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Dear Neighbors,

Clean-up from last night's snow storm is well underway. Please keep the following information and resources in mind for today and tomorrow:
  • The latest updates on City services can be found here.
  • Track plowing on your street here.
  • Alternate side parking and garbage/recycling pick-up are both suspended today (Thursday). Depending on weather conditions, garbage collection may resume tomorrow.
  • Should you see an individual who appears to be homeless and in need out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance. The Dept of Social Services is also providing drop-in centers for homeless New Yorkers.
  • Laborers are needed for snow removal: visit nyc.gov/snow to learn more.
NYC Schools + Grab & Go Meal Distribution
  • School buildings are closed today, as are on-site Learning Labs/Bridges programs, but buildings will be open tomorrow. Check here for the latest updates.
  • Meal distribution at local schools is suspended today but resumes tomorrow.
Loss of Heat and/or Hot Water
Building owners are legally required to provide heat and hot water to tenants. Between 6am and 10pm, if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees, the inside temp must be at least 68 degrees. Between 10pm and 6am, the inside temp must be at least 62 degrees.
  • If you are a tenant without heat or hot water, contact your landlord first. If your landlord is unresponsive, file a complaint by calling 311 or TTY (212) 504-4115. Click here for more info.
  • For NYCHA Heat or Hot Water Complaints: 718-707-7771
Responsibilities for Homeowners & Businesses 
  • Snow and ice on sidewalks can severely injure pedestrians. Without pushing snow and ice into the street, clear a path that's at least four feet wide and remove snow and ice from around fire hydrants and sidewalk corner ramps. Fine Avoided $100-$250.
  • Restaurants offering outdoor dining: please see this guidance from the Dept of Sanitation.

COVID-19 Vaccinations
As you are no doubt aware, COVID-19 vaccinations are beginning across the U.S. According to the NYC Dept of Health & Mental Hygiene, the vaccines may not be widely available to the general public until mid-2021. 

The DOHMH reports that vaccinations will be offered first to healthcare workers who are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as nursing home residents and staff. Next in line most likely are essential workers who interact with the public and are not able to physically distance, and people at high risk of complications from COVID because of age or underlying medical conditions.

Please check the Dept of Health's website to learn more, and for updates regarding when and where you will be able to get vaccinated.
 

Toy & Gift Drive for NYCHA Kids and Seniors
The UWS NYCHA Brownstone Tenants Association is gratefully receiving new or very gently used, unwrapped toys and games for children ages Pre-K to 6th grade; as well as un-used scarves, gloves, and hats for seniors. Thank you!

Drop-Off Details:
Saturday, December 19th, 12-2pm
Community Room, 135 W. 93rd Street 
Cynthia Tibbs- President of the Brownstone Tenant Association 
 

2021 Manhattan Community Board Applications
Do you want to serve your local community? Joining your community board is a great way to get involved in improving quality of life, and bringing forward your concerns and those of your neighbors.

New York City's community boards are the front-line of local government. They encourage and facilitate the participation of residents within their neighborhoods -- providing a forum to evaluate new development, zoning changes, street & sidewalk planning, and more. The boards work directly with City agencies, and are essential to the efficient and effective delivery of municipal services. Apply on-line here. Deadline: Monday, February 1st (5pm), 2021
COVID-19 Updates

A reminder that Governor Cuomo has issued a directive banning indoor dining in New York City. 

Takeout, delivery and outdoor dining will continue. Per the restrictions announced last month, bars, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, and any other State Liquor Authority-licensed establishment, must close from 10pm to 5am daily. Restaurants are still allowed to provide curbside, food-only pick-up or delivery after 10pm, but are not permitted to serve alcohol to go.

Indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to no more than 10 people. 

Does Your Building Need Masks?
Groups of residents who need masks should contact us at [email protected], and we will coordinate with you to get masks to your building.

PPE for Manhattan Businesses
Email the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce at [email protected].
 
