page • Questions? Email: sean@woodbinegarden.org

------------------------------------------

SAVE the DATE!

On the summer solstice (THU.20.JUN), we'll be hosting a Make Music New York! event from 6:00 - 10:00pm - musical guest(s?) TBA.

These MMNY evenings are not to be missed: we fire up the grill, serve some amazing food, and enjoy some great live music!

NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Bike Parking Notice

DOT will be installing a public bike parking and daylighting of the SW corner of Wyckoff Avenue and Starr Street in your district. As part of this design, we will also install a corner bulb out which will wrap around the corner to maximize the following benefits:

increased safety and pedestrian space near the MTA subway entrance
corner daylighting (x2)
shorten crosswalks (x2)
2 vehicle parking spaces upgraded to 12-bike parking spaces

MTA Skilled-Trade Open House

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is hosting an Open House for Skilled Tradespeople on Saturday, May 11th, at 130 Livingston Street in downtown Brooklyn, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Attendees should bring printouts of their resume and Government ID. Same-day exams and interviews for qualified candidates.

Positions include Electronic Equipment Maintainer, Elevator and Escalator Maintainer, Track Equipment Maintainer and Ventilation & Drainage Maintainer.

For more information, please see the flyer.

May Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month! Join the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for our virtual and in-person webinars. This year’s theme: Powered by Connection- which recognizes the impact of meaningful relationships and social connections on the health and well-being of older adults. If you have any question(s), please email us at: healthyhomes@health.nyc.gov.

View the flyer for additional information.

NYC rat sightings continue historic decline - as another month of data PROVES that containerization WORKS!

New York – With April 2024 in the books, the latest data affirms that the Trash Revolution – Mayor Adams’ signature commitment to getting the bags of trash off our streets once and for all – is working, with rat sightings reported to 311 declining for another month, the Department of Sanitation announced today. This means rat sightings have fallen in 12 of the last 13 months compared to the year prior. Rat sightings are down nearly 14% in the City’s Rat Mitigation Zones year over year, and have fallen by an incredible 55% in the Hamilton Heights residential containerization pilot zone since the pilot began.

This historic decline in rat sightings coincides with a tidal wave of change to the management of 44 million pounds of trash per day in New York City.

In October 2022, the Adams administration kicked off the Trash Revolution by changing set-out times for both residential and commercial waste from 4:00 PM — one of the earliest set-out times in the country — to 8:00 PM in April 2023, while also allowing earlier set-out if the material is in a container. This incentivization of containerization was paired with major changes to DSNY operations, picking up well over a quarter of all trash at 12:00 AM rather than 6:00 AM, particularly in high density parts of the city, and ending a practice by which up to one fifth of trash had been purposefully left out for a full day.

Later that month, DSNY published its “Future of Trash” report, the first meaningful attempt to study containerization models in New York City, and the playbook to get it done.

Last August, containerization requirements went into effect for all food-related businesses in New York City. These businesses — restaurants, delis, bodegas, bars, grocery stores, caterers, etc. — produce an outsized amount of the type of trash that attracts rats.

That same month, installation of the initial 10-block, 14-school Manhattan Community Board 9 pilot containers began.

Last September, commercial containerization requirements extended to chain businesses of any type with five or more locations in New York City. These chain businesses tend to produce a large total volume of trash.

Starting March 1, 2024, container requirements went into effect for all businesses — of every type — in New York City to get their trash off the streets and into a secure bin.

Later this fall, when container requirements go into effect for low-density residential buildings — those with one to nine units — approximately 70 percent of all trash in the city will be containerized.

In the spring of 2025, installation of stationary on-street containers will begin in Manhattan Community Board 9 for the first full-district containerization pilot, serviced by new automated side-loading trucks.

A graphic showing the success of these efforts can be seen here.

NYC Health Raising Cancer Awareness

The Citywide Colorectal Cancer Control Center (C5) is a group of public health professionals, partners, and researchers with expertise in colorectal cancer prevention who advise the Department of Health on its mission to prevent and control Colorectal cancer. The C5 also works to provide information and resources, including print materials and presentation on screenable cancers (i.e., breast, lung, prostate, cervical, colorectal) to help your communities understand the importance of cancer prevention.

For more information on these resources and other public facing-materials, please email cancer@health.nyc.gov

You can also access “10 Ways to Lower Your Cancer Risk Fact Sheet (nyc.gov) and visit the City’s main page on Cancer Prevention and Screening - NYC Health

Truck Route Network Redesign Public Feedback Portal!

In 2023, the New York City Council passed Local Law 171 requiring NYC DOT to redesign the city truck route network to enhance safety, increase visibility, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the overall freight roadway network.

Today NYC DOT launched its Truck Route Network Redesign Public Feedback Portal! The Portal will allow the public and freight industry to learn about the city’s truck route network and provide feedback. The public is able to comment and provide feedback through identifying issues and concerns of the current network via an interactive map. Feedback will help inform NYC DOT on how and where we can look to improve movement of trucks on city streets.

Help us get the word out to your community by including the link in your newsletters, social media, and website!

The deadline to provide public feedback is June 30, 2024.

Register for the last day of the 40th Annual GreenThumb GrowTogether Conference

Join us for the last day of this year's GrowTogether Conference on Saturday, May 4th in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens.

May 4

Herbert Von King Cultural Arts Center, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Learn about lanternfly mitigation, trellising, and the basics of natural dyeing with plants. Join us for skill shares and hands-on learning experience to expand your gardening knowledge. Register here.
Hill Street Garden, Staten Island
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Learn how to make your own DIY flower press, build and repair raised beds, and join us in planting a native plant garden. Register here.
South Jamaica Infinity Garden, Queens
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Learn how to grow delicious mushrooms and how to manage funds at a garden, and then join us for a community gardening-focused film screening of the "Green Streets" documentary. Register here.

Thank you for your everyone who attended GrowTogether on Saturday April 20th and 27th in the Bronx, Brooklyn, East Harlem, and the East Village. We appreciate you coming to our conference!

NYC Civic Engagement Commission Updates: Voting Phase of The People's Money Officially Open

The voting phase of the annual "The People's Money" citywide participatory budgeting process is now officially open. Until June 12th, all New York City residents ages 11 and older, regardless of immigration status, will be able to vote on how to spend $3.5M of city funds to address community needs.

All New Yorkers have the opportunity to vote on a ballot for their home borough. Residents can vote online by inputting their zip codes. Paper ballots will also be available citywide at sites listed on Participate.nyc.gov. After June 12th, ballots will be tabulated, and winning projects will be announced. Implementation of selected projects will begin later this year, by community organizations to be selected through a competitive process.

