SEPTEMBER 2019 E-NEWS
Dear Neighbor,

Happy Pre-Fall Season.  I hope you had an enjoyable and relaxing summer season.  We return from a busy summer of community events, family days, block parties, school supply giveaways, book bag distributions and fun events engaging with residents and families.  We remain thankful to serve you and look forward to an exciting and busy fall season.  We return to our Community Board meetings, Precinct Council meetings and our District 16 Community Council meetings. 

We send our thoughts and prayers to the people of the Bahamas who were struck by Hurricane Dorian.  We will share at a later date any opportunities to make donations for any relief efforts.

This month’s newsletter will provide a legislative update, Jerome Rezoning update and upcoming events. Please contact our office if you have any questions at 718-588-7500.

Best wishes for a great fall season!



Hon. Vanessa L. Gibson
Council Member, 16th District, Bronx County
Deputy Leader
Chair, Subcommittee on Capital Budget 
On behalf of the 16th Council District, I send my condolences and prayers to the Foster family on the passing of the Hon. Rev. Wendell Foster, a leader, teacher and preacher, the first African American elected to the City Council from the Bronx who served from 1978-2001. I am honored to represent the same district he led in the Council for 23 years. He was a committed and dedicated public servant who gave his all to making a difference during a challenging time in the Bronx. His work paved the way for African American elected officials in the Bronx and I proudly stand upon his shoulders thankful for his service through the years. I send my love and prayers of condolences to his wife of nearly 63 years Helen Foster, his daughters, Diane Foster and Rebekah Foster, his granddaughters, relatives, friends, and the entire Christ Church Family.
City Hall
Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson joined Council Member Ritchie Torres in announcing that seniors who are 62 and older, who are living and NYCHA and facing eviction, can now qualify to receive a free lawyer through Right To Counsel.

Council Member Gibson is proud to co-sponsor the following legislation:
  • Int. 0800A (PA Williams) - A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring city employers to provide earned safe, sick, and personal time to employees.
  • Int.1621-bill would create an advisory committee to examine nuclear disarmament and issues related to recognizing and reaffirming New York city as a nuclear weapons-free zone.
  • Int.1644- bill would prohibit parking a commercial vehicle that is a tractor-trailer combination, tractor, truck trailer or semi-trailer on a residential street at any time.

For a calendar of this months' hearings, please click  HERE .
The New York City Council Women's Caucus has launched their official website! Visit NYCWomensCaucus.org to learn about what the mighty 12 women of the New York City Council are doing to advocate for women, transgenders, and gender non-conforming people across the city.
Jerome Rezoning Update

The  Jerome Avenue Neighborhood plan  was adopted in March 2018.  To track the progress of this rezoning, please view the  Neighborhood Rezoning Commitments Tracker .

To read the progress that has been made 1 year later, click  HERE .
Budget Update
The New York City Council passed the FY20 Budget for the City of New York, equaling $92.8B. This budget includes significant investments in our schools, parks, libraries, reserves, and the 2020 Census. Read the Council's Press Release HERE and our press release with Bronx budget wins HERE .

If you would like to receive updates and important notices regarding the New York City Council Budget Process, including Discretionary Capital and Expense funding, please email Justin Cortes at jcortes@council.nyc.gov.
Participatory Budgeting (PB)

Cycle 9 has officially begun! Join us at an upcoming Neighborhood Assembly!
Community
Council Member Gibson would like to thank all of the community partners, sponsors, and city agencies who participated in our District 16 Family Day t o provide fun, education and healthcare services to residents and families! I would like to thank #TeamGibson for an excellent job well done!
Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson attends:
Highbridge CDC Annual BBQ.
Grand Concourse SDA Temple.
Hip Hop Boulevard Celebration at Roberto Clemente State Park.
46th Anniversary of Hip Hop hosted by DJ Kool Herc.
Highbridge Book Bag Giveaway.
44th Precinct Community Council Meeting.
William Hodson Senior Center White Affair.
Sheridan Academy for Young Leaders Back to School Giveaway and Anti-Bullying campaign
Concourse Village Family Day and shares a $650,000 capital investment for FY20.
HPD in District 16 day to assist with housing related questions.
SBS Workforce Development Office Hours.
Summer Park Jams Concert Finale hosted by Friends of Crotona Park.
161 St. Street Festival hosted by the 161st Street BID.
Highbridge Seniors End of Summer BBQ.
Butler Houses Family Day.
Annual West Indian and Caribbean Day Parade.
Back to School Giveaway hosted by the Rock Greening Association.
VIP Community Services Job Fair.
DFOY and Claremont Village dedication