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Dear Neighbors,

One of the many impacts of the pandemic and financial crisis has been fewer resources to keep our streets and sidewalks clean. Mayor de Blasio has announced three new initiatives to better maintain cleanliness. First, 100 additional Dept of Sanitation trucks will be assigned to litter basket service every week. Sunday basket collection will also resume.

At the same time, a new "Precision Cleaning Initiative" will conduct targeted cleanings of litter, illegal dumping, and overflowing litter baskets. Borough-based teams will be sent out based on DSNY field observations, 311 complaints, and referrals from other City agencies and community groups.

Finally, DSNY will begin to deploy a "Community Clean-up Van," which will provide support and resources for local community groups performing cleanups this Spring. Residents interested in joining or hosting a community cleanup should call 311.
 

Graffiti Clean-Up Day
The NYPD invites you to join them this Saturday, April 10th at 11am, to help clean up graffiti on the Upper West Side. You can volunteer on the day or donate supplies. For more information, please email [email protected].

Save the Date! Electronics Recycling Day
Recycle your e-waste on Sunday, April 18th, from 10am - 4pm, rain or shine. Drop-off site: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Amsterdam Ave between W. 75th and 76th Streets. Hosted by Lower East Side Ecology and my office. Info: Lower East Side Ecology; 212-477-4022. More details to come!
 

Pools & Beaches to Open
A happy feature of summer life is returning to New York City. Our public beaches will open on Saturday, May 29th of Memorial Day Weekend; lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10am to 6pm.

Similarly, outdoor pools across the city will open on Saturday, June 26th, following the last day of school. Daily open swim hours will remain the same: 11am to 3pm, and 4pm to 7pm. Pools and beaches will follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/parks or call 311.
 

Muslim Volunteers for New York’s Ramadan Food Drive
Ramadan is a month of self-reflection, fasting, charity and compassion. As part of this special time, Muslim Volunteers for New York has launched a food drive to support the NY Common Pantry, West Side Campaign Against Hunger, and City Meals on Wheels.

These providers are directly serving our city’s most vulnerable and food insecure families & homebound seniors, while experiencing escalating demand due to the pandemic. I hope you will support MV4NY's drive which begins this Monday (4/12) and ends on April 25th. Click here to donate.
 

April Housing Clinic: Succession Rights for Tenants
Thank you to everyone who joined our April Housing Clinic yesterday. Goddard Riverside Law Project made an in-depth presentation on succession rights for tenants with Primary Residence and Co-Residency status. Watch the presentation here.

Renew Your Rent Freeze Benefits!
Participants in the City's Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs must renew when the Dept of Finance sends them a renewal application! During the past year over 5,000 tenants across NYC failed to do so and are now in danger of losing their rental benefit. 

If the DOF has asked you to submit your renewal application and you have not done so, please act as soon as possible. You can also download the application at www.nyc.gov/rentfreeze and submit it online or by mail. Persons needing a disability-related accommodation should contact DOF's Disability Service Facilitator by clicking here or calling 311.
 

April 22nd: One-on-One Immigration Consultations
Constituents with questions about TPS, DACA, and President Biden’s immigration proposal are invited to join CUNY Citizenship NOW on April 22nd for an on-line event where you can meet individually with legal staff. You will also be screened to see if you are eligible for an immigration benefit.  



Constituents must call (646) 664-9400 or (212) 652-2071 in advance for an appointment. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment time, Zoom link, and event details. During your time slot, you will meet 1:1 in a confidential breakout room with legal staff. Registration closes at noon on April 21st. 
 

Infrastructure Work Impacting the UWS

Local Schools
The School Construction Authority is resuming work this month on the capital improvement project at the William Tecumseh Sherman School, P.S. 087. The project was scheduled to begin last year and includes work on the building's exterior masonry façade, roof and windows, as well as a PlaNyc boiler replacement and gas conversion upgrade. Residents living nearby -- please see the SCA's letter for more information.

Similarly, the SCA is beginning a capital improvement project at Richard Rogers School, P.S. 166, which includes work on its exterior masonry façade, roof, parapets and windows. Please see the SCA's letter here.

Manhattan Bridge
Please be advised that Manhattan Bridge inspections will be taking place over the weekends of April 16-19 and April 23-26, and there will be no B or D service in Manhattan. See alternative travel options for those weekends here.
COVID-19 Updates

1.) Do you have questions about staying safe after your COVID vaccination? My colleague Mark Levine, Chair of the City Council's Health Committee, has prepared this helpful Q & A doc. 

