Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA GETS REAPPOINTED AS CHAIR OF THE SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE

This week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat, and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball unveiled El Centro Kingsbridge — a new plan for the future of the Kingsbridge Armory — after they kicked off the request for proposal process last summer to redevelop the historic and long-underutilized site and create new economic opportunities in the Bronx.

The development team for the project will be led by 8th Regiment Partners LLC selected through a competitive request for proposals for the development rights. See more information here.

Senator Rivera said in a statement:

"I'm committed to maintaining a watchful eye on the new developer to ensure that the new project fosters economic growth, leads in sustainability, and generates good-paying union jobs. Further, our community's aspirations, needs, and concerns must be thoroughly reflected with a legally binding Community Benefits Agreement"

CITYWIDE CURBSIDE COMPOST COLLECTION: CHRISTMAS TREE PICK-UPS

The New York City Department of Sanitation is announcing that Christmas tree collection is now any week you want! Are you a family that takes the tree down on Christmas? Do you hold out for all twelve days? Rather wait until May? It’s all ok!

 

Thanks to the expansion of curbside composting collection, city residents no longer must wait to get rid of their trees during a specific time period. Naked trees – trees without decoration, ornaments and stands – can go to the curb for collection on your curbside compost day, the same day the rest of your recycling is collected.

 

Christmas trees are treated similarly to the other material the Department collects for composting, where food scraps, food-soiled paper products and yard waste are turned in to finished compost or renewable energy.

 

Trees and natural wreaths should be set at the curb next to other compostable materials. Trees should not be wrapped in plastic bags.

 

Before curbside composting, the Department announced a limited number of dates Christmas trees would be collected.

 

Need to get rid of an artificial tree? Residents looking to get rid of an artificial tree should separate and remove the metal base and trunk and place those parts with their other metal recycling.

 

For more information on Christmas tree collection and recycling visit www.nyc.gov/dsny or call 311.

APPLY NOW FOR THE HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP)

HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING

VERY COLD TEMPERATURES?

Much of the country will be hit with extreme low temperatures over the next week as a polar vortex sends cold air down from the North Pole.

How can you prepare for it? Here is what you can do:

STAY SAFE INDOORS

Prevent Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

• Change batteries in carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.
  
• Check that they are installed in areas where people sleep and on each floor of your home.
  

Take these Steps if you do not have Heat or Hot Water:

• Tell your building superintendent, property manager or owner right away. Call 311 if the problem is not fixed quickly.
  
• Go to a warm place, such as a friend’s or family member’s home.
  

Until Your Heat is Fixed, Heat Your Home Safely:

• Never use a stove, oven or charcoal grill to heat your home. Kerosene heaters and propane space heaters are illegal in NYC.
  
• If you use an electric space heater, only plug it directly into the wall outlet.
  

 

STAY SAFE OUTDOORS

Keep Warm:

• Dress in dry, loose-fitting layers.
  
• Cover exposed skin, such as your face and hands.
  

Prevent Slips and Falls:

• Take care when walking on snow and ice, especially if you are an older adult.
  
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots.
  
• Take short steps and walk at a slow pace.
  
• Use handrails on stairs.
  

Be Careful When Shoveling Snow:

• In NYC, homeowners are responsible for shoveling snow. Shovel slowly and take breaks often.
  
• If you are an older adult or have a disability and need snow shoveled, call 311 and ask if volunteer snow removal services are available in your neighborhood.
  

Watch for Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite:

Hypothermia and frostbite are serious conditions caused by spending long periods of time in very cold temperatures.

Hypothermia is when your body temperature drops to a dangerously low level. It can lead to death. Symptoms include:



• Intense shivering
  
• Sluggishness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Trouble speaking
  
• Confusion
  
• Lack of Coordination
  
• Shallow Breathing
  

Frostbite is when parts of the body freeze, especially your fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks. It can cause permanent damage. Symptoms include:

• Red and painful skin or pale skin
  
• Unusually firm or waxy skin
  
• Numbness
  

Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you see symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite. 

*Source: NYC Health: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/emergency-preparedness/emergencies-extreme-weather-cold-weather.page