New York City Council District 13 - Free Catalytic Converter Etching Event! | Upcoming Food Giveaways!

 

Latest News from Councilwoman Marmorato!

Dear Neighbors,

This past week, we continued supporting our community through several wonderful events and food giveaways!

In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find highlights from last week’s district events, updates on what’s happening in our community, and details about exciting upcoming events we have planned for you.

*We’re also testing some changes to our newsletter’s format! In the upcoming editions, you will notice new sections and layout adjustments to make the newsletter as digestible and informative as possible. Please let us know your thoughts on these changes when you see them — we always welcome your feedback!*

As always, it is an honor to represent you in the New York City Council and to continue working to keep our community safe, happy, healthy, and prosperous!

Sincerely,

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

District 13, Bronx

PAST WEEK'S EVENTS RECAP & HIGHLIGHT

This past week, my office and I had the privilege of serving our community through several events and multiple produce and meal giveaways. 

 

We distributed fresh produce and hot meals to our friends and families at RAIN Middletown, Throggs Neck Houses, Allerton Homeowners, and Edgewater Park. 

 

As always, we remain committed to supporting our neighbors through our ongoing food distributions. We were proud to serve friends and families across the district, ensuring that everyone has access to fresh, healthy food and warm meals. 

 

We also kicked off the weekend by proudly celebrating Veterans Day with 

American Legion Post 156 Veterans breakfast, Throggs Neck Veterans Day Breakfast, and Throggs Neck's 41st Annual Veterans Day Parade. Proud to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. 

 

My job is to serve, protect, and support our community in every moment of need. I am incredibly proud of the work we do together to uplift one another, and I want you to know that I will always be here to support you however I can

What's Happening in D13?

Here is a reminder of the upcoming events happening in our district!



Reminder: If you want to share any event with us, please do so! We will share it with the community.

UPCOMING FOOD AND MEAL DISTRIBUTION

We’re hosting fresh produce and meal giveaways over the next few days! Below is some information on the dates and the organizations we’re partnering with. For details on the exact time and location of each food or produce distribution, please contact the organizations directly.

We hope this information is useful and makes it easier for you to access these resources!

NOVEMBER'S UPCOMING EVENTS

ASPCA'S PETS VACCINATIONS EVENT

CATALYTIC CONVERTER ETCHING EVENT

Important Update for Homeowners: NYC Garbage Bin Refunds!

CUNY Citizenship - Every Monday!

VETERANS SERVICES

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us Know! Illegal Smoke Shops

Please let us know about illegal and unlicensed smoke shops operating within District 13!

FORM LINK

Your Feedback on E-Scooters Matters!

Report E-Scooters that are blocking sidewalks, fire hydrants, ADA-accessible entrances, or creating any other hazardous conditions in our community.

Reach out to us at district13@council.nyc.gov

Councilwoman Krity Marmorato 

718-931-1721

District13@council.nyc.gov

CITY HEALTH + HOSPITALS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATE CHARGED WITH FELONY ASSAULT OF A PATIENT

 

Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced the arrest of a NYC Health + Hospitals (“NYC H+H”) Behavioral Health Associate for assaulting a patient with an object that appeared to be a cellular telephone, inside a patient room at NYC H+H Bellevue in Manhattan on September 9, 2025. NYC H+H reported the assault to DOI, which prompted the investigation, which was conducted with the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, which is prosecuting the case. 

SHEREKA COOKE-ROBERTS, 30, of Brooklyn, N.Y., is charged with Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony and Assault in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor. Upon conviction, a class D felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a class A misdemeanor is punishable of up to year’s incarceration. COOKE-ROBERTS was arraigned today and released on her own recognizance. 

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “City hospitals rely on Behavioral Health Associates to provide care and support to persons with mental health needs. As charged, this Behavioral Health Associate assaulted a patient in her care, an illegal act that displayed blatant disregard for the responsibilities of her job and for the patient’s well-being. I thank NYC H+H for referring this matter to DOI and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for its partnership in this important investigation.”

