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

Dear Neighbor,

Earlier this week, I delivered this year’s State of the District address, where I touched on several topics, including new health care resources, improved educational opportunities, and the exciting projects happening in our community.

In this week’s email, you will find legislative updates, upcoming events, as well as critical information pertaining to higher education and related resources. For those interested in seeing more community-based events, please be sure to complete our Spring 2023 Community Events Survey; the last day to complete this survey will be Tuesday, March 21. This survey will be used to help our office finalize upcoming events for everyone throughout the district.

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 RECAP

During this year’s State of the District, I had the opportunity to share several accomplishments, critical information, and discuss my top priorities for 2023. Below is an outline of what I discussed during my speech; this is going to be an exciting year and I look forward to sharing these moments with you all!

Summary of Topics

• Expanding senior programming and services

• Identifying opportunities to enhance medical care at our local hospitals, including millions of dollars to improve resources at Jacobi Hospital

• Advocating on behalf of constituents in need of housing, in partnership with community organizations and City agencies

• Supporting our youth through educational resources, such as STEM programming, athletics, and extracurricular activities

• Protecting consumers by holding bad actors accountable for their actions, ensuring no one is taken advantage of, and prioritizing transparency

• Welcoming the Metro-North to the community, which will improve transit accessibility in the Bronx

• Addressing public safety matters by working with law enforcement and allocating critical resources

• Supporting legislation that puts the community first, including small businesses. Int 559-A, also known as ‘Skip the Stuff,’ will put money back into our local businesses by eliminating the distribution of unnecessary disposable utensils and takeout items

Our mailing address is:
3040 E Tremont, Bronx, NY 10461

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: Bronx Chamber Honors Rob Walsh for Irish Heritage Reception Emerging Professionals Mixer Recap Bronx Chamber Leads Bronx M/WBE Certifications Commercial District Program Update Jerome Avenue White Plains Road 138th Street Bruckner Blvd Pelham Parkway Ridgewood Savings Bank Ribbon Cutting Legislative & Advocacy Updates Bronx Chamber Statement on Elephant Captivity Legislation SOMOS Albany Summit Recap Funding Opportunities Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant Program  Engagement Surveys 5 Borough Jobs Coalition Upcoming Events Women of Distinction Luncheon, 3/31/2023 at 11:30am

BRONX CHAMBER HONORS ROB WALSH IRISH HERITAGE RECEPTION, 3/21/2023

2023 Irish Heritage Celebration & Networking Reception   The Bronx Chamber of Commerce Honors Robert Walsh, Interim President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation & Former Commissioner of NYC Department of Small Business Services   The Bronx Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Celebration of Irish Heritage and Networking Reception on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 6:00pm at Rambling House, 4292 Katonah Avenue Bronx, NY. The evening acknowledges the achievements and contributions of the Irish community on the Bronx and New York City economies and its impact on small business. The 2023 Reception honors Robert Walsh, Interim President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC) and former Commissioner of NYC Department of Small Business Services. “The Irish community has contributed so much to the economic development and growth of New York City and the Bronx,” said Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “From the earliest days of immigration, the Irish planted a stake in New York City and transformed it to what it is today. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is delighted to celebrate this community which adds to the rich fabric of what makes our borough so great. It is especially fitting to honor Rob Walsh – a devoted New Yorker and our Board member – for his commitment to New York and our future.” The evening features live music, networking, drink specials, Irish fare, and acknowledges the contributions of notable Irish Americans and their influence on Bronx business and economic development. Reserve your spot, Click Here.

EMERGING PROFESSIONALS MIXER HOSTED WITH COUNCILMEMBER PIERINA SANCHEZ

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined, Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, and NYC Department of Small Business Services for an evening of bites, drinks, and conversation focused on emerging professionals, solo entrepreneurs and new industries impacting the Bronx and New York City. The evening, hosted at Fokkus Lounge on Fordham Road gathered leaders from throughout the Bronx and District 14 and launched the creation of the 2023 Emerging Professionals Committee for the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. The evening included a dynamic fireside chat with local business leaders, networking, and access to customized business services through the Small Business Resource Network and the Office of Councilmember Sanchez. For more information on how to get involved email: outreach@bronxchamber.org

