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Dear Neighbors,
 
Please read below for community news and a wide range of helpful resources. 

Electoral Redistricting: July 26th Public Meeting
The Independent Redistricting Commission is a ten-member body created by New York State voters to redraw Congressional and State Legislature lines fairly and equitably. Public participation in drawing these districts is critical to ensuring that communities have the strongest voice possible. 

The IRC will hold a virtual public meeting on Monday, July 26th at 2pm to seek comments from residents of Manhattan and the Bronx. These public meetings are the first and best opportunity for New Yorkers to give public comment before the IRC begins drawing the first round of district maps after the Census Bureau releases its data on August 16, 2021. Final district maps will eventually be voted on and certified by the IRC and presented to the State Legislature. Learn more and stay updated about the process at www.nyirc.gov.

The IRC is seeking input from residents now regarding how they feel about the current lines outlining their district; and what they would like the IRC to know about their community. For more information about the July 26th meeting, including how to obtain an accessibility accommodation, click here. Register to watch and/or submit testimony here.
 

Stay Informed About Air Quality
As you know, air quality in our area has been dangerously impacted this week by wildfires in the western U.S. The NYS Depts of Environmental Conservation and Health issue Air Quality Health Advisories for the NYC metro area every time public health is believed to be at risk. Click here to see the latest advisories.
 
 
Child Tax Credit
A reminder to families that the IRS has begun monthly distributions of up to $300 per child as part of the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) created by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Families can receive half of the fully refundable credit—worth up to $3,600 per child (under age 6) or $3,000 per child (ages 6 to 17)—as monthly payments in 2021 and the other half as part of tax refunds in 2022.

These payments could bring in more than $5 billion to NYC and, when combined with other stimulus funds, reduce child poverty by nearly half -- but only if every eligible family participates!

No action is necessary if you filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return or used the IRS "Non-Filer" tool. Otherwise, click here to learn how to claim the CTC and receive the payments quickly and safely.
  • NYC Free Tax Prep can assist anyone who needs to file to in order to receive the CTC.
  • The fastest way to receive the advance payment is by direct deposit to a bank account. New Yorkers can visit one of the City's Financial Empowerment Centers for help setting up a bank account if they don’t have one. 

Medicare Costs Webinar
Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for a special webinar about ways to obtain assistance with your Medicare costs. We also reviewed COVID-19 Medicare coverage, Medicaid "Spend Down," and other important topics.

We are very grateful to the Medicare Rights Center for their thorough presentation. Congress is currently considering strategies to improve health coverage and affordability. The MRC is encouraging older New Yorkers to weigh in now to make sure that Medicare is part of that discussion. Learn more here. 
 

Upstander/Bystander Intervention Training
With the rise of anti-LGBTQ hate violence (up 330%+) across New York City, NYC Anti-Violence Project is hosting a Upstander/Bystander Intervention Training next Tuesday, July 27nd from 6pm-8pm with strategies on de-escalating conflict and violence. This training teaches crucial skills for community members to intervene in violence that they may witness. Community members will learn about a range of de-escalation tactics, strategize how to use them, and practice with relevant scenarios. Register here.
 

311 Service Now Available for the Subway System
Because of upgrades to the 311 system, subway riders and MTA employees now have the ability to request non-law enforcement assistance or services for someone in the subway system who is in need.

By calling 311 or texting  311-NYC, New Yorkers can now specifically request outreach assistance for someone in the subway system who may be experiencing homelessness or a mental health crisis, for example. Click here to learn more. New Yorkers should continue to dial 911 if they see dangerous or illegal activity, or individuals at risk of harming themselves or others.
Upper West Side Community Updates
 
Library Openings: St. Agnes Branch Re-Opens Next Monday!
The New York Public Library has reopened all available branch locations across Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island (except those undergoing improvements or being used by the City).

