Saturday, September 17, 2022

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - Hispanic Heritage Month + Leading With Purpose

Dear Neighbor,

We are finally in Hispanic Heritage Month, and I am so excited to celebrate this year for many reasons. This month is all about culture and recognizing contributions made by the Hispanic community. From community activists and elected officials to teachers and entrepreneurs, we must support each other as we continue to grow and prosper on both small and large stages.

This month, I was recognized by City and State NY in this year’s Power of Diversity: Latino 100. It is an honor to be recognized as I continue to work towards breaking barriers and inspiring other Latino to follow their dreams and establish fulfilling careers. I am proud to say that my office is a space where Latinos and people of color can begin their careers in public service, gaining the necessary skills for a successful career. It’s only when you create opportunities that our community members will prosper.

In this week’s newsletter, you will find information about upcoming events and opportunities for all ages, from our youngest neighbors to our eldest. There’s also information about recently introduced legislation and City-wide initiatives, and I encourage you all to take advantage of the opportunity to make your voice heard. If you have any questions or would like further information, 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.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you all around the district and hope you have a safe weekend!

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Mobile Office Hours

Join us for Mobile Office Hours on Monday, September 19th in Westchester Square at the corner of Westchester Avenue and Lane Avenue from 2 PM to 4 PM to address any questions or concerns you may have. We are here to help YOU make the most out of your community.

Sinkhole on Hollywood Avenue & Schley Avenue

On Tuesday, September 13th, two sinkholes opened in the vicinity of Hollywood Avenue and Schley Avenue. The rainfall our community has experienced has led to multiple sinkholes opening over the last year, showing the declining health of our infrastructure. The Department of Environmental Protection responded to the issue in a timely manner and observed the situation to evaluate and repair the sinkholes. DEP has reported that neither sinkhole was sewer related; both sinkholes have been repaired, and the area is under observation.

LEGISLATIVE CORNER

Res 0304 - A resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.9414/S.5806, in relation to authorizing the New York City Council to oversee the activities of the New York City Housing Authority.

What does it do? - For far too long, our NYCHA communities have been impacted by various issues, including public health and safety concerns. At this time, the New York City Council has no involvement in NYCHA’s operations; should the Governor sign A.9414/S.5806, the City Council will oversee the daily operations of the New York City Housing Authority.

Int. No. 444 - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of environmental protection to post information online regarding scheduled and requested infrastructure services

What does it do? - This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to post information on its website regarding requests it receives and work it has scheduled, including catch basin maintenance, water quality testing, and sinkhole repairs.

Int. No. 606 - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to motor vehicles idling adjacent to and within New York city parks, green spaces, and playgrounds

What does it do? - This bill would require the NYPD, Parks Department, and DSNY to issue summonses, notices, of violation and/or appearance tickets to motor vehicles idling adjacent to NYC parks, green spaces, and playgrounds for longer than one minute.

Int. No. 660 - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to establishing a program to provide transition services for students with disabilities entering higher education

What does it do? - This bill would require the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) to establish a program to help high school students with disabilities who are graduating in the current school year, obtain accommodations at institutions for higher education.

Hurricane Ida Recovery Support

Last year, our community felt the impact of Hurricane Ida, which included flooding, sewage backup, organic growth, and so much more. The New York City Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations has extended its deadline for those who resided in a home that has now been considered uninhabitable. If you would like more information on how to apply, please email IdaAssist@recovery.nyc.gov or call (212) 615-8329.

A Message For Our Homeowners

Recently, I helped pass a law within the New York City Council that has since 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, or call 311.

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)

Reminder: Today is the last day to submit a testimony through the MTA website by clicking here. For many of our neighbors, congestion pricing is a huge factor that will effect one’s ability to commute between their homes and Manhattan. I am also including a link here to a survey that has been put together by my office, so that we can support those in our district in regards to congestion pricing.

For information on how Congestion Pricing can impact our community, click here.