This year's campaign, "Play Your Part: Your Money, Your Community, Your Vote," centers The Sunnies, playful yellow sculptures that represent optimistic New Yorkers who care about each other and their community. Throughout the voting period, The Sunnies will be installed at public locations throughout New York City, including libraries, parks, and halls, to generate excitement and inspiration among everyday New Yorkers to become engaged in "The People's Money" process and beyond. The Sunnies project was developed by CEC's Artist in Residence Yazmany Arboleda and brought to life in partnership The People's Creative Institute who commissioned a group of immigrant mothers from Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, and Venezuela.

Democracy is made by people who participate, and "The People's Money" is the City's widest doorway to democracy. We invite you to vote and also spread the word about this opportunity for all New Yorkers 11 years and older, regardless of citizenship status, wherever they live in New York City, to help us make them partners in decisions that impact their lives. Use this digital toolkit to help spread the word via social media, email, etc.

April 2024

MTA Launches Revamped Spring 2024 All-Agency Customer Satisfaction Survey

Customers Encouraged to Take Online Survey Available from Thursday, April 18 Through Friday, May 3

Survey Streamlined to Only Take Customers 10 to 15 Minutes

Take the Survey Here

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced its Spring 2024 Customers Count Survey launched today, Thursday, April 18, for New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, and Access-A-Ride Paratransit customers. The results of the online survey will identify key service attributes that are priority issues for customers and will provide the MTA with a better understanding of how customers currently rate the service and where to direct future resources for the best possible improvements in the transit system.

Customers can take the survey online today through Monday, May 3 at new.mta.info/survey. The Spring survey is available in nine languages with a telephone option available for customers in need of assistance. Improvements were made to the survey based on comments from customers. The Spring 2024 survey was streamlined and now only takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The mobile interface was also improved to make the survey more intuitive.

Results of the survey will be available this summer. The Customers Count Survey is conducted twice a year, in the spring and fall. The Fall 2023 survey results showed 86% satisfaction for Metro-North customers, along with increased satisfaction for Long Island Rail Road and Access-A-Ride customers. Overall subway line satisfaction increased by four percentage points, and overall subway station satisfaction increased by six percentage-points.

Call for Artists: Beautifying the Park Row Connection to Chinatown (Deadline: May 5)

Deadline: Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST

NYC DOT Art is commissioning temporary site-responsive art for Beautifying the Park Row Connection to Chinatown to reinforce the connection between Lower Manhattan and Chinatown and reflect the rich cultural identity of the area. Building upon ongoing efforts, the art will enhance the overall pedestrian, cyclist, and public space experience, create stronger gateway treatments, and more welcoming corridors in and around Park Row.

Artists are invited to submit past work examples in response to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an opportunity to be selected to develop and install final temporary site-responsive art at sites designated by NYC DOT in mediums including asphalt art, barrier beautification, fence interventions, and digital illustration for aluminum signage.

For more information and to apply, visit the NYC DOT Art Submittable portal: https://nycdotart.submittable.com/submit

Stay tuned for more artist opportunities coming soon!

City Planning Releases Draft Annotated Zoning Text of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity

Draft Text Offers Comprehensive Details of Proposal to Enable “A Little More Housing in Every Neighborhood”

Early Release of Text Offers Transparency, Engagement Ahead of Formal Public Review

NEW YORK – Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick today released the annotated draft zoning text of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, Mayor Adams’ historic proposal to address New York’s housing crisis by enabling a little more housing in every neighborhood. The document offers comprehensive proposal details, including annotations to explain complex zoning text in plain English. By releasing the draft annotated zoning text early, DCP is giving New Yorkers additional time to understand the proposal before community boards and borough presidents begin their official review. In addition, DCP today released an illustrated guide to the major components of the proposal, including real-world examples, key terms, and more. Both documents are available to download at nyc.gov/YesHousingOpportunity.

“The human consequences of our housing shortage are clear: rising rents, homelessness, displacement, and an imbalance of power between landlords and tenants. City of Yes for Housing Opportunity would help alleviate this crisis by providing New Yorkers with more housing choice, and the release of the draft zoning text is an important step toward making that happen,” said Dan Garodnick, DCP Director and Chair of the City Planning Commission. “These materials will help the public understand how our proposal will create housing opportunity in every neighborhood, and reflect our commitment to transparency and public engagement.”

City of Yes for Housing Opportunity is the most pro-housing reform ever proposed to New York’s zoning, and comes as the city faces a historic housing shortage, with a rental vacancy rate of just 1.41%. Mayor Adams first unveiled details of the proposal in September 2023, and DCP is currently undertaking environmental review. Major components of the plan include:

Universal Affordability Preference (UAP), allowing buildings to be about 20% larger if the additional density is permanently affordable;
transit-oriented development and town center zoning provisions, facilitating three-to-five-story apartment buildings near transit and along commercial corridors, respectively;
providing homeowners greater flexibility, including the ability to add accessory dwelling units like backyard cottages;
lifting arbitrary and expensive parking mandates for new residential construction;
allowing offices and other buildings to convert to residential use across the city;
re-legalizing small units and shared housing models with common kitchen or bathroom facilities;
and facilitating infill development on large lots known as campuses.

The draft annotated zoning text sheds new light on these proposals and offers more details on others. It includes provisions for the deepest affordability levels provided through zoning, including a requirement that units qualifying for UAP be permanently affordable to New Yorkers earning an average of 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). It also allows the “Deep Affordability” option of Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH), which requires that 20% of housing be affordable to New Yorkers earning 40% of the AMI, to be used independently of other MIH options, rather than only being available in conjunction with other MIH options at higher AMI levels.

Other details in the draft zoning text include:

how the proposal will clear barriers to affordable homeownership;
a definition of the “Greater Transit Zone,” where three-to-five-story apartment buildings will be allowed, that will automatically expand if new transit access is added;
changes to zoning incentives that will remove obstacles to family-sized apartments, and will help buildings to modernize trash disposal and pickup;
benefits for “community facilities” like faith-based organizations and libraries;
and changes to ensure the definition of “family” in zoning is inclusive and matches other city and state laws.

DCP will release a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) and refer City of Yes for Housing Opportunity to community boards, borough presidents, and borough boards for public review later this spring. It is anticipated to come for a vote by the City Planning Commission and City Council before the end of the year.

###

Department of City Planning

Earthquake in NYC

April 5, 2024 - CB4 received reports that a 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook the New York City metro area this morning.

Visit NYC Emergency Management’s website for information on what to do before, during or after an earthquake. For updates follow NYC Emergency Management and the Mayor’s Office on X.

