Dear Neighbor,
This summer has been exciting, from family days to awarding community organizations with much-needed budget allocations. And while the summer days were long and draining for some, I am proud of all of you who have worked through the most challenging and fulfilling times.
One of my favorite parts of September is when we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate the unique and numerous traditions from the various Spanish-speaking countries, paying homage to the contributions and strides made by the Hispanic community. We’ve seen this in all forms, from civil rights movements to protests against local governments for inhumane living conditions and women’s reproductive rights, as well as newly established minority-owned businesses and scientific contributions. We celebrate the contributions that have left their mark, paving the way for future generations.
As our younger generations learn from their elders, we must continue to inspire and provide opportunities for all. Whether you are White, Black, Hispanic, Asian-American/Pacific Islander, European, Native American, Middle Eastern, or have another to identify, you are a part of this beautiful, growing blend of cultures that makes our community unique. Our schools are blended, and while students prepare for the new school year, teach them kindness and acceptance. It’s our responsibility to teach them that our neighborhoods are full of people from dozens of countries; remember, our children are our future.
In this week’s newsletter, you will find critical information regarding City initiatives, such as the Property Tax Rebates, Congestion Pricing (click here for our survey), and the Bruckner Rezoning Proposal, among others that are quickly approaching. You will also find a recap of recent events and information about upcoming community programs.
If you have questions about any of the resources below, you can reach out to my office Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM at (718) 931-1721 or via email at District13@council.nyc.gov.
Sincerely,
Council Member Marjorie Velázquez
Mobile Office Hours
Join me and my team for Mobile Office Hours on Tuesday, September 6th at the Morris Park Library (985 Morris Park Avenue) from 3 PM to 5 PM to address any questions or concerns you may have. We’re here to help YOU make the most out of your community.
See you there!
Neighborhood Safety - Lithium Ion Batteries
In recent weeks, a lithium-ion battery fire killed two individuals at Jackie Robinson Houses in Harlem and injured two others, including a firefighter. This tragic event was preventable; unfortunately, these fires continue to occur across the City. It is evident that lithium-battery-related fires are very real, and the risks outweigh the advantages. We must work together to develop realistic solutions to reduce the risk of battery fires in our communities.
To address this public safety issue, I am partnering with my colleagues to address public education, the scope of the issue, safety standards for charging and storage, and infrastructure needs. Overall - we want to hear from YOU on what you want to see in your community regarding the electric transportation devices, such as e-bikes and scooters.
From now until September 6th, you can submit a public testimony by clicking here.
For more information on safety, please visit the FDNY website here.
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Remembering Dominick SchianoLast Saturday, I joined the family of Dominick Schiano, as we honored his life and legacy as we unveiled Dominick Schiano Way. A true gentleman, community leader, and husband and father, Dominick worked to serve his family first and his community second, even during the height of the pandemic. Surrounded by his loved ones and community leaders, we debuted this token of gratitude to Dominick Schiano and his family. |
LEGISLATIVE CORNER
A Message For Our Homeowners
New York City Council recently passed a law, which has been signed by Mayor Adams, indicating that eligible New York City homeowners will receive property tax rebates of up to $150.
The majority of eligible property owners have received their checks automatically and did not need to take any action. However, many property owners are unaware they may be eligible for this rebate, and we are working to ensure our residents have access to information to determine their eligibility.
Owners may be eligible for a property tax rebate if they own their home, it serves as their primary residence, and their household income is $250,000 or less. More information about the rebates is available at www.nyc.gov/propertytaxrebate.
Constituents who believe they meet the eligibility criteria but do not receive a check by the end of September can take the following steps by November 15, 2022:
Visit www.nyc.gov/dofsmartfile.
If you do not already have an account, select “Create Account” and log in.
Select “2022 - Property Tax Rebate Form.”
Complete the information and upload the documentation requested.
Remember to click “Submit.” The Department of Finance will notify property owners whether they are eligible for the rebate.
If you have any questions about the rebate initiative, please contact the Department of Finance via our online customer service portal, www.nyc.gov/dofcustomerservice
Bruckner Boulevard Rezoning Hearing
City Hall Testimony: You do not need to pre-register. If you wish to testify in person you can do so by simply coming to City Hall Wednesday morning, going through security at the intersection of Broadway and Murray Street, and heading to the Committee Room where the Sergeant of Arms will sign you in.
Zoom/Call in Testimony: You must pre-register. Please click here to pre-register.
Written Testimony: To submit written testimony email the Committee on Land Use at landusetestimony@council.nyc.
If you require non-English language interpretation, please email translationservice@council.
Name and date of the hearing
Your full name, telephone number, and email address
Please be aware that members of the public are allowed 2 minutes to present testimony.
