Dear Neighbor,
The legislative session is off to a strong start, and I am working alongside my colleagues to ensure the needs of our communities through commonsense legislation. If you are interested in learning more about legislation that I sponsored, please refer to our ‘Legislative Corner.’ You will also learn about upcoming hearings and community outreach events, including an upcoming public information session regarding the Metro-North expansion in the Bronx.
Over the next few weeks, my office will host events centered on community outreach and small business support services. Movies Under The Stars is back, and I am excited for you to join my office for a special presentation of “The Little Mermaid” later this month. For more information on this and other upcoming events, please scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13’ and ‘Save The Date.’
In this week’s email, you will find construction and utility advisories, information regarding the Department of Corrections Exam, career development opportunities, English as a Second Language classes, mental health services, and more.
To contact my office for additional information or for assistance, 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
Movies Under The Stars: The Little Mermaid
On Friday, September 22 at 7:30 PM, I will be hosting a special presentation of The Little Mermaid at Ferry Point Park (across from 550 Balcom Avenue)! Join us for an evening of life under the sea, music, and laughs as we join Ariel on her journey through life on land. Bring a blanket or a chair, a friend, and enjoy a whole new world with us!
Bronx Metro-North Virtual Info Session
On Wednesday, September 20, from 6 PM to 8 PM via Zoom, the New York City Council and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson will host a virtual public information session related to the Bronx Metro-North rail expansion and rezoning projects. There will also be an opportunity to provide feedback throughout and after the event.
Info Session Goals
Construction Advisory
Department of Transportation - Traffic Study
The New York City Department of Transportation has completed its study regarding additional traffic controls at Waters Avenue and Westchester Avenue. As a result, a traffic signal has been approved; installation is tentatively scheduled to be completed by November 30. If you know of an area that will benefit from traffic controls, contact my office at District13@council.nyc.gov.
Owen Dolen Recreation Center
Please be advised that the reconstruction of the windows and doors at the Owen Dolen Recreation Center is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 25, 2023. For more information about this project, please click here.
Hutchinson River Parkway Bridge
Through Friday, September 29, the NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will continue maintenance of the Hutchinson River Parkway Bridge over the Hutchinson River. As a result, either two southbound or two northbound lanes of the bridge will be closed (one lane will remain open at all times), weeknights from 12 AM to 5 AM (early morning). This work is subject to weather condition; at least one lane of traffic will be accessible at all times.
Shore Road
The New York City Department of Transportation will continue routine maintenance of the Shore Road Bridge over the Hutchinson River. As a result, single-land closures will continue from Monday, September 18 through Friday, October 20.
Daytime
Nighttime
Utility Advisory
Con Edison will be performing Gas Upgrade work on Morris Park Avenue between Seminole Avenue and Eastchester Road, Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 4 PM.
What to Expect
MTA Mobile Sales Van
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.
Stated Meeting Recap
During the September 14 Stated Meeting, the New York City Council introduced and passed legislation focused on green and small business initiatives and quality of life issues, including lithium-ion batteries and powered mobility devices, swimming lessons, lifeguards, emergency feeding programs, and more.
Bills Introduced
Int 1161 - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to allowing reusable beverage containers in sports venues
Int 1168 - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to safety standards for powered bicycles and powered mobility devices used for food delivery services
Int 1183 - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the installation of solar photovoltaic systems on city-owned property
Int 1188 - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the requirement of food vendors to obtain a certificate of authority to collect sales tax
Res 756 - A resolution calling upon the United States Congress to pass, and the President to sign, S. 1350/H.R 2964, the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act (WIPPES), requiring the Federal Trade Commission to issue regulations requiring certain products to have “Do Not Flush” labeling
Res 773 - A resolution calling on the Governor to sign S.5026/A.6040, enacting the “Freelance Isn’t Free Act” in New York State
Bills Passed
Int 263-A - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of small business services to report on the services provided at workforce1 career centers
Int 760-A - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to providing water safety instruction to New York city's public school children at no cost
Int 877-B - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to exit surveys and interviews for resigning and retiring employees of city agencies
Int 949-A - A Local Law in relation to the establishment of a trade-in program for powered mobility devices and lithium-ion batteries used in powered mobility devices, and to provide for the repeal of such local law upon the expiration thereof
Int 962-A - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to public swimming pool assessment and location survey and swimming lessons offered by the department of parks and recreation
Int 969-A - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to information on local community development financial institutions
Int 1017-A - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to lifeguards at public beaches and pools under the jurisdiction of the department of parks and recreation
Int 1080-A - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the publication and dissemination of information on emergency feeding programs, food benefits programs, and senior centers
Int 1103-A - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to information on loans and grants for small businesses.