According to the criminal complaint, on September 9, 2025, a male and female were observed on video surveillance footage wearing hospital scrubs and approaching a patient’s room on the 20th floor. The female, later identified as the defendant COOKE-ROBERTS, was observed on surveillance opening the door and entering the room; the video surveillance also showed an arm in a hospital gown extended from inside the room. The defendant was observed raising what appeared to be a large cellular telephone above her head, and forcefully swinging it downward in the direction of the arm onto something inside the room and beyond the view of video surveillance. The defendant was observed exiting the room and the video surveillance also showed an individual wearing a hospital gown immediately exit the room with what appeared to be fresh blood on her head, face, and hospital gown. An NYC H+H Police Captain reviewed the footage and identified COOKE-ROBERTS as the staff member holding the cellular phone. Photographs of the patient’s injuries showed a visible gash and blood on the top of the patient’s head.

COOKE-ROBERTS began her employment with NYC H+H in May 2019. She was suspended without pay on September 10, 2025. At the time of her suspension, she received an annual salary of $62,719.

Commissioner Strauber thanked Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his staff, including Assistant District Attorney Robert Wirtz of the District Attorney’s Trial Bureau 30, which is prosecuting the case. Commissioner Strauber also thanked NYC H+H President and CEO Dr. Mitchell Katz and his staff for their cooperation and assistance.

A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.   

Attorney General James and Department of Health Commissioner Dr. McDonald Issue Alert Reminding New Yorkers to Beware of Health Insurance Scams

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald today issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about common health insurance scams as 2026 open enrollment begins through the NY State of Health Marketplace. Health insurance scams spike during open enrollment periods, and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and DOH are providing consumers with tips to protect themselves against potential scams. 

“As health care costs skyrocket and federal support hangs in the balance, access to affordable health insurance is more important than ever,” said Attorney General James. “We cannot allow predatory scammers to swindle New Yorkers out of their hard-earned money. I urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and contact my office if they believe they are the target of a scam or fraud. My office will always work to hold bad actors and fraudsters accountable.”

“As New Yorkers enroll or renew their health coverage, it is critical they remain vigilant against scams that can put their personal information and access to care at risk,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “The Department of Health is committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that every New Yorker can access quality, affordable health insurance safely. We encourage anyone with questions or concerns about their coverage to reach out to NY State of Health or local certified enrollment assistors for free, trusted assistance.”

Enrollment in New York’s public health programs – Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential plan – is open year-round. However, New York state requires enrollees to renew their eligibility for these health plans every year. Enrollees are sent renewal notices well in advance of their coverage end dates with detailed instructions on how to stay covered and their deadline to renew. To enroll in commercial health insurance (qualified health plans) through NY State of Health for 2026, New Yorkers must do so during the open enrollment period that started on November 1. Enrollment must be completed by December 15 for coverage to begin on January 1, 2026. New Yorkers who experience qualifying life events (for example, a marriage, divorce, or birth of a child) can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan outside of the open enrollment period. It is important to note that many people are eligible for tax credits, which lower the monthly costs of a Qualified Health Plan.

Attorney General James and Commissioner McDonald are urging New Yorkers to be vigilant in light of reports of scammers pretending to be NY State of Health and selling fake health insurance to steal consumers’ money and personal information. Scammers may use fake websites or phone numbers, including ones that are very similar to the NY State of Health website and phone number, or lie about their affiliation with health plans. With the changes to health insurance programs included in the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Attorney General James and Commissioner McDonald are reminding consumers that work requirements and other new restrictions do not take effect until next year, and any messages that say otherwise are likely scams. People who purchase scam health insurance not only lose money to the scammers but are also left without insurance coverage for doctor's visits, hospital visits, or to purchase prescription drugs.

New Yorkers should look out for the following tactics scammers use to target those who are trying to obtain or keep health insurance:

• Scammers often use fear by threatening New Yorkers that their health insurance is at risk of cancellation, or that they have already lost their health coverage unless they provide hundreds of dollars to reinstate or continue benefits.
   
• Scammers will also use false offers of generosity to lure New Yorkers into providing personal information. This is typically done through phishing scams offering people gift cards or money to “update” their health accounts so as not to lose coverage.
   
• Scammers may ask for money to enroll people in marketplace or “Obamacare” insurance. The New York agencies that administer Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan benefits will never use the term “Obamacare” or ask for money from consumers to enroll or re-enroll. They will also not offer New Yorkers rewards to renew their coverage.

Attorney General James and Commissioner McDonald provided the following tips and reminders for New Yorkers to avoid common scams:

• No one can ever charge you a fee to renew your health insurance in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, the Essential Plan, or a Qualified Health Plan.
   
• If you enrolled in health insurance through NY State of Health, many people are available to help you renew for free. These include NY State of Health’s certified enrollment assistors (including navigators, agents, and brokers) and Customer Service Center representatives. Find help at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 1-855-355-5777.   
   