Winter Holidays: Celebrate At Home!
The holidays are here! The NYC Dept of Health is urging all New Yorkers to protect your loved ones and prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this festive time. Learn more here.
  • Please do not travel (rediscover holidays at home!);
  • Please do not host or attend a holiday party (go virtual instead!), and do not gather in groups;
  • Only celebrate with household members (less is more!). 
Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include: 
NYC Test & Trace Corps Webinar
Join the “COVID-19 Contact Tracing Webinar” this Thursday (12/17) at 3pm to learn more about the NYC Test & Trace Corps and ask questions about COVID-19 contact tracing. Register here.

Borough President Community Briefing on the COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-Out
Tune-in Monday, December 21st, at 6:30pm. Click here for details.

Assistance for NYers Who Test Positive for Covid
NYC Health & Hospitals' Test & Trace Corps is providing special services for New Yorkers who test positive, and their close contacts:
  • “Take Care” packages which include enough personal protective equipment for a household of three to quarantine for 10-14 days. Learn more here.
  • A free hotel room for up to 14 days if quarantining at home is impossible. Click here to learn more or call (212) 268-4319 to book a room.
  • Free dog walking and other pet drop-in services to ensure New Yorkers can remain safely separated in a hotel or at home. Learn more here.
Did You Get Your Flu Shot?
Every year about 2,000 New Yorkers die as a result of seasonal influenza and flu-related pneumonia. Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated. The flu vaccine is safe and quick -- it’s available now at low cost or for free at locations around the city. Click here to learn more, or text “FLU” to 877877.
School Updates
 
My office is working to assist public school families in every way possible, and share relevant and up-to-date information. With COVID, specifics about each school and the school system change often. These links can help inform you about what is happening at your child’s school.
Segregation in Our Schools: DOE Employee Teach-In 
Learn about the past, present and future of NYC's relationship with school segregation, how it is being addressed, and the work ahead, this Friday (12/18) from 10am to 2:30pm. RSVP and see program here.

The teach-in is being organized and led by employees across the DOE who are dedicated to creating a truly anti-racist public education system in New York City -- NYC DOE Bureaucrats for Black Lives, the Office of Student Enrollment Kinfolk, and the Division of Early Childhood Education Anti-Racism Coalition. Please email [email protected] with questions.

2nd City Council Hearing on Childcare During the Pandemic
Together with Council Member Mark Treyger, Chair of the Education Committee, I co-chaired an oversight hearing this week on the City's initiative to provide 100,000 childcare slots for families with young (3- and 4-year-olds) and school-age children who are enrolled in blended learning. Watch the hearing here. Our central finding is that the Administration is failing to provide a sufficient number of childcare slots and coverage time to serve the needs of families. 

Childcare is absolutely essential for working parents and is paramount to the socioeconomic success of New York City -- but it is not universally provided, is not clearly organized, and there continue to be significant barriers to access at every level.

And as we know, childcare is a gendered issue that disproportionately affects women. Single parents --80% of whom are women [and mostly women of color]-- bear the brunt of the loss of childcare. I will remain closely focused on this issue. Watch our first hearing (Nov 18th) on the City's pandemic childcare initiative here.

Of Special Note:
***Kindergarten applications are open.
Families of children born in 2016 have until January 19th to apply for a September 2021 seat. *All families are encouraged to participate in the application process, including families of students with disabilities.* Apply at MySchools.nyc, or by phone at 718-935-2009.
  • Advocates for Children of NY provides "guides" for families applying to kindergarten, and families going through the "turning 5" process — the transition from preschool special education to kindergarten for students with disabilities.
  • In December & January, AFC is hosting a series of webinars and Q&A sessions in English and Spanish on the admissions process and the development of the kindergarten IEP. Register, review materials, and watch videos of earlier webinars on AFC's website.
***DOE Virtual Elementary Admissions Events.
Learn more about 3-K, pre-K, and kindergarten admissions, what to expect, and how to apply. See all available sessions and register.
 
