Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - What's Happening in District 13

 

Dear Neighbor,

This week has been full of events, and I am excited to share these moments with you. From the retirement of Det. Souhrada to the enactment of Int 559-A, also known as ‘Skip the Stuff’ (more information can be found in the ‘Legislative Corner’) to Governor Hochul’s announcement of a $1B investment into the mental health care crisis across New York City, there is much to celebrate.

Over the past year, there has been an increased need for enhanced transportation hubs. Here in Pelham Bay, the Department of Transportation unveiled its latest improvements, which include a new BX12-SBS bus route design and expanded sidewalks, providing riders with faster, safer commuting for everyone. For more information on the redesign, please scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’

In January, my office began a partnership with NIDC to provide one-on-one appointments for those needing housing assistance. Due to its success and increased demand for appointment, my office will be transitioning to an online appointment scheduling system. We highly encourage appointments; walk-ins are welcome based on availability. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please scroll to ‘Community Resources.’ Alternatively, you can still contact my office for further assistance or to schedule an appointment.

This month, I’ve partnered with the New York City Department of Finance to host in-office, one-on-one appointments for homeowners to learn more about their property values and exemptions on Friday, February 17, 2023 from 12 PM - 4 PM. Appointments are required and can be made by scrolling to the ‘Community Resources’ section or by calling my office.

In this week’s email, you will find critical information regarding disaster readiness and hands-only CPR, a workshop in partnership with the Red Cross of Greater New York, as well as information about the Department of Small Business Services’ Opportunity Fund, tax preparation services, and city-wide events for the whole family. I’d also like to remind community-based non-profit organizations, that the FY 2024 Discretionary Funding Expense Application is available; to learn more, please scroll to the ‘Budget Corner.’ If you have any questions or need assistance registering, a member of my staff will be happy to help you.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please call us at (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 13

Kosova Independence Day

On Monday, February 13 at 6 PM, join me at City Hall for this year’s Independence of Kosova celebration. This year’s celebration is in partnership with New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, Council Member Robert Holden, Council Member Joseph C. Borelli, Council Member David Carr, Council Member Oswald Feliz, and Council Member Vickie Paladino.

We had a wonderful time at our last celebration, and we are excited to share the beautiful culture and traditions of Kosova with you all on such a special day.

If you are interested in attending this year’s Independence of Kosova celebration, please call 212-482-4120 to RSVP.

BUDGET CORNER

FY 2024 Discretionary Funding

The New York City Council's Fiscal Year 2024 Discretionary Funding Expense Application for non-profit community-based organizations is live on the City Council's website. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, February 21, 2023; if an application is not submitted during the filing period, the community-based organization will not be eligible for funding.

Apply

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Constituent Appointment Scheduling

Due to an increase in appointment requests, our office will be transitioning to an online scheduling system for SNAP and SCRIE/DRIE support. To schedule an appointment, please follow one of the below links (click or copy and paste). If you would like to schedule an appointment for NYC Housing Connect (also known as Section 8), or need assistance scheduling an appointment, please call our office at 718-931-1721.

SCRIE/DRIE: https://calendly.com/bxcd13/scrie_drie

SNAP: https://calendly.com/bxcd13/snapbenefits

NYC Dept. of Finance - Property Assessments and Values

On Friday, February 17 from 12 PM - 4 PM, the NYC Department of Finance will be at my office to help homeowners learn about their market and assessed values, exemptions, how taxes are calculated, and more. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by following the below link or calling my office. Please note that appointments are limited; if more than one individual in a party requires assistance, they must schedule a separate appointment.

Register

2023 Tax Preparation

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is currently taking appointments for this year’s Tax Prep program. This free tac preparation service is available to New York City residents throughout al five boroughs. This year, there are three ways to file: In-Person, Drop-Off Service, or Virtual Tax Prep. To schedule an appointment, click below or call #311 and ask for ‘Tax Preparation.’

Schedule Appointment