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Dear Neighbors,

We have much to report on critical community issues from housing/evictions to public school reopening to unemployment benefits. Please read on to find the information that is important to you.

Last week at City Hall, the City Council unanimously passed three of my bills that we’ve been working on over the past year or so. Each one addresses a specific concern raised by the community. Through these bills, we are:

Strengthening and expanding New York's 2019 landmark climate bill, Local Law 97.
Environmental advocates have done a remarkable job in getting the City to require that privately owned buildings slash their greenhouse gas emissions. Local Law 97 mandates an 80 percent reduction by 2050 for emissions produced by the city’s largest buildings, and my legislation makes the law even stronger by holding the City of NY and public housing properties to the same rigorous standards. Buildings account for approximately two-thirds of New York City's current greenhouse gas emissions -- government must do its part in slashing emissions.

Mandating free, comprehensive, and ongoing doula services on Rikers Island
We were shocked to learn that as recently as 2018, a woman held at Rikers was forced to wear shackles while in labor. This is unacceptable, and community organizations like Ancient Song Doula Services have volunteered at Rikers to assist incarcerated people with pregnancy and birth, and a wide range of other family related issues. My bill requires that the services of two doulas be provided to people being held in Rikers' Rose M. Singer Center twice per week.  Several hundred people --both those who are incarcerated and their families-- could benefit annually from access to these government funded services. Watch our April 27th hearing about this legislation.

Ensuring that reports of sexual harassment, abuse and/or assault involving City-funded social service providers are handled with a "survivor-centric" approach.
After clients and employees of the City-funded Bronx Parent Housing Network reported multiple instances of sexual harassment and assault by the organization's director, the City’s response only made their trauma worse. Survivors were run around in circles, with no clear way to obtain assistance and intervention. My bill ensures that the City responds to complaints involving contracted providers with a trauma informed and survivor-centric approach, and that incidents are tracked far more carefully. Watch our April 30th hearing about this legislation.
 
 
National and NYS Eviction Protections – Legal Update
On August 26th, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal CDC exceeded its legal authority in ordering a nationwide moratorium on evictions. This followed the Supreme Court’s August 12th decision that a portion of the NYS COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Protection Act (CEEFPA) was unlawful.
 
The Supreme Court’s decision means that submitting a NYS hardship declaration or a declaration under the CDC order has no legal effect. Eviction cases in which a tenant submitted a Hardship Declaration or a CDC declaration form can now be scheduled for appearance in Housing Court. 
 
Despite the Supreme Court’s rulings, many eviction protections for NYC tenants remain in effect. The State Legislature is also about to go into an emergency session and certain protections may be put in place -- we will keep you posted on further developments. Scroll down to "Important News for Tenants" to learn more.
 

Vaccine Mandate for All NYC Department of Education Staff
Monday, September 13 is the first day of school for New York City students. All Dept of Education employees are required to have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine by Sept. 27, without an option for weekly testing.

The DOE recently created a COVID-19 Vaccination Portal for all staff to log their vaccination status. Staff can upload proof of vaccination into the portal, which can be an image of a vaccination card, NYS Excelsior Pass, or other government record. Learn more about school reopening here.
 

Hurricane Season is Here: Sign Up for Notify NYC
Notify NYC, part of NYC Emergency Management, is the official information source regarding emergency events and important City services. Sign up to receive free emergency alerts and updates by visiting NYC.gov/notifynyc, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device. Notify NYC messages are available in multiple languages, audio format, and American Sign Language (ASL) video format.
 
 
Congestion Pricing Public Input Sessions
The MTA and the NYS and NYC Departments of Transportation will hold 13 virtual public meetings in September and October regarding congestion pricing, also known as the proposed Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP). The meetings will allow the public in a 28-county region in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey to learn more about the initiative and offer comments.

Visit new.mta.info/project/CBDTP to learn more about congestion pricing, the public meetings, and how to submit comments. Public input is part of a 16-month Environmental Assessment required by the Federal Highway Administration. The public meeting which focuses on Manhattan, 61st Street and above, is on October 6th, from 6-8pm. (Three of the 13 public meetings are specifically for Environmental Justice communities in the New York, Connecticut and New Jersey Study Area.)