2.) All New Yorkers 16 years and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more here. 

Vaccinations can be scheduled via the City of NY’s Vaccine Hub, its Vaccine Finder, or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC or 877-829-4692.

Please check the NYS Dept of Health website and the NYC Dept of Health website regularly for vaccination updates and additional information on vaccination locations, how to schedule a vaccination, and the State form you will fill out prior to vaccination.
 
3.) Seniors 75+ do not need an appointment if they walk in to the following vaccination sites:

City College
1549 Amsterdam Ave (between 135th & 138th Sts)
Thursday-Sunday; 12pm-4pm

Abyssinian Baptist Church
132 W. 138th St
Tuesday-Saturday; 9am-5pm

Ford Foundation
320 E. 43rd St
Monday-Saturday; 9am-5pm

Fulton Community Center/Hudson Guild
441 W. 26th St
Tuesday-Saturday; 10am-5pm

Seniors 75 and over, plus one eligible New Yorker of any age, can get vaccinated together without appointments at the 24/7 mass vaccination sites operated by H+H at Brooklyn Army Terminal, Bathgate and Citi Field.

4.) Fully homebound New Yorkers who wish to receive an in-home vaccination: Please click here or call 877-829-4692. You will receive a phone call to confirm your eligibility and schedule the appointment; on that call, please also make sure to request in-home vaccination for other eligible household members (eligibility criteria listed here). Please note that there is high interest in this program -- you will receive a call back.

5.) The Vaccine for All Corps is enlisting 2,000 New Yorkers to support City vaccination efforts across the five boroughs. Hiring for the first tranche of these positions is live at nyc.gov/vaccinejobs. Healthcare experience is not required for many of the positions. 
Residents from NYC communities hit hardest by COVID-19 are especially invited to apply.
 
6.) Assistance with Pandemic-Related Funeral Expenses. FEMA has announced that it will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation. Please check FEMA's website regularly for updates.

Veterans: VA New York Harbor is offering vaccinations to veterans 65 and older who are enrolled in VA Healthcare. Click here to learn more or call 1-877-877-9267.

Transportation for Seniors to Vaccination Appointments
New Yorkers age 65+ who make a vaccination appointment at a City-operated site will be asked if they need transportation to get to and from their appointment. Transportation is available if you:
  • Have Access-a-Ride: (877) 337-20172.
  • Have Medicaid-provided transportation: Use your regular contact number to schedule transport, or call (844) 666-6270.
  • Are a homebound 65+ or disabled New Yorker who needs ambulette services: Call Hunter Ambulette at (718) 991-2211.
Anyone 65 and older who does not qualify for 1-3 above can schedule a free ride with Curb at (646) 349-0289.
 
Resources for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19
Many city services are available to all New Yorkers no matter their immigration status or ability to pay. View the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ (MOIA) resource guide at nyc.gov/immigrants/coronavirus. 

If you have questions about immigration or how to access City services during the COVID-19 crisis, call the City's hotline at (212) 788-7654 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or email [email protected].

Public Charge: In New York City, healthcare is a human right. Use of health services related to COVID-19 will not be considered under the public charge rule and will not impact your ability to apply for a green card or citizenship. For more information visit: nyc.gov/publiccharge.

Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include: 
Assistance for NYers Who Test Positive for Covid
NYC Health & Hospitals' Test & Trace Corps provides special services for New Yorkers who test positive, and their close contacts. This includes equipment so a household can quarantine safely, free hotel rooms if quarantining at home is impossible, pet care, and more.
 
COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment for Manhattan Businesses
Business owners in need of supplies for themselves and their employees should email the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce at [email protected].
News & Resources for Small Businesses

Federal Relief
The deadline for applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been extended to May 31st. The program currently offers:  The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has launched Fair Share NYC, offering free webinars, technical assistance and access to lenders to help businesses interested in applying for PPP loans. For more information, visit nyc.gov/PPP or call 888-SBS-4NYC.

