Dear Neighbor,
This summer has flown by, but not without some incredible moment and events in the district. It has been an honor to host several events and Mobile Office Hours to the community, and I am excited for what is in store this fall. From spotted lanternfly workshops and movie nights to ‘HPD In Your District,’ I am committed to providing a variety of resources and programs across our community. For more information on these upcoming events, scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’
In this week’s email, you will find Labor Day weekend and construction updates, details about my upcoming Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection hearing (Unlicensed Cannabis Retailers) back-to-school resources, CUNY’s college preparation program, career opportunities, small business networking events, mental health services, and more.
To contact my office for additional information or for assistance, 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
LABOR DAY UPDATES
Notice of Office Hours
In observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 4, all government offices will be closed. If you have an emergency, please call #911; for general inquiries, please call my office and 718-931-1721 and leave a message or email District13@council.nyc.gov.
Please be advised of the following Travel Advisory for the Labor Day weekend:
Non-Emergency repair work will be suspended at Port Authority crossings to accommodate higher traffic volume
PATH will operate on a modified Saturday schedule on Monday, September 4
Port Authority to conduct DWI checkpoints at Goethals Bridge
It is recommended to take the Fare-Free LaGuardia Link Q70, which provides connections to the NYC Transit Subway, buses, and MTA Long Island Rail Road
New York City Department of Sanitation
If Monday, September 4 is your normal collection day, please advised that there will only be trash and compost pickup.
Residents who normally receive Monday trash and composting collection should put their material at the curb the evening of Sunday, September 3, for collection starting Monday, September 4.
Residents who normally receive Monday recycling collection should put their material at the curb the evening of Monday, September 4 for collection starting Tuesday, September 5.
Labor Day Safety Tips
With Labor Day around the corner, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has shared safety tips for activities like grilling and fireworks, which can cause accidents or serious injuries. It is important to note that the use of fireworks is illegal in New York City and can increase the risk of fires and fire-related injuries. The FDNY strongly encourages all New Yorkers to follow these safety tips to continue having a memorable end of summer.
Spotted Lanternfly Workshop - Location Change
Tomorrow, September 2 from 10 AM to 12 PM, at the Pelham Bay Park Headquarters/Nature Center, my office and NYCH2O will host a Spotted Lanternfly Workshop. During the workshop, participants will learn best practices to stop the spread of the invasive species, as well as build Spotted Lanternfly traps.
To access the Nature Center, enter at Wilkinson Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard, near the North Picnic area.
Backpack Giveaway + Spotted Lanternfly Event
This Sunday, September 2 from 9 AM to 3 PM, my office will host a Backpack Giveaway and Spotted Lanternfly Workshop at the Bronx Park East Farmer’s Market. Stop by to build a spotted lanternfly trap and pick up a backpack, just in time for the school year! Get there early; supplies are limited.
Construction Advisory
Department of Transportation - Traffic Study
The New York City Department of Transportation has completed its study regarding additional traffic controls at Waters Avenue and Westchester Avenue. As a result, a traffic signal has been approved; installation is tentatively scheduled to be completed by November 30. If you know of an area that will benefit from traffic controls, contact my office at District13@council.nyc.gov.
Owen Dolen Recreation Center
Please be advised that the reconstruction of the windows and doors at the Owen Dolen Recreation Center is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 22, 2023. For more information about this project, please click here.
Hutchinson River Parkway Bridge
From Tuesday, September 5 to Friday, September 29, the NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will continue maintenance of the Hutchinson River Parkway Bridge over the Hutchinson river. As a result, either two southbound or two northbound lanes of the bridge will be closed (one lane will remain open at all times), weeknights from 12 AM to 5 AM (early morning). This work is subject to weather condition; at least one lane of traffic will be accessible at all times.
Westchester Avenue Bridge
From Tuesday, September 5 to Friday, September 15, the NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will close the southbound Hutchinson River Parkway between Exit 1C: Pelham Parkway and the southbound entrance ramp from Westchester Ave. The closure will occur Monday to Friday in the following stages:
Single-Lane Closure from 10 PM to 5 AM
Full Closure from 12:01 AM to 4 AM
From Tuesday, September 5 to Friday, September 15, the NYC Department of Transportation 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 from 10 PM to 5 AM
Full Closure from 12:30 AM to 4:30 AM
Shore Road
The New York City Department of Transportation will continue routine maintenance of the Shore Road Bridge over the Hutchinson River. As a result, single-land closures will continue through Friday, September 15.
Daytime
Northbound - 7 AM to 9 AM
Northbound and Southbound - 9 AM to 1 PM
Nighttime
Northbound and Southbound - 10 PM to 7 AM
City Island Arts and Crafts Fair
On Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10, the City Island Chamber of Commerce will host its annual City Island Arts and Crafts Fair. This year’s event will feature over 60 vendors with products ranging from painting and body care to clothing, woodworking, stained glass, and more.
This year’s Clam Chowder Tasting will take place on Sunday, September 10 at 2 PM in Hawkins Park. Enjoy a beautiful Sunday with family and friends, while tasting the incredible flavors of this year’s clam chowder entries!
 Notice of Committee Hearing: Consumer and Worker ProtectionOn Wednesday, September 6, I will chair this month’s Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection hearing, where we will hear two bills, Int 995 and Int 1010, which focus on unlicensed cannabis retailers. How to Testify In-person hearings do not require pre-registration; if you would like to testify virtually, you must pre-register by visiting council.nyc.gov/testify. If you have questions about accessibility or would like to request ASL, CART, or any other accommodations, please email EEOOfficer@council.nyc.gov or call 212-788-6936. For all other questions, email hearings@council.nyc.gov or call 212-482-4219. Agenda
NYC Council on Unlicensed Cannabis Shop ClosuresMy colleagues, Council Members Gale A. Brewer and Lynn Schulman, and I have been vocal about the proliferation of unlicensed smoke shops and cannabis sales. Earlier this year, we held a joint hearing on the issue and have since submitted questions to Mayor Adams, asking for detailed information about the unlicensed shops. As the Chair of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, addressing this issue is a priority for me and my community; and I look forward to the upcoming committee hearings this fall. In the meantime, below is my statement to CannabisWire, regarding my recommendation of a more coordinated approach to addressing this issue head-on. “This is a critical time for the cannabis industry, and we need to work along with the mayor’s office as well the governor’s office to address the bad actors who are putting our communities at risk,” Velázquez told Cannabis Wire in a statement. “There are countless entrepreneurs eager to do business the right way but impacted by the negative actions of others. Only working in partnership with our colleagues in government and the New York Police Department to weed out those acting in bad faith can we grow the cannabis industry in New York City the right way.” DSNY Containerization Rules for Chain BusinessesBeginning Tuesday, September 5, all chain businesses in New York City must use rigid containers with secure lids when setting out trash for collection. This new rule is an important step in keeping our streets clean. Please be advised this rule applies to any business with five or more locations in New York City, regardless of what is sold. Information Sessions
If you’re unable to attend an info session, visit nyc.gov/UseBins for more information. |
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