Did you feel the earthquake? Submit a report to: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi/.

NYC Emergency Management - Notify NYC - Flood Watch 4/3/2024

Notification issued 4/3/2024 at 4:25 AM.

The National Weather Service has issued the following:

What: Flood Watch

Where: NYC

When: 4:00 PM on 4/3 to 1:00 AM on 4/4

Hazards: Heavy rain of 2-3" inches possible may cause flooding in the city, including on highways, streets, underpasses, as well as other poor drainage or low-lying spots.

Preparedness Actions:

If you are in a basement, prepare to move to a higher floor during periods of heavy rain.
Do not drive your vehicle or walk into areas where water covers the roadway as the water depth may be too great to allow you to cross safely.
If you lose power and have a disability, access and functional needs, or use life-sustaining equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911.

For the latest weather info: www.weather.gov/okx/.

New York State Department of Health Releases Eclipse Safety PSA Urging Eclipse Watchers to Take Safety Precautions

Protecting Eyes and Preparing for Weather and Traffic Key to Enjoying the Celestial Spectacle

Watch State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald’s Eclipse Safety Tips Public Service Announcement here

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 2, 2024) – The highly anticipated total solar eclipse of 2024 will cross New York State’s afternoon sky on April 8^th. Although it’s an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime event, it’s important to take some simple precautions to make sure your experience is safe and enjoyable.

“Looking directly at the sun without the correct eye protection--even for a short time--can cause permanent damage to your retinas, a light-sensitive part of the eye that transmits what you see to your brain,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “The only way to look at the sun when it’s not eclipsed or is partially eclipsed is with a special solar filter, such as eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, will not work. Please be particularly careful to protect small children who are at higher risk and may not understand the danger of staring at the sun during an eclipse.”

Eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers must meet the required ISO 12312-2 international standard.

Additionally, April in New York State can bring either a warm sun or lots of cold snow, so be prepared if you plan to be outdoors. If you must travel on the day of the eclipse, be aware that traffic is expected to be extremely heavy in most parts of the state.

Dr. McDonald’s Public Service Announcement can be viewed here.

For more information on how to have fun while staying safe and to check out eclipse events in your area, go to New York State Solar Eclipse | View Info, Times & Maps (iloveny.com).

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLACES NEW YORK CITY UNDER A TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER WEDNESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

April 2, 2024 — The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) today issued a Travel Advisory for Wednesday, April 3, to Thursday, April 4 for inclement weather forecasted for the city, including an additional 2 to 3 inches of rain expected between now and Thursday, becoming locally heavy at times, mainly Wednesday afternoon to Wednesday evening, causing minor flooding of poor drainage and low-lying areas. Flash flooding is not currently forecast, but localized areas of flash flooding cannot be ruled out. There is also expected to be minor coastal flooding and high winds. New Yorkers are urged to remain updated with real-time verified emergency weather alerts through Notify NYC (nyc.gov/notify) and to expect travel delays and disruptions.

The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Queens South from 3AM to 7AM Wednesday, April 3 and Queens North and the Bronx from 4PM Wednesday, April 3 until 10AM Thursday, April 4 for inundation of 1.5-2.5ft above ground level. The NWS also issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island from 2PM Wednesday, April 3 until to 7AM Thursday, April 4. A Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued for Queens South between 2-7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 3, for inundation of 1 foot above ground level and for 3-7 AM on Thursday, April 4 for inundation of 2 feet above ground level.

The National Weather Service has also issued a High Wind Watch citywide from 11:00 AM on Wednesday until 5:00 AM Thursday for 25-35 mph winds and gusts of up to 60 mph possible. New Yorkers are urged to exercise caution when walking, biking, or driving and secure any loose objects from their properties. NWS alerts, advisories, and warnings, and statements are subject to change. For the latest visit weather.gov/nyc. The MTA has prohibited empty tractor-trailers and tandem trailers on all MTA bridges beginning 10AM on Wednesday due to expected high winds.

NYCEM is collaborating with the National Weather Service and monitoring the latest forecasts. To ensure real-time awareness and a coordinated response, NYCEM is organizing specialized interagency briefings to keep essential stakeholders well-informed of emerging risks, and reinforcing its readiness for scaled-up emergency responses should conditions warrant. Critical assets and specialized units are on standby prepared for activation as conditions necessitate. Roads, parking lots, and properties in low-lying areas near the shoreline could potentially experience minor flooding.

NYCEM recommends the following preparedness actions for New Yorkers:

Communication and Information: Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts through various channels, including Notify NYC, available in 13 different languages, with a special sub-group dedicated to Basement Apartment Dwellers. Register at gov/NotifyNYC or dial 311. Keep a battery-powered radio ready for timely updates, particularly if power outages are expected.
Gather Supplies: Every household member should have a Go Bag packed with essential items, such as bottled water, non-perishable food, and basic medical supplies.
Tidal Awareness and Coastal Barriers: Monitor tide tables and storm surge forecasts. Know when high tides are expected in your vicinity and be prepared to adjust your plans. Where feasible, deploy sandbags or other deployables suitable for a residence to reduce the risk of tidal water intrusion.
Watercraft and Boat Security: If you own boats or watercraft, secure or relocate them immediately. Fluctuating tides can not only carry them away but loose watercraft can cause additional damage.
Storm Drains and Local Warnings: Regularly check and clear any nearby storm drains to help manage water runoff and lessen the chances of localized flooding. Pay attention to localized warnings, especially those pertaining to rip currents and high waves.
Beach Closures and Coastal Roads: Remain updated on any beach closures, as flooding can swiftly make these areas hazardous. Beaches are closed to swimming. Plan alternative travel routes to avoid low-lying coastal roads that may be susceptible to flooding.
Home Safety and Utility Measures: Ensure your home's sump pumps are operational and familiarize yourself with how to safely shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity. If you reside in a basement or below-grade apartment, be particularly vigilant, as these areas are more susceptible to flooding. Follow City guidance for additional actions specific to below-grade dwellings. Subscribe to Notify NYC’s Basement Apartment Dweller subgroup for key alerts.
Document & Insurance Review: Secure essential documents in waterproof containers and maintain digital backups. Review your insurance to ensure you have specialized flood coverage, as standard policies often don't cover flood and wind damage. Consider enrolling in the National Flood Insurance Program. Learn more at floodsmart.gov.
Prepare for Outages: To gear up for potential power disruptions, keep your cell phones charged, stock up on supplies. If power outages are predicted, consider adjusting your refrigerator and freezer to colder settings to extend the shelf life of perishable items. Ensure that flashlights and battery-operated radios or TVs are functional, keeping extra batteries on hand. If you rely on Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and lose power, dial 911 for immediate assistance, and remember never to use generators indoors. Check on vulnerable individuals in your community, such as older adults and people with disabilities or health conditions, and assist them in their preparations.
Pet Safety: Make provisions for your pets' safety, including the need to leave your home and to take your pet with you.
Plan for Special Needs & Check on Your Neighbors: Make it a point to check on neighbors who are older adults or who may require special assistance. If you have a disability or specific access and functional needs, make sure your emergency plan accounts for how these factors could impact your ability to respond quickly and communicate effectively during a crisis. Seek assistance from your family or service providers as needed.
Avoidance and Caution: Do not venture into flooded areas. These zones may be contaminated or electrically charged. Take preemptive action by assembling a Go Bag with essentials like food, water, and first-aid supplies.
Documentation: When it's safe, contribute to our collective flood risk understanding by capturing and submitting photos via the MyCoast portal (https://mycoast.org/ny) or the MyCoast app. Don't forget to also file flood reports through 311.
Real-Time Awareness: Stay updated on changing flood conditions by monitoring real-time flood depth via the FloodNet website (https://www.floodnet.nyc/).

