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Dear Neighbors,

On behalf of my entire team, warm New Year's greetings to all of you. Like everyone else, we are watching the events of the last 24 hours in Washington with both despair and hope. The majority of Americans have clearly signaled their rejection of the hateful and destructive politics of the last four years.

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Please help us spread the word that the application period for City Council FY22 expense funding is now open. Programmatic or expense funding includes operating expenses, supplies, and/or personnel costs. The minimum expense funding request is $5,000. Deadline for submission: Tuesday, February 16th.

I encourage anyone applying to go to my website ([link removed]) to learn more about the process itself and our specific requirements.

District 6 non-profit organizations should apply for expense/programmatic funding by filling out the City Council application here ([link removed]) . No supplemental forms are needed to request funding from our office.

District 6 schools, parks and other public entities fill out a different form which can be found here ([link removed]) . I encourage any public entity (school, park, library, police precinct, fire house, NYCHA development, etc.) to contact Cindy Cardinal at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or (212) 873-0282 to discuss their expense funding application prior to submission.

The City Council also provides funding for capital --bricks and mortar-- projects. You can learn more by visiting my website ([link removed]) .
COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 infection rates in the zip codes in our district now exceed 3 percent ([link removed]) . I urge each and every one of you to take all necessary precautions. We are all dependent on each other to survive this pandemic.
COVID-19 Vaccination Updates
Over the next several months, the COVID-19 vaccine will be provided to all New Yorkers at no cost. Broadly speaking, New York is implementing the following multi-stage vaccination plan. (Learn more by reading this PROJECTED timeline from the NYC Dept of Health ([link removed]) and FAQ sheet ([link removed]) .)
* Nursing home residents, nursing home staff, and other high-risk medical workers, are being vaccinated now. (This includes home healthcare workers and freelance and other "unaffiliated" health care workers, such as doulas.)
* New York plans to offer vaccines next to long-term care residents and staff and other healthcare workers, then to certain essential workers, and finally to members of the general population, beginning with the people at highest risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms (such as those over 65 or with underlying health conditions like cancer or heart disease).
* Older seniors (75+) will hopefully start to receive vaccinations in February; younger seniors (65-74) are tentatively scheduled to be vaccinated in March/April.
* Members of the general public without underlying medical conditions will be vaccinated over the summer most likely.

New York has not yet announced a definitive timeline for distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine to any of these later groups. Timelines and logistics for the vaccination roll-out continue to be adjusted.
* Click here ([link removed]) for more details on who is eligible now for vaccination, vaccination locations, and the NYS form you will fill out prior to vaccination.
* Please regularly check the NYC Dept of Health website ([link removed]) and the NYS Dept of Health website ([link removed]) for the latest updates.
* Stay in touch with your healthcare provider -- they will be reaching out to you as more details become available.
* Watch or listen to next Thursday's (1/14) Town Hall on Vaccinations. Details below!

Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccinations
Dr. Dave Chokshi, Commissioner of the NYC Dept of Health & Mental Hygiene, will join Senator Liz Krueger next Thursday, January 14th from 4pm – 5pm, to discuss the latest information on COVID-19 in New York City and the FDA-approved Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Dr. Chokshi will share information about the immunization process -- including the City’s plans to administer the vaccines, vaccine safety and efficacy, who should be vaccinated, and logistics required to vaccinate all New Yorkers who want to be immunized.

You can join the event online via Zoom or Facebook, or by phone. (You do not need a Facebook account or profile to view the event through Facebook.) Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom and Facebook links, and the call-in details.

The event will feature a question and answer session with Dr. Chokshi. Attendees will be able to submit questions through Zoom and Facebook during the event but are strongly encouraged to submit them in advance. Register and submit your questions here ([link removed]) .

Vaccination Scams
The office of NY Attorney General Letitia James has issued an alert about potential scams offering early access to the vaccine.

Beware of anyone who calls, e-mails, or texts you offering access to a COVID-19 vaccine. Some scammers are also using online platforms. Scammers may impersonate public health officials from organizations such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). They may also offer to ship a COVID-19 vaccine directly to homes, provide special access to vaccines or clinical trials, or sell special cold storage device for vaccines.

If you believe that you have been the victim of an unlawful activity, please report these incidents to the Attorney General's office ([link removed]) .

Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include:
* Download the NYS Covid Alert App ([link removed]) .
* Up-to-date information on NYC's COVID response ([link removed]) .
* COVID testing and locations of testing sites ([link removed]) . New Yorkers can also call 212-COV-ID19; or text COVID TEST to 855 - 48.
* NYC Health + Hospitals Testing Sites ([link removed]) .
* Find out whether you are in a New York State-designated COVID-19 zone ([link removed]) .
* Learn more about NYC Care, the City’s healthcare access program ([link removed]) .
* Track COVID-19 cases across the city and in our community ([link removed]) .

Assistance for NYers Who Test Positive for Covid
NYC Health & Hospitals' Test & Trace Corps ([link removed]) 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 ([link removed]) .
* A free hotel room for up to 14 days if quarantining at home is impossible. Click here ([link removed]) 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 ([link removed]) .

PPE for Manhattan Businesses
Email the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

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 ([link removed]) , or text “FLU” to 877877.
Especially for Tenants
Emergency Eviction Prevention Act
The NYS legislature has passed the Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 ([link removed]) . While this bill could absolutely be stronger, it will essentially block evictions through May 1st -- averting mass homelessness and helping to protect public health.

The Act pauses all eviction proceedings for the next 60 days -- until the end of February. After that, tenants will need to sign hardship declarations which attest either to financial hardship due to COVID-19 or increased risk of contracting COVID. Signing this declaration will protect the tenant from eviction through May 1st, 2021.

I strongly agree with tenants rights advocates that we need an eviction moratorium which extends at the very least through the end of the pandemic. We have a long economic recovery ahead of us, and we need to make sure everyone is safely housed throughout it.

Housing Clinic: Wednesday, January 13th
Tenants with legal and/or housing court-related questions are warmly invited to join us for our January Housing Clinic -- "The NYS Emergency Eviction Prevention Act & Breaking Down the Basics of Holdovers."
* The clinic will be conducted via Zoom on Wednesday, January 13th, from 6 to 7pm. Please click here ([link removed]) to register and receive Zoom event info.
* You can submit questions in advance when you register, and questions will also be taken during the event via Zoom's chat function. The presentation will be led by TakeRoot Justice and Goddard Riverside Law Project.

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 ([link removed]) for more info.
* For NYCHA Heat or Hot Water Complaints: 718-707-7771


** Upcoming Hearings & Meetings of Interest
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City Council Oversight Hearing: NYCHA RAD & PACT Programs
The Committee on Public Housing will conduct an oversight hearing regarding NYCHA's RAD and PACT programs next Wednesday, January 13th, beginning at 1pm. Watch the hearing here ([link removed]) .

The RAD and PACT ([link removed]) programs have introduced private sector management into some NYCHA developments, including one in our district, in order to raise revenue for capital repairs. NYCHA is retaining ownership of the land and buildings, but the "development partners" now operate the buildings under long-term lease agreements (typically 99 years).

MTA Board Meeting: January 21st
The MTA will hold a one-day, joint monthly meeting of its Board and committees on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 10am. Click here ([link removed]) for additional information, including how to submit testimony.

Webinars: Retrofit Resources for Small Buildings & HDFC Co-Ops
Are you interested in implementing an energy or water conservation project for your building? Join the NYC Mayor's Office of Sustainability to explore resources available to residential building owners and HDFC coop owners (for buildings which are 5,000 to 25,000 sq ft or 5-25 units), who are interested in retrofitting their properties.

Before pursuing retrofit projects, building decision makers must often address other key concerns, such as financial capacity and pending building repairs. These webinars focus on resources available through government and community partners that will help you navigate building improvements and improve your financial health.

January 8th, 1pm webinar: Learn about NYCEEC predevelopment loans which can cover up to $40,000 for eligible pre-construction expenses such as IPNAs, asbestos, lead paint mitigation, architectural drawings and more. Presentation led by Peter Erwin, NYC Energy Efficiency Corporation. Learn more and register here ([link removed]) .

January 14th, 12pm webinar: Specifically targeted at HDFC coop owners of buildings that are 5,000 to 25,000 sq ft; building operations and maintenance staff; and groups that have relationships with HDFC coops. Presentation led by Dr. Debra Bechtel (Corporate and Real Estate Clinic), a New York City based legal expert on low-income cooperatives. Learn more and register here ([link removed]) .

Please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) for more information.
Webinars: Assistance for Small Businesses -- Paycheck Protection Program
At the end of 2020 Congress passed a new round of COVID-19 economic stimulus relief ([link removed]) . This included more funding for the Federal Paycheck Protection Program ([link removed]) -- a forgivable loan for small businesses. Learn more about how the Federal stimulus package pertains to small businesses by attending these webinars.
* Thursday, January 7th at 9am, with the Bronx Business Organization Coalition. Program covers changes to the Paycheck Protection Program, and how you can access and apply for funding. Register for the webinar here ([link removed]) .

