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Dear John
* Our team is currently searching for a new office in our updated district lines! For the time being, we are unable to offer in-person appointments with extremely limited exceptions. If you need help, call us at (718) 499-1090 or send us an email at [email protected].
* 3-K and Pre-K applications are now open for fall 2024 and are due 3/1! You can apply in one of three ways, online with MySchools.nyc ([link removed]) , over the phone at 718-935-2009 Monday-Friday between 8 AM and 6 PM, or contact a Family Welcome Center ([link removed]) . If you have questions about the process or need help applying, please contact our office at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
* Community boards ensure that local voices are included in major decisions affecting local communities! Help us build a better borough by applying ([link removed]) to join your local Community Board before the deadline on 2/19.

Gowanus Rezoning Update

The Gowanus Oversight Task Force ([link removed]) has been hard at work for over a year now, and I’m proud to be sharing this important update on what we’ve been up to!

In a collaborative effort between Council Member Restler, my team, and the Task Force Facilitator, James Lima Planning & Development ([link removed]) , we have selected a group of 30 local leaders to ensure full implementation of the 56 points of agreement ([link removed]) . We hosted our last quarterly meeting in late December 2023 (our next one will be on 3/28 from 6-8 PM at PS 133), focused on housing, small business support, and workforce development. We had updates on capital improvements to the Gowanus Houses and Wyckoff Gardens (which I now represent under the new District 39 lines). The NYCHA team also reported updates on efforts to make $200 million in much-needed improvements, while Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) updated us on the 2,000 new Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) affordable units slated as part of the rezoning (some of which are already available on Housing Connect ([link removed])
). Small Business Services (SBS) also shared a few updates on small business support and workforce training opportunities, targeting Community Board 6 and NYCHA residents for participation. The work to ensure the commitments made in this rezoning is long and tedious, but we are committed to ensuring real benefits come to Gowanus.

An exciting update on one of the 56 points of agreement ([link removed]) is that Phase 1 of the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) sewer expansion is underway on 7th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues, and is set to be completed by the end of 2024. We have been in communication with the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), who is managing the project. For any questions about the construction, please contact the Assistant Director for DDC Intergovernmental Affairs at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

This week Assembly Member Simon, in partnership with Congressman Goldman, Senator Gounardes, and my office, hosted a community forum with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEC), the agency overseeing the brownfield remediation cleanup efforts. We have all been pushing for greater transparency and trust-building with the community around DEC and the DOH’s protections and efforts, and I was glad to see them present to answer questions on their brownfield remediation work and the expanded soil vapor intrusion study ([link removed]) . In addition to DEC and DOH, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was also in attendance, and I’m committed to continued work with my elected colleagues to ensure close coordination to deliver the accountability and transparency the Gowanus community deserves.

Community Bulletin
* Are you an artist? Are you looking to put your art in the City for all to see? Learn more about the NYC City Canvas ([link removed]) program! The Department of Cultural Affairs is offering $1,000 grants to artists to provide work to display on dining sheds and scaffolding across the City. Learn more and submit an application ([link removed]) before the deadline on 1/31!
* Did you know Green-Wood Cemetery sponsors an artist-in-residence every year? The program is in its fourth year now and is accepting applications! The deadline is 1/31. You can read more about the residency and previous artists here ([link removed]) .
* NYC Trash Academy is a free online and in-person educational series exploring how waste management affects our environment, society, and economy! Featuring eight virtual lectures and two virtual field trips, the series explores some of the most relevant topics in waste management today, including ‘throwaway culture’, the health of our water system, a focused look at food waste, and much more. Participation is FREE, but space is limited! Apply ([link removed]) to join the 2024 Academy by 2/2.
* The Council of New York Cooperatives & Condominiums has developed a new series of classes to help co-op and condo board members get access to professional answers to their questions and learn best practices for resolving their issues. The first session will be held on 2/8 at 6 PM on Zoom and is free. RSVP today ([link removed]) !
* Join Brooklyn Children’s Museum as they usher in the Year of the Dragon on Sunday, 2/11. Learn about the festival and traditions of the Lunar New Year through storytelling, live music, calligraphy workshops, kung fu lessons, and a rooftop lion dance parade led by the Chinatown Community Young Lions.

In Solidarity,

Shahana
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