BRONX CHAMBER LEADS IN BRONX M/WBE CERTIFICATION

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to not only assisting in getting a record number of Bronx businesses minority and women owned certified, but also to ensuring those businesses get access to public and private sector procurement. Through the Bronx Chamber's procurement and certification team, M/WBE qualified firms get one on one City and State certification services and procurement assistance. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce celebrates the latest cohort of M/WBE certified businesses that have been certified this quarter through the Chamber's M/WBE Certification Program, provided with support from NYC Department of Small Business Services. Congratulations to the following businesses on being awarded their NYC M/WBE certification: Bronx Loyal Mobile Barber Briason Associates SLS Marketing ASG Elysian Aslean Alzerina The Wellness HUB ChocoBar Cortes NYC Green Canvas Productions 5 Line Designs For more information on M/WBE certification email: programs@bronxchamber.org

COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR UPDATE

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is leading organizing, planning, and revitalization efforts in partnership with the New York City Council, NYC EDC, NYC Department of Small Business Services, and NYC Small Business Resource Network. Our dedicated team is working in the following areas: Jerome Avenue - Councilmember Althea Stevens: Merchant organizing, data collection, navigating government, and business planning 138th Street & Bruckner Blvd (Mott Haven) - Avenue NYC Program: Merchant organizing, marketing, BID feasibility, and revitalization. Year 1 Commercial District Needs Assessment Report, click here. White Plains Road - Jerome Gun Hill BID & NYC SBS: Merchant organizing and data collection. Pelham Parkway - Councilmember Marjorie Velasquez: Data collection, BID Exploration, and Merchant Organizing Council District 14 - Councilmember Pierina Sanchez: emerging professional and leadership development, and merchant organizing. Our dedicated team meets every business where they are at, in person, with customized services and authentic engagement. For more information: outreach@bronxchamber.org

RIDGEWOOD SAVINGS BANK RIBBON CUTTING

Ridgewood Savings Bank Reopens White Plains Road branch. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce along with numerous officials, local business community leaders and senior bank management, Leonard Stekol, Chairman, President and CEO of Ridgewood Savings Bank (Ridgewood), celebrated the Grand Reopening of Ridgewood’s state-of-the-art White Plains Road Branch at 3951 White Plains Road, just four short blocks away from its previous North Bronx location. “Ridgewood Savings Bank has emerged as a trusted institution for Bronxites and residents of New York City," said Lisa Sorin, President of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. "We are delighted that Ridgewood has re-opened the White Plains Road branch giving residents and businesses the ability to continue banking locally and with a trusted financial institution." “We are so excited to join with our many friends in the Bronx this morning to mark the reinvestment in this branch and in this neighborhood that means so much to us,” said Stekol. “Similar to the section of Ridgewood, Queens, where shopkeepers came together over 100 years ago to form our Bank, this community has long been home to individuals and families who share dreams of hope, opportunity, and success. We are confident that this renewed branch will continue to help turn those dreams into reality as our customers and this great community both grow and prosper,” said Stekol.

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

New York City Council Elephant Legislation   The following statement was released by The Bronx Chamber of Commerce in response to proposed legislation as it relates to elephant captivity.   “Recent legislation proposed by a Brooklyn Councilmember on elephant captivity and the Bronx Zoo is misguided and ill informed. The proposed legislation is politically and optically motivated and targets the Bronx Zoo – the headquarters of the Wildlife Conservation Society - and, one of, if not the most renowned zoo in the world, known for its exceptional care of animals, and its leadership in conservation of wildlife, science and education. The Bronx Zoo is one of the hallmarks of what makes New York City great. The proposed legislation is not about what is best for the Bronx Zoo’s elephants. In fact, this legislation lacks any understanding of elephant ecology or husbandry or any actual knowledge or understanding of the individual elephants, Happy and Patty, at the Bronx Zoo. Contrary to its intent, this bill could ultimately endanger the welfare of the Bronx Zoo's two elephants which are under the care of the best experts in the field, and whose care is held to the highest standards by rigorous Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation.   Additionally, the Bronx Zoo and the WCS have been global leaders in ensuring best zoological practices are deployed and that animal care is the number one priority of their organizations.   The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is against this legislation and encourages the New York City Council to not entertain this mockery of the Council’s time.”

New Trash Set-Out Times Begin April 1 - Effective April 1, 2023, businesses that place waste at the curb* for collection have two setout options:   If using a container with a secure lid, a business should place waste at the curb 1 hour before closing, or   If putting bags directly on the curb, place waste out after 8:00 PM.   *This does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock or other off-street location.   Send your questions to commercialprograms@dsny.nyc.gov. DSNY’s Commercial Engagement Team will provide additional free resources including information on the rules, educational site visits, trainings, and webinars.

NYS Assembly Bill, A5260 was introduced by Assembly member Manny De Los Santos. The Bill makes the crime of preventing a retail worker from performing a lawful duty or essential service, assault in the second degree.