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

 

Dear Neighbor,

This weekend, families across the district will gather as they prepare for the Christmas and Kwanzaa holidays. This is one of the most magical times of year for so many families and neighbors. It is my hope that everyone embraces the spirit of the holidays and leads with kindness, love, and compassion.

Many communities are impacted by preventable fires, often the result of electrical complications, which are unfortunately most common during this time of year. In this week’s edition, you will find tips on preventing electrical fires, both indoors and outdoors. You will also find a resource guide by The Office of Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez (CD34-Brooklyn) for those impacted by residential fires. To learn more, scroll to ‘Fire Safety.’

In this week’s email, you will find information about this week’s Stated Meeting, including legislation I introduced that addresses the harassing and threatening behavior towards elected officials and their staff. You will also find information on applying for an original or replacement Social Security Number (SSN) card, submitting an application to the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, how to join Let's Green NYC, information about applying for the NYC Department of Corrections Exam, and more.

To contact my office for additional information or to schedule an appointment, call us at  (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Notice of Office Hours

Please be advised that due to the transition period, the District Office of Council Member Velázquez will be closed for the remainder of the calendar year. If you need assistance and it is an emergency, call #911.For all other inquiries, you may email District13@council.nyc.gov.

DSNY - Holiday Service

Community Updates

The New York City Department of Transportation has shared with my office that the street lighting conditions at City Island Avenue and Rochelle Street have been repaired! If you see a street light fixture that needs to be repaired, email District13@council.nyc.gov.

Travel Advisory

NYC Ferry

Please be advised that NYC Ferry will operate on a modified schedule on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2023, and New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1, 2024. It is recommended to visit the NYC Ferry website to help in planning your trip accordingly.

Direct Access from Pelham Parkway to I-95 South

The New York State Department of Transportation advises motorists that there will be new direct access from eastbound Pelham Parkway to the southbound Bruckner Expressway (I-95) via a newly constructed ramp in the Bronx on or about Friday, December 8th. The new ramp will merge with an existing westbound Pelham Parkway ramp, which was also reconstructed as part of this project. A new traffic signal has been installed, allowing motorists to turn left from eastbound Pelham Parkway to the southbound Bruckner Expressway.

Inclement weather could cause the new direct access to be rescheduled.

Construction

Shore Road Bridge - Routine Maintenance

The New York City Department of Transportation - Division of Bridges will continue routine maintenance of the Shore Road Bridge over the Hutchinson River. As a result, single-lane closures will continue from Monday, December 18th, 2023 through Friday, January 12th, 2024.

Sheridan Boulevard

Please be advised that effective now through July 2025, there will be a change in Traffic Pattern on eastbound Bruckner Expressway (I-278) before Exit 49 (Sheridan Boulevard) in The Bronx.

The change in traffic pattern will result in split traffic between motorists accessing Exit 49 (Sheridan Boulevard) and motorists continuing on Bruckner Expressway (I-278). Motorists wanting to access Exit 49 (Sheridan Boulevard) will remain in a single lane to the left of the work zone. All motorists wanting to continue on eastbound Bruckner Expressway (I-278) will be shifted to the two lanes to the right of the work zone.

Social Security - Online Application for Original & Replacement Cards

The Social Security Administration has released a new online Social Security Number (SSN) card application that allows people to start their application for an original or replacement SSN card online. This new process saves time, eliminating the need to fill out paper applications. Once the application is submitted online, they’ll have 45 days to bring required documentation to their local Card Center to complete the application. In some cases, you’ll even be able to schedule an appointment!

The link to the new application is found here: Social Security Number & Card.

NYC Department of Finance: Booted and Towed Vehicles

The New York City Department of Finance has shared its one-pager with information required on how to retrieve a booted or towed vehicle in New York City. Please be advised that additional documents may be required for those with special cases.

OUR PARKS

Let’s Green NYC

NYC Parks launched Let’s Green NYC in June 2023, as a part of a strategic initiative to bring volunteers together to combat the nation epidemic of loneliness, an outcome of Covid-19, and to improve the health of New Yorkers and their parks. Through this program, NYC Parks has built an online public directory of volunteer groups to partner with. Parks has a legacy of collaborating with communities and partner groups; it’s a part of their mission to give back to the greater community.

There are over 900 volunteer groups in New York City, but only 175 have registered thus far. These groups receive increased exposure and leads for prospective volunteers, a search engine optimized website, and so much more is to come. If you are a local ‘Friends of” group, civic association, or another group that regularly holds programs and stewardship activities in our green spaces, we encourage you to join Let’s Green NYC. Together, we can and will make our earth a cleaner, greener place.

Register

EDUCATION Free Online College Prep Classes for Adults at CUNY CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies has announced its spring 2024 Virtual College Prep Program and is currently accepting students for its Virtual College Prep Program. These college prep classes are perfect for adults who have not been to college, started and did not complete, or for those who have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree from other countries and want to earn a degree in the U.S. Learn more Winter Free Boxing Winter recess can be stressful for families, especially those with children who like to keep active. This year, Saturday Night Lights will be offering free boxing for middle school and high school students from January 6, 2024 through February 24, 2024. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, register online and complete the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development application. If you have additional questions, call 646-644-3521. Lifeguard Test Did you know NYC Parks’ lifeguard qualifying test is open for the upcoming summer season? This is an incredible opportunity for those interested in working with NYC Parks and who are passionate about water safety. The intensive training program helps prepare potential lifeguards to watch over beaches and pools across New York City. Qualifications Be at least 16 years of age by the start of employment. Have 20/30 vision in one eye and 20/40 in the other, without corrective lenses. Note: Glasses and contact lenses may not be worn during the eye exam. Be able to swim 50 yards in 45 seconds or less, with proper form. Learn more