The CBDTP was authorized by the State in April 2019 and modeled on urban congestion pricing programs around the world to reduce traffic congestion and raise needed revenue to improve public transportation. Other cities with similar programs have also experienced improved air quality. If approved, the CBDTP would be the first such program in the U.S. 
 
 
Environmental Justice for All New Yorkers: Feedback Required by Sept 5th
Decades of systemic inequality have left low income communities and communities of color to shoulder the brunt of negative environmental outcomes across the U.S. Through development of its Environmental Justice for All Report, the Mayor's Office is seeking to incorporate environmental justice into the fabric of City decision-making, identify initiatives to promote EJ, and provide recommendations for City agencies to adequately assess and address EJ concerns.  

The City has released a draft scope of study for the report -- including issues to be studied and a proposed analytical approach. A citywide public engagement period is open until September 5th to ensure that the issues included in the scope are truly reflective of the priorities and concerns of frontline EJ communities. Click here to learn more about the draft scope and how to comment. Please share the draft scope with anyone you think might be interested!
 

Workshops from the Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY
Join CIDNY for these upcoming online events and workshops.

Accessibility Initiatives within the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC)
Wednesday, September 8, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Click here to learn more and register.

The Disability and Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Programs (DRIE & SCRIE)
Thursday, September 9, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Click here to learn more and register.

The Right to Counsel (RTC): Fighting Eviction in New York City
Thursday, September 23, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Click here to learn more and register.

RSVP Information
Meeting links will be emailed the day before the event. If you are unable to register using the links above, please send your email address and phone number to Angela Bruen at [email protected], or call (347) 241-2150 at least two days before the day of the event(s).

For accommodations like large print, American Sign Language (ASL), or materials in other languages, please contact CIDNY at least two weeks before the date of the event(s).
 

Resources for Residential Property Owners
COVID-19 has been a challenging time for owners as well as tenants. Click here to read the City's summary of resources which can assist property owners in securing rent payments, loans, foreclosure protections, and individualized assistance.

Keeping Buildings Free of Rats & Other Pests
Rats pose an ongoing threat to public health. Click here to view City rat inspection results and follow-up actions on an interactive map, and to learn about resources for property owners. The NYC Dept of Health has prepared these helpful materials for residents, and building owners and managers.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on August 21st to receive a free bike helmet and cycling safety tips! Special thanks to the NYC Dept of Transportation for making the event such a success. It was wonderful to see so many Upper West Siders in person.
Have You Been Vaccinated?
 
1.) A mobile vaccination unit will be at NYCHA's Douglass Addition (868 Amsterdam Ave and 102nd Street) this week. The Pfizer vaccine will be offered Wednesday (9/1) through Friday (9/3). Third doses for those who are immunocompromised will also be available. 

2.) The federal Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people age 16 and older.
The Pfizer vaccine continues to be authorized for emergency use for young people ages 12 to 15. There has been no change to the emergency use authorization for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, which continue to be available for people age 18 and older.

Helpful information about vaccines is available here, including information for people who were vaccinated recently.

3.) Have you lost your COVID-19 vaccination card?
If you are fully vaccinated and need verification of your vaccine status, you can request a record of your COVID-19 vaccination online, or via fax or mail. Click here to learn more!

New Yorkers can meet vaccine and/or testing requirements by carrying their paper vaccination card with them or scanning and storing it in one of two authorized mobile apps - Excelsior Pass Wallet and NYC Covid Safe. Learn more here.

4.) "Key to NYC" Vaccination Mandate
As ordered by the City, indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment establishments now require proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. To enter one of these establishments, you'll need to show your paper CDC card, Excelsior Pass, NYC COVID Safe App, or any other vaccine record.
  • Applies to NYers 12 and older -- customers, workers, patrons -- with reasonable accommodations for health, disability, and religion.
  • Enforcement of the order begins September 13th. Learn more at nyc.gov/keytonyc or by calling 311.
  • Businesses with questions should call: 1-888-SBS-4NYC or visit nycsmallbizcourses.eventbrite.com and search for “Key to NYC Guidelines and Resources to Help Your Business."
5.) Third Vaccine Dose for Immunocompromised New Yorkers
Public health authorities are recommending that some immunocompromised persons receive three doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, rather than the standard two-dose regimen. The recommendation applies to people 12 and older who have a condition or are taking medications or treatments that moderately or severely weaken their immune system, and received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Learn more here.