Learning Bridges/Learning Labs Childcare Sites
Learning Labs provide childcare to students (grades K through 8) who are enrolled in blended learning. Learning Bridges sites provide care for 3 and 4-year-olds. Learn more here.

If you applied previously and did not get a placement, or your placement did not work for you and your family, please check back frequently as new slots become available regularly.

Affordable Internet Service
Are you a lower-income student? Spectrum now offers Internet Assist, a high-speed, low-cost broadband service for qualified customers. Learn more here.

Parent University 
The DOE has launched Parent University, a collaboration between the Office of Family and Community Empowerment (FACE) and the Division of Instructional and Information Technology (DIIT).
 
Parent University seeks to educate and empower all families from early childhood through adulthood, with free courses, resources, events, and activities. Parents can register for free trainings on a wide range of topics, including adult education, student social-emotional learning, and special education. Click here to learn more.

Meals for Students
Students and their families can pick up meals at any public school from Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm. Click here for a school near you. No registration, ID, or documentation required.

***Free "Grab & Go" meals remain available for ALL New Yorkers at hundreds of schools throughout the city, Monday – Friday, 3 – 5pm. No questions asked. Click here to learn more and see locations.*** 
Upcoming Event of Interest
 
MTA Fare & Toll Proposals: Final On-line Hearing
The MTA has held virtual hearings to solicit public comments on its 2020 Fare and Toll proposals. Several proposals are under consideration, including: base fare increases of 2 to 4 percent; and/or increased cost for 7 and 30-day passes; and/or the elimination of 7 and 30-day passes altogether.

All hearings have been held virtually via Zoom and are also streamed live on the MTA's YouTube Channel.

The last hearing is on Monday (12/21) from 10am - 1pm.
  • If you wish to speak at Monday's hearing, you must register in advance.
  • Information on how to register, other ways to submit testimony, and language and accessibility accommodations, can be found here.
  • Registration for Monday's hearing will end promptly at 5pm on Sunday (12/20).

Resources & Updates


Please be Fire Smart during Chanukah - NEVER leave burning candles unattended. Learn more here. See general fire safety tips here.

NYS Health Coverage: Enrollment Period Ends Jan 31st 
If you have lost your health insurance or do not have coverage, go to https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ for a comprehensive list of affordable options -- including subsidized individual health plans and Medicaid. New York State's current open enrollment period runs until January 31st, 2021. New Yorkers can enroll in Medicaid all year long.

DACA Update
The initial rule for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has been reinstated. This means that certain undocumented youth may now be eligible for a work permit and protection from removal. The original grounds for requesting travel abroad have also been restored. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has indicated that they may appeal this reinstatement. Beginning Tuesday (12/22), CUNY Citizenship NOW! will be dedicating Tuesdays to assisting DACA applicants. Please contact CUNY Citizenship NOW! at 646-664-9400 for an appointment. 

Especially for NYCHA Residents
  • Resident Leadership Academy -- develop leadership skills through this FREE 24-month program coordinated in partnership with CUNY SLU. Contact: [email protected], or call (212) 306-8436 to learn more.
  • NYCHA is hiring skilled maintenance workers -- over 100 full-time jobs available. Qualified candidates with at least three years of maintenance experience are encouraged to apply. Starting salary is $29.98 per hour, plus benefits. Click here for more information.
  • Learn about Family Partnerships services available to the NYCHA community. Attend a virtual info session next month (advance registration required): Wednesday, January 6 at 1pm.
Affordable Internet Service
Are you a lower-income student or a senior? Spectrum now offers Internet Assist, a high-speed, low-cost broadband service for qualified customers. Learn more here.

Con Edison: Assistance with Paying Your Utility Bill
Residential Con Ed customers who have experienced a change in financial circumstances as a result of the pandemic may be eligible for special protections to avoid future service terminations. Call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633) to learn more.

