Dear Neighbors,
Over the years, my office has received many accounts of the unacceptable treatment of constituents who visit City-run public assistance and SNAP (food stamp) centers in need of assistance. The way we treat lower-income families, seniors, and other vulnerable residents is a direct reflection of who we are as a city. Anyone who seeks assistance should be able to expect respectful and efficient service. Tragically, this is not the case.
This week, the City Council passed my legislation mandating a top-to-bottom audit of how the City serves public assistance and SNAP recipients. My bill is part of a legislative package designed to assess and improve the NYC Dept of Social Services/Human Resources Administration's ability to serve New Yorkers. Read the press release here.
Discussing my legislation at a City Council press conference on Wednesday.
You may remember a horrific incident last year at a DSS/HRA center in which a mother was arrested and her young son forcibly taken from her after a dispute with center staff. The mother spent five days on Riker's Island after her arrest. All charges against her were subsequently dropped and the City issued an apology.
Information secured through my legislation will be used to ensure that such incidents never happen again, and that DSS/HRA makes all necessary changes to ensure the proper treatment of every New Yorker who visits one of its centers. The audit required by my legislation will be conducted in consultation with advocacy organizations. The findings, and the City's plan to address all identified issues, must be made public by March, 2020.
"Storefront Tracker"
Our office has received many inquiries from the public and news media about my recently passed "Storefront Tracker" legislation, which mandates an online, searchable database with the occupancy status of every commercial storefront and 2nd floor space in the five boroughs. Additionally, key metrics like average rents, size of spaces, and time left on leases will be available by census tract.
The Tracker will provide comprehensive data on both current vacancies and commercial strips at risk ------ critical to developing a more effective government response to our vacancy crisis. Learn more here; and watch my recent appearance on Cheddar discussing the bill.
Reminder: 1/2/3 Train Service Suspended for Two Weekends
Due to switch replacement work on the Seventh Avenue subway line, there will be no subway service at 1/2/3 stations between Harlem and Downtown Brooklyn for two weekends this month: August 16 – 19 and August 23 – 26. Please click here to learn more about the work underway and travel alternatives depending on your location.
As always, don't hesitate to contact my City Hall (212-788-6975) or District (212-873-0282) offices with any questions about our work.
Warmly,
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