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Dear John,
* Happy belated Veterans Day to all who observed the holiday earlier this week, and a warm wish for a meaningful Veterans Month! To support our veterans and their families, the NYC Department of Veteran Services offers vital counseling, mental health, and peer support resources ([link removed]) . I encourage you to check out these services if you or someone you know could benefit. The Department of Veteran Services is also requesting proposals from for-profit and nonprofit organizations for their PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program now through Monday, 11/25. This program supports peer-to-peer socialization initiatives for veterans. Check out the details and submit your proposal ([link removed]) .
* We have free compostable leaf bags available for neighbors in need! Stop by my District Office at 197 Bond Street during business hours to pick yours up.
* Do you have a big idea to improve your neighborhood, borough, or even the entire city? Don't worry if it feels too large for our district-wide Participatory Budgeting process! Join us for a Citywide Idea Generation Session on Thursday, 11/21, at 6 PM at the Old Stone House ([link removed]) . This event, cohosted by my office and the Civic Engagement Commission, will be an opportunity to brainstorm and explore ways to fund community-led projects across the city.

Confronting the Realities of Our Imminent Climate Crisis

Last weekend, the woodland Ravine in Prospect Park was severely damaged by a two-alarm brush fire fueled by high winds and record drought conditions. For many of us in the district and across New York City, Prospect Park is not just a park—it’s a beloved sanctuary for nature, recreation, and community. Just two weeks ago, I joined the Bangladeshi Ladies Club for a Nature Walk, a project funded by my office, where we celebrated the beauty and tranquility the park provides. To see it damaged by fire is both heartbreaking and a stark reminder of the urgent climate challenges we face.

This past week, I toured the area alongside FDNY Commissioner Tucker, the Prospect Park Alliance, and my co-elected colleagues to assess the damage and discuss next steps for remediation. Unfortunately, fires like these are becoming more frequent due to climate change. The FDNY has responded to a record 229+ incidents in the past two weeks alone ([link removed]) . NYC is also under a drought watch for the first time in 20 years ([link removed]) , with a historic lack of precipitation.

The FDNY is urging all New Yorkers to stay informed and prepared, as these fires can be spread rapidly in dry conditions and pose a significant risk. Here are some key actions we can all take to reduce the risk and keep our city safe:
* Avoid outdoor burning of any kind, including campfires, bonfires, and any open flames.
* Grilling is banned in NYC parks, and smoking, fireworks, and open flames are strictly prohibited.
* If you smoke outdoors, dispose of cigarette butts and matches properly to prevent accidental fires.
* Stay on designated trails when enjoying our parks to protect surrounding vegetation and reduce fire risks.
* Clear litter and excessive brush or leaves from sidewalks near residences and businesses to help prevent fire spread.
* Report any open flames to 911 immediately.

As the climate impacts worsen, I am committed to securing additional resources for our city's green spaces and emergency response teams. In the upcoming budget, I will advocate for 1% of the city’s budget to be allocated to the care and protection of our parks and for increased funding for the FDNY to obtain the necessary equipment to fight brush fires and respond to climate-related emergencies.

The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it’s happening now. I will continue to fight for bold action to protect our environment, our parks, and our public space as climate risks continue to grow.

Join me in supporting ([link removed]) the Prospect Park Alliance as they begin a recovery and remediation effort at the impacted site.

We Passed the FARE Act!

This week’s City Council Stated Meeting marked a major milestone as the Council voted to pass the FARE (Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses) Act, ([link removed]) a groundbreaking law that eliminates forced broker fees for renters, aligning New York City with nearly every other major city in the US (except Boston ([link removed]) ). I’ve supported this legislation from the beginning and have been a leader in pushing it across the finish line. As Co-Chair of the Council’s Progressive Caucus and a co-prime sponsor of the bill, I’m excited that our Caucus’ number one legislative priority will soon become law.

The housing crisis in New York City has reached a critical point. Rents are soaring, rising seven times faster than wages, and more than half of New Yorkers are rent-burdened ([link removed]) —spending 30% or more of their income on housing. The apartment vacancy rate has also hit an all-time low, below 2%, the lowest since the 1960s ([link removed]) , further pushing the limits of affordability for those trying to stay in the city they love. These conditions highlight the urgent need for affordable and accessible housing, especially in a city where the average upfront cost of moving into a new apartment is over $10,000 ([link removed]) .

The FARE Act doesn’t eliminate broker fees altogether or prevent renters from hiring brokers if they choose. It simply ensures that whoever hires the broker is responsible for paying their fees—a shift that, in New York City, has often unfairly fallen onto tenants rather than landlords. For more details about what this law means for renters and landlords, check out this helpful FARE Act FAQ Guide ([link removed]) .

I’m grateful for Council Member Chi Ossé’s leadership in championing this bill and for his collaboration with the Progressive Caucus to make our city a more affordable and equitable place to live.
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Caption: Council Member Shahana delivers remarks in support of the FARE Act (above).

Constituent Services Corner

Residents in Kensington alerted us to a derelict truck that had been abandoned on the streets by Coney Island Avenue and Hinckley Place for several months. Not only was it an eyesore, but it had also become a hotspot for illicit activity. After hearing from the community, our office took swift action, coordinating with the local precinct to have the truck towed. We’re pleased to report that the truck was successfully removed from the area on Thursday. Thank you to everyone who brought this to our attention!

Community Bulletin
* The ARISE Coalition is inviting families of students with disabilities to a virtual Speak Out on Monday, 11/19, from 6 PM to 8 PM. This is a chance to share your thoughts on improving special education in NYC schools. Learn about survey results, offer ideas, and help shape their advocacy agenda for 2025. Register to join ([link removed]) .
* In honor of National Caregiver Appreciation Month, join Heights and Hills for a free virtual workshop on Wednesday, 11/20, at 12 PM. Learn practical tips and tools for managing the stress that comes with being a caregiver. Register to join ([link removed]) .
* Make sure you know your rights as a tenant! Join Fifth Avenue Committee for a Tenants Rights workshop ([link removed]) on Wednesday, 11/20, at 6:30 PM at the Central Library. Learn how to advocate for repairs, heat, and other tenant protections.
* A major class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of immigrant families whose bond money has been unlawfully withheld by ICE. Families often pay bond amounts ranging from $1,500 to $20,000 to secure the release of loved ones from immigration detention. By law, this money should be returned once individuals comply with court proceedings. However, ICE has failed to return an estimated $300 million in bond payments. If you or someone you know has been affected by this, please visit bit.ly/bondreturn to learn more, share your story, or get involved in the campaign.
* As winter approaches, consider donating hats, gloves, scarves, and winter socks for CHiPS’ Thanksgiving Day Giveaway. Drop off donations at 200 4th Avenue anytime Monday through Saturday, from 9 AM and 2 PM, by Monday, 11/25.

In Solidarity,

Council Member Shahana
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Our mailing address is:
New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif
197 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
USA
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