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Dear Neighbors,
 
A reminder that Early Voting begins this Saturday in New York City's Primary Elections for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Manhattan District Attorney, Borough Presidents, and members of the City Council! Click here for details.

NOTE: depending on your address, the Early Voting site for residents living at the very top of District 6 may be just outside of our district. Make sure to look up your Early Voting site here.
 

We are weeks away from passing the City of New York's roughly $100 billion budget.

As a member of the City Council's Budget Negotiating Team, I participate in the intense review of "priority spending" with roughly a dozen other Council Members. Most of the areas I've prioritized in previous years have received significant funding increases -- this includes our local schools and community centers, along with domestic violence, maternal health, and afterschool programs, as well as litter basket pick ups. In addition, the Mayor has now agreed to fund mental health professionals in every school.

Over the next weeks, my priority is adding funding to ensure that all social service employees are paid above-poverty wages, along with pay parity for public health nurses and expanded mental health services for all residents.

Federal stimulus money will greatly help to sustain New York City over the next few years -- the central question is where we invest these resources. I believe that we must invest in our young people, those who were hit hardest during the pandemic (including our small businesses), and our cultural institutions. The safe rebuilding of our cultural and tourist industries will be a huge economic boost for the city. 

We will update you as negotiations continue -- passage of the budget is likely by the end of June.
 
 
NYPD Handling of Protests & Marches
The NYPD has drafted revised procedures for how they will approach "First Amendment events," such as protests, marches, and demonstrations. The NYPD states that their revised procedure "memorializes the duties and responsibilities that have historically been carried out by the NYPD at First Amendment events. Additionally, it incorporates the measures the Department is taking to continue to improve our handling of these types of events."

To review the policy and/or comment, click here. The public has until the end of June to provide feedback before the policy is finalized. 

Marijuana Expungement: What You Need to Know
Under New York's 2021 legalization law, several old and new penal law marijuana convictions will be automatically expunged. New Yorkers will get this benefit if they were convicted of possessing up to 16 ounces, or selling up to 25 grams. NYS has two years to implement the expungement. Read a fact sheet about expungement from the Legal Aid Society here.
 

A reminder to older adults that they may be eligible for a wide range of benefits, including assistance with food, medical, and utility costs, as well as rent freezes and lower property taxes.

If you missed our webinar with LiveOn NY about how to access these benefits, you can review detailed slides from the presentation here.

If you would like benefits screening and application assistance, phone (212) 398-5045, or email [email protected]. You can also complete an intake form with LiveOn NY here.
 

Branch Library Re-Openings
Many constituents have been asking when our local libraries will re-open. Most NYPL branches -- including Riverside, St Agnes, Bloomingdale, and The Library for Performing Arts -- are expected to fully reopen by mid/late July.  In the coming months, NYPL also plans to introduce outdoor programming, bookmobile service, and a robust summer reading initiative.
  • Riverside and The Library for Performing Arts are two of the 53 branch libraries now offering computer/internet access and limited browsing. Learn more here.
  • The Library for Performing Arts has also re-opened for research service, which includes onsite access by appointment only. LPA is launching an outdoor reading room and outdoor story times for children on the Lincoln Center campus, and is providing Tech Kits for performing artists so they can record, document and post online. 
Have You Been Vaccinated?
 
New York City is providing in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible NYC residents who are 75 years of age or older, have a disability, or are fully homebound. 

NYCHA residents 12 and older, and City of NY employees and retirees, are now also eligible for in-home vaccination. 
  • Any eligible New Yorker requesting in-home vaccination will now be able to select their vaccine brand preference when contacted by the City (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson).
  • For NYCHA residents: Persons 12 and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine at home. Children 12-18 years old need a parent or legal guardian present during their appointment to verify their age.
Get Your Free COVID-19 Vaccine + A Ticket to Restart Stages!
Spread the word! An NYC Mobile Vaccine Bus will be offering free vaccinations at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza (Columbus Ave and W. 63rd St) next Wednesday, June 16 through Friday, June 18, from 11am–7pm. 

Pfizer vaccines are available for those 12 years+. Please bring ID. No other documents required. New Yorkers receiving vaccines will also be eligible for two free tickets to select Restart Stages performances in July or August! Learn more here. 