NYCEM will continue to provide New Yorkers with the most current information and guidelines as conditions develop.

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City's free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. Sign up for Notify NYC to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.

March 2024

Summer Rising 2024

Summer Rising 2024 is a partnership between New York City Public Schools and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). Summer Rising is free and available to all NYC students in grades K-8. Students in Summer Rising will have access to both academic and enrichment programming over the course of the day, including field trips, arts activities, and outdoor recreation.

Programs will be full-day, in-person, and planned and operated collaboratively by school principals and community-based organizations (CBOs). Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be served.

Learn more: Summer Rising 2024 Webpage

City of Cars Survey - Hunter College Studio

We are reaching out on behalf of the spring 2024 Hunter College Master of Urban Planning studio class focusing on mobility and vehicle ownership in New York City. We are contacting community boards across the five boroughs to share our short survey with your constituents and members. We are planning to use this information to inform our final report documenting how New Yorkers move about the city and will be shared with the New York City Department of Transportation.

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/UMzwALy8TRroG2SE7

1333 Broadway (on: Linden Street) - Full Roadway Closure Notice - 04/06/24 - 04/14/24

To Whom It May Concern:

CONNOLLY & SON CONSTRUCTION INC. will be fully closing the roadway with use of Crane to deliver and install Mechanical Equipment at building 1333 Broadway. Please see below details for this full roadway closure:

Location

On: LINDEN STREET

Between: BROADWAY – BUSHWICK AVENUE

Date:

SAT. APRIL 6^TH – SUN. APRIL 7^TH

Work hours:

8:00AM-6:00PM (SAT)

9:00AM-6:00PM (SUN)

Back up date/Weather date:

SAT. APRIL 13^TH – SUN. APRIL 14^TH (Same work hours would apply)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

CONTACT NAME: PATRICK CONNOLLY

CONTACT NUMBER: (917) 202-0723

CONTACT EMAIL: PAT@247LIFTING.COM

Save the Date: Participatory Budgeting Vote Week

📣 Save the Date: Participatory Budgeting #VoteWeek!

#District37 has 11 projects on the ballot! You will be able to cast a vote for your top 3 projects. Your vote matters!

📅 April 6th-14th

🗳 Vote online or in person!

ℹ pbnyc.org/vote

Stay tuned to learn more about the projects on the ballot and our voting sites!

#PBNYC #GOTV

Important DSS/HRA Information: NYC AccessHRA Mobile App feature for Parents with Child Support cases

It’s Convenient!

The NYC ACCESS HRA Mobile App has proven to be popular with parents who have a case with the NYC Department of Social Services’s Office of Child Support Services. It’s an easy, convenient, and safe way for parents to fill out and submit forms and make online payments.

The most popular feature is online payments where parents can pay their child support using credit or debit cards, PayPal and now Venmo. When they use the app, they don’t incur any additional fees. Two to three business days are required for payment processing.

Other Features of the Mobile App:

Simplified and quick enrollment process
Ability to scan and upload documents
Complete and submit debt reduction forms
Challenge a child support enforcement action by submitting a fillable form
Maintain contact information
Access appointment information

Learn more at nyc.gov/childsupportmobile and via this flyer.

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADVISES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINS AND POTENTIAL FLASH FLOODS

The National Weather Service Has Issued a Flood Watch for New York City

March 5, 2024 — The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a Travel Advisory for heavy rain and flooding tomorrow, Wednesday, March 6, into Thursday, March 7. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for New York City valid from 1:00 p.m. tomorrow until 6:00 a.m. Thursday. According to the latest forecast, rain begins in the early afternoon tomorrow with periods of moderate to heavy rain through about midnight. Light rain continues overnight with lingering showers possible through Thursday afternoon. A total of 1.5 to 3 inches of rain is expected, the bulk of which is forecast between 3:00 p.m. and midnight. Rainfall rates around 1 inch/hour will be possible, but extreme rates are not expected.

Heavy rain may result in widespread minor flooding across the city, particularly in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Flooded roadways could create travel delays and disruptions during the evening commute. A few flood-prone roads may become impassable. Minor flooding of structures and properties will also be possible. The threat for more significant flash flooding remains low and localized at this time. The primary flood threat will end around midnight, but residual flooding will be possible through Thursday morning.

No other hazards are expected with this storm as winds will be about 10-15 MPH with temperatures in the low 50s. Winds will be breezy during the day Thursday at 20-25 MPH.

New York City Emergency Management, in coordination with partners and other city agencies, has activated the comprehensive Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is actively collaborating with the National Weather Service to monitor conditions. As part of this proactive approach, crews from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, New York City Department of Sanitation, and New York City Department of Transportation are already on the ground, inspecting and clearing catch basins in neighborhoods and thoroughfares that are particularly susceptible to flooding. Multiple city agencies have been convened on a Flash Flood Emergency Plan Steering Committee and are not only preparing in advance but also poised to respond swiftly and effectively to emergent situations.

NYCEM urges all New Yorkers to prioritize their safety by remaining alert and well-informed, including with real-time updates by subscribing to Notify NYC and listening to news broadcasts for the latest weather information. NYCEM strongly encourages all New Yorkers to take proactive steps to ensure their own safety and support the city’s resilience:

Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.
If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
If you live in a basement apartment in a flood-prone area, prepare to move to a place higher than the flood waters if experiencing rising waters and/or if you receive a warning from Notify NYC or the National Weather Service.
Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.
Six inches of moving water can knock over an adult. Avoid stepping in floodwater if you see it.
Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults as well as people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications on the Notify NYC website at gov/NotifyNYCor call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on social media.
New Yorkers should follow the National Weather Service forecast and guidance listed in watches, warnings, and advisories on the National Weather Service website.

