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Sunday, October 2, 2022
Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Coffee & Conversation: Federal Assistance for Your Business
NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR HOUSING, EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS
As asylum seekers continue to arrive in New York City at a rapid rate, Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams is elevating the experiences and urgent needs of newly arriving New Yorkers, and the responsibilities of city, state, and federal government to meet those needs. In a statement prepared for a Friday City Council hearing of the Committee on Immigration, he stressed the importance of protecting the right to shelter in an overburdened and underresourced system.
"Recently, I made a visit to a shelter in Hollis, Queens, where regrettably an asylum seeker took her own life. We found out that the shelter was not meant nor prepared to house asylum seekers and was severely understaffed, with 1 worker per 100 residents, with a maximum capacity of 500 residents..." reported Public Advocate Williams. He later argued that "Shelters would not be so under strain if the backlog and wait times for housing vouchers were expedited. Some individuals that currently reside in shelters have been living there for years. Affordable and supportive housing is one pathway to simultaneously transition them from homelessness to a permanent housing situation and open capacity at shelters."
He pointed to his recent report with the Committee to End Homelessness, which recommends expanding CityFHEPS eligibility to allow people who work and earn up to 50 percent of the city’s Area Median Income to qualify and waiving the work requirement for those not employed but on public assistance to qualify. He further pushed for passage of his Homeless Bill of Rights as a means of defining and protecting key standards for asylum seekers.
He also emphasized the importance of providing families with quality educational services, saying "According to recent Department of Homeless Services figures, of the 11,800 asylum seekers in the DHS system, approximately 8,000 are families with children. Enrolling these children in school is imperative in facilitating the transition post-migration as well as providing a safer space and environment where the children have access to hot meals...The Department of Education must ensure that their processes for placing asylum seeker children is as transparent as possible and takes into consideration the transient status of the children and their families in regards to housing and the immigration system."
Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 9/26/22-9/30/22
Dear Community,
Before my time in office concludes at the end of this year, I would like to recognize and honor the accomplishments and contributions of individuals and businesses within District 34. My office will be honoring individuals and businesses in the district with the New York State Liberty Medal and Empire Awards, and we would love your help nominating members of the community! Please find information below regarding the two awards:
The Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by a Member of the New York State Senate upon a resident of New York State. Those eligible for the Liberty Medal include individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Heroic actions
- Highly decorated military service
- Action taken by law enforcement and first responders which is above and beyond the call of duty
- Exceptional lifetime achievement by the recipient on behalf of their community and New York State
The Empire Award will be given to any businesses in District 34 that have exhibited a high level of excellence in service to the community. We look to highlight the businesses who have persevered, adapted, and shown resilience with the unprecedented change and growth throughout their years of service.
I am requesting your help in identifying exceptional individuals and businesses who meet the criteria of these awards and have made immeasurable and lasting contributions to District 34.
Fill out this form to nominate individuals for the Liberty Medal Award and fill out this form to nominate businesses for the Empire Award. Nominations are due by October 7th.
Thank you so much for your help in advance!
With Gratitude,
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi
Upcoming Events
Montefiore Medical Center Supporting Healthy Relationships Program: Montefiore-Einstein’s Supporting Healthy Relationships is a free program designed to empower low-income couples to achieve family success, by improving their communication skills, learning how to reduce destructive conflict, and gaining financial stability. The workshops help you develop and practice relationship skills through discussion, teaching and peer-to-peer learning led by our professional team. To apply, visit www.montefiore.org/SHR.
The SU-CASA program is back: After a long and difficult year, the Bronx Council of the Arts is delighted to partner once again with local artists to offer virtual art programming for seniors. The array of classes to choose from is amazing and there’s something for everyone. Registration is easy. View the roster of workshops on our website and register for a fun class today! For more information: contact@bronxarts.org
NW Bronx Food Justice Project - Emergency Food Resources in Marble Hill and Kingsbridge Heights: For more information, contact the NW Bronx Food Justice project at foodjusticebronx@gmail.com
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC): 3101 Kingsbridge Terrace at Summit Place, Bronx 10463 – weekly: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 12:00 – 2:30. For more information go to: https://www.khcc-nyc.org/Friendly Fridge: 5977 Broadway (242nd Street and Broadway), Contact: thefriendlyfridgebx@gmail.com
Bailey Fridge: 3016 Bailey Ave.