All City-run vaccination sites are open to ALL New Yorkers. This  includes City-run "walk-up" sites (age 12+ accepted at Pfizer sites; age 18+ accepted at Moderna sites).

Click here for the most up-to-date list of walk-up vaccination sites. Vaccinations can also 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.
 
Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include: 
 
Important News for Tenants
 
NYS COVID Rent Relief: Eligible tenants may seek up to 12 months of rental and utility arrears assistance, as well as three prospective months of rent via the new COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). 
  • Applications are being accepted now. Click here to learn about eligibility and apply.
  • Tenants are eligible to apply regardless of immigration status if their household income is below 80% of "area median income," which you can look up here.
  • If you have an eviction case, it will be stayed while you apply, so you can't be evicted while your application is being processed.
For assistance with the application, call New York State at 844-NY1-RENT (844-691-7368). If you live in Manhattan, the two organizations below are designated ERAP "enrollers" and can also assist you.
  • Catholic Charities Community Services at 888-744-7900
  • University Settlement at 212-453-4500
Other ERAP Resources
  • Older adults and persons with disabilities can contact LiveOn NY for assistance with the ERAP application. Phone (212) 398-5045 or email [email protected].
  • The NY Legal Assistance Group is also answering questions about the ERAP application. Contact them here.
Eviction Moratorium
A reminder that Governor Cuomo has signed an extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and the Protect Our Small Businesses Act, effectively extending New York’s eviction and foreclosure moratoriums through August 31, 2021.

Tenants facing eviction must submit a declaration of pandemic-related hardship. Tenants who do not submit such a declaration as a justification for non-payment of rent, or who create safety or health hazards for other tenants, can still be evicted. Renters can use Eviction Free NY, an online tool that automatically sends the hardship declaration to housing court as well as your landlord at no cost. 

June Housing Clinic: "Nuisance" Holdover Cases
Thank you to everyone who tuned in for our June Housing Clinic, led by Goddard Riverside Law Project. This month's topic was "What to do if a landlord claims you are a nuisance." Watch the webinar here.
Hearing on NYC Property Tax Reform: June 16th
 
The NYC Advisory Commission on Property Tax Reform is holding a virtual hearing for Manhattan residents regarding its preliminary recommendations on June 16th at 6pm. To register to testify, submit testimony, and/or learn about accessibility accommodations, click here.

In 2020, the Commission released a Preliminary Report with the following 10 initial recommendations aimed at making the City's property tax system simpler, clearer, and fairer:
  • Moving coops, condominiums, and rental buildings with up to 10 units into a new residential class along with 1-3 family homes.
  • Using a sales-based methodology to value all properties in the residential class.
  • Assessing every property in the residential class at its full market value.
  • Annual market value changes in the new residential class being phased in over five years at 20 percent per year.
  • Creating a partial homestead exemption for primary resident owners with income below a certain threshold.
  • Creating a circuit breaker within the property tax system to lower the property tax burden on low-income primary resident owners, based on the ratio of property tax paid to income.
  • Replacing the current class share system with a system that prioritizes predictable and transparent tax rates for property owners.
  • Current valuation methods should be maintained for properties not in the new residential class (i.e. rental buildings with more than 10 units, utilities, and commercial).
  • A gradual transition to the new system for current owners, with an immediate transition into the new system whenever a property in the new residential class is sold.
  • Instituting comprehensive reviews of the property tax system every 10 years.
The Commission was formed by Mayor de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson in 2018 with a mandate to reform NYC’s property tax system while ensuring there's no reduction in revenue used to fund essential city services. 
Especially for Small Businesses
 
Applying For PPP Loan Forgiveness
While the Paycheck Protection Program ended on May 31, 2021, borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness. PPP loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if the following conditions were met during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
  • Employee and compensation levels were maintained
  • The loan proceeds were spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses
  • At least 60% of the proceeds were spent on payroll costs
Pace University's PPP forgiveness webpage provides additional information regarding the forgiveness process. If you have questions regarding PPP loan forgiveness or need assistance with the application, the Pace SBDC business advisor team provides free, one-on-one business counseling.

Pace University also provides information about a variety of grants for small businesses. Learn more here.

"Shop Your City"
The City has launched a new campaign to boost consumer shopping at NYC's treasured small businesses. New Yorkers are being encouraged to take a break from big box retailers and buy from local businesses now and in the future. The marketing campaign also includes a contest and chances to win a $50 gift card for shopping at neighborhood businesses. 