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, New Yorkers can visit the Notify NYC website, call 311, or download the free Notify NYC app for your Android or Apple device. You can now text to 692-692, using the code NOTIFYNYC, NOTIFYNYCESP (Spanish), and NOTIFYFRE (French) to be instantly enrolled to receive the highest priority, verified alerts across all the five boroughs.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE COUNCIL SEATS CEC32

CEC32 currently has four vacant seats on the council (iep rep, ell rep, student, regular council member) and is accepting applications. Please apply to the DOE directly at CECinfo@schools.nyc.gov. Do not submit the application to CEC32. Eligible candidates will be invited to attend a candidate forum (date to be determined). Do not delay your application.

Applications are available in nine languages and all information about eligibility to apply for CECs can be found here. Please also visit CEC32@schools.nyc.gov to learn more about our organization.

Basic eligibility rules require that the applicant be a parent of a student in grades Kindergarten through 8th, or in a Pre-K program, who currently attends a non-charter public school or Pre-K program in the district where the applicant wishes to serve on the CEC. Please follow the links for more requirements.

February 2024

Attend NAMI NYC Mental Health Story Hour

We’d like to invite you to NAMI-NYC's Virtual Story Hour on Thursdays, starting March 7. NAMI-NYC community members will share their personal story of mental health challenges and their road to recovery.

Thursday, March 7: Opening Night Story Hour - Marina Enache and Lady Charmaine Day

Thursday, March 14: Black Minds Matter - Dionne Mobley and Tanya Robinson

Thursday, March 21: Stomp the Stigma Story Hour - Sonja van Breda and Anne McCarthy

Thursday, March 28: AAPI Voices - Jesse Liu and Brenda Tom

Thursday, April 4: Young Adult Story Hour - Kristen Koniuch and Nina Rondon

Thursday, April 11: Closing Night Story Hour - Miguel Andersson and Gregory Difolco

Register Here

Participate in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program

Addressing climate pollution is an urgent priority in our communities. By developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we will be able to accomplish critical collective goals, like improving air quality or promoting overall environmental health and sustainability.

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) is a partner in the New York-New Jersey Metropolitan Statistical Area’s (MSA) climate action planning work. Using a CPRG planning grant from the EPA, several agencies across the MSA will create comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing climate pollution and ensuring that the associated initiatives maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Community Outreach Survey: The Community Outreach Survey offers community members the opportunity to express their climate pollution concerns. The results of the survey will inform future CPRG planning.

To learn more or get involved in the initiative, visit the NY-NJ-MSA-CPRG Hub Site linked here.

Thank you for participating in this important effort to develop impactful climate pollution reduction measures.

No Trash, Curbside Composting or Recycling Collection on Lincoln’s Birthday, Monday, February 12 and Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 19, 2024

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that there would be no trash, curbside compost or recycling collection on Lincoln’s Birthday, Monday, February 12, and Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 19, 2024.

Lincoln’s Birthday – Monday, February 12, 2024

Residents who normally receive Monday trash, curbside compost or recycling collection may place their material out at curbside Monday evening for collection beginning Tuesday, February 13.

Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 19, 2024

Residents who normally receive Monday trash, curbside compost or recycling collection may place their material out at curbside Monday evening for collection beginning Tuesday, February 20.

Please note that residents may experience collection delays, as is possible after holidays. We appreciate patience as we work to collect the backlog of material.

For questions about Sanitation services and holiday schedules contact 311 or visit nyc.gov/sanitation.

About the New York City Department of Sanitation

DSNY Issues Snow Alert for Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Beginning at 3:00 a.m.

Alert continues until 7:00 pm, February 13

The New York City Department of Sanitation has issued a Snow Alert for Tuesday, February 13 beginning at 3:00 am. The alert is in effect through 7:00 pm, February 13.

Based on current forecasts, 5-8 inches of snow are possible, although the forecast is subject to change. Precipitation is expected to begin as rain, with snow expected to mix in starting around 4 a.m. before turning to all snow around 7 a.m.

Beginning on the midnight shift, Sanitation Workers will put salt on every street, highway and bike lane in the City, and will be prepared to plow as soon as accumulations hit 2” or more. The operation will continue until all streets are clear, which will likely be hours after snowfall ends. Remember that a plowed street does not show blacktop right away.

While the Department’s Sanitation Workers cover our streets, highways, and bike lanes, clearing snow from sidewalks is the property owners’ responsibility. The Department reminds all property owners to do their part to make sure that the sidewalks are passable.

In a Snow Alert, the Department coordinates with NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation on snow clearing protocol in accordance with each agency’s written snow plan. All relevant city agencies have been notified of the Snow Alert.

All winter weather information and information about the City’s response to the storm can be found by visiting the City’s Severe Weather website at nyc.gov/severeweather or by calling 311.

Operations Update

Thanks to historic investments in DSNY, the Department’s Workers and equipment are more prepared for winter weather than ever before.

The full fleet of more than 700 salt spreaders will begin to operate before the first precipitation falls, and the Department is fully stocked with salt. More than 2,000 of the Department’s collection trucks will be turned into snow plows, and these plows will be activated when a “plowable depth” of 2” of snow is reached.

Residents may track the progress of DSNY snow removal vehicles at nyc.gov/PlowNYC. Remember, a plowed or salted street will not show blacktop right away.

Trash/Recycling Collection:

Collection will not occur during initial snow operations, however, residents may follow their regular set out schedule. Collection will resume as soon as conditions and operations allow.

Snow Clearing Information

While DSNY clears streets and bike lanes, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks. As a reminder, property owners, including restaurants with outdoor dining structures, may NOT push snow into the street, including bike lanes. This impedes snow clearing operations and is illegal. Snow may be moved against the building, to the curb line, or areas on private property. Sidewalks should be passable for all pedestrians, including a minimum 4-foot clear path, where possible.

If the snow stops falling between:

7 a.m. and 5 p.m., property owners must clear sidewalks within 4 hours
5 p.m. and 9 p.m., property owners must clear sidewalks within 14 hours
9 p.m. and 7 a.m., property owners must clear sidewalks by 11 a.m.

The fine for failure to clear sidewalks is $100 for the first offense, $150 for the second offense and $250 for the third offense.

Alternate Side Parking

Alternate Side Parking regulations are cancelled Tuesday, February 13. Parking meters will remain in effect.

