Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

 

Dear Neighbor,

Summer is in full swing, and I’m excited to be hosting outreach events, including the ever-popular Mobile Office Hours! This is a fantastic way for me and my office to go to all the corners of the District. As your representative, I am committed and excited to continue working with the community to ensure its needs are addressed.

Recently, community members have expressed interest in learning more about legislation that has recently passed at City Hall. To best support, our ‘Legislative Corner’ will continue to feature information about legislation I have introduced and sponsored through the next scheduled Stated meeting. As always, I am committed to advocating for my community with common-sense legislation that addresses its needs.

In this week’s email, you will find information about this year’s Rain Barrel Giveaway, NYC’s Summer Meals Program, youth and community resources, upcoming events, and more. I’m also excited to share that the Empire State Development has extended it’s Covid-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program for businesses. To learn more about this initiative or to apply, scroll to ‘Commerce Corner.’  

To contact our office for additional information or concerns, please call us at  (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Wishing you all a safe and wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Hoops in the Sun Hosts the 23rd Annual All-Star Game of the Roundball Classic

Hoops in the Sun, one of the borough’s leading community-based basketball program, is teaming up the New York Knicks and DoorDash to host their 23rd Annual Heatwave All-Star Game, being held July 22nd at Orchard Beach Park, starting at 12 PM.

Every year Hoops in the Sun, showcases their top players from each of their age-based teams, drawing talent from all over The Bronx and from around the city to celebrate staying fit, teamwork, sportsmanship and community.

To find a schedule of the 23rd Annual Heatwave All-Star Game, click HERE.

NYC Parks Hosts Flag Football Leagues Across New York City

Each Fall, New York City Parks host flag football leagues across the city for boys and girls ages 8 to 17 years old. New York City youth will have the opportunity to participate in clinics, practices, and competitions. The NYC Parks Instructional Clinics begin in July and run through August, focusing on drills and strategies. The NYC Parks Flag Football League begins in September and runs through November and will feature league play and championships. 

Age Groups (Must remain in age group throughout the year) Cutoff date: December 31, 2023 

• 8 and Under Coed* (Clinic Based)

• 10 and Under Coed* (Clinics + League Play)

• 12 and Under Coed* (Clinics + League Play)

• 14 and Under Boys (Practices + League Play)

• 14 and Under Girls (Practices + League Play)

• 17 and Under Boys (Practices + League Play)

• 17 and Under Girls (Practices + League Play)

*Coed divisions can consist of all boys, all girls, or a mix of both. 

Important Dates 

• Clinics** // July 1, 2023 – August 25, 2023

• Flag Football Festival // August 19, 2023

• Regular Season // September 8, 2023 – October 21, 2023

• Citywide Playoffs // October 27, 2023 – November 4, 2023

• Citywide Championships // November 11, 2023 (Citywide Championships rain date is November 18, 2023)

Memberships
17 and Under: FREE

 

**To Register For Flag Football, Click Here: NYCParks Flag Football Page 

Construction Advisory

Hutchinson River Parkway Bridge

The NYCDOT Division of Bridges will continue maintenance of the Hutchinson River Parkway Bridger over the Hutchinson River. As a result, two alternating, northbound lanes will be closed two weekend nights each week through Friday, August 4, 2023 from 11 PM to 5 AM.

Shore Road Bridge

The NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will continue routine maintenance of the Shore Road Bridge over the Hutchinson River. As a result, single-lane closures will continue through Friday, July 28, according to the below schedule. 

Single Lane Closures

• Northbound - 7 AM to 9 AM

• Northbound and Southbound - 9 AM to 1 PM

• Northbound and Southbound - 10 PM to 7 AM

No Parking

The NYC Department of Design and Construction has announced a ‘No Parking’ advisory for Pelham Parkway North Service Road between Eastchester Road and Bronx Park East; and Pelham Bay Parkway Westbound Main Road between White Plains Road and Stillwell Avenue through July 28 from 7 AM to 4 PM. This restriction is necessary to facilitate ‘end of construction’ work and is a moving operation.

The NYC Department of Design and Construction has announced a ‘No Parking’ advisory for Pelham Parkway North Service Road between Eastchester Road and Bronx Park East through July 28 from 7 AM to 4 PM. This restriction is necessary to facilitate ‘end of construction’ work and is a moving operation.

The NYC Department of Design and Construction has announced ‘Lane Closures’ advisory for Pelham Parkway Eastbound Main Road between Boston Road and Stillwell Avenue through July 28 from 7 AM to 6PM. This restriction is necessary to facilitate ‘Bus Lane Painting’ and ‘Pavement Markings’ project.

Night-Time Lane Closures

The NYC Department of Design and Construction has announced a ‘Night-Time Lane Closure’ advisory on Pelham Parkway Eastbound Main Road between White Plains Road and Stillwell Avenue from now through July 28, from 9 PM to 5 AM. This restriction is necessary to facilitate roadway reconstruction and is a moving operation.

SAVE THE DATE

Rain Barrel Giveaway

Don’t miss this year’s Rain Barrel Giveaway, taking place on Saturday, August 5! Register now to reserve your free rain barrel to save water and help the environment. This is a great way to support sustainable living and make a positive impact in your community. To register, click the link below or call 718-931-1721.

Register

MTA Mobile Sales Van is Back!