By law, if you are a residential customer and contact Con Ed to affirm that you experienced a change in financial circumstances as a result of Covid-19 starting on or after March 7, 2020:
  • Con Ed will not disconnect your service for non-payment before March 31, 2021.
  • You will be eligible for a payment agreement or to request a new agreement that requires no down payment, late fees, or penalties.
Avoid "Phishing" Texts & Other Scams
Please beware of various text message "phishing" schemes targeting NYS Dept of Motor Vehicles customers. These fraudulent text messages are made to look like they are from the DMV and include a link to a fake DMV website. The messages ask the recipient to update their contact information in an attempt to gain access to sensitive personal data.

If you receive such a text message, do not provide any personal data and delete the text right away. Please follow these tips to help protect against phishing schemes:
  • DO inspect all electronic communications you receive to confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source.
  • DO look for telltale signs of phishing - poor spelling or grammar, the use of threats, the URL does not match that of the legitimate website. If the message does not feel right, chances are it is not.
  • DON’T click on links embedded in an unsolicited message from an unverified source.
  • DON’T send your personal information via text. Legitimate businesses will not ask users to send sensitive personal information through text message.
  • DON’T post sensitive information online. 
  • For more information on phishing scams, as well as steps to mitigate a phishing attempt, visit the NYS Office of Information Technology Services Phishing Awareness resources page.
  • The NYS Division of Consumer Protection also offers advice on how to avoid this kind of attack and what to do if you have been victimized.
Mental Health Support
As we all know, this is a profoundly stressful time. If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, please reach out for support and help. One option is NYC Well, the City's confidential helpline for mental health and substance misuse services. Trained counselors can provide you with support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 200 languages. Click here; call: 1-888-NYC-Well (1-888-692-9355); or text: “Well” to 65173.
Holiday Happenings & More

Holiday Lights At Lincoln Center
Each night through the New Year, Lincoln Center is lighting its plaza and campus for neighbors to enjoy, offering a space for reflection during this holiday season. The installations become viewable around dusk -- Lincoln Center's public spaces are open until 9pm.


See more photos of Lincoln Center's holiday lights display at ILovetheUpperWest Side. 

ARDA Studio has produced this year's lights display, along with a new pair of murals on Amsterdam Avenue between 62nd and 63rd Streets. The joyful pieces "serve as a reminder of the vitality that defines this city, and fuse urban and natural elements in a design of bold color and movement."
 
Let It Glow: Enjoy Holiday Lights in Our Parks!
NYC Parks is celebrating the holiday season by lighting up local parks and administrative buildings. There will be more than 80 beautiful sites for New Yorkers to enjoy -- from the Broadway Malls W. 86th St Menorah display, to the Bartow-Pell Mansion in the Bronx, and across the Verrazano Bridge to Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island.

Mulchfest!
Wrap up the holiday season by saying goodbye to your tree at Mulchfest! The City will convert it into mulch to make NYC even greener. Bring your tree to one of the following locations from Dec. 26, 2020–Jan. 9, 2021. 
  • W. 65th & Central Park West;
  • W. 81st & Central Park West (at Bridle Path);
  • Morningside Park West -- 123rd & Morningside Ave; or
  • Riverside Park -- Riverside Drive & W. 83rd.
You'll also be able to bring mulch home from select locations in early January! Learn more here.


Exhibition: They Were Here
Learn more about the rich history of the immigrants who lived and worked on Columbus Avenue by visiting this on-line neighborhood history map and exhibition. Thank you to Landmark West! for putting this wonderful project together.
We're Here to Help

My office assists people with housing issues, seniors, the disabled, the recently un (or under) employed, the food insecure, and all those suffering the many consequences of this pandemic, to help in any way we can. We also provide on-going advocacy with our public schools and other public services.

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 regular basis with information about public benefits, non-profit resources, and health facts Upper West Siders need to get through this crisis. 

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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