Bringing Vacant Commercial Spaces Back to Life
Local non-profit ChaShaMa has received funding from the NYC Dept of Small Business Services (SBS) for Storefront Startup -- a new program to activate vacant commercial space with entrepreneurs in need. The goal of the program is to enliven commercial corridors and help micro-businesses, while working with local organizations to implement their own vacancy reduction programs.  

ChaShaMa is looking for property owners and co-operatives to provide pop-up locations to activate, and they are also looking for micro-businesses to participate in the program. To learn more, click here.

Returning to the office? Adapt to the New Normal 
As we recover from the pandemic, NYC Dept of Small Business Services (SBS) is offering a limited 4-session workshop series to help small businesses adapt to the new and "next" normal. This series will provide strategies, tools, and resources for business owners. Learn more & RSVP here. Session dates: 
  • Tuesday, June 15th; 6 - 7:30pm
  • Thursday, June 17th; 6 - 7:30pm
Free Assistance for UWS Small Business Owners
The NYC Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) is a private/public partnership providing local businesses with free, personalized guidance during the pandemic. Business owners should complete a brief intake form here, and they will be matched with their own Business Support Specialist who will guide them through a variety of economic recovery resources. 

SBRN is funded by a $2.8 million grant from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and led by the Partnership for New York City, the NYC Economic Development Corporation and all five borough Chambers of Commerce. It leverages the city’s corporate, financial and professional services sectors, as well as universities, philanthropies and expert volunteers to help small business owners gain access to a range of programs and services.

Webinars for Businesses
  • The NYC Dept of Small Business Services' daily webinar schedule can be found here.
  • The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce offers on-line programs covering a variety of topics important to small businesses. Click here to see programs.

For Public School Families

 
Join the Asian American Student Advocacy Project (ASAP)
ASAP is currently recruiting Asian Pacific American-identifying youth, who are 13-24 years old! Young people interested in joining should click here to learn more and apply.

ASAP's "Youth for Equity" Symposium: July 3rd
APA-YES is an annual conference led by and for Asian Pacific American (APA) youth. This year's event will be held via Zoom on July 3, with the objective of creating an inclusive and diverse pan-Asian space for NYC's youth to explore the impact of COVID-19 on their lives, and to learn how the pandemic has been exacerbated by APA issues. Learn more and register here. Read the zine for the 2020 APA-YES symposium.

Summer Rising, the DOE's new free summer program, is available to all K-12th grade students, including students with disabilities. Families of students in grades K-8 can sign up through Discover DYCD. Schools will be reaching out to high school students and students with 12-month IEPs to discuss participation and program options.

Summer Rising will feature both DOE academics and NYC Dept of Youth & Community Development school-based enrichment programming.
  • K–8 students will be able to address unfinished learning while also having opportunities for outdoor recreation, exploration, and fun. Programs will provide a bridge to the next school year and allow students to reconnect with one another and their schools. 
  • High school students will be able to make up previously failed courses, complete courses in progress, and participate in academic acceleration. Students will have access to social-emotional support, and will also be able to engage in work experience and internship opportunities, such as the Summer Youth Employment Program. Programs may be in-person or remote, depending on the subject area and community needs.
For detailed information on Summer Rising, including how to find your school's program, click here.
 
Assistance with the College Decision Process
The Student Leadership Network has put together free resources to help guide high school seniors through deciding on and enrolling in college. Click here to learn more!

Important Resources & Updates for Our Community

 
Set Up Your "My Social Security" Account!
If you're already receiving Social Security, or are 18 or older and work, you can set up a "My Social Security Account" at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

If you receive Social Security benefits, you can use your account to:
  • Check your benefit and payment information and your earnings record;
  • Change your address and phone number;
  • Start or change direct deposit of your benefit payment;
  • Request a replacement Medicare card; and
  • Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
If you do not receive benefits, you can:
  • Check the status of your application or appeal;
  • Get your Social Security Statement, to review estimates of your future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. You can view your earnings to verify the amounts posted are correct, and see the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid.

Moratorium Extended on Utility Shut-Offs
Governor Cuomo has signed legislation extending a moratorium that prevents utility companies from disconnecting residential households and small businesses that are struggling financially due to the pandemic. The moratorium is extended for a period of 180 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted or 180 days after December 31, 2021, whichever is earlier. 

