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

 

Dear Neighbor,

Earlier this week, our neighbors in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, experienced the unthinkable when a truck violently struck eight (8) people, killing one. YiJie Ye was a hardworking father, riding his bike during a shift delivering food when he was killed. My sincerest condolences go to his family and the entire Bay Ridge community, who have been impacted by the violent rampage this week.

My colleagues and I remain committed to making our streets safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. During this week’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, we heard several bills, including my own, Int 369, that would add reflective material to 250 bollards, curbs, and other traffic safety measures in every borough. At the committee hearing, I also questioned the Department of Transportation on ways we can decrease the time of traffic studies and expedite the process to make our streets safer. I will continue working with my colleagues and DOT to ensure our communities are heard and receive the support they’ve longed for.

To ensure our communities have access to key resources, my office will continue to partner with our local agencies to bring information to the district. Next Thursday, February 23 at 7 PM, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, will host a virtual workshop, focusing on services offered by DCWP. Services include tax preparation services, financial empowerment resources, Fair Workweek claims, and more. More information can be found below in ‘Community Resources.’

I’d also like to invite you to this year’s State of the District on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 7 PM. This year’s event will take place at PS 121 and I will share community updates, legislative achievements, and more. For more information about this year’s event or how to RSVP, please scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’

In this week’s email, you will find information about legislative announcements, NYC & Company’s Tourism Ready Program, wonderful youth programs, and much more. I’d also like to remind community-based non-profit organizations, that the deadline for the FY 2024 Discretionary Funding Expense Application is Tuesday, February 21; 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

State of the District - February 27, 2023 On Monday, February 27 at 7 PM, I will deliver this year’s State of District address at P.S. 121 - The Throop School. This year’s event will take place at PS 121 and will feature updates on our community, legislative achievements, and more. Please note that this event is open to the public and requires an RSVP; to RSVP, please copy and paste the link below. RSVP: NYC-CD13-STOD.eventbrite.com 3-Alarm Fire in Van Nest Early Monday morning, our community was devastated by a fire in the Van Nest section of the district. Though there were no fatalities, there were several injuries, including firefighters. I was on scene with the FDNY, NYPD, Con Edison, and the American Red Cross to help those impacted. Throughout the day, my staff provided emergency resources and emergency care kits to help the families during this devastating time. As investigations continue, my office will remain in contact with all parties to ensure our families are not left behind. Construction Advisories Shore Road Bridge The NYCDOT Division of Bridges will continue routine maintenance of the Shore Road Bridge over the Hutchinson River. As a result, single-lane closures will be through Wednesday, March 1. Please note that one lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times. Daytime Northbound - 7 AM to 9 AM Northbound and South Bound - 9 AM to 1 PM Nighttime Northbound and South Bound - 10 PM to 7 AM Hutchinson River Parkway From Monday, February 20 to Friday, March 3, the NYC DOT Division of Bridges will close the northbound Hutchinson River Parkway between Exit 1B: E Tremont/Westchester Ave and the Northbound entrance ramp from Hutchinson River Parkway East. The closure will occur Monday to Friday in the following stages. Single Lane Closure - 10 PM to 5 AM Full Closure - 11 PM to 5 AM (steel erection on the bridge). Westchester Avenue Between Waters Place and Ericson Place From Thursday, February 23 to Saturday, February 25, the NYC DOT Division of Bridges will conduct steel erection overnight on Westchester Avenue between Waters Place and Ericson Avenue. Please refer to the below details and schedule. Eastbound lanes will be closed Westbound lanes will be converted to carry the eastbound traffic Westbound traffic will be detoured via Hutchinson River Parkway E and E Tremont Ave Schedule of Closures Thursday, Feb 23 - 9 PM to 5 AM Friday, Feb 24 - 9 PM to 5 AM