Find information on Sanitation snow operations along with residents’ responsibilities during and after snow at nyc.gov/snow.

DSNY Business Containerization Info Sessions

Starting March 1, 2024, all businesses in NYC must use bins with secure lids when setting out trash for collection. This new rule is an important step in keeping our streets clean!

This rule applies to any business in New York City, regardless of what is sold. Any perishable material (trash or organic material) must be in a bin with a secure lid when set out on the curb for collection. This requirement does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.

Store bins inside or outside

Bins should be stored inside or in a rear yard if possible. If space is not available, bins can be stored within three (3) feet of the building line when not set out for collection. Bins must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner and always allow for a clear path of pedestrian travel on the sidewalk.

Join an info session!

Need more information to prepare your business? Join one of our trainings, held weekly through March:

Meeting Date	Meeting Time	Registration Link
Feb 12	3:00 PM	(Spanish) https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/a6b8f369-8338-400d-b436-31653f79889b@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef
Feb 21	10:00 AM	https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/16781dde-9de0-46b0-bd18-800d6173eb7e@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef
Feb 26	1:00 PM	(Chinese) https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/aaffc80f-8353-4f8e-a213-87f3d97e5237@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef
March 7	5:00 PM	https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/249aeace-381f-4164-804a-d34f9b885f6a@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef
March 15	10:00 AM	(Spanish) https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/c2cee688-1622-47a0-ae75-4ee1e8d7071c@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef
March 19	3:00 PM	(Chinese) https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/5578d4ac-b96f-414c-a5ad-deebcb33f8d6@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef
Mar 25	5:00 PM	https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/f85b6b9d-6c69-4b4e-a104-801708758b04@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef

If you’re unable to make an info session, please go to nyc.gov/usebins for more information.

As a reminder:

The food-related business containerization rule is in effect as of 8/1/2023. All catering establishments, food manufacturers, food preparation establishments, food service establishments, food wholesalers, and retail food stores must use a bin to keep streets clean and avoid a fine.
The chain business containerization rule is in effect as of 9/5/2023. This includes all businesses with five or more locations in New York City.

Recycling

Bins with secure lids can be set out at the curb 1 hour before closing
Clear bags can only be used after 8:00pm

No Trash, Curbside Composting or Recycling Collection on Lincoln’s Birthday, Monday, February 12 and Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 19

Lincoln’s Birthday – Monday, February 12, 2024

Residents who normally receive Monday trash, curbside compost or recycling collection may place their material out at curbside Monday evening for collection beginning Tuesday, February 13.

Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 19, 2024

Residents who normally receive Monday trash, curbside compost or recycling collection may place their material out at curbside Monday evening for collection beginning Tuesday, February 20.

Please note that residents may experience collection delays, as is possible after holidays. We appreciate patience as we work to collect the backlog of material.

For questions about Sanitation services and holiday schedules contact 311 or visit nyc.gov/sanitation.

About the New York City Department of Sanitation

CBDTP Ratemaking Comment Period Underway

The MTA will host four hybrid virtual/in-person public ratemaking hearings in February and March on the proposed tolling structure of congestion pricing for the Central Business District, modeled on recommendations made by the Traffic Mobility Review Board on Nov. 30, 2023.

The ratemaking hearings will take place at the following dates and times, and are accessible online at mta.info/CBDTP:

Thursday, Feb. 29, at 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, March 1, at 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Monday, March 4, at 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Monday, March 4, at 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Each public hearing will be livestreamed on the MTA YouTube channel at MTA Live - YouTube and on the project website: mta.info/CBDTP.

Members of the public who wish to speak at the hearings are required to register in advance online, by calling the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777, or in person. Registration will open one week before the start time of each hearing and will close 30 minutes after the beginning of the hearing. Speakers will be provided two minutes to speak. The hearings will be hosted in person at 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 in the William J. Ronan 20th Floor Board Room. People may also register to participate remotely via Zoom or telephone.

American Sign Language and CART Captioning Services will be available.

Comments can be submitted through Monday, March 11, 2024, online, by email, mail, fax, and audio comments via voicemail message.

Sincerely,
Team GCR

Complete Survey to Inform NYC DOT’s Next Strategic Plan! Due 3/1/24

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) is undergoing an extensive process to prepare a new Strategic Plan to be released later this year. This plan will serve as a cohesive framing of our work and guide the future of transportation in our city.

As part of the process, NYC DOT is looking for input from New Yorkers on the agency’s areas of work and approach. Please take the survey and help us spread the word!

Click here to make your voice heard by March 1, 2024.

Register Now! Health and Racial Equity Convergence: Addressing the Social Determinants of Health

You are invited to “Health and Racial Equity Convergence: Addressing the Social Determinants of Health” on Wednesday, February 21st in-person at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

The event will focus on how addressing social needs, such as access to healthy food and green space, can improve chronic disease outcomes and address racial patterns of health and social inequalities.

The event will begin with a welcome from Tony Davis, Director of Community Outreach and remarks from Dr. Michelle Morse, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Commissioner of the Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness within the NYC Health Department.

Dr. Ese Oghenejobo, Director of Healthcare Payment and Financing Initiatives and Acting Executive Director of the Office of Healthcare System Strategy and Accountability within the NYC Health Department, will then moderate an interactive panel and live audience Q&A featuring:

Commissioner Molly Wasow Park, NYC Department of Social Services
Dr. Machelle Allen, Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals
Emily Engel, Director, Bureau of Social Care and Community Supports, Office of Health Insurance Programs, New York State Department of Health
Bay Ouma, Community Health Worker, NYC Health Department
Dr. Melony Samuels, Executive Director and Founder, The Campaign Against Hunger

The final agenda will be posted on the registration page prior to the event.

When: Wednesday February 21st 4:00 p.m. ET 
Where: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Auditorium, 33 Liberty Street, New York, NY
How: Registration is required. Please register here by February 16th.

Thank you!

With appreciation,

Michelle Morse, MD, MPH | Chief Medical Officer | Deputy Commissioner, CHECW
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

January 2024

NYC Trash Academy - Deadline to Apply February 2nd

Everything you always wanted to know about the Future of Trash in NYC and so much more.

'NYC Trash Academy: Talking Dirty About Sustainable Solutions’ is a free virtual 10-session educational series designed for all New Yorkers and anyone interested in learning how to create a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable city. Along with these virtual sessions, this year we have also added three hybrid evening study halls where participants can come together (virtually or in person) to discuss the modules and network as a cohort.

