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Dear Neighbors,

As you have no doubt heard in the news, the federal Centers for Disease Control have ordered a pause on use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot were reported by six individuals who received this vaccine (as of April 14th).

Accordingly, the City's Dept of Health has paused all J & J vaccine administration in New York City. Supplies of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be used in the interim, and the City is asking the federal government to increase delivery of those vaccines to help fill the gap in New York.

The pause in use of the J & J vaccine impacts many of the City's operations and there may be delays in scheduling new appointments. This includes: 
  • In-home vaccination for homebound New Yorkers (operations will be paused)
  • Mobile buses and vans (operations will be paused, appointment holders will be rescheduled to nearby Dept of Health sites)
  • "Pop-up" vaccination sites at NYCHA developments, houses of worship, NORCs, consulates 
  • City sites distributing the vaccine (including Co-Op City, NYPD Community Center, Ford Foundation, and Queens Mall)
  • Additional providers, including privately operated facilities
The City is reaching out to everyone scheduled for a J & J appointment to ensure they get their vaccination this week (contingent on supply).
  • If an appointment needs to be moved, appointment holders will receive emails with the new details of their vaccination appointments.
  • New appointments will be using the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines until there is further guidance from federal agencies. 
We will share more information as soon as it becomes available.

New School Closure Guidelines
The NYC Dept of Education has announced that beginning this week, a school will only close if there are 4 or more confirmed COVID-19 cases from 4 different classrooms during a 7-day period, and the cases are traced to exposure inside the school. Read more about the new DOE guidelines here.
 

Benefits Webinar for Older Adults
You may be eligible for housing, healthcare, utility, and other benefits that you are not currently receiving! Join us on April 27th to learn more. Register here.


 

NYC Veterans Survey
Are you a veteran, active duty service member, reservist, guardsman, veteran family member, military spouse, or military caregiver who lives in New York City?  If so, the NYC Dept of Veterans’ Services (DVS) wants to hear from you!
 
DVS is conducting a survey to help NYC policymakers identify and best understand the needs of our veteran community. Your response will remain anonymous unless you opt-in to receive support services from DVS. Take the survey here.
 

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 ends on April 25th. Click here to donate.
 

B & D Subway Service
A reminder 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
Climate Change Legislation

Earlier this month (4/5), I led the the City Council's Sub-Committee on Capital Budget in reviewing Local Law 97 of 2019, which sets carbon emission limits for buildings of 25,000 square feet or larger, in order to achieve a 40% reduction by 2030. There are approximately 50,000 buildings that fall under the requirements of LL 97, comprising nearly 60% of New York City’s building area.

LL 97 tries to tackle the fact that buildings are NYC's single largest source of carbon emissions. LL 97 bolsters existing laws, such as LL 33, which requires various types of New York City buildings to benchmark their energy and water consumption, and receive energy efficiency scores and grades. Learn more about LL 33 here. 

At the April 5th hearing we also reviewed my pending legislation which would require the City to report on greenhouse gas emissions reductions from its own operations and from buildings owned / operated by the NYC Housing Authority.

I am well aware that many building owners are concerned about emissions reduction mandates. The Council is doing everything we can to assist building owners while also ensuring that NYC reduces its impact on the climate.

Next Wednesday, April 21st at 1pm, the Council's Committee on Sanitation & Solid Waste Management will hold a hearing on how New York City can meet its zero waste to landfills objective to help combat climate change. We will also review pending legislation, including my bill which requires certain types of retail food stores to donate excess food. Learn more here.
Upcoming Community Events

Vaccination "Pop-Up" at Douglass Houses
Beginning yesterday (4/15), NYCHA's Douglass Houses is offering COVID-19 vaccinations in their senior center for three weeks. The pop-up center will be open Thursday - Sunday, from 8am-6pm, and will be offering the Moderna vaccine.

To make a vaccination appointment, NYCHA residents should phone (332) 240-3330. Learn more here.
 

