Dear Neighbor,

I hope this messages finds you well.

I am writing to inform you that my office in partnership with the West Side Campaign Against Hunger will provide a day of appointments dedicated to helping families sign up, recertify, and learn more about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program New York (SNAP) from 9 AM - 5 PM tomorrow, December 15th.

To make an appointment or if you want to learn more about SNAP please call my office at 718-792-1140.

In Community,

Council Member Amanda Farías

Hosting a Holiday Toy Drive for Council District 18 families!

Make sure to drop off new and unwrapped gifts Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM at 778 Castle Hill Avenue until Wednesday, December 21st!

The Metro-North is coming to Parkchester!

Learn about the plan to bring new Metro-North stations to the East Bronx. The plan includes new stations, jobs, and housing coming to Morris Park and Parkchester/Van Nest. Visit the Bronx Metro-North webpage to see a summary of past planning work.

There are two upcoming virtual info-sessions that I strongly recommend you attend to voice your feedback.

• December 15th at 1 PM - 2:30 PM

Soundview Park Townhomes is now accepting applications for 72 newly constructed affordable cooperative homeownership units!

There are several informational sessions upcoming that you can attend to learn more:

• For NYCHA Residents: December 15th 5;30 - 7:30 PM, register here
• For non-NYCHA Residents: December 21st 6 - 8 PM, register here
• For NYCHA Residents: January 5th, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, register here

Small Businesses:

• Free Webinar on Small Business Financing and Tax Planning- Register Here
• Free Webinar on Funding Your Small Business - Register Here

Employment Opportunities:

• The NYC Sanitation Department is now hiring emergency snow laborers for the winter season. Register for an application appointment at https://nyc.gov/snow.
• Local Hire New York- is an app that brings together community-based industry partners that have recognized the value of supporting construction/technical career paths. Learn more here: https://www.localhirenewyork.com/login 

How to file a complaint with my office:

Check my website at council.nyc.gov/district-18/ and click the “Get Assistance” button to fill out the form. 

MTA Cameras Have Been Added to Enforce and Lessen Bus Lane Obstructions:

The MTA recently added several cameras along bus routes and on buses to report obstructions in real time. Bus lane regulations have been heightened at the Q44 SBS lanes and violations will be issued beginning December 2nd to help keep our buses as efficient as possible. For more information, check out the resources section on our website. 

Practice Fire Safety in Your Home :

According to the FDNY two-thirds of all electrical fires begin in plugs or cords of large appliances. These are a few reminders from the fire department for all of us to practice: 

• Never use an extension cord with large appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, clothes dryers or space heaters. 
• Unplug appliances such as toaster ovens, hair dryers, flat irons and coffee pots when not in use.
• Get a free smoke detector installed in your home by calling NY Red Cross at 877-733-2767 and press 5 from the menu options.

Important Dates to Remember:

• Last Day to Apply for Property Tax Rebate: March 15, 2023
• Last Day to Apply for Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): March 15, 2023
• Tax Season ends April 18, 2023
• Contact Ariva at 718-292-2983 for help with your taxes
• Last Day to Register to Vote for the Primary: June 1, 2023
• Next Primary Election: June 27, 2023