• If you enrolled in Medicaid through either your county’s Medicaid office or through New York City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA), there are also many people available to help you for free. Contact the office where you enrolled to ask questions and get help with renewing your insurance.
   
• Government agencies will never threaten you, demand you pay money, or ask for credit information in a text message, e-mail, or phone call.  
   
• Many websites will try to make you think that it is the official New York state health insurance Marketplace. There is only one official NY State of Health website. Submitting your contact information to some websites may lead to calls, texts, or emails from scammers.
   
• If your health plan includes a monthly premium, you will pay your health plan directly. The NY State of Health website does not ask for your bank account information or require you to make any payments.

Any New Yorker who suspects that they are a victim of a scam is encouraged to report it to OAG by submitting a complaint online or calling 1-800-771-7755.   

Governor Hochul Announces $97 Million in Available Funds for Community-Centered, Active Transportation Projects Across New York State

Funding Will Support Active Transportation Projects That Improve Community Health and Quality of Life Across New York State

Projects Advance the Governor’s Ambitious Climate Goals by Promoting Mobility Options

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $97.4 million in new funding is available for active transportation-related projects and programs that support the advancement of healthy lifestyles across New York State. Projects selected under this solicitation will support the Department of Transportation’s commitment to community-centered transportation by providing safe, reliable and resilient transportation systems. Selected projects, which include multi-use paths for pedestrians and bicyclists, will also connect communities, enhance the quality of life, protect the environment and support the economic well-being of New York State.

“By prioritizing community-centered transportation projects across the state, New York is setting a national example for transportation that is not just greener and healthier, but also boosts local economies,” Governor Hochul said. “These smart investments underscore our commitment to affordable transportation alternatives and enhanced quality of life for all New Yorkers, while protecting the environment in communities across the Empire State.”

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding is made available to the State through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Through sensible policies that put a premium on all forms of transportation, Governor Hochul is providing New Yorkers with safe, community-centered ways to travel for work and everyday life, in the process enhancing the character and accessibility of localities. These are direct investments in affordable transportation solutions that allow communities to invest in projects that enhance transportation mobility and safety.”

The following entities are eligible for funding:

• Local Governments (Counties, Towns, Cities and Villages)
• Transit Agencies
• Natural Resource or Public Land Agencies (NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, local fish and game or wildlife agencies)
• Tribal Governments
• Local or Regional Governmental Transportation or Recreational Trail Entity

The following entities may be eligible in partnership with entities listed above:

• School Districts
• Metropolitan Planning Organizations (serves an urbanized area with population of 200,000 or fewer)
• Regional Transportation Authorities
• Non-Governmental Organizations

Projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria that include public benefit, project type, eligible funding source, significance, cost-effectiveness, geographic balance and alignment with New York's Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act. Projects must be related to the surface transportation system and provide full access to the public. The TAP project award shall be no less than $500,000 and no greater than $7.0 million for any single project.

NYSDOT will provide up to 80 percent of the total eligible project costs with a minimum 20 percent match provided by the project sponsor. Eligible project costs may include planning, design/engineering services, right-of-way acquisition, construction and construction inspection.

TAP funds a variety of transportation-related projects which increase options for non-vehicular transportation, including:

• Planning, design and construction of infrastructure-related projects to improve non-driver safety and access to public transportation and enhanced mobility.
• Construction of turnouts, overlooks and viewing areas
• Safe routes to school (enables and encourages children to walk or bike to school)
• Planning, design and construction of on-road and off-road facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and non-motorized transportation users
• Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails for pedestrians, bicyclists and non-motorized transportation users
• Planning, design and construction of boulevards and other roadways largely in the right-of-way of former divided highways
• Community improvement activities (inventory, control or removal of outdoor advertising, preservation of historic transportation facilities, vegetation management practices and archeological activities)
• Environmental mitigation activities

The New York State Department of Transportation will be accepting applications for this funding opportunity through March 12, 2026. The application, program guidance and workshop schedules are located at https://www.dot.ny.gov/tap-cmaq.