Before receiving a third dose, please consult with your doctor. NYers getting a third dose will be asked to attest to their qualifying medical condition. No other documentation will be required. Additional vaccine doses are not recommended for any other group at this time.
  • 3rd doses are available at all City-run vaccination sites.
  • Homebound immunocompromised persons who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine can request an in-home booster shot by calling 877-VAX4NYC or visiting nyc.gov/homevaccine.
  • The NYC Dept of Health is still awaiting guidance on whether another dose will be recommended for the Johnson +Johnson vaccine.
6.) 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.

7.) 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.

8.) In-home COVID-19 testing is now available to all immunocompromised New Yorkers and those ages 65 and older. Appointments are available seven days per week, from 9am to 7pm. Please call 929-298-9400 to schedule.
  • The City will provide a molecular PCR test administered by a trained clinician at no cost.
  • Once a test is requested, it will be performed the next day or the day following, depending on when the patient is available.
  • Results will be returned within two days by text, e-mail or phone.
9.) Vaccination Incentives 
For New Yorkers
New Yorkers receiving their first vaccine dose at a City-run vaccine location are now eligible for incentives, including a $100 pre-paid debit card. Click here to learn more.

New Yorkers 18 and older can also win exclusive prizes. Once your first vaccine dose is complete, you will receive an email with instructions on how to select your money or incentive and enter the contest.
 
For Community Organizations
The City is offering $100 to community and faith-based organizations for each person they refer for a first vaccine dose at a City-run vaccination 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. Organizations can earn up to $20,000 each. Interested organizations should sign up at nyc.gov/vaccinereferralbonus. 

10.) Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include: 
 
Important News for Tenants
 
National and NYS Eviction Protections – Legal Update
The Supreme Court’s recent decisions mean that eviction cases in which a tenant submitted a NYS Hardship Declaration or a CDC declaration form can now be scheduled for appearance in Housing Court. 
 
Despite the Supreme Court’s rulings, many eviction protections for NYC tenants remain in effect. 

1.) A tenant cannot be legally evicted without having a court proceeding (including a scheduled court conference) and only after an order by a judge of the Housing Court.

2.) Tenants whose eviction cases are scheduled for appearance in Housing Court have access to free legal services, regardless of ZIP code, under NYC’s right-to-counsel law. Tenants can access free legal services by calling 311 and asking for the Tenant Helpline or by calling Housing Court Answers at (718) 557-1379, or they can receive access to free legal services at their first scheduled court appearance.

3.) Tenants who file an application for rent assistance with the NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will have their eviction case stayed (paused) until their application is reviewed and decided by NYS. Additional protections in eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent will apply to tenants whose applications are approved, and landlords who accept ERAP payments are also restricted from evicting for an expired lease or holdover for a year after the first ERAP payment. Information on how to apply for ERAP is below.
 
4.) Tenants who can prove that they had financial hardship during the State COVID-19 emergency period (March 7, 2020 to June 24, 2021) may have a defense in court to eviction for non-payment of rent owed during that period, under the NYS Tenant Safe Harbor Act.
 
5.) Following the Supreme Court’s ruling on NYS law, the NYS Office of Court Administration (OCA) has issued two statewide administrative orders governing residential eviction proceedings -- 1.) requiring landlords with pending eviction cases to inform the court about the status of emergency rental assistance applications for their tenants, and 2.) clarifying when and how the Housing Court can schedule eviction cases for conference in light of the Supreme Court’s decision.
 
For more information on how to access free legal services for tenants in NYC, call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline, or visit the NYC Human Resources Administration’s Office of Civil Justice online at www.nyc.gov/civiljustice.

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 August Housing Clinic with updates 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.
  • Either a landlord or tenant may initiate an ERAP application. All applications require documentation from both the landlord and tenant to be deemed complete and to be reviewed for payment of arrears and other expenses. When a landlord files an ERAP application, tenants are required to provide requisite information to complete the application.
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; or the TTY phone number, 833-843-8829, for the hearing impaired.). 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.
ERAP Updates
  • NYS requires that all residents must have applied for and received a State determination on ERAP before rental arrears can be paid via a City of NY "One-Shot-Deal" or CityFHEPS. 
  • Note for HRA cash assistance, SNAP or HEAP recipients: ERAP payments are not countable as income or as a resource for eligibility or for budgeting purposes. For recipients who are granted ERAP benefits for prospective (future) rent, these payments will cover the difference between the Cash Assistance Shelter Allowance grant and the monthly shelter cost.
NYCHA residents should click here if they are having difficulty paying their rent due to the pandemic.