Listen to City of NY "town calls" for arts, entertainment, hospitality and nightlife businesses and workers re: the latest federal loans and other assistance programs: Webinars for Businesses
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce offers on-line programs covering a variety of topics important to small businesses. Webinars and programs this month include: Starting a Business at Age 50+ (April 12th); Virtual Networking Event (April 16th); and Online Brand Strategy 101 (April 29th). Click here for viewing information.
For Public School Families

On-Line Discussion: Students With Physical Disabilities Talk About NYC Public High Schools
Four years ago, several students with physical disabilities came together to speak about their experiences applying to NYC’s public high schools. Come hear what the students have to say about their high school experiences as they prepare for their next adventure.

Date: April 22nd, 6:30pm. Register here. Sponsored by Parents for Inclusive Education and Advocates for Children of New York.

Apply for Gifted & Talented Programs Through April 9th
Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs offer accelerated instruction to eligible elementary school students in New York City. All families with children born in 2016 can apply to G&T Kindergarten programs this year. 

Children who live north of 96th Street in School District 3 could have priority to attend The Anderson School – a citywide Gifted & Talented school on the UWS. This priority is available to families who live in the South Bronx or northern Manhattan. To see what district you are in, visit schoolsearch.schools.nyc.

How to Apply: Families can apply to as many as 12 G&T programs that interest you. List them in your true order of preference, with your first-choice program as #1. There are three ways to submit your application by the April 9th deadline: Learn More: Join a DOE event to find out more about G&T programs, learn how to apply, and ask your questions. Find specific event dates, times, and interpretation information at schools.nyc.gov/GT. 

3-K for All Expansion
The DOE is expanding 3-K for All to every school district, and will be adding up to 15,000 more seats by the end of the 2021-22 school year. The City says there will be approximately 43,000 3-K seats available across all 32 community school districts.

Applications for 3-K for All have been extended to May 28th. Programs in new school districts will be added to the applications as options for families in April and May. Families can visit nyc.gov/3k to sign up to receive email updates when new programs are added, and to learn how to create a MySchools account to explore and apply to programs.

New York City's Summer Youth Employment initiative is back and offering paid work experiences and project-based learning opportunities for 70,000 young people. Application deadline is April 23rd.

Applications and information now available by clicking here! You can also call 311 or the NYC Dept of Youth & Community Development's Community Connect at 1-800-246-4646. 

Navigating College Financial Aid Forms
The Student Leadership Network has put together free resources to help guide high school seniors through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process. Click here to learn more!

Employment & Public Service Opportunities


NYPD Recruiting New Officers
The NYPD is recruiting for its next Police Officer class. Registration is required and will be open through April 27th, 2021. Learn more about becoming an officer here.

To register for the exam, visit www.nyc.gov/oasys. For more information, contact 212-RECRUIT or visit the NYPD's website.

Lincoln Center Workforce Development Program
Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic are accelerating the renovation of David Geffen Hall, now scheduled to reopen in fall 2022. 

The renovation project is expected to create a significant number of construction and other jobs, and includes a commitment to 30% minimum participation by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and 40% minimum workforce inclusion from underrepresented populations. To that end, Lincoln Center has launched a workforce development program focused on its three surrounding zip codes, including residents of nearby NYCHA residences, community organizations, and local high schools.

Program participants will receive five weeks of full-time paid training in 8 different construction trades, a paid apprenticeship, and long-term employment and career opportunities in an in-demand and hands-on field. Program graduates will be offered full-time employment as an apprentice with either Turner Construction (which is the Hall’s construction manager) or one of Turner’s sub-contractors. Learn more here.

Nontraditional Employment for Women
Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) is a nonprofit organization offering free training for women to start careers in trades, utilities and facilities maintenance. Average starting wages are over $19.00/hour.

Learn more about NEW here. Online information sessions are available Mondays at 6 pm and Tuesdays at 10am. Enroll now at www.new-nyc.org/enroll.

City Cleanup Corps (CCC)
Mayor de Blasio has announced the launch of the City Cleanup Corps (CCC), a New Deal-inspired economic recovery program to directly create 10,000 jobs and make New York City the "cleanest, greenest city in the United States."

Part of the Mayor’s Recovery For All of Us plan, the CCC will be funded via federal stimulus dollars. The first 1,000 New Yorkers will be hired this month, with more positions opening this summer. Hiring will take place across 10 City agencies, including the departments of Parks & Recreation, Transportation, Environmental Protection, and the NYC Housing Authority.

The CCC will focus on revitalizing New York City’s public spaces and neighborhoods -- prioritizing areas identified by local communities and elected officials, business districts, and the 33 neighborhoods hit hardest by the pandemic. Learn more and apply here.
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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