About the Department of Transportation

It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit our website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

MAYOR ADAMS, DCWP, NYC PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCE IN-SCHOOL BANKING PILOT AS PART OF “FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR YOUTH” INITIATIVE

 

Innovative In-School Banking Pilot Will Bring Safe, Affordable Banking Directly to High Schools Starting in 2026 

  

Announcement First Includes 15 Schools and 12 Financial Organizations Participating in Pilot Program 

Builds on Earlier Announcement That Adams Administration Will Put Financial Educators in Every School District to Provide Counseling, Lead Workshops, and Help Create Curricula 

  

Unveiled in State of the City Address Earlier This Year, “Financial Literacy for Youth” Will Ensure Every Public School Student Can Learn How to Save and Spend Money

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga, and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos today announced a pilot program to bring safe, affordable banking directly to public school students — the next prong of the Adams administration’s “Financial Literacy for Youth” initiative to make sure that every public school student can learn how to save and spend money by 2030. The pilot program will introduce in-school banking services to students and their families, provide workshops on best banking practices, and, when possible, connect students to career development opportunities in the financial sector — all directly in school spaces starting next year. As part of today’s announcement, Mayor Adams unveiled the first 15 public schools and the first 12 financial institutions to participate in the pilot program: Bank of America, Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union, Citizens Bank, M&T Bank, Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union, PNC Bank, Ridgewood Savings Bank, TD Bank, Santander, Spring Bank, Urban Upbound Federal Credit Union and Wells Fargo will all offer in-school banking services through the program. Mayor Adams also, once again, reiterated his call for more financial institutions to join in the Financial Literacy for Youth initiative and help young people develop healthy financial habits. Through Financial Literacy for Youth — originally announced by Mayor Adams in his State of the City address earlier this year — the Adams administration is also placing a financial educator in every single school district to help teach students about responsible financial habits and exploring additional ways to give students hands-on experience learning about saving and managing money. 

  

“If you don’t teach people how to use their money, they will lose their money. That’s why our administration launched a landmark initiative to make sure every public school student can learn how to save and spend money by 2030,” said Mayor Adams. “With this groundbreaking program, we’ll bring banking services directly to students and give them hands-on experience opening up a safe, affordable bank account, learning about financial products, and starting careers in banking and finance. In-school banking has been called ‘the most promising frontier’ in financial education, and here, in New York City, we are on that frontier. From financial education to cutting-edge apprenticeships, our administration is not only making sure our students succeed in the classroom but giving them the real-world tools to thrive afterwards too.” 

  

“Our young people are our future, and I am thrilled to see the launch of the in-school banking pilot component of our financial literacy for youth initiative,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrion Jr. “I am especially grateful to see such an enthusiastic partnership with financial institutions to provide safe and affordable banking access and education to students and their families.” 

  

“From my own struggles to become more financially stable earlier in life to raising two growing children today, I know first-hand how important it is to learn about personal finances; that is why Financial Literacy for Youth is so near and dear to my heart,” said DCWP Commissioner Mayuga. “I am thrilled to begin working with these 15 schools and their students and families on the journey to financial health. I also applaud our initial banking partners for their commitments to help their communities and urge others to join us in our innovative in-school banking pilot.” 

  

“Financial literacy is a lifelong skill that empowers students to make confident, informed choices about their futures,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Avilés-Ramos. “By bringing safe, affordable banking directly into our schools, we’re giving young people hands-on opportunities to learn how to manage money, build healthy financial habits, and open doors to new career pathways. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to preparing every student not just for college and career, but for life.” 

  

The in-school banking pilot unveiled today will provide students and their families with real-world exposure to safe and affordable banking options and hands-on experience learning about saving and managing money. In-school banking is recognized by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as one of the “most promising frontiers” in developing young people’s financial skills, particularly among persistently-unbanked communities, like those in the first 15 districts chosen for this pilot program. Research recently released by DCWP found that 238,900 households in New York City — or roughly 7 percent of the city’s population — do not have a bank account, which is higher than the national average of 4.2 percent. 

  

Families without a bank account are forced to rely on costly alternatives like check cashers, which can perpetuate cycles of poverty. The in-school banking pilot aims to address this disparity by bringing accessible financial services and education into school communities. Research shows that in-school banking offers benefits to program participants and financial institutions. For example, students with access to savings accounts are seven times more likely to attend college and are more financially capable overall. In-school banking also provides financial institutions with meaningful opportunities to support community development. Through in-school banking, 

financial institutions could meet their Community Reinvestment Act reporting requirement by providing access to savings accounts and financial education to students in low- or moderate-income school districts. The Adams administration is seeking a total of 10 to15 banks or credit unions to participate in the program.  

