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

 

Dear Neighbor,

Over the next few weeks, our community will gather together at celebrations across the district, including our annual Menorah Lighting at Bronx House and a Holiday Tree Lighting in Morris Park, featuring Santa and the Grinch! This is my favorite time of year, and it’s a pleasure to share these moments with all of you. For more information, scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’

In recent weeks, our community has been impacted by residential fires, many of them preventable. The American Red Cross has been an active partner in ensuring our neighbors have access to critical resources and has provided temporary housing. To ensure our families have the tools to navigate such tragedies, The Office of Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez (CD34-Brooklyn) put together a guide for those impacted by residential fires. To learn more, scroll to ‘Fire Safety.’

In this week’s email, you will find information pertaining to the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), how to submit an application to the U.S. Small Business Administration for disaster loans, and the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health’s upcoming job fair. There are also various events with the Urban Park Rangers, which can be found by scrolling to ‘Youth.’  

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.

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

CELEBRATING HANUKKAH

Shining the light of hope and warmth as we celebrate Hanukkah. I wish everyone who observes a joyous festival filled with love, miracles, and gratitude! חנוכה שמח!

HOLIDAY CHEER

Morris Park Holiday Tree Lighting

This Sunday, December 10, from 3:30 PM to 5 PM, join the Morris Park Business Improvement District (MPBID), Assembly Member John Zaccaro Jr., and me for this year’s Holiday Tree Lighting! We will kick off the holiday season by taking photos with Santa and the Grinch, indulging in delicious hot cocoa and other holiday treats, and enjoying a special performance from the Student Choir at P.S. 83. 

Menorah Lighting at Bronx House

On Tuesday, December 12 at 4 PM at Bronx House, join me and your Bronx elected officials for this year’s Menorah Lighting! This year’s event will include UJA-Federation’s ‘Shine a Light’ campaign against antisemitism. Together, we can and will make a difference.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 13

Morris Park Library

I am happy to announce the Morris Park Library is now open! This is an exciting time to stop by and check out a book or learn about the many resources they have to offer. As a reminder, current holds will be extended for pickup.

Community Shred Day

On Saturday, December 16  from 10 AM to 2 PM, bring your confidential and important documents to be shredded at our annual Community Shred Day! This event is in partnership with Phipps Neighborhoods P&J Beacon and is the perfect way to safely dispose of unwanted documents.

Location

650 Hollywood Avenue

Bronx, NY 10465

(Side of I.S. 192X Campus on Randall and Throgsneck Expressway)

Travel Advisory

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. 

   

Expressway Ramp Relocations

The New York State Department of Transportation is announced that the Exit 50 ramp from westbound Bruckner Boulevard (I-278) to westbound Bruckner Boulevard/Hunts Point Avenue in the Bronx will be temporarily relocated on through Friday, December 22.

Motorists wanting to access westbound Bruckner Boulevard/Hunts Point Avenue from westbound Bruckner Expressway (I-278) during this temporary relocation should remain in the right travel lane and follow signs to take the new Exit 50 ramp located west of the temporarily-closed Exit 50 ramp.  

As a reminder, heavy construction work will be performed next to traffic lanes, and motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in the work zone. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

Construction 

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.   

Public Transportation

MTA Subway Service

Due to station improvements, Pelham Bay Park-bound 6-trains will skip Westchester Sq-E Tremont Avenue, effective now through early December. For service to this station, take the 6 to Middletown Road and transfer to a Manhattan-bound 6. For service from this station, take the 6 to Zerega Ave and transfer to a Pelham Bay Park-bound 6.

Notice of Public Hearing - NYC Health + Hospitals

Please be advised that on Wednesday, December 13 at 4 PM, NYC Health + Hospitals Jacobi, will host a Public Hearing, related to the “Just Home” proposal. If you would like to speak at the public hearing, please register by calling 212-788-3359 or online using the below link.