This includes the Bloomingdale, Riverside and Lincoln Center Performing Arts branches, and the St. Agnes branch will reopen on July 26th. Learn more here, and see hours at each branch. Libraries are offering nearly full service, including general library use and seating, unlimited browsing, laptop and computer access, and more. In-person programs and classes will also resume over the coming months.
 

Local Senior Centers Are Re-Opening
In-person services are steadily resuming at Upper West Side senior centers. We will continue to keep you posted as the centers roll-out their new schedules.
  • JASA Club 76: "Grab and Go" meals will be distributed on Tuesday, July 27th & Thursday, July 29th. This schedule will be repeated until they fully re-open. In addition, "Tai Chi for Arthritis" will be offered onsite on Friday, July 30th at 10am. JASA also hopes to bring back "Creative Writing" on Thursdays at 1pm. (120 W. 76th St. (212) 712-0170)

Planning for Safer & More Accessible Streets
A reminder that the City's Dept of Transportation is developing the first NYC Streets Plan and is asking residents to provide insights on the street safety issues that matter most to them. The NYC Streets Plan was mandated by Local Law 195 (passed by the City Council in 2019). The five-year plan seeks to improve the safety, accessibility, and quality of all city streets. Click here to learn more.

Street safety is one of the most urgent issues affecting our community. Your participation in the planning process is critical to ensuring that DOT understands the specific issues affecting the Upper West Side, and what should be included in the City's plan. You can submit feedback regarding the streets in which you live and frequent via this on-line platform. 
 
 
Summer Grab & Go Meals
Free “Grab & Go” meals are available for all residents this summer. No registration, documentation, or ID is required to receive a free breakfast or lunch.

To learn more and find a pick-up location: click here; text “NYC FOOD” or “NYC COMIDA” to 877-877; or call 311. 

The summer locations in our area are open Monday - Friday, 9am - 1pm.
  • Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts: 100 Amsterdam Ave
  • Anderson School: 100 W. 77th Street
  • Urban Assembly School for Green Careers: 145 W. 84th Street
  • P.S. 75: 735 West End Avenue
  • P.S. 163 Alfred E. Smith: 163 W. 97th Street
  • P.S. 145, The Bloomingdale School: 150 W. 105th Street

Curbside Composting Is Returning! 
This fall the City will resume collecting food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste from residents so that it can be turned into compost or renewable energy. This service is voluntary, and residents must sign up.
  • Sign-ups for curbside composting begin in August.
  • Click here to learn more about curbside composting, and to be notified by email when the sign-up period begins.
  • Encourage your building management or board members to sign-up. The Dept of Sanitation will notify the building representative when service will start in your area.
  • Service will resume on a rolling basis based on the number of sign-ups in your area. This way DSNY can ensure there will be enough material set out for their trucks to pick up. The more sign-ups in our area, the quicker service will start!

Lasker Pool & Rink Updates
The Central Park Conservancy reports that work to redevelop the pool and rink at the Harlem Meer and restore the surrounding landscape and shoreline is getting underway. Demolition of the current Lasker structure is expected to begin in September. The new pool and rink will open for the pool season in 2024, with a focus on greater accessibility and sustainability. Learn more here.

While the new facility is under construction, swimmers can use one of the nearby NYC public pools and the Riverbank State Pool in West Harlem. Central Park’s other skating facility, Wollman Rink, will remain open for ice skating next winter.
 

New Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Con-Ed has activated an electric vehicle charging location at W. 93rd between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. This site has 2 curbside parking spots dedicated to actively charging electric vehicles. New York City and State are working to facilitate usage of electric vehicles as a way to reduce both ground-level air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Click here for more EV charging locations across New York City.
Have You Been Vaccinated?
 
1.) In-home COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to all New Yorkers ages 12 and older. Click here to learn more or phone 877-829-4692.

2.) 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's 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.
 
3.) Vaccination Incentives for Community Organizations
The City is offering a special incentive to community and faith-based organizations to help get New Yorkers vaccinated -- $100 will be awarded to community groups for each referral for each first dose at a City-run site.