Read about other resources for tenants here.

NYS Unemployment Benefits: Important Update

 
The following information comes from the City of NY:

On September 5, 2021, several Federal unemployment benefit programs will be expiring across the country, in accordance with federal law. The programs that will be expiring are:
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
  • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
  • Extended Benefits (EB)
  • $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
“Regular” Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits from the NYS Department of Labor (DOL) will continue to be paid to eligible claimants. To be considered eligible for UI after September 5, 2021, a claimant would need to be unemployed AND be in the first 26 weeks (or 104 effective days) of benefits. Claimants can find their effective days remaining for UI benefits in their online Payment History.

NOTE: UI benefits after September 5, 2021 will no longer include the additional FPUC $300.

Claimants will be contacted by the NYS DOL through emails and text messages to inform them of which program they are currently in and whether they will be eligible to continue receiving benefits after the federal benefit expiration date.

The U.S. Department of Labor has asked States to accept new PUA claims for a period of 30-days after September 5, 2021. The NYS DOL will accept those claims, evaluate for eligibility, and backdate where appropriate, as required by the U.S. DOL.

Important Resources for Our Community

 
Job Opportunities with Junior Knicks X NYCHA Basketball League 
NYCHA is hiring Borough Coordinators, Site Supervisors, and Youth Assistants for the Jr. Knicks X NYCHA “Stop-the-Violence” Basketball League. Please see the jobs and their descriptions below: 
  • Borough Coordinator/Community Coordinator – 4 Full-Time Positions. Borough Coordinators will be responsible for providing borough-wide oversight for the “Stop the Violence” Basketball League at a cluster of select NYCHA developments (Pay rate: $32/hour)
  • Site Supervisor/Community Associate – 24 Part-Time Positions. Site Supervisors will be responsible for providing site-level oversight during games for the “Stop the Violence” Basketball League at an assigned NYCHA development, including supervision of Youth Assistants. (Pay rate: $28/hour)
  • Youth Assistant/Community Service Aide – 48 Part-Time Positions. Youth Assistants will be responsible for providing hands-on site support during games for the “Stop the Violence” Basketball League at an assigned NYCHA development. (Pay rate: $20/hour)
If interested, please send resumes to: [email protected]. Any questions should be directed to NYCHA’s Resident Engagement Department at (212) 306-8436.
 

Services & Support for 9/11 Survivors and First Responders
Are you a survivor of the September 11th, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center? Or were you a first responder at the scene? Services and support are available for you via the World Trade Center Health Program, which is administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Learn about services for September 11th survivors here, and for first responders here.

In 2010, Congress passed legislation authorizing the WTC Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Both programs have their own distinct mission, eligibility criteria, and enrollment process. Learn more about the Victim Compensation Fund and the WTC Health Program here.
 

Sign-Up for Curbside Composting! 
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 are now being accepted! Click here to sign up and learn more.
  • 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!
 
New Resource for Teaching Artists in City Schools
A consortium of local arts organizations has created the GIVE project (Growing Inclusivity for Vibrant Engagement), which provides free tools and resources for teaching artists who work in Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classrooms and other inclusive learning environments. Students with and without disabilities are educated together in ICT classrooms, which offer a uniquely supported and integrated learning experience.

Teaching artists from cultural organizations across the city go into thousands of classrooms every year, including ICT classrooms. Few, if any, TAs receive training on how to best engage all students in ICT classrooms. GIVE provides comprehensive resources available at no cost to all teaching artists, educators and school administrators on an easy-to-navigate website.
 

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. 

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:  
 
1.) 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.

2.) Older adults may be eligible for assistance with their Medicare costs. Together with the Medicare Rights Center, our office hosted a special webinar in July regarding available assistance. We also reviewed COVID-19 Medicare coverage, Medicaid "Spend Down," and other important topics.

Community Events


 

 

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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