  

The first 15 public schools that will receive in-school banking services starting in 2026 are: 

District	School Name
2	Urban Assembly Early College High School of Emergency Medicine
3	The Urban Assembly School for Green Careers
5	Mott Hall High School
7	The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology
8	Longwood Prep
9	Bronx High School for Medical Science
10	Fordham High School for the Arts
11	Bronx Lab School
12	East Bronx Academy for the Future
14	High School for Enterprise, Business and Technology
19	World Academy for Total Community Health High School
21	John Dewey High School
23	Brooklyn Collegiate: A College Board School
30	Long Island City High School
31	The Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island

These 15 public schools will also serve as the first schools to receive financial educators. After approximately six months, financial educators will expand their reach to serve additional schools across the district. Financial educators will provide families with one-on-one free financial counseling, lead workshops for students and families, and help develop classroom resources for teachers to build responsible financial habits among students. More than 350,000 public school students and their family members will be served in the first five years of the program. 

  

Financial Literacy for Youth builds on DCWP’s work helping New Yorkers build responsible financial habits, manage debt, and keep more money in their pockets. Since the start of the Adams administration, DCWP’s NYC Financial Empowerment Centers have helped tens of thousands of New Yorkers improve their credit, reduce their debt by over $45 million, and increase their savings by over $5 million through free one-on-one financial counseling services. Financial Literacy for Youth also builds on the Adams administration’s investment in scholarship accounts for college and career training for public school students beginning in kindergarten through the Save for College Program. To date, nearly 280,000 public school students have an NYC Scholarship Account with more than $50 million accumulated for their educational futures. From the Save for College Program and Financial Literacy for Youth to Financial Empowerment Centers and the recently announced college savings and student loan assistance program, New York City now offers a comprehensive, multi-generational financial empowerment strategy to help families thrive. New Yorkers 18 and older can visit DCWP’s NYC Financial Empowerment Center webpage or call 311 and say “financial counseling” to schedule an appointment or for more information. 

  

“At Ridgewood Savings Bank, we believe that financial literacy is essential to lifelong success and to building stronger, more resilient communities,” said Leonard Stekol, chairman, president, and CEO, Ridgewood Savings Bank. “For more than a century, we’ve stood by our neighbors as a mutual, community-focused institution — one that invests in education, opportunity, and financial empowerment. This innovative in-school banking initiative reflects those same values by giving young people the tools and confidence to make informed financial choices. We thank Mayor Adams, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and New York City Public Schools for their leadership and vision in helping students gain skills that will serve them and their families for a lifetime.” 

  

“TD Bank is pleased to join the city’s Financial Literacy for Youth initiative and continue our bank’s long tradition of providing youth with accessible and age-appropriate resources to learn about everyday financial decisions and build confidence in managing money,” said Steven Garibell, vice president of community business development, TD Bank. “We look forward to working with the city and engaging students in NYC Public Schools through this program.” 

  

Bronx Newsblast Nov. 2025 -- Addendum

 

HIGHLIGHTS

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Join Families for Safe Streets, Transportation Alternatives, Bronx and citywide elected officials, and local community organizations! Commemorate the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims this Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Gil Scott-Heron Amphitheater at St. Mary's Park (St. Ann's Ave. & E 146th St. in the Bronx). This will be the first time ever this citywide event will be held in the Bronx. The event will commemorate all those killed and seriously injured in traffic violence, offer support for their families, and call for the passage of the Stop Super Speeders bill in the New York State Legislature. All 197 New Yorkers who lost their lives to traffic violence since last year's commemoration, 29 of whom were in crashes in the Bronx, will be honored, and every New Yorker lost to traffic violence will be remembered. Click Here to RSVP For questions or concerns, contact your borough community engagement coordinator:   Robert Madera | Bronx Senior Community Engagement Coordinator Community Districts: 4, 5, 7, 8 718.430.1815 | Robert.Madera@parks.nyc.gov Ashley Santos | Bronx Community Engagement Coordinator Community Districts: 1, 2, 3, 6 718.430.4667 | Ashley.Santos@parks.nyc.gov Ashlyn Teather | Bronx Community Engagement Coordinator Community Districts: 9, 10, 11, 12 718.430.1815 | Ashlyn.Teather@parks.nyc.gov Partnerships for Parks A joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks Facebook | Instagram | X www.partnershipsforparks.org

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - YOU'RE INVITED: "Yo Soy Boricua" A Celebration of Puerto Rican Heritage