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

 

Dear Neighbor,

Earlier this week, our neighbors in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, experienced the unthinkable when a truck violently struck eight (8) people, killing one. YiJie Ye was a hardworking father, riding his bike during a shift delivering food when he was killed. My sincerest condolences go to his family and the entire Bay Ridge community, who have been impacted by the violent rampage this week.

My colleagues and I remain committed to making our streets safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. During this week’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, we heard several bills, including my own, Int 369, that would add reflective material to 250 bollards, curbs, and other traffic safety measures in every borough. At the committee hearing, I also questioned the Department of Transportation on ways we can decrease the time of traffic studies and expedite the process to make our streets safer. I will continue working with my colleagues and DOT to ensure our communities are heard and receive the support they’ve longed for.

To ensure our communities have access to key resources, my office will continue to partner with our local agencies to bring information to the district. Next Thursday, February 23 at 7 PM, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, will host a virtual workshop, focusing on services offered by DCWP. Services include tax preparation services, financial empowerment resources, Fair Workweek claims, and more. More information can be found below in ‘Community Resources.’

I’d also like to invite you to this year’s State of the District on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 7 PM. This year’s event will take place at PS 121 and I will share community updates, legislative achievements, and more. For more information about this year’s event or how to RSVP, please scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’

In this week’s email, you will find information about legislative announcements, NYC & Company’s Tourism Ready Program, wonderful youth programs, and much more. I’d also like to remind community-based non-profit organizations, that the deadline for the FY 2024 Discretionary Funding Expense Application is Tuesday, February 21; to learn more, please scroll to the ‘Budget Corner.’ If you have any questions or need assistance, a member of my staff will be happy to help you.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please call us at (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

State of the District - February 27, 2023 On Monday, February 27 at 7 PM, I will deliver this year’s State of District address at P.S. 121 - The Throop School. This year’s event will take place at PS 121 and will feature updates on our community, legislative achievements, and more. Please note that this event is open to the public and requires an RSVP; to RSVP, please copy and paste the link below. RSVP: NYC-CD13-STOD.eventbrite.com 3-Alarm Fire in Van Nest Early Monday morning, our community was devastated by a fire in the Van Nest section of the district. Though there were no fatalities, there were several injuries, including firefighters. I was on scene with the FDNY, NYPD, Con Edison, and the American Red Cross to help those impacted. Throughout the day, my staff provided emergency resources and emergency care kits to help the families during this devastating time. As investigations continue, my office will remain in contact with all parties to ensure our families are not left behind. Construction Advisories Shore Road Bridge The NYCDOT Division of Bridges will continue routine maintenance of the Shore Road Bridge over the Hutchinson River. As a result, single-lane closures will be through Wednesday, March 1. Please note that one lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times. Daytime Northbound - 7 AM to 9 AM Northbound and South Bound - 9 AM to 1 PM Nighttime Northbound and South Bound - 10 PM to 7 AM Hutchinson River Parkway From Monday, February 20 to Friday, March 3, the NYC DOT 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 - 10 PM to 5 AM Full Closure - 11 PM to 5 AM (steel erection on the bridge). Westchester Avenue Between Waters Place and Ericson Place From Thursday, February 23 to Saturday, February 25, the NYC DOT Division of Bridges will conduct steel erection overnight on Westchester Avenue between Waters Place and Ericson Avenue. Please refer to the below details and schedule. Eastbound lanes will be closed Westbound lanes will be converted to carry the eastbound traffic Westbound traffic will be detoured via Hutchinson River Parkway E and E Tremont Ave Schedule of Closures Thursday, Feb 23 - 9 PM to 5 AM Friday, Feb 24 - 9 PM to 5 AM

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Black History Celebration Recap NYC Gets Chief Public Realm Officer NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund Paused Legislative & Advocacy Updates 52nd Annual NYS Legislative Caucus Engagement Surveys 5 Borough Jobs Coalition NYC Hospitality Alliance Upcoming Events NYS Budget Briefing with Commissioner Hope Knight, Empire State Development, 2/21/2023 Coffee & Conversation with Councilmember Amanda Farias, 2/22/2023 Member Spotlight New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show Opens for Season, 2/18/2023

BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION RECAP

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce's Black History Month Celebration and Networking event took place on Wednesday, February 15 at the Residence Inn by Marriot and highlighted the historic achievements of the Black community on our Bronx and New York City economy. Led by opening remarks from the Bronx Chamber team and our Chairperson Anthony Mormile, the evening recognized the impact of three notable Black owned businesses and leaders in our borough: Michael Eagen, CEO & Founder - Sankofa Haus   Ayanna Williams, Founder - Uptown Melody   Chef Cornel Robinson, Owner - Cornel's Catering Company Attendees enjoy delicious food and drinks and the opportunity to learn about Black history in our borough and the small business journey of entrepreneurs, start ups, and established businesses shaping the borough. The evening also allowed attendees to expand their network with Speed Networking to develop lasting business relationships. The Bronx Chamber continues to amplify the diverse voices of the Bronx and in February raises profiles of Black business owners and leaders that shape our borough and Chamber. For more information, visit our social media: @thenewbxcc In 2019, Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC) launched, a groundbreaking model for a major American city to help create equity of opportunity by advancing Black entrepreneurship. Now, BE NYC has launched the Shop Black NYC map (nyc.gov/shopblack) to find Black-owned businesses in the borough!

