Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - This Week in District 13

 Dear Neighbor,

This summer, we have several programs and services available to the public, and I encourage everyone to look into those that meet their needs. Youth programs like the City Parks Foundation’s Summer Youth Program and New York City Parks’ Flag Football are still accepting new participants. For more information, scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’

In this week’s email, you will find information about next weekend’s Rain Barrel Giveaway (limited quantities are still available!), back-to-school events, National Night Out Against Crime, MTA fare and toll rates, and more. I’m also excited to share that the Empire State Development has extended its Covid-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program for businesses. To learn more about this initiative or to apply, scroll to ‘Commerce Corner.’  

To contact our office for additional information or concerns, please call us at  (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Wishing you all a safe and wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Spotted Lanternfly Informational & Park Treatment

On Tuesday, August 1 at 1 PM, join me, Council Member Oswald Feliz, and NYC Parks for a spotted lanternfly informational and park treatment. We will meet at Comras Mall (2180 Boston Road) in Bronx Park East to learn how to prevent and manage infestations in our community

Rain Barrel Giveaway

Join me next Saturday, August 5, for this year’s Rain Barrel Giveaway! Register now to reserve your free rain barrel to save water and help the environment. This is a great way to support sustainable living and make a positive impact in your community.

Quantities are limited. To register, click the link below or call 718-931-1721

Register

City Parks Foundation Summer Youth Program City Parks Foundation has announced that online registration is now available for its July and August Summer Youth Program! We are excited for this incredible program to make its return in the district. Anyone interested in tennis, golf, track & field, and soccer are encouraged to register. This year’s program will take place at Pelham Bay Park (Middletown Road and Stadium Avenue). For more information or to register, click  the links below. How to Register Tennis at Pelham Bay Park Track & Field at Pelham Bay Park Soccer at Pelham Bay Park Everyday Play at Pelham Bay Park NYC Parks Hosts Flag Football Leagues Across New York City New York City youth ages 8 to 17 can participate in New York City Parks' annual fall flag football leagues, including clinics, practices, and competitions. The NYC Parks Instructional Clinics begin in July and run through August, focusing on drills and strategies. The NYC Parks Flag Football League will take place from September to November and features league play and championships.  Age Groups (Must remain in age group throughout the year)   8 and Under Coed* (Clinic Based) 10 and Under Coed* (Clinics + League Play) 12 and Under Coed* (Clinics + League Play) 14 and Under Boys (Practices + League Play) 14 and Under Girls (Practices + League Play) 17 and Under Boys (Practices + League Play) 17 and Under Girls (Practices + League Play) Coed divisions can consist of all boys, all girls, or a mix of both.  Important Dates  Clinics // July 1, 2023 – August 25, 2023 Flag Football Festival // August 19, 2023 Regular Season // September 8, 2023 – October 21, 2023 Citywide Playoffs // October 27, 2023 – November 4, 2023 Citywide Championships // November 11, 2023 (Citywide Championships rain date is November 18, 2023) Memberships 17 and Under: FREE   To register for flag football, click here: NYCParks Flag Football Page  HPD is Coming to District 13! The New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) will be in our community to assist residents with housing-related issues. HPD helps with the following topics, including but not limited to: Prepare to apply for affordable housing Understand your rights and responsibilities File a housing complaint Finance improvements and repairs Register your building Remedy a violation Where to find us: Saturday, August 19 10 AM to 5 PM - White Plains Road and Pelham Parkway South 11 AM to 3 PM - 3040 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 Tuesday, September 5 10 AM to 5 PM - White Plains Road and Pelham Parkway South 10 AM to 5 PM - 3040 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 Morris Park BID Community Events The Morris Park Business Improvement District has announced its Summer 2023 Community Events schedule, which includes events perfect for the whole family. For more information about these events, contact the Morris Park BID at 718-684-645 or ed.morrisparkbid@gmail.com.

MTA Mobile Sales Van is Back!

The MTA Mobile Sales Van will be at 3033 Middletown Road, from 1 PM to 3 PM, on the fourth Friday of each month. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about your MetroCard, apply for a reduced fare rate, replace expired or damaged cards, and more.

Cash Assistance Application Interviews On-Demand

Please be advised that the New York City Human Resources Administration now offers on-demand interviews for all Cash Assistance new applicants and existing recipients. Clients are now receiving instructions to contact the on-demand call center in Cash Assistance-related correspondence from HRA and ACCESS HRA when submitting a new application.

Callers are encouraged to utilize the call-back option when calling for an interview to minimize the time a client is on hold. The CA on Demand system allows callers to request a call back rather than wait on hold, keeping the caller’s place in the queue, and they will receive a call back for their interview when they are next.

It is important to understand that on-demand interviews for Cash Assistance have replaced the interview calls that HRA was initiating to clients previously. Clients must now start their Cash Assistance interview by calling the on-demand number provided to them. They can only receive a call back if they have initiated the interview process.

Clients who have questions regarding an existing application or case should continue to visit the ACCESS HRA website at nyc.gov/accesshra or call the DSS One Number (formerly HRA Infoline) at 718-557-1399.

Virtual Rat Academy Webinar

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Pest Control Services team has announced its Virtual Rat Academy, sponsored by the Neighborhood Rat Reduction Initiative. This event will be on Tuesday, August 15, from 3 PM to 5 PM. This event is free and open to the public.

Free Summer Meals

New York City’s Summer Meals Program is available to anyone ages 18 years old and younger. Designated public schools, community pool centers, parks, and food trucks will be open for service. No registration, documentation, or ID is necessary to receive a free breakfast or lunch meal. This year’s program will run until Friday, September 1.

Council District 13 Locations

• P.S. X014 Senator John Calandra - 3047 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10461

• Urban Institute of Mathematics - 650 Hollywood Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465

• J.H.S. 144 Michelangelo - 2545 Gunther Avenue, Bronx, NY 10469

• P.S. 89 - 980 Mace Avenue, Bronx, NY 10469

• P.S. 97 - 1375 Mace Avenue, Bronx, NY 10469

Hours of Operation

• Breakfast: 8 AM to 9:15 AM

• Lunch: 11 AM to 1:15 PM