Assemblymember John Zaccaro - Building a Stronger Community, Together

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

With spring in full bloom, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on some recent highlights and share a preview of what’s ahead. Team JZ has had a strong start to 2025, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together.

Though February is our shortest month and March arrived with its usual intensity, we remained deeply engaged with the community and continued our legislative efforts in Albany. Over the past several weeks, we organized a free food distribution event, celebrated the grand opening of a new local restaurant, and delivered Valentine’s Day treats to seniors across the district. In the legislature, I introduced new bills and co-sponsored several initiatives focused on building a more equitable and inclusive future for all New Yorkers.

As tax season comes to an end, I’m pleased to share that our office again offered free weekly tax preparation services that begin in February to help ease the burden for local residents.  As we look ahead, we’ll be welcoming a representative from the Department of Buildings to provide guidance on building codes, address violations, and answer any related questions from constituents.  

As always, my team and I remain committed to serving you. If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

Warm regards,

John Zaccaro, Jr. 

Tackling Hunger In Our Community

Each month, we are committed to tackling food insecurity in our community by holding FREE food giveaways. In the first week of February we held a FREE community food giveaway at Brady Court Community Center.  On the last day of February, #TeamJZ held a FREE Food Giveaway at Zimmerman Playground.  As the cost of groceries continues to rise, events like these help bridge the gap for families struggling to make ends meet. We are planning more events like these all across our district, so stay tuned to our emails and social media for details about our next event later this month.

On February 28th, I was proud to bring together a coalition of community partners and city agencies for a site visit to 1920 E. Gun Hill Road, the location of the former Pelham Diner. As many residents know, this property has long needed attention. During the walk-through, I made it clear—as both a neighbor and your elected representative—that the current condition of this site is unacceptable and that meaningful change must take place.

I’ve directed all involved agencies to keep my office informed on the progress of cleanup efforts, ongoing communication with the new property owner, and the enforcement of fines where necessary. Our message is simple: we welcome businesses and organizations that want to grow in the Bronx, but being a part of our community means being a responsible neighbor. We cannot—and will not—allow vacant lots to become neglected dumping grounds.

If there’s an area in your neighborhood that could benefit from a similar visit by our coalition of partners, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 718-409-0109.

Spreading the Valentine's Day Love with our Amazing Senior Community

Your Voice, Your Ideas, Your Legislation

Great legislative ideas don’t just come from Albany—they come from people like you.

As your Assemblymember, my priority is to introduce and support legislation that reflects the needs and values of our community, addresses your concerns, and helps build a more equitable New York for future generations. Each day, my team and I are hard at work discussing ways to ensure our district receives its fair share of resources, advocating for critical budget priorities, and advancing legislation that delivers real results.

If you have an idea for a bill or want to learn more about the legislative work we’re doing in Albany, I encourage you to reach out. Your voice matters.

Email us at: zaccaroj@nyassembly.gov

Let’s work together to create meaningful change—right from our own neighborhood

Committee Updates

We held an Education Committee meeting on March 4th to discuss upcoming legislation, and voted on and approved the new Board of Regents. The Regents are responsible for all educational activities in the state. As a member of this committee, I look forward to working with our Regents to ensure that all of our children, regardless of zip code, have access to a quality education throughout their academic career. 

SPEAKING TO STUDENTS ADVOCATING FOR THEIR EDUCATION IN ALBANY

Keep the col outside where it belongs. Eligible families with incomes of up to $76,681 can apply for Home Energy Assistance Program benefits to help pay your energy bill. Visit the HEAP website Today! 

Our rich and diverse community is one of our greatest assets, and as we welcome new members to our community and they begin to make the Bronx their home it is important they are aware of all the resources our city has to offer. Visit the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs to help you get you started. 

There are over 70 programs and services available to New Yorker's. Contact our office and we will help you get placed with the right programs for YOU. 

Starting in May 2025 all residents will need a REAL ID to enter certain federal buildings and board domestic flights in the US unless you have a valid passport. To book your appointment at the DMV, or for more information please visit  https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id.