* Tuesday, January 12th at 2pm, with the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. Program covers support for businesses within the Federal stimulus package and the latest consumer trends. Register for the webinar here ([link removed]) .

Also for Small Businesses-- The City's Open Storefronts program has been extended through September 30, 2021. The program allows storefront businesses to use a portion of the sidewalk to conduct business, including:
* Displaying merchandise
* Completing transactions
* Providing areas for customers to line up

Businesses may also use the curbside lane to conduct business activities during the hours that the Open Streets: Restaurants program ([link removed]) is in effect.

The Open Storefronts program is available to all ground-floor storefront businesses after the completion of a short online form. Visit nyc.gov/openstorefronts ([link removed]) for details and to sign up. Please phone the NYC Small Businesses Services hotline at (888) SBS-4NYC with questions.


** Community Resources & Upcoming Deadlines
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The City's Emergency Food Delivery program continues to be available for homebound New Yorkers who cannot afford private food delivery and do not have someone who can bring food to them.

Please be advised that New Yorkers in the program can now re-enroll on the day BEFORE their last delivery day to help prevent a gap in deliveries.
* Please visit nyc.gov/getfoodhelp or call 311 for assistance. You can also email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) with questions regarding missed deliveries and other issues.
* Food assistance for families with children is available via P-EBT ([link removed]) and WIC ([link removed]) . For questions about P-EBT, call 833-452-0096 or email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Free "Grab & Go" meals are available for ALL New Yorkers at hundreds of schools. Click here to learn more and see locations ([link removed]) .

Health Coverage: NYS Enrollment Period Ends Jan 31st
If you have lost your health insurance or have not had coverage, go to [link removed] 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.

Access-A-Ride Fare Collection Resumes
Beginning Tuesday, January 19th, NYC Transit will resume fare collection for all Access-A-Ride services.
* The Access-A-Ride fare is $2.75 per trip and is collected in cash. Customers must have exact change ready at boarding. Paratransit operators do not provide change or accept round-trip payment.
* MetroCards cannot be used as payment but customers may pay their fares using Access-A-Ride TransitCheck Coupons. Each coupon is good for full payment on one trip.
* As always, for those eligible, Personal Care Attendants may accompany Access-A-Ride passengers free of charge.

Click here for more information ([link removed]) about Access-A-Ride Paratransit Service. Customers may continue to safely book their trips via online trip management, MYmta App ([link removed]) , or by calling the Access-A-Ride call center at 1-877-337-2017.

Beware "Urgent" Phone Payment Scams
Please beware of scams in which you are contacted regarding an "urgent account matter," and are then asked to make a payment via Zelle, a gift card, or some other unrecoverable means.

Thank you to Computers-dot-Mom for the the following tips:
* If you receive a phone call from Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, your bank, the IRS, the power company, etc., and they are requesting a payment from you, always verify the request first. Hang up and contact them yourself, using the contact information on their website (NOT a phone number from a google search).
* NEVER pay a demand call using a gift card or Zelle or any other unrecoverable means. They do not protect you against fraud as credit cards do.
* NEVER allow someone who calls claiming to be from an institution to access your computer remotely (except if you have made a computer support appointment).
* NEVER give a company, utility, etc. any personal information, even to “confirm” your account, unless YOU have called THEM (or it’s a scheduled call).

Get the Latest Environmental News for Our Community
If you haven't already, I encourage you to sign-up for the bi-monthly UWSR Eco Letter produced by Upper West Side Recycling ([link removed]) . The Eco Letter aims to empower UWSers by providing substantive information about relevant environmental topics and upcoming events, especially pertaining to:
* Recycling / Re-Use
* Waste Reduction
* Energy Conservation
* Renewable Energy
* Pollution Abatement
* Urban Greening
* Growing Food in NYC

Read the January/February Eco Letter here ([link removed]) . Subscribe by clicking here ([link removed]) .

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 ([link removed]) 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 ([link removed]) . Deadline: Monday, February 1st (5pm).

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 ([link removed]) .

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.

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 ([link removed]) ; call: 1-888-NYC-Well (1-888-692-9355); or text: “Well” to 65173.
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. You can bring your tree to one of the following locations until this Saturday, January 9th.
* 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 ([link removed]) .

And finally, don't forget that you can also eat your Christmas tree / holiday bush. Click here for recipes ([link removed]) !
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] (mailto:[email protected]) ; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com ([link removed]) . 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 ([link removed]) . Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) , and/or Instagram ([link removed]) .

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