NYC GETS CHIEF PUBLIC REALM OFFICER

New York City Mayor Eric Adams appointed Ya-Ting Liu as the city’s first-ever chief public realm officer, delivering on a key promise from his State of the City address. In this newly created role, Liu will coordinate across city government, community organizations, and the private sector to create extraordinary public spaces across the entire city and continue to drive the city’s economic recovery. Mayor Adams also signed Executive Order 27, codifying the creation of the position and ensuring that New Yorkers continue to have a one-stop shop for all issues related to public space. "After years of advocacy work with our partners in the NYC BID Association and with many business and transportation advocates, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce applauds Mayor Adams on creating this crucial position for the future of our City," said Michael Brady, Senior Vice President for Economic Development and Policy. "We congratulate and welcome Ya-Ting Liu and look forward to our partnership in advancing the future of the public realm in New York City."

NYC SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FUND PAUSED

Due to robust community engagement, led by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and program partners, the NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund reached businesses in need throughout the five boroughs through door-to-door outreach, webinars, events, one-on-one application support, and many other forms of communications. These efforts have led to more than 12,500 applications to the loan program in just three weeks.   Due to high interest, the portal is temporarily closed to allow lending partners to assess completed applications.     New applicants can complete the inquiry form to be notified if the application reopens and learn about additional financing options and ways to receive free City-provided business support.      Businesses that have applied as of Sunday, February 12th at 11:59pm will receive an email from a lending partner with next steps.      Our NYC Small Business Resource Network is assisting in navigating government and working with businesses to more fully understand responses from lenders. If you have a question or challenge with your application, please email: SBRN@bronxchamber.org.      Please note, due to the high volume of requests, businesses may experience delays in their application being processed.

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is closely monitoring NYS minimum wage legislation, proposed increases in unemployment benefits, non-compete agreements, and the definition of contractors (1099) and employees (W-2). Additional focus is being given to Criminal Justice Reform, Anti Trust legislation, Alcohol Beverage Control agency Rule Making, Racing and Gaming, as well as broader areas in E-Buildings, transportation, infrastructure, and housing. The leadership team travels to Albany, NY today for the NYSABPRHAL's 52nd Annual Legislative Conference. During our time, members of our delegation will share Bronx Chamber legislative priorities, meet with City and State representatives to discuss policy proposals, and work with relevant agencies to advocate for the economic development of the borough. Should you have any ideas or proposals you would like our team to address please email, mbrady@bronxchamber.org.

ENGAGEMENT OPPORTNUITIES

Does Your Business Receive NYS Incentives? We need to hear from you! The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is an active participant in the 5 Borough Jobs Coalition, a consortium of business organizations which advocate for business incentive programs which deeply impact New York City, notably, the Commercial Expansion Program (CEP), Energy Cost Savings Program (ECSP), Commercial Revitalization Program (CRP) / Commercial Rent Tax Special Reduction (CRT), Lower Manhattan Energy Program, and the Lower Manhattan State and Local Sales Tax Exemption. Our Legislative team has successfully advocated to have these programs included in the Governor's Executive Budget Proposal and will be working with the Legislature to ensure they are included in the NYS Budget.  Please complete this brief survey so we can learn how these programs impact your business.

Do You Own a Restaurant, Bar, Nightclub? Complete this survey. The NYC Hospitality Alliance encourages restaurant, bar, and nightclub operators to complete this short survey on factors impacting their business(es) and expectations for 2023. All submissions will be kept confidential and may be reported publicly in the aggregate to inform our advocacy and business insights. *If you operate multiple establishments that have different answers to the questions, please complete a separate survey for those establishments. For the survey, Click Here

UPCOMING EVENTS

New York State Executive Budget Presentation w. Empire State Development Commissioner Hope Knight Tuesday, February 21 from 12:00am to 1:00pm Virtual The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Bronx NYS Executive Budget Presentation by the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul. Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner of Empire State Development will outline the Governor's budget and policy priorities and how they impact the Bronx, New York City and New York State. To Register: Click Here

 

Coffee & Conversation w. NYC Councilmember Amanda Farias Chair, New York City Council Committee on Economic Development Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00am Virtual Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin, and Legislative & Policy Chair, Michael Brady moderate a discussion with Councilmember Farias, on Bronx economic development, workforce development, women's health and wellness, and merchant organizing. To Register: Click Here