The Fourth Annual NYC Trash Academy, formerly known as Zero Waste Academy, is taught by experts from the NYC Department of Sanitation and the private sector. The course is designed to increase awareness and understanding of the environmental, social, and economic impacts around waste management. Upon completion of the program, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and resources to create meaningful change in their lives, their communities and the city at large.

NYC Trash Academy runs February 8 through March 21. Apply to join this year’s cohort! Applications close Friday, February 2, 2024. For more information, visit the NYC Sanitation Foundation website.

If you have any issues or questions, please contact us at academy@sanitationfoundation.org.

IDNYC Service Update

Effective January 29, 2024, DSS/HRA will move to an appointment-only model across all 10 of IDNYC's enrollment sites.

Appointments for in-person enrollment are released each week on Friday afternoons for the following Monday through Friday and can be booked by visiting the IDNYC Online Portal. If clients are not able to book an appointment, we ask they check back as availability changes daily.

Click HERE for IDNYC Enrollment Center locations.

About IDNYC

IDNYC is a free, municipal photo identification card for New York City residents ages 10 and up to use in the five boroughs which provides access to a wide variety of services and programs offered by the City. For cardholders 16 and older, cards are valid for five years from the date the application was approved. For cardholders under the age of 16, cards are valid for two years from the date the application was approved. IDNYC cardholders enjoy benefits and discounts offered by businesses and cultural institutions across the five boroughs. IDNYC can be used as your public library card, to access your own and your child's immunization records, and to open a bank account at select financial institutions.

IDNYC does not provide work authorization
IDNYC does not impact immigration status

Unlocking Doors an HPD Initiative

“Unlocking Doors” is a new program that will invest up to $10 million to renovate distressed rent-stabilized homes and then connect New Yorkers experiencing homelessness with access to those homes. Through this pilot, the City will provide up to $25,000 for qualifying repairs for up to 400 rent-stabilized homes that are currently vacant and unavailable for rent. After the repairs are complete, HRA will then match the rehabilitated apartments with households with City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) vouchers for use and distribute the reimbursement to the apartment’s owner.

For more information visit the HPD website.

2024 DVS Veteran and Military Community Survey

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 2024 NYC Veteran and Military Community Survey—a chance to shape the future of the NYC Veteran community. Your insights matter, and this survey is key to unlocking a more tailored experience for the community.

Why participate?

Influence Decision-Making: Results from the survey will be used to improve the services that NYC-based US Military Service Members—past and present (in addition to their loved ones)—receive, and possibly inform future research about the Veteran community.
Tailored Solutions: Help us understand the needs of the Veteran community in order to tailor our agency's services to best serve the community.
Unity by Action: By participating, you are actively and collectively shaping the future of the NYC Veteran Community.

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Visit nyc.gov/vetsurvey to take the 2024 NYC Veteran and Military Community Survey and help us make impactful choices for our Veterans, Service Members, and their families.

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES WEATHER ALERT FOR SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY

Agency Continues to Monitor Potential Winter Storm

January 4, 2024 — The NYC Department of Emergency Management has issued a weather alert for Saturday, January 6 into Sunday, January 7, 2024. According to the National Weather Service, light snow and a wintry mix begin early Saturday afternoon, becoming increasingly likely by the evening. Rain continues to mix with snow overnight, particularly along the coast, with precipitation tapering off Sunday morning. Spotty snow showers may continue through the afternoon or early evening. Wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph overnight and minor coastal flooding on Sunday morning will also be possible.

The current forecast calls for snowfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches in the northern boroughs with less than half an inch along the coast. If conditions trend colder, reasonable worst-case amounts of 3 to 5 will be possible in the northern boroughs, with 1 to 2 inches elsewhere across the city. Snowfall is expected to be wet, so full accumulation is not expected. Slick roadways and minor travel impacts will be possible during periods of snow. Icy conditions are not expected at this time.

“With initial forecasts predicting a potentially significant storm hitting the tri-state area this weekend, our agencies are prepared to handle anything that’s thrown our way,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We’ll continue to keep New Yorkers updated about what to expect and our preparations for the storm. As always, the best way to stay safe is to stay informed – so sign up for Notify NYC to get the latest information directly from the city.”

“As the tri-state area anticipates a winter weather system this weekend that could bring substantial impact, New York City’s agencies are prepared and are actively coordinating with the National Weather Service and our utility partners to ensure a comprehensive response to mitigate and address any potential effects from this weather,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “I encourage all New Yorkers to closely monitor the forecast and to subscribe to Notify NYC , the city’s free verified emergency alert system.”

“Thanks to historic investments in the Sanitation Department, we have the highest uniformed headcount in decades heading into this winter. We are ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way,” said Jessica Tisch, Commissioner, NYC Department of Sanitation.

NYC Emergency Management has conducted coordination calls and briefings with the National Weather Service, partner city and state agencies, and infrastructure and utility companies. NYCEM has enhanced staffing at its Watch Command, which maintains 24/7 surveillance and response over weather developments and emergency situations, ensuring continuous monitoring, readiness, and interagency coordination. Additionally, it has bolstered its Response Unit to provide support to the city’s field operations and ensure the provision of emergency logistics and communications. Furthermore, NYCEM’s Emergency Operations Center, which is currently active for asylum seeker operations, remains fully operational as a hub of coordination and response, enabling the city to effectively manage multiple ongoing operations simultaneously.

NYC Emergency Management offered New Yorkers tips on staying safe before, during, and after winter storms: https://www.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/winter-weather-prep.page.

Safety Tips

Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
Allow for extra travel time and expect delays with little to no notice. Use public transportation whenever possible.
If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
If you live in a basement apartment, or in a low-lying, flood-prone, or poor drainage area, be prepared to move to higher ground or leave your apartment should conditions worsen.
Turn around, don't drown. Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.
Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
Charge your phones and keep a flashlight and batteries handy. If you lose power and have a disability and/or use life-sustaining equipment and need immediate assistance, call 911.
To report power outages, downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment, call your power provider immediately to report the outage. Con Edison’s 24-hour hotline is 800-75-CONED (752-6633) (TTY: 800-642-2308). You can also report an outage online on Con Edison's website. National Grid’s 24-hour hotline is 718-643-4050 (TTY: 718-237-2857). PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour hotline is 800-490-0025 (TTY: 631-755-6660)
Prepare your property by bringing inside loose, lightweight, or unsecured objects such as holiday decorations, lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, and garden tools.

