Dear Neighbors,
As you are no doubt aware, negotiations continue over the City's FY21 budget, which must be passed by next Tuesday.
I’ve said repeatedly that there is no one silver bullet to address the $10 billion shortfall. We need a package of solutions including productivity savings, some cuts to services, new revenue opportunities, use of reserves, and borrowing. We need to be strategic and smart about how we close the gaps, while not further impacting our neighbors who have been most affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
As a member of the Council's Budget Negotiation Team and someone with years of budget management experience, I am doing everything I can to make sure that all viable solutions are on the table. And as cuts to City services and initiatives are discussed, I am especially focused on making sure that our most vulnerable residents are protected. Any cuts must take into account who is being impacted. In a city struggling with both long-term poverty and the current crisis, it is not equitable or defensible to simply cut across the board.
Legislative Session: Thursday, June 25th
After they were legalized statewide on April 1st, the City Council acted yesterday to legalize the use of electric bikes and scooters throughout New York City. The Council removed restrictions on three classes of electric bicycles with top speeds under 25 mph and electric scooters with top speeds under 20 mph. The Council has been especially concerned about the NYPD's unequal enforcement of existing laws, with crackdowns and summonses issued to delivery workers.
I voted yes on the bills, but strongly believe more must be done to protect pedestrians. As I told the Daily News, we have received numerous reports from Upper West Side constituents who have been seriously injured in crashes with e-bikes.
The Council also voted to ensure transparency regarding the City’s COVID-19 spending, which already totals an estimated $2.8 billion. Legislation passed yesterday mandates the creation of an online, public database that will track expenditures of federal, state and local funds used to address the pandemic.
For more information about yesterday's legislative session, please click here.
Phase 2: Adjustments to the City's Outdoor Dining Program
As you know, Phase 2 of New York City's re-opening process began on Monday. The Mayor also signed an Executive Order allowing qualifying restaurants and bars to expand outdoor seating on sidewalks, curb lanes, backyards, patios, plazas, and Open Streets.
Roadway seating will last through September 8th, and sidewalk seating will last through October 31st, 2020. The City has just launched an Open Restaurants Map and dashboard. Restaurants will appear in this database as soon as they self-certify. (Note: you may need to clear your browser history for the portal to load.)
To protect public safety, the Dept of Transportation has issued additional, clarifying requirements for roadway dining locations. For example, in order to protect patrons from cars at night, all barriers around roadway seating areas must be marked with yellow high intensity retro-reflective tape or reflectors. And the DOT has reiterated that all outdoor dining options must be accessible to all New Yorkers as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Learn more about the City's Open Restaurants program, see a siting diagram, read the updated guidelines, and learn how to self-certify here. FAQs: here.
Restaurant owners must immediately comply with the updated requirements for roadway seating or face revocation of permission to participate in the program.
- Business owners can call 1-888-SBS-4NYC with questions.
- Restaurants can work with their local BID and the Dept of Transportation to request additional seating in plazas by emailing [email protected].
New York City is currently on track to enter Phase 3 on July 6th, at which point the City will reopen recreational amenities and outdoor courts in local parks. This includes soccer fields and basketball, tennis, volleyball, bocce, and handball courts. The City will also reopen dog runs for public use.
As we re-open, it is critical that any resident who is concerned about possible exposure to the coronavirus get tested. COVID-19 testing is available for all New Yorkers. To find a testing site near you, type your address here, or call 311.
June 23rd Primary
We have received numerous complaints from constituents who never received the absentee ballots they requested. This is absolutely unacceptable. My office is following up with the Board of Elections directly, and I have been outspoken about the issue in the media. Read the coverage in WNYC/Gothamist and in The New York Times.
If you requested an absentee ballot and never received it, please file a complaint with the NYS Attorney General's office using this form. As the pandemic drags on, the need for an effective absentee ballot system will only intensify. I am urging the BOE in the strongest terms possible to address the shortcomings in their absentee ballot system, and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their constitutional right this November and beyond.
Emergency Food Relief
Please be advised that the City's meal delivery programs and Grab & Go meal pick-up sites are all operating during the July 4th holiday. For more information about how to obtain emergency food, please click here.
Goddard Riverside COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program
Any resident who is currently registered in a Goddard Riverside program can apply for one-time financial assistance if they have lost their job, income, or experienced other pandemic-related issues. Applications are considered regardless of immigration status.
Examples of eligible expenses ($500 or less) include: emergency food; rent; personal care items; utility, internet or telephone bills; emergency services (e.g. delivery of prescriptions or transportation to a medical appointment); and technology needed to maintain education, such as headphones, tablet, or laptop. Aid requested should not be covered by a government program, unless the aid is a bridge until government assistance arrives.
