Rain Barrel Giveaway and Avenue C Plaza Programming!

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Hi Friend,
* On June 3rd, NYCHA will begin accepting applications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, reopening a waitlist that has been closed to general applications for nearly 15 years. Interested households may apply ([link removed]) to the Section 8 HCV waitlist between midnight on Monday, June 3, and 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
* We have a new office! We will be ready for in-person appointments on 6/10—more information to come soon. In the meantime, 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] (mailto:[email protected]) .

MOCEJ Event in Gowanus Recap

Last week, I co-hosted a Sustainability and Resiliency Resource Fair with the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice (MOCEJ).

Council Member Hanif at last week’s MOCEJ event

As part of the Gowanus Rezoning, New York City committed $450 million in investments ([link removed]) to the Gowanus neighborhood, including investments in Gowanus’ sustainability and resiliency. Per the City’s commitments, MOCEJ is responsible for leading outreach and engagement around the NYC Accelerator, a free program for New Yorkers to receive expert guidance on how to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and access project financing and incentives for their properties and businesses.

The Resource Fair was an important start to MOCEJ’s fulfillment of their commitments to Gowanus. At the event, agencies and organizations shared resources with community members about programs and incentives to make their businesses and properties more clean, green, and energy efficient. In addition to MOCEJ and the NYC Accelerator, partners included NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Con Edison, and Center for NYC Neighborhoods.

In Gowanus and throughout New York City, our communities need to strengthen our preparedness for climate change and increasingly intense weather events. As your Council Member, I am committed to fighting for environmental justice legislation and deeper investments in resilient infrastructure. Additionally, I will continue to support community engagement events like these where constituents can both learn from agencies about the programs that are available to them and inform agencies about how their work can best meet local needs.

Rain Barrel Giveaway

When it rains, it pours! Every year, our office hosts a Rain Barrel Giveaway with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to distribute free rain barrels to members of our community.

This year we are hosting the giveaway on June 23rd from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM at 118 Beverley Road, Brooklyn, New York 11218.

Instructions:
1. Sign up for a rain barrel on the form linked here ([link removed]) . After signing up, you will be emailed a confirmation or a waitlist slot for your rain barrel. Rain barrels are first come first serve.
2. You must come to the giveaway on June 23rd between 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM to collect your rain barrel. We cannot hold rain barrels, and any rain barrels not collected before 12:30 PM will be given out to the waitlist.
3. You must present your name or confirmation email to receive your rain barrel.

Why should I consider getting a rain barrel?

Rain barrels can connect directly to your property’s gutter or downspout to capture and store the rainwater that falls on your rooftop. DEP rain barrels come with an installation kit and easy instructions to set in place. Rain barrels help conserve water for gardening and cleaning, reduce harmful runoff, and help you save on your water bill.

Kensington Culture at Avenue C Plaza in June

This June, Avenue C Plaza will come alive with creative and family-friendly programming from the organizations that make up the Kensington Cultural Council: Arts & Democracy, Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA), Casa Cultural, The Singing Winds, NOCD-NY, and ArtBuilt. See the full schedule of events here ([link removed]) . As one of the original organizers who helped establish and activate Avenue C Plaza as a gathering spot for community events, this month of art and culture is particularly meaningful to me! Utilizing public spaces for this type of accessible programming is critical to making our neighborhood and city vibrant, healthy, and safe.

Community Bulletin
* Travel restrictions on Atlantic Avenue during the weekend closure of the Queens bound BQE (6/1 to 6/3):
+ Atlantic Avenue eastbound left turn onto Hicks Street banned (except for buses)
+ Atlantic Avenue eastbound left turn onto Clinton Street banned (except for buses)
+ Hicks Street northbound left turn onto westbound Atlantic Avenue banned
* Are you a rent-stabilized tenant? The Rent Guidelines Board is meeting at Medgar Evers College on Wednesday, June 5th at 5 PM to discuss its annual rent adjustment. The Board’s preliminary proposals concerningly include rent hikes as high as 4.5% for one year leases and 6.5% for two year leases. Register to testify here ([link removed]) .
* Get your vote in for “The People’s Money!” Now through June 12th, all New Yorkers over 11 have the opportunity to vote on a ballot for their home borough on how to spend over $3 Million! Vote online ([link removed]) or by paper ballots that will be available citywide at sites listed on Participate.nyc.gov ([link removed]) .
* Brooklyn Org is currently accepting applications to support nonprofits that are doing impactful work in Brooklyn – learn more and apply here ([link removed]) .
* NewYork-Presbyterian is accepting applications for its 2024 Community Fund! For more details about the Community Fund, click here ([link removed]) or join their info session ([link removed]) on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 1 PM. Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) with any questions you may have.
* On Thursday, June 6th from 10 AM to 12 PM at Albemarle Playground, Brooklyn Grange Farm is hosting a seedling giveaway that celebrates the cultural significance of Bangladeshi crops in collaboration with PS 230, the NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health, and HarvestShare. Reserve your plants here ([link removed]) !
* Prospect Park Alliance and Heights and Hills, are hosting free fitness walks for those ages 60 and above. To learn more and RSVP, see here ([link removed]) . Dates and locations below:
+ June 4th: 9th Street
+ June 11th: Bartel-Pritchard Square
+ June 18th: Grand Army Plaza
+ June 25th: 9th Street

In Solidarity,

Shahana
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