New Yorkers who make an appointment ahead of time, or who use a walk-in vaccination site, simply need to identify which community organization referred them. Once they receive their first vaccination dose, the referring organization will be credited $100 after the program ends. Organizations can earn up to $20,000 each. Interested organizations should sign up at nyc.gov/vaccinereferralbonus. 

4.) Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include: 
 
Important News for Tenants
 
NYS Emergency Rental Assistance (ERAP)
Eligible tenants may seek up to 12 months of rental and utility arrears assistance, as well as three prospective months of rent via the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Watch our July Housing Clinic which answered questions about ERAP here.
  • 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.
Application Tips: TakeRoot Justice has prepared a very helpful: 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 answer questions.
  • Catholic Charities Community Services at 888-744-7900
  • University Settlement at 212-453-4500
Extra Tip: tenants should call New York State or an enroller organization as many times as necessary to have all your questions answered.

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].
  • West Side Campaign Against Hunger is answering questions about the ERAP application. Contact them here.
  • The NY Legal Assistance Group is answering questions about the ERAP application. Contact them here.
NYCHA residents should click here if they are having difficulty paying their rent due to the pandemic.

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. 
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.
 

NYC Business Quick Start is an interagency effort led by the NYC Dept of Small Business Services (SBS) to cut red tape and serve businesses better. Participating agencies include the Departments of Buildings, Environmental Protection, and Health and Mental Hygiene, as well as the Fire Department.  Learn more here.  

Assistance includes: 
  • a concierge service where businesses have a sole point of contact to help navigate City regulations 
  • a public dashboard 
  • guaranteed 48-hour response to all small business inquiries 
  • cutting processing time by 50 percent 

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.
 

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.
 

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.

Job Listings: Spread the Word!

 
New York City’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU) is hiring! Through the American Rescue Plan, the City has been allocated a large number of “Emergency Housing Vouchers” to assist individuals who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. PEU is expanding it’s Home Support Unit (HSU) to help these new voucher recipients find and move into homes. Interested candidates should apply ASAP through the links below.  The Parks Department is hiring now. Click on the links below to apply for: GrowNYC is hiring! See a variety of open positions 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. 

Important Resources for Our Community

 
Mental Health Resources for District 6 Residents
Don't suffer alone. Support is available for any New Yorker coping with issues like depression, anxiety, substance misuse, crime victimization, and serious mental illness. Targeted services are being offered to older New Yorkers, veterans, families with young children, students, and people harmed by crime or abuse.
  • NYC Well is 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.

Free Wellness Classes: a wide variety of free, on-line wellness programs are available from Mount Sinai Beth Israel's Karpas Center. Click here to learn more.

July Is National UV Safety Month: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can harm the eyes and affect vision. Cataracts, one of the primary causes of vision loss in older adults, are linked to long-term sun exposure. Click here for tips from the Lighthouse Guild on how to protect your eyes.
 
 
Older adults 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.
 

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
The Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides 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. 

Residents may be eligible if they:
  • receive Medicaid or SNAP
  • participate in free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast programs
  • experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020
  • received a Pell Grant
  • are eligible for an internet service provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program
  • receive affordability benefits from a utility (HEAP, Lifeline, etc.)
LiveOn NY assists older adults with obtaining the benefit. Phone (212) 398-5045 or email [email protected].

Senior Planet helps seniors access technology through online courses, programs & activities. Call Senior Planet’s National Hotline at (920) 666-1959; Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm EDT or click here to learn more.

Community Events

 

 

On August 7th and 14th, Summer Streets will open 6.9 miles of Park Avenue and connecting streets, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, to pedestrians, cyclists and joggers. Enjoy free fitness classes, performances and workshops on car-free streets. Learn more here!

For local and citywide environmental news and events, sign up for newsletters from UWS Recycling, which come out 6 times/year. Read the July/August Eco Letter here!
 
Outdoor Fun
  • 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.
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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