The MTA Mobile Sales Van will be at 3033 Middletown Road, from 1 PM to 3 PM, on the fourth Friday of each month. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about your MetroCard, apply for a reduced fare rate, replace expired or damaged cards, and more.

Back to School Fair! On Saturday, July 29 from 11 AM to 1 PM at First Presbyterian of Throggs Neck, the Highpoint Bible Church will host their Back to School Fair! From food and games to school supplies, this event has something for everyone. Learn More Nation Night Out Against Crime - 49th Precinct On Tuesday, August 1 from 6 PM to 9 PM, the NYPD’s 49th Precinct, The 49th Precinct Council, and Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corporation (NIDC), will host their annual National Night Out Against Crime event. Meet your local elected officials, law enforcement officers, and more for information on crime prevention and how to get involved in your local community. This year’s event will be held at Comras Mall (Bronx Park East and Lydig Avenue). National Night Out Against Crime - 45th Precinct On Tuesday, August 1, from 5 PM to 8 PM, the NYPD’s 45th Precinct, the 45th Precinct Community Council, and the Westchester Square BID will host their annual National Night Out Against Crime event. Join us for a night filled with family and friends, music, arts and crafts, bounce houses, giveaways, and more. Ice Cream & Games in the Park On Friday, August 4 from 3 PM to 8 PM, join the NYPD’s 45th Precinct at Hawkins Park in City Island for Ice Cream and Games in the Park! There will be games and free ice cream for all to enjoy.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress - Why don’t Democrats run against incumbents more often?

 

One big reason why the Left doesn’t bring primary challenges as frequently as Republicans do is because conservative primary challenges have billionaires behind them — and progressive primary challenges do not.

Moving politics in the direction of the working class requires the working class.

Alexandria campaigned on expanding Medicare in order to make prescriptions more affordable. Now, Medicare has the power to negotiate prescription drugs — and insulin is capped at $35/ month. She believes in tackling the climate crisis head on, even when members of her own party have called her ‘extreme’ for authoring the Green New Deal.

It was clear from the start that Status Quo Politicians never wanted Alexandria in Congress. In fact, they called her election win a “fluke.” It’s why a Moderate Democrat mounted a $3 million primary challenge, and why Republicans spent over $10 million trying to unseat her in 2020.

But Alexandria continues to do what she was elected to do: demand better.

Our sincerest thanks,

Team AOC

NYS OASAS ANNOUNCES OPENING OF FIRST MOBILE MEDICATION UNIT IN NEW YORK STATE

 

New Unit Will Deliver Addiction Services to Underserved Populations and Communities, Including Medication for Addiction Treatment

Initiative is Part of OASAS’ Efforts to Expand Access to Full Complement of Help and Support for Addiction

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) today announced the opening of the first Mobile Medication Unit (MMU) in New York State. Operated by VIP Community Services, this new mobile unit will provide a wide range of addiction services and other medical care in the New York City area. This program is being supported with $550,000 in federal funding under the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Supplemental Grant, administered by OASAS.

“This new mobile medication unit will serve a vital role in supporting our vision to meet people wherever they are, by allowing providers to bring services to those in need, in their communities, and addressing barriers that keep people from receiving treatment,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “It will allow more people to access medication for addiction, which is a proven, effective, and safe treatment, and will support their long-term health.”

“We are grateful to OASAS for its ongoing support of our work, and for awarding VIP a grant to establish a Mobile Medication Unit,” says Debbian Fletcher-Blake, President and CEO of VIP Community Services. “MMU services are crucial to address the staggeringly high number of overdose-related deaths and align with VIP's mission to provide access to equitable care to communities in need."

Through this MMU, VIP Community Services will provide prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services, as well as connections to other addiction and primary healthcare services in high-need areas of New York City. This initiative is designed to help bring services to underserved areas and reach people who may face issues accessing treatment, by bringing services directly to them.

OASAS has awarded more than $6 million to support the development of these programs across the state. MMUs offer services that include admission assessments and medication induction, medication administration and observation, toxicology tests, and other medical services. The development of MMUs is made possible by a DEA rule change, allowing them to be operated by existing Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) providers.

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports oversees one of the nation’s largest substance use disorder systems of care with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas.ny.gov.

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Cricket Stadium Proposal

 

Van Cortlandt Park is home to the game of cricket, the second most popular sport in the world, with 8 cricket pitches, serving two local leagues with dozens of teams.

 

While the T20 Cricket World Cup is an important tournament, and we understand why our amazing park would be proposed as a venue, Van Cortlandt Park Alliance is concerned about the impact the tournament could have on the park itself and its users. 

 

If the International Cricket Council (ICC) chooses to pursue Van Cortlandt Park as the site of its T20 Cricket World Cup, it should fully examine all of the processes imposed by New York State and New York City law meant to protect park users, which cannot be overlooked or bypassed.  

 

There are rules and regulations which require proper community engagement, public disclosure, environmental review and, potentially, new legislation to successfully carry out such an endeavor. Together, all of these processes take significant time and resources, the timing of which may not align with ICC’s desire to host the tournament in the park in less than one year. 

 

Based on the limited knowledge we possess of the proposal, we are not alone with our questions and concerns regarding the project’s short-term and potentially long-lasting impact on the park and the surrounding community. Van Cortlandt Park Alliance requests a seat at the table to have these many questions and concerns thoroughly addressed by ICC before proceeding.

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org