Financial Assistance for Internet Service & Devices
People who receive Medicaid, SNAP, Lifeline and meet other income eligibility guidelines can apply now for the Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit. The program provides assistance with up to a $50 subsidy for internet bills and a potential $100 voucher to acquire a tablet or computer. 

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and ways to enroll, by visiting  
www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or calling 833-511-0311. 

(You may also be eligible if you: participate in the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020, received a Pell Grant, or are eligible for an internet service provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.)
 

Wellness Classes for Youth & Older Adults
  • Free Virtual Breakdance Classes for NYC Youth: Saturday Night Lights breakdance classes are offered via Zoom for 4th-8th graders. Learn new moves and how to express yourself in a fun and creative way! Classes offered on Wednesdays, from 4pm-4:45pm -- through June 30th. Once registered, students will receive an access link via email. Learn more and register here
  • Moving For Life offers programs that make exercise easy, safe and fun for older adults and people of any age who are dealing with mobility issues from aging, cancer, or other health conditions. Free classes support recovery and diverse wellness goals, and are offered in English and Spanish. Learn more here. 

Jobs Available with the City Cleanup Corps
The City Cleanup Corps (CCC) is a New Deal-inspired economic recovery program with the aim of creating 10,000 jobs and making New York City the "cleanest, greenest city in the United States." The CCC is funded via federal stimulus dollars and part of the Mayor’s Recovery For All of Us plan.

Hiring is taking 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. 

Educational & Cultural Happenings

 
On-line Advance Showing -- Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer
Directed by filmmaker Dawn Porter, Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer comes one hundred years after the two-day Tulsa Massacre in 1921 and sheds new light on one of the worst acts of racial violence in American history. The film chronicles a century-long effort by descendants and community members to unearth suppressed truths and highlights the revived call for justice for victims and survivors.
 
Attend an on-line advance screening and panel discussion with director Dawn Porter, journalist Deneen Brown, and author Roxane Gay this Sunday, June 13th at 7pm. For viewing information, RSVP to [email protected] by 9pm ET, this Friday, June 11th. The film premieres Friday, June 18th at 9pm ET/PT on National Geographic. Available to stream the next day.
 
Spend An Hour with a Wild Bird Rehabilitator
Ever wonder who to call when you see a bird that’s injured? Join a Zoom event on June 26th at 11am to meet Annie Mardiney of Wild Mountain Birds, a Hudson Valley organization which provides wild bird rescues, rehabilitation, and educational programs. Advance registration required. Click here to learn more and register.

Late spring and summer are a busy time for bird rescuers. You'll hear about incubating Carolina Wren eggs the size of a penny, abandoned week old ducklings, the hawks, merlins, woodpeckers and owls who break a wing and cannot sustain themselves in the wild without intervention... and the birds who can never be released, remaining in shelters.

For local and citywide environmental news and events, sign up for newsletters from UWS Recycling, which come out 6 times/year. Read the May/June Eco Letter here!
 
Outdoor Enjoyment This Summer
  • Summer on the Hudson is NYC Parks' annual outdoor arts and culture festival in Riverside Park, from 59th to 153rd Streets. Click here to learn more about upcoming music concerts, dance performances, movies under the stars, DJ dance parties, kids shows, special events, wellness activities, and more. All programs and events are free and registration not required unless otherwise stated. 
  • Re-Growth, A Celebration of Art, Riverside Park, and the New York Spirit is a free, park-wide art exhibition with site-specific installations spanning several miles alongside the Hudson River. Learn more here and here.
On-Line Cultural Programs
  • New York Music Month Extended Play is New York City’s official celebration of its music scene, offering free classes, workshops, performances, and talks to support artists, industry, and fans during the pandemic. Runs through June, 2021. Learn more here.
  • Free musical concerts and performances from the Kaufman Music Center's Merkin Hall. Learn more here.
  • Watch "The Line," a play crafted from firsthand interviews with NYC medical first responders during the pandemic. It reveals the lived experiences of frontline workers and their battle to save lives in a medical system "built to serve the bottom line." First performed live on-line last July, this drama is available to watch now via The Public’s Play Now platform through June 21st, 2021. Learn about other on-line programs from the Public Theater 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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