WHEDco and The Bronx Music Heritage Center are hosting a number of virtual Events and programs, featuring outstanding Bronx musicians, dancers, poets, and other artists and giving people a great opportunity to connect and celebrate. Learn more here.
Friends of Pelham Parkway Decry Bike Lane on Bronxdale Avenue
The NYCDOT made a presentation to the Traffic and Transportation Committee of Community board 11 back in March of 2021. The March 2021 agenda of the committee had only Item 2. New York City Department of Transportation with no description of what was being presented. There were only two members of the public in this video meeting, both members of Transportation Alternatives, and it was the last meeting of the Chair of the committee Frano Zagreda who did not reapply to be a member of the community board. It seems that this video only surfaced one year later as did the minutes of the meeting.
The minutes of the March 2021 meeting have item #2 as the New York City Department of Transportation A. Follow up to 2018 presentation on Bronxdale Avenue to address
unsafe intersections and high speeds. B. The presentation was a draft of redesign of Bronxdale avenue from
Bronx Park East to East Tremont avenue. C. DOT says that this presentation is the first draft, and they intend to
engage multiple stakeholders along Bronxdale including the
schools, medical facility, Maestro’s, Con Edison, Morris Park
Community Association and others. D. The proposed plan converts 4 lanes to 2 with turn bays, painted
islands, and protected bike lanes. E. 60 parking spots will be lost. DOT will investigate adding a few
additional spots after concerns were raised. F. Other concerns from the committee and public included: ADA
compliance, double parking, school drop off, and new traffic
pattern in front of the medical center.
While there are agendas listed for various months leading up to and including September 2022, there are no Traffic and Transportation committee minutes posted after the March 2021 minutes. On Friday September 30, 2022 the Friends of Pelham parkway held a press conference to decry the lack of information from Community Board 11 on the reconfiguration of Bronxdale Avenue which took place the last week of September, and one woman has already been killed in a car accident that the car went onto the sidewalk pinning the woman against a metal fence fatally. The driver said he was unaware of the new road pattern.
The sign on the left tells you what is going on, or has gone on, and the sign on the left tells you what the street will look like or already does.
Left - The bike lane at the curb with cars parking in what use to be a lane of moving traffic. Right the corner of White Plains Road and Bronxdale Avenue, with the abandoned fire box and graffiti covered traffic signal box.
There is a new concrete Pedestrian Island, but cars can go on both sides of the island, and cars, truck, buses, and bikes go all different ways since traffic is now tied up due to only having one lane of traffic flow on Bronxdale Avenue below White Plains Road.
Left - White Plain Road crossing Bronxdale Avenue has turning lanes but none are marked off.
Right - Friends of Pelham Parkway discuss the problem on Bronxdale Avenue.
All photos can be clicked on to make them larger.
Saturday, October 1, 2022
VAN NEST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE (VNNA) IN-PERSON MONTHLY MEETING–OCT 3, 2022– 7PM
OCTOBER MONTHLY MEETING
Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance (VNNA)
Monday October 3, 2022
at 7:00 PM
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - Resources Available to Our Community
Dear Neighbor,
Lately, my office has received calls asking for assistance in identifying resources to support their unique situations, ranging from utilities and homeownership resources to immigration and public safety programs. To ensure you have access to these resources, you will receive a monthly resource newsletter with that information. As my office becomes privy to the latest updates both by the City and in the district, we will share that information with the community in this monthly email or our weekly community round-up.
In this newsletter, you will find information about human services, agency-offered programs, and other relevant information that you may find helpful. As we prepare for the colder season, it’s important to me that you are prepared for anything. If you have any questions or would like additional information or clarification, you can reach out to my office Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM at (718) 931-1721 or via email at District13@council.nyc.gov.
In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you all around the district and hope you have a safe weekend!
Sincerely,
Council Member Marjorie Velázquez
Homeowners & Housing
Hurricane Ida Relief
The last day to submit an application for the Hurricane Ida Supplemental Funding Program is Monday, October 3, 2022. This program provides payments to homeowners in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, whose Federal Emergency Management Agency benefits were insufficient to allow their homes to be habitable. If you are interested in applying, please email IdaAssist@recovery.nyc.gov or call (212) 615-8329.
