John,

New year, same newsletter! We’re so happy to be back after the winter holidays, ready to serve the District 39 community for another year. As always, this newsletter is a group project that relies on your feedback (responding to this email is the best way to send us feedback), so let us know what you like, don’t like, and want to see from us in 2023.

● This summer, we’re going to see some real changes to subway service in the district. Read more about them below!

● This week, I was proud to stand with our City retirees in opposing the privatization of their hard-earned healthcare. Read more below!

● Calling all teens, 14-18, who live or go to school in District 39! Our office is launching a fellowship program for youth who want to volunteer with our office and get an inside look at local government. Applications are due January 16th at midnight - check out more details and apply today to be considered for our spring cohort!

Summer Subway Switches
As many of you already know, the MTA has been slow to recover from the pandemic slump. COVID-19 dramatically changed people’s transportation and work habits, which has resulted in lower-than-expected ridership over the past few years. While in addition to causing financial trouble for the state-run transportation agency, changes in ridership have also led to a long-awaited shift in subway service. While every Council district is being impacted, I wanted to share the changes we know about for our community! Starting in June, we’ll see the following.

● More weekend service on the G, J, and M lines.

○ Increasing between 32-46 round trips on Saturday and Sunday.

● Modified weekday schedules on the A and C lines to accommodate changes in rush hour ridership trends.

○ Service changes will start service earlier in the morning.

● Reduced weekdays on the 1, 6, 7, E, F, L, and Q lines.

○ This will increase wait times on average by 30 seconds.

We’re hearing from the MTA these changes are in response to lower traffic during weekday rush hour but continued high ridership on the weekend. While, on one hand, I am happy to see the MTA adjust service based on ridership, I reject the notion that we need to reduce service on one line to increase another. Our State has the capacity, especially through raising taxes on the wealthy, to ensure we have fast, reliable, and safe public transportation throughout the five boroughs. All we’re missing is the political will! I’m proud to support the Six Minute campaign, a bold and comprehensive vision for our transit system to run trains and buses every six minutes to ensure New York City has a world-class transportation network. I have always believed public transportation is vital to achieving a safe and just city for all of us and I will continue to fight for this vision this year!

If you have feedback on these subway changes, please send them our way! We’re in regular communication with the MTA and pass along the comments of our constituents.

Stand With Our Retirees

This week, I was proud to stand with our City’s retirees in opposing changes to the City's administrative code (specifically admin code 12-126). In a callous “cost-saving” effort, the Mayor is attempting to strip hard-earned healthcare from thousands of our retirees. After months of court cases, arbitration, and back-and-forth between the City and unions, legislation has been introduced in the City Council to allow the City to privatize healthcare for thousands of retired City workers. Moving from the City health plan to Medicare Advantage will increase costs for retirees and lead to worse health outcomes for individuals across the board. As a City employee myself, I cannot in good conscience support legislation that will strip hard-earned benefits from our public employees. I believe healthcare is a human right, from Medicare-For-All to the New York Health Act, and I will only vote to support legislation that moves us in that direction.

At the moment, this legislation has simply been introduced, but there is a hearing scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, January 9th, at 9:30 AM (you can register to testify here or watch on this link). I will keep you updated as this legislation moves and the efforts by those opposed to ensuring our City’s retiree healthcare is protected!

Community Bulletin

● The Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, the Old Stone House, and the Department of Transportation are collecting ideas and feedback from neighbors on the current Open Street and Plaza located on 4th Street and 5th Avenue in Park Slope (between JJ Byrne Playground and MS 51). Please take a moment to complete this short Community Feedback Survey to let them know what you would like to see on 4th Street!

● Beginning at 10 PM through 5 AM the following morning, on Monday 1/9 through Saturday, 1/21, there will be overnight construction and lane closures on the eastbound and westbound Gowanus Expressway (I-278) between Prospect Ave & 65th Street.

● Residents looking for free citizenship screenings can check out CUNY Citizenship Now!’s next FREE in-person event on Saturday, 1/21 at York College, Academic Core Building, Atrium, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

● Let’s talk Christmas Tree-cycling! The Department of Sanitation has started curbside Christmas tree collection. DSNY scouts trees at the curb to make efficient routes and collects trees separately from trash and recycling. Residents choosing to take advantage of curbside collection should remove all stands, tinsel, lights and ornaments before putting trees out for collection. Do NOT wrap trees in plastic. You can also bring their trees to a Mulchfest site! Mulchfest 2023 will run through 1/8. After collection, the Christmas trees will be chipped, mixed with leaves, and recycled into compost for the city’s parks, institutions, and community gardens.

○ Have an artificial tree? Those needing to get rid of mostly plastic and metal artificial Christmas trees should consider selling or donating them. Otherwise, if possible, take apart the tree to recycle the base and trunk (pole) with metal, glass, plastic and cartons. Remove all lights, ornaments and tinsel before placing the artificial tree out for recycling.

● Calling all cross-cultural, New York City based artists, organizers, and educators! Tonight is the deadline to apply for The Bandung Residency, a program that explores and fosters Black-Asian solidarity in New York City.

● It isn’t too late to propose an Open Street that can launch by this summer if an application is submitted by 1/31! Email [email protected] with any questions, concerns, or if you need assistance completing an application.

● Heights & Hills, one of the largest providers of senior services in the 39th District, is hiring a Caregiver Outreach Social Worker. Consider applying if you’re passionate about caretaking, successful aging for older adults, and/or social work.

In Solidarity,

Shahana