NYC Congestion Pricing
The MTA recently announced their draft Environmental Assessment for the ‘Central Business District Tolling Program,’ commonly known as congestion pricing. This program would call for tolls ranging from $9 to $23 to enter and travel through Manhattan, south of 60th Street by car. If you were unable to attend a hearing to testify, click here for a list of upcoming regional meetings and environmental justice public meetings
Previous hearings, meetings and video presentations explaining the project can be found on the MTA’s project website by clicking here.
Upcoming Regional Public Meetings (Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island)
Thursday, September 23, 2021 (click here to view meeting)
Thursday, September 30, 2021 (click here to view meeting)
Serving Our Seniors
PROTECTNG OUR SENIORS AGAINST DIGITAL MONEY TRANSFER FRAUD
In recent years, digital money transfers have been increasingly popular. Unfortunately, many individuals, particularly our seniors, have been a victim of digital money transfer fraud. Scammers come in all forms, and can contact you requesting payment through a Wire Transfer or digital service such as Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle, which allow money to be sent instantly and are often difficult to recover and monitor. Below are a few tips on how to protect yourself from digital money transfer fraud.
There are many entities that will try scam you; you should never transfer money to:
Anyone who claims to be from a government agency
Any stranger, no matter what reason they give
A telemarketer trying to sell you something
Anyone claiming your account is compromised
Unauthorized, unverified cryptocurrency sites or salespeople
Anyone asking you to send money to yourself
To view the video on the risks of digital money transfers, please click here.
The Office of Cannabis Management Launches Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary Application
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management launched the Conditional Application Use Retail application on Thursday, August 25th. This is an exciting venture for our economy and fellow New Yorkers, interested in opening a cannabis dispensary.
I know many of you have questions about this initiative and I’m here to provide clarification for you.
To be eligible New Yorkers must be justice involved and have experience running a small business. The CAURD license will authorize up to 150 of those entrepreneurs to be the first New Yorkers to sell adult-use cannabis sales.
New York State knows the harms done to people, families, and communities by the over policing of marijuana. We are committed to repairing the harm. The CAURD license puts those convicted of marijuana related crimes and their close family members first in line to profit in the growing cannabis industry.
We are planting the seeds of opportunity in New York State with the CAURD license. This is an opportunity for people, families, and communities impacted the most by cannabis prohibition to become leaders in the NYS cannabis industry.
Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) applications opened August 25th; click here to file an application.
New York Farmers are growing New York Cannabis – which will be ready for sale in NYS CAURD licensed dispensaries later this year.
City Parks Foundation
CityParks Green Girls Empowered by ING is a program that provides the opportunity to learn about our local environment as involved residents and is geared towards middle school and high school aged-girls. There will be a virtual orientation on September 22nd at 6 PM to learn about the Green Girls curriculum. CPF will introduce the Green Girls lesson format, the resources available, and how each lesson plan integrates STEM, experiential learning, and youth development concepts. Click here for more information and to register.
The It’s My Park Project is a program that provides volunteer opportunities for our youth to help care for parks by supporting beautifying a neighborhood green space! It’s My Park offers opportunities to give back by cleaning, painting, weeding, planting, and so much more. The program is open to individuals, groups, and corporate volunteering. For more information, click here to register.
The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park has brought enjoyment to thousands of people through its contemporary and creative marionette productions based on some of our favorite children’s classics. Wake Up, Daisy! debuted in February 2022 and has been extended through December 2022 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This is a great opportunity to bring the family out for a day in the City for a family outing. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Important Information - PARKS
Pelham Bay Park
Monkeypox in New York City
As of August 24th, there are 2,810 cases of orthopoxvirus/Monkeypox in New York City. This data includes confirmed and probable cases of those residing in NYC; cases of those who primarily reside outside of NYC are not included.
Most of these individuals have experienced mild illness, have not been hospitalized, and have recovered on their own. Even with mild illness, the rash and sores from Monkeypox can be itchy and painful. If you have a new or unexpected rash or other symptoms of Monkeypox, contact a health care provider.
Anyone can get and spread Monkeypox. The current cases are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, so this community is currently at greater risk of exposure.
Eligible New Yorkers who may have been recently exposed to Monkeypox can receive the FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of Monkeypox in people ages 18 and older. New York State has secured over 60,000 doses, and Governor Hochul spoke with the White House to request additional vaccines. Getting vaccinated after a recent exposure reduces the chance of you getting Monkeypox , and it can reduce symptoms if you do get it. You must take two doses of the vaccine, four weeks apart. Appointments are available online or by phone by texting MONKEYPOX to 692-692.
For updates on orthopoxvirus/Monkeypox, please visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene by clicking here.
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