UTILITIES
Managing Your Energy Bills
Over the past several months, many residents have experienced higher than normal utility bills, due to increased market rates. Below are a few tips on how to manage this season’s high utility bills.
Spread payments out throughout the year - Con Edison offers payment plans to avoid large monthly energy costs.
Check your benefits - If you are registered in a government assistance program, you may be eligible for discounts through Con Edison’s Energy Affordability Program.
Manage your usage by monitoring your hourly energy use.
Get customized tips by using Con Edison’s Home Energy Analysis tool, which is found when accessing your online account. This tool provides tips and suggestions to improve energy efficiency and control costs throughout the year.
Avoid using electricity during peak times, which can save you money. Check out their Time-of-Use rate option.
Our mailing address is:
3040 E Tremont, Bronx, NY 10461
3040 E Tremont, Bronx, NY 10461
Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation Declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New York State
New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Launches 'Start the Conversation,' a Multi-Media Campaign to Raise Awareness
Winning 'End Domestic Violence' License Plate Design Unveiled
State Landmarks and Bridges To Be Illuminated in Purple on Saturday Evening
Read the Proclamation Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and announced the launch of 'Start the Conversation,' a multi-media campaign aimed at helping New Yorkers raise this critical issue with people in their lives and communities. In addition to the campaign, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence also unveiled the winning license plate design created in partnership with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in honor of the agency's 30th anniversary.
"Our state has come a long way since the days when my mother advocated for the survivors of domestic violence, but there is still much work to be done in helping to put an end to the abuse and suffering that far too many New Yorkers have endured over the years," Governor Hochul said. "Throughout October, we are reminded of the need to continue evolving our approach to domestic and gender-based violence so that we can best meet the needs of survivors and their families."
Governor Hochul also directed the following state landmarks and bridges to be illuminated purple on Saturday, Oct. 1, marking the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
- One World Trade Center
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
- Niagara Falls
- The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
The 'Start the Conversation' campaign is aimed at better informing New Yorkers on how to raise the issue of domestic and gender violence with survivors and how to access the resources available to help them. The campaign will feature messaging on social media and broadcast radio throughout the state, along with an online toolkit with resources to help raise awareness.
Earlier this year, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) conducted a public opinion poll of 5,000 individuals statewide to better understand public perceptions of domestic violence issues. The findings suggested that while most New Yorkers are confident in their understanding of domestic and gender-based violence and that many know someone who was abused or in a controlling relationship, many believed these issues to result from outside factors — drug or alcohol use, poor impulse control, or anger problems — rather than the decisions of an abusive partner.
New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, "To be survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, we've got to hear from survivors and all New Yorkers about what they think is the issue and how to solve it. That's why this year OPDV started the conversation and surveyed 5,000 New Yorkers to get their thoughts. I am grateful to serve a Governor who understands what we need to do to end domestic and gender-based violence and has an unwavering commitment to this important issue."
OPDV also announced the 'End Domestic Violence' license plate design selected by New Yorkers to honor the agency's 30th anniversary. Created in partnership with the DMV, the design reflects the strength and resilience of survivors, and New York State 's commitment to support them.
License plates can be purchased beginning Wednesday, Oct. 5, by going to DMV.ny.gov. Revenue from the plates will support OPDV's continued work to end gender-based violence through programming and public awareness.
New York State's Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 and is available in most languages: 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text) or @opdv.ny.gov (chat). Individuals also can visit www.ovs.ny.gov/connect to find a victim assistance program in their community.
Attorney General James’ Statement on Death of FDNY EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling
New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement in response to the stabbing death of on duty FDNY Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling:
“My heart aches for the family, friends, and fellow EMS officers who loved Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling. This senseless, brutal attack against a dedicated public servant is horrific, infuriating, and devastating. This attack reminds us all of the dangers faced by New York EMS personnel, and why these dedicated heroes who have earned our respect deserve pay equity and fair compensation. EMS officials like Lieutenant Russo-Elling put themselves in harm’s way to serve their fellow New Yorkers, they should be recognized and paid fairly for their devotion and duty. I join with all New Yorkers as we grieve for Lieutenant Russo-Elling. May her memory be a blessing and an inspiration.”