Dear Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who attended our Education Town Hall last night with NYC Dept of Education Deputy Chancellor Adrienne Austin and other DOE officials. We had an incredible turnout with well over 500 participants, and received hundreds of questions, almost entirely focused on the re-opening process for local schools.
You can watch the Town Hall here. The DOE presented several potential re-open models for our schools. See the DOE's presentation here.
Also of interest, the DOE recently surveyed families across the city regarding their concerns and priorities for re-opening. See the survey results here.
Clearly, this is just the beginning of the conversation on this topic. There are still so many answers that we need from the DOE so that parents can make well informed choices for their children. I am here to support you in that process.
Summer Opportunities for Young People
Summer in the City offers over 75 classes for kids this summer -- ages Pre-K to 2020 high school grads! Classes are FREE, taught live in real-time (via Zoom), and feature new content from the Bronx River Arts Center, Staten Island Museum, Brooklyn Ballet, Clemente Center, Lewis Latimer House, Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center, Guggenheim Museum, and many other wonderful NYC institutions. Register on-line.
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is operating virtually this summer and is accepting applications through next Wednesday, July 15th!
- SYEP Summer Bridge 2020 offers opportunities to young people aged 14-21 to learn new skills, explore potential careers, and earn income. Click here to learn more and apply
- If you are aged 22-24 and are interested in participating, or have other questions, please contact the NYC Dept of Youth & Community Development’s Youth Connect program at 1-800-246-4646 or 1-646-343-6800, or email [email protected].
Problems with Absentee Ballots
During the recent primary election my office received well over 50 complaints from constituents who never received their absentee ballots, despite having requested them in good time. This is absolutely unacceptable, especially as recent elections (such as the one for the Queens District Attorney) have hinged on less than 100 votes.
In response, I led my Council colleagues in sending a letter this week to NYC Board of Elections president Patricia Anne Taylor. We are urging the BOE in the strongest terms possible to address all issues with its absentee ballot system before the November presidential election. See the letter and signatories here.
No one should be disenfranchised. Especially in light of the ongoing pandemic, absentee voting is going to remain critically important. I will continue to push for fully accessible elections at every possible opportunity.
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.
Help increase the Upper West Side's Census participation rate!
- Please forward this email to any neighbors that might be out of town-- urge them to complete the Census, using their NYC address.
- Click here to learn about volunteer opportunities!
- Download this flyer to post in your building.
Phase 3: Re-Opening
As you know, New York City began Phase 3 this Monday but the re-start of indoor dining has been delayed. The City is reopening recreational amenities and outdoor courts in local parks, including soccer fields and basketball, tennis, volleyball, bocce, and handball courts, as well as dog runs.
Qualifying restaurants and bars continue 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.
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.
Restaurants will appear in this Open Restaurants Map and dashboard as soon as they self-certify. (Note: you may need to clear your browser history for the portal to load.)
- 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].
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.
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
Are you having difficulty in applying for cooling assistance through the City? Please call our office at (212) 873-0282, x206 or x202 so we can assist you.
- The NYC Human Resources Administration offers 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.
- The City is also providing free air conditioners to lower-income seniors who pre-qualify based on their enrollment in City benefits programs. You must be 60 years or older, and not currently have an AC. City case managers are reaching out to eligible seniors directly. Call 311 with questions. NYCHA residents can also call (718) 707-7771. (NYCHA residents of any age who have a mobility impairment, and/or that are on life sustaining equipment may also be eligible.)
Looking for ways to cool off outside? The City is adding hundreds of water features across the five boroughs. Learn more using the Cool It! NYC map.
COVID-19 Relief Fund for Non-Profits
The Robin Hood Foundation is assisting 501(c)(3) organizations who provide services in New York City. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis from organizations who meet this description:
- Serve vulnerable populations including low-income children and families, low-wage workers, individuals and families who are homeless and immigrant communities.
- Provide or will expand services to include emergency assistance (e.g. food, shelter, and other basic needs).
- Are at risk for gaps in government contracts due to interruption of services.
- Incurred unexpected expenses (e.g. overtime pay, technology).
- Have a track record with administering emergency cash grants to individuals and families.
UPDATED: Resources for Small Businesses
- Learn how to Negotiate Commercial Leases & Rental Arrears during COVID-19. Legal Aid Society webinar on Wednesday, July 15th at 10am. Register here.
- NYC Business Restart Hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692) for any small business who needs help or is seeking guidance on Phase 3 of the reopening.
- City of NY small business and non-profit employer guides available here.
- The City is providing 4 million face coverings for small businesses and their employees. Find a distribution site here.
- The deadline for the federal Paycheck Protection Program has been extended to August 8th. Click here to learn about the program.
- U.S. SBA is accepting applications again for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Advances of up to $10,000 are available and do not have to be re-paid. 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.
- Storefront businesses who are clients of the Columbia-Harlem Small Business Development Center can apply for emergency loans. Learn more here.
Resources for Working New Yorkers
Call 311 or (212) 436-0381 with questions about reopening, health and safety guidelines for the workplace, or to report an employer that is not following reopening requirements. You 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.
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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