Online Registration - https://innovations.nychhc.org/publichearings

Advanced registration will close on Monday, December 11 at 2 PM. In-person registration at the hearing site on December 13, beginning 3:30 PM and will close at 5 PM. Interpretation services in Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL), and other languages will be available upon request.

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.

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADVISES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR STRONG WINDS, HEAVY RAIN, AND POTENTIAL COASTAL FLOODING

 

The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a travel advisory for Sunday, December 10 and Monday, December 11. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch in effect citywide from 4 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday for 2 to 3 inches of rain. A High Wind Watch is also in effect for Brooklyn and Queens from 4 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday for sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph.

 

A strong frontal system will impact the area Sunday morning into Monday, with the window of greatest potential impact expected from Sunday evening to early Monday morning. Heavy rain may lead to flood conditions, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Isolated instances of flash flooding cannot be ruled out, resulting in the potential for traffic disruption and delays. Major flooding is not expected.

 

Winds will be breezy during the day Sunday and ramp up in the evening with peak gusts of up to 60 mph possible through early Monday morning. Downed trees and power lines could produce widespread power outages, particularly along the coast.

 

Minor coastal flooding will also be possible during the Monday morning high tide, with the potential for above-ground inundation of up to 1 feet along vulnerable shorelines.

 

“While New Yorkers are no stranger to inclement weather, we want to remind residents to keep an eye on the forecast and remain prepared.” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We are preparing for heavy rains and strong winds Sunday night into Monday morning, which means everyone should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their belongings in the event of potential flooding conditions in low lying areas. As always, we encourage everyone to sign up for Notify NYC to stay informed on the latest weather information based on where you are. New Yorkers should take comfort in knowing that their city is looking out for them and we are preparing to ensure this weather event causes as few disruptions as possible.”

  

“Heavy rain and strong winds are expected in New York City from early Sunday evening into early Monday morning,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “A Flood Watch and a High Wind Watch are already in effect, and additional warnings may be issued over the weekend. Rainfall flooding may lead to traffic disruptions and delays, and the high winds could produce widespread power outages. This strong storm may also result in minor coastal flooding along vulnerable shorelines during the Monday morning high tide. We are not anticipating major impacts to the Monday morning commute at this time, but we urge New Yorkers to exercise caution when traveling. Please allow for extra travel time and consider using public transportation. Sign up for Notify NYC to stay informed with the latest weather updates. We are actively coordinating with our agency partners, monitoring evolving conditions, and responding to impacts to ensure the city's preparedness and safety.”

 

New York City Emergency Management, in response to the forecasted weather threat, has coordinated calls with the National Weather Service, partner agencies, as well as infrastructure companies. In preparation for the rain, New York City Emergency Management has activated its Flash Flood Plan. For access to timely and accurate updates, New Yorkers should sign up for the City’s emergency alert system Notify NYC and follow NYC Emergency Management on social media.

   

Safety Tips

  

·    Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation. 

·     If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible. 

·    If you live in a basement apartment in a flood prone area, prepare to move to higher ground.

·    Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.

·   Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

·    Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.  

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or download the free Notify NYC app for your Android or Apple device. You can now text to 692-692, using the code NOTIFYNYC, NOTIFYNYCESP (Spanish), and NOTIFYFRE (French) to be instantly enrolled to receive the highest-priority, verified alerts across all the five boroughs. You can also follow @NotifyNYC or @nycemergencymgt on Twitter.

 

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More Please view/allow images in your email program so you don't miss a thing!