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT: Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)

@nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)

Facebook: /NYCemergencymanagement

City Planning to Answer Frequently Asked Questions about City of Yes for Economic Opportunity at Online Public Event

For Immediate Release
January 3, 2024

Contacts:
Casey Berkovitz, Joe Marvilli – press@planning.nyc.gov (212) 720-3471

City Planning to Answer Frequently Asked Questions about City of Yes for Economic Opportunity at Online Public Event

Community Leaders Will Pose Questions Based on Community Feedback about City of Yes Proposal

Event Comes as the Zoning Initiative is Being Considered by Community Boards, Borough Boards, and Borough Presidents

NEW YORK – Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick today announced that the agency will host a virtual online information session to answer frequently asked questions about the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity proposal. To be held on Tuesday, January 9 at 11:00 am via Zoom, the event will offer a venue for community leaders to ask DCP questions that have been raised during the public review of the proposal. RSVP here.

City of Yes for Economic Opportunity, the second of Mayor Adams’s three City of Yes zoning initiatives, would support small businesses and entrepreneurs, revitalize commercial corridors, boost growing industries, and bolster the city’s industrial sector. DCP held five info sessions before the start of public review, and has made over 100 presentations to community and borough boards since the formal public review process began on October 30.

Tuesday’s event aims to provide a convenient online forum for interested New Yorkers from across the city to get answers to the most commonly-heard questions from these meetings, and dispel any misconceptions or unanswered questions about the proposal. Community leaders representing a diverse array of neighborhoods and stakeholders will bring questions for DCP: Kevin Guscott, a small business owner and Special Projects Manager for the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Rafael Espinal, Executive Director of the Freelancers Union; and Laura Rothrock, President of Long Island City Partnership. A recording and transcript of the event will be available online after it concludes.

The event comes during community boards’, borough boards’, and borough presidents’ formal review period on the proposal, which includes 18 proposed changes to the city’s zoning regulations. 4 community boards have already voted in support of the proposal, while 4 have voted to disapprove. On January 24, the City Planning Commission (CPC) will hold a public hearing, followed by a vote in the spring; if the CPC votes to approve the initiative, the City Council will hold a hearing and vote to approve, modify, or disapprove the proposal.

City of Yes for Economic Opportunity is the second of three City of Yes initiatives to update New York City’s zoning for a more sustainable, prosperous, and affordable city. The first, City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality, was adopted by the City Council in December, lifting barriers to clean energy and sustainability efforts like building retrofits, solar panels, electric vehicle charging, and more. The third, City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, aims to build a little more housing in every neighborhood. It is currently undergoing environmental review and will begin formal public review in the spring.

###

MTA - Congestion Pricing Public Review Process through March 11th

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced details of a public review process of the tolling structure that has been proposed for Central Business District Tolling, New York's congestion pricing program. The agency will accept written and audio comments now until March 11th. They will also be holding four hybrid virtual/in-person public hearings in February and March.

Members of the public may submit written comments online, and by email, mail and fax, and may submit audio comments by leaving a voicemail message.

Online: https://contact.mta.info/s/forms/CBDTP

Email: cbdtp.feedback@mtabt.org

Mail: CBD Tolling program, 2 Broadway, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10004

Phone: 646-252-7440

Fax: Send to (212) 504-3148 with Attention to CBDTP Team

The hearings will begin on Thursday, Feb. 29 and conclude on March 4th. Members of the public who wish to speak at the hearings are required to register in advance online, in-person or by calling the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777. The meetings will take place in person at 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 in the William J. Ronan 20th Floor Board Room. People may also register to participate remotely via Zoom or telephone. All public hearings will be livestreamed on the MTA YouTube channel as well as on the project website. The meetings will be held on these dates and times:

Thursday, February 29th at 6:00 PM
Friday, March 1st at 10:00 AM
Monday, March 4th at 10:00 AM
Monday, March 4th at 6:00 PM

To learn more, please visit https://new.mta.info/project/CBDTP

Community Emergency Response Team (NYC CERT)

New York City Community Emergency Response Teams (NYC CERT) is now recruiting for dedicated volunteers who help to prepare their neighbors and communities for different types of disasters.

NYC CERT members receive intensive training in emergency preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and more.

Two classes are scheduled to begin in February. One class will meet on a Mon/Wed schedule and the other on a Tues/Thurs. The 11-session training will be delivered as a hybrid training.

If you are 18 or older and want to join NYC CERT, please complete the online application: https://nyc.gov/cert

NYC Hazard Mitigation

Was your home or business damaged by flash flooding on 9/29? You may be eligible for low-interest loans through the US Business Administration. The deadline to apply for physical damage loans is February 2, 2024; the deadline to apply for economic injury loans is September 4, 2024. Learn more by visiting https://www.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/flooding.page

The NYC Hazard Mitigation Plan shares how NYC is working to reduce the impacts from natural hazards like coastal storms and flooding. Share your thoughts! The public comment period closes February 5, 2024. Learn more at https://nychazardmitigation.com/documentation/nyc-hazard-mitigation-plan/

The NYC Emergency Management Government Relations team is here to assist you! Please email all requests and inquiries to intergov@oem.nyc.gov

REMINDER - Christmas Tree-cycling!

For residents in Brooklyn and Queens, set out your CLEAN trees and wreaths with your other composting on your Curbside Composting collection day.

For all other NYC residents, DSNY will collect clean Christmas trees and wreaths from Friday, January 5, 2024 through Saturday, January 13, 2024 — weather permitting. Christmas trees and wreaths are collected separately from your trash and recycling. They are scouted at the curb to make efficient collection routes. Your tree may not be picked up immediately, but will be picked up eventually.

Before your Christmas trees and wreaths can be collected, you MUST:

Remove ALL lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Remove stands from trees and metal frames and wires from wreaths.
Make sure they are not wrapped in ANY plastic or placed inside a plastic bag.
Leave them at the curb between the designated dates (January 5 - 13).

Trees and wreaths are processed as other composting or chipped, mixed with leaves, and recycled into rich compost for NYC's parks, institutions, and community gardens.

Artificial Trees

Take apart your tree to recycle the base and trunk (pole) with metal, glass, plastic, and cartons on your recycling day. Remove all lights, ornaments and tinsel before placing at the curb. Otherwise, set it out as garbage on a regular collection day.

Make Your Own Mulch

Use evergreen boughs and branches from your Christmas tree as mulch to enrich the soil in your garden or street tree beds. Just cut off the smaller branches of your Christmas tree and remove the twigs from evergreen boughs. Lay three to four inches of these trimmings over the bare soil around street trees or in your garden. After removing the branches for mulch, you can take your tree to MulchFest or leave it out for our collection.

MulchFest

Remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, and stands from natural trees and take them to MulchFest for free chipping.

For more information on Christmas tree collection and recycling visit www.nyc.gov/dsny or call 311.