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

 

Dear Neighbor,

Here in our community, there has been a growing request for youth-centered programs, particularly in the arts and life sciences. As I’ve spoken with community members and local leaders, I’ve learned two things: 1) Our students enjoy exploring the visual arts, and 2) There is a growing interest in marine life and the future of our environment. Both disciplines are highly requested, and I’m excited to share that organizations across the Bronx are listening! Our ‘Youth’ section has grown tremendously, and I invite you to scroll down to learn more about the programs and opportunities available here in the Bronx.

Over the next few weeks, you will see an increase in family and youth programs, which includes science and the arts. I encourage you to share this information with anyone you think may be interested or would benefit from these programs; you never know whose life you’ll change. Our youth are our future, and we must ensure they have access to information, education, and critical resources to support their development and futures.

In this week’s email, you will also find information about our upcoming Kosovo Independence Day celebration, NYC & Company’s Tourism Ready Program, the Department of Small Business Services’ Opportunity Fund, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s tax preparation services, as well as events around the community. I’d also like to remind community-based non-profit organizations, that the deadline for the FY 2024 Discretionary Funding Expense Application is quickly; to learn more, please scroll to the ‘Budget Corner.’ If you have any questions or need assistance, 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

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.

Hammonds Cove - Dredging Update

This past December, I joined the New York City Economic Development Corporation for their water-breaking event at Hammonds Cove. Over the past several weeks, EDC successfully removed their goal of 2,000 cubic yards of material from the navigation channel! Water vessels now have six feet under keel draft, enabling them to have more consistent and safer access to Hammonds Cove marinas, regardless of the tide cycle. EDC is currently working on a project summary, which will be made available in the coming weeks. Thank you, EDC, for your hard work and for giving life back to our waterways!

Construction Advisories

The New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYCDDC), has also announced the below construction, which will take place through February 2023. Updates will be provided when made available by NYCDDC.

• Complete roadway restoration on Boston Road between Pelham Parkway Eastbound Main Road and North Service Road- work includes: the installation of new curbs, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps and islands, roadbases, and final pavement.

• Begin roadway restoration on Pelham Parkway North Service Road between Boston Road and Bronx Park East - work includes installation of new curbs, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, roadbases, and roadway.

• Begin roadway construction on Pelham Parkway North Service Road between White Plains Road and Bronx Park East - work includes street lighting and traffic signal work (No Parking, Temporary Street Closures/Traffic Detours, Temporary Sidewalk/Crosswalk Closures).

• Begin roadway construction at the intersection of Pelham Parkway Westbound Main Road and White Plains Road - work includes street lighting and traffic signal work (No Parking, Temporary Street Closures/Traffic Detours, Temporary Sidewalk/Crosswalk Closures).

DCWP Resource Information Session

This month, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and I will host two information sessions for community members. During the session, you will learn about DCWP’s free tax preparation services, financial counseling, and much more.

In Person: Thursday, February 16 at 7 PM; 768 Brady Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462 (Corner of Antin Pl and Holland Ave)

Virtual: Thursday, February 23 at 7 PM

• Zoom Meeting ID: 856-7505-0619

• Passcode: 701401

Constituent Appointment Scheduling

Due to an increase in appointment requests, our office will be transitioning to an online scheduling system. 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

Homeowner Resource Fair

On Thursday, February 16 at 6 PM, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corp. (NIDC), and Assembly Member John Zaccaro Jr., will host a virtual Homeowner Resource Fair. Participants will learn about:

• Home and residential building repairs and improvements

• Foreclosure prevention and legal assistance

• Managing household expenses

• Property tax abatements and exemptions

• Certificate of occupancy, architectural plans approval, elevator inspections, etc…

To register, please click here.

Zoom Meeting Information

• Join Zoom Meeting: bit.ly/3Hb1DWi

• Meeting ID: 897 2367 0619

• Password: 125815