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Happy Hanukkah Bronx Chamber Holiday Party & Toy Drive Mott Haven Website Launch with AvenueNYC  Legislation & Advocacy Street Vendor Legislation Congestion Pricing Upcoming Events Annual Bronx Chamber Holiday Party, December 14 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Pelham Bay Split Rock Golf Course, 870 Shore Road

THE BRONX CHAMBER IS GEARING UP FOR OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY & TOY DRIVE

"Tis' The Season" The Bronx Chamber is gearing up for our annual Holiday party and toy drive. Join us Thursday, December 14th, 2023, from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm . Please contact Tonisha Hurd at events@bronxchamber.org for toy drop-off locations. This Bronx Chamber signature event brings together businesses, families, colleagues, and friends for an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, and live entertainment while doing good for our community as we collect toys and contributions for Mott Hall Charter School. Bring your company's staff and book a table. This annual event is a lot of fun and celebrates the holidays while also celebrating the amazing people on your team. For more information or to book your table, CLICK HERE

MOTT HAVEN WEBSITE LAUNCHED WITH AVENUE NYC PROGRAM

AvenueNYC Program through the Bronx Chamber of Commerce launched Mott Haven's first website to highlight the area, businesses, community, and history.  The website is also a hub for community events and programs.   For More Information, CLICK HERE

LEGISLATION & ADVOCACY

NYC Councilmembers Look to Lift Decades-old Cap on Street Vendor Permits New York City Council members introduced four bills Wednesday afternoon to overhaul the city’s longstanding street vending rules and bring more off-the-books merchants into good standing under the law — keeping them from risking hefty fines, fees, and jail time. The most impactful change would remove a decades-old cap on the city's highly coveted and restricted vendor permits and licenses — a measure that has never been proposed before. Vendors and supporters have long sought the reform and say that the limit forces many vendors to operate illegally. For more information, Click Here

TMRB Congestion Pricing Tolling Structure Recommendations The MTA approved The Traffic Mobility Review Board's recommended tolling structure for the Central Business District tolling program. The TMRB recommended a $15 base toll for passenger vehicles, discounted overnight pricing, discounts for motorcycles, and a $24 or $36 toll for trucks. A toll credit will be given to those coming through tolled entries into the CBD, and a per-ride CBD toll will be added to each taxi or rideshare trip. None of the 133 groups who requested exemptions received them in the recommendations. For More Information, CLICK HERE

‘TIS THE SEASON! WITH SOME HELPFUL SHOPPING TIPS FROM DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND WORKER PROTECTION Last week the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga issued annual Holiday Shopping Tips to help consumers navigate this holiday season. With these helpful multilingual tips, New Yorkers will be able to avoid seasonal scams and overspending while also learning how to create a budget and be smarter shoppers.

CITI BIKE EXPANSION IN THE BRONX Citi Bike has been expanded in three phases. To encourage ridership in the most recent expansion area, Lyft (the operator of Citi bike) offers a 40% discount for new annual members, as well as other discounts for existing members and NYCHA residents/SNAP recipients. The deadline to register is December 31, 2023. For more information, Click Here

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

NYC Funds Finder NYC's Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Next Street announced the launch of a new platform connecting small businesses with trusted resources they need to open, grow, and maintain their business. The user-friendly platform – NYC Funds Finder is where small businesses can review funding options, including loans and grants, and request free 1-on-1 financing assistance from the SBS team.  NYC Funds Finder is a partnership between SBS and Next Street and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Next Street Scale, the platform that powers NYC Funds Finder, was created to address the hurdles that small businesses, especially those run by women and minorities, face in accessing the resources required to grow their business and build wealth.

M/WBE Certification Unlocking Opportunities The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with NYC SBS to help guide you through the application process of getting certified as a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE). This certification program, offered by NYC Small Business Services, is a critical initiative aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in government contracting and procurement processes. The program seeks to create opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minority individuals and women, ensuring they have fair access to government contracts and economic opportunities, opens your business up to increased opportunities from New York City agencies, free advertising in the NYC Online Directory of Certified Businesses, mentorship programs and workshops, networking events, and more. The City has committed to awarding $16 billion in contracts to M/WBE certified organizations over the next decade--don’t miss out! Are you eligible? (Qualification checklist below) Business is legally authorized to transact business in New York City Business has been in operation for at least one year Business is more than 51% minority and/or woman owned