Recycle Your Electronic Waste This Sunday!
Together with Lower East Side Ecology, my office is delighted to sponsor an electronics drop-off event for constituents this Sunday, April 18th, from 10am - 4pm, rain or shine.
  • Location: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Amsterdam Ave between W. 75th and 76th Streets.
  • Info: Lower East Side Ecology; 212-477-4022.
Items Accepted:
  • Computers (laptops, desktops, servers, mainframes)
  • Monitors (CRT and flat screen)
  • Network devices (routers, hubs, modems, etc.)
  • Peripherals (keyboards, mice, cables, cords, chargers, etc.)
  • Tablets and e-readers
  • Components (hard drives, CD-ROMs, circuit boards, power supplies, etc.)
  • Printers under 100 pounds, scanners, fax machines, etc.
  • TVs, VCRs, DVRs, DVD & Blu-ray players
  • Digital converter boxes, cable/satellite receivers
  • Portable music players
  • Audio-visual equipment
  • Video games
  • Cell phones, pagers, PDAs
  • Telecommunication (phones, answering machines, etc.)
Items Not Accepted:
  • Microwaves & other small appliances
  • Refrigerators
  • Air conditioners
  • Smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
  • Batteries (except lead-acid batteries from UPS [uninterrupted power supplies]. Please note that rechargeable batteries can be dropped off for recycling at any store that sells them; also check with IKEA and Staples stores for battery recycling.
  • Media, such as disks, DVDs, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, etc. Please note: see greendisk.com to purchase a shipping label to get these items recycled

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. 

Free Online Citizenship Classes
Starting April 20th, Women for Afghan Women will be offering free on-line citizenship classes for all immigrant women! The class is best suited for low intermediate English speakers. Click here to learn more. For more information or to register, please call (646) 494-4054 or email: [email protected]. 
 

Outdoor Exercise Classes
Shape Up NYC is launching outdoor exercise classes at the Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center -- 232 W. 60th St. The classes will be led by a Shape Up NYC volunteer instructor, creating opportunities for physical activity and connecting with others. Face coverings and social distancing are required. Learn more here. 
COVID-19 Updates

1.) 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.
 
2.) Seniors 75+ do not need an appointment if they walk in to the following vaccination sites. (Note: some sites may be impacted by the pause in use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.)

Yeshiva University
2495 Amsterdam Avenue (at 184th Street)
Sunday-Thursday, 9am-7pm; Friday, 9am-5pm

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
119 9th Avenue (between 17th & 18th Sts)
Tuesday-Saturday; 10am-5pm

Essex Crossing
244B Broome Street
Thursday-Sunday, 12-4pm

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.

3.) 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 and it is being impacted by the pause on use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine -- but you will receive a call back.

4.) 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.
 
5.) Assistance with Pandemic-Related Funeral Expenses. FEMA is now accepting applications from persons seeking financial assistance with COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Please check FEMA's website to learn more.

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].

Employment & Public Service Opportunities


Volunteer Healthcare Workers Needed!
Ryan Health is looking for volunteer staff to help administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Qualified healthcare professionals who are interested in volunteering should email [email protected].


 
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.

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 6pm and Tuesdays at 10am. Enroll now at www.new-nyc.org/enroll.
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.
 
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. 

Financial Aid for College
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!

Families are reminded that applications to the Shawn Carter College Scholarship Fund --specifically for households with an income of $75,000 or less-- are due by April 30th. Learn more here.

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.

Financial Resources for Residents & Small Businesses 

 
1 in 2 NYC households are eligible for FREE tax prep!
Learn more at nyc.gov/taxprep or call 311 and ask for “tax preparation assistance.” Services available in multiple languages.
  • The deadline to file 2020 tax returns has been extended to May 17, 2021.
  • Do you have questions about federal stimulus payments or claiming tax credits? Did you receive unemployment insurance in 2020 and need help filing your taxes?
  • Use NYC Free Tax Prep to file for free and keep your WHOLE refund.
If you earned $68,000 or less in 2020, learn how you can file for free with the help of an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer. Preparers can help you file your taxes, claim important tax credits (including federal stimulus payments), and avoid tax preparer fees.

Use the safe and reliable online options – including Self-Prep with Help - to save you time. Please note that in-person and drop-off services are extremely limited. 
 
Support for Black Entrepreneurs
NYC Small Business Services (SBS) has launched BE NYC Startup Intensive, an initiative to advance Black Entrepreneurship in NYC. The no-cost, 40-hour intensive instructional course provides Black entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to launch and run successful businesses in NYC. Application deadline: May 2nd. For more information, click here.

The program features the unique perspectives of thriving Black entrepreneurs. With the guidance of experienced facilitators, business experts, and a network of supportive peers, participants will: 
  • Learn techniques to overcome barriers such as limited access to capital, atypical work experience, and continuing education needs; 
  • Learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and refine their business concepts; 
  • Identify the components of a strong business plan; and 
  • Gain the knowledge and skills they need to launch a profitable business, including identifying existing opportunities, organizations, and resources available for Black entrepreneurs in NYC. 
Federal Relief for Businesses
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. Click here for viewing information.
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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