To obtain an application form, please click here or call the Goddard Riverside Resource Center at 212-234-3481. Applications and questions should be emailed to: [email protected].
Return to School 2020 Survey
All parents/guardians of students in grades 3-K through 12, and students in grades 6-12 are invited to take a short, anonymous survey to help the NYC Dept of Education understand what is most important to families as they plan for the fall.
You can take the survey here. The survey is available in multiple languages and can also be taken by calling 311.
Street Cleaning
Mayor de Blasio and Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia have announced the end of twice-weekly street cleanings. Beginning this Monday, June 29, the City will resume alternate side parking (ASP) regulations for one week. Going forward, residential streets will be cleaned no more than once per week. Learn more here.
The City's amended rules pertain to residential “side streets” and not to commercial areas. Streets with multiple ASP days will be cleaned on whichever day falls last in the week -- check the street signs. The City will enforce these amended regulations on a week-by-week basis and will assess conditions throughout the summer.
TD Bank Grants for Community Organizations
As part of the TD Ready Challenge, TD Bank is offering grants to support community initiatives in the areas of Financial Security, Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities and Better Health. Grant amounts will range from $350,000 to $1 million (Canadian dollars). Applications are being accepted until August 13, 2020, and are available to eligible organizations developing innovative and measurable solutions in response to the widespread impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blood Donations Needed
The cancellation of blood drives during the pandemic has significantly impacted supply levels. Please consider donating blood. New Yorkers can make an appointment by visiting nybc.org or calling 800-933-2566.
Resources for Upper West Siders
My office is working with seniors, the disabled, the recently un (or under) employed, the food insecure, people with housing issues, and all those suffering the many consequences of this pandemic, to help in any way we can.
Please call (212) 873-0282, leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible; email [email protected]; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com. We update it on a daily basis with information about public benefits, non-profit resources, and health facts Upper West Siders need to get through this crisis.
Also, please visit the City's COVID-19 information portal: nyc.gov/coronavirus.
Cooling Assistance
- New York City's Human Resources Administration is providing a “Cooling Assistance” benefit, which helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800. Learn more and apply here.
- NYCHA seniors & other vulnerable residents can receive a free AC unit and have it installed. Eligibility: NYCHA residents age 60+, and/or with a mobility impairment, and/or that are on life sustaining equipment, and do not have an air conditioner. Eligible NYCHA residents are receiving robocalls. Anyone who missed the robocalls please call (718) 707-7771.
- In addition to safely opening fire hydrants, the City is adding hundreds of water features across the five boroughs to help New Yorkers stay cool. Learn more using the Cool It! NYC map.
Resources for Small Businesses
- NYC Business Restart Hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692) for any small business who needs help or is seeking guidance on Phase 2 of the reopening.
- Small business and non-profit employer guides available here.
- Additional resources & guidance from NYC Small Business Services: nyc.gov/covid19biz + Reopening Guide + informational palm card.
- The City is providing 4 million face coverings for small businesses and their employees. Find a distribution site here.
- The Federal government is relaxing certain requirements related to the Paycheck Protection Program (including how much of the loan must be used for payroll costs). Learn more here.
- The NY Forward Loan Fund is assisting businesses and organizations who have upfront safety expenses under the New York Forward Re-open Plan (e.g., inventory, marketing, refitting for new social distancing guidelines). Available for businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, nonprofits, and small landlords that have seen a loss of rental income. Learn more here.
Resources for Working New Yorkers
Workers who call 311 will be connected to the NYC Dept of Consumer & Worker Protection for immediate assistance. Information on worker rights and guidance is also available online: nyc.gov/coronavirus.
Trained attorneys are available to answer questions about the various unemployment programs and how to approach denial of benefits through Volunteers of Legal Service's Unemployed Workers Project. Call VOLS' hotline at 347-521-5720 or fill out their interest form here. Download their flyer about unemployment benefits here.
2020 Census: NYC Needs You
Just over half of New York City residents have responded to the 2020 Census. It is absolutely essential --for fair representation in government, equitable public funding, and much more-- that all New Yorkers participate. Every household has the option of responding online, by phone, or by mail. Learn more here.
Do you want to help increase the Upper West Side's Census participation rate? Click here to learn about volunteer opportunities! Download this flyer to post in your building.
As always, please stay home to every extent possible for the safety of everyone. You can review NYC Dept of Health guidelines here.
Please stay well and share some kindness with yourself and the people around you.
Warmly,
P.S. Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested, or have them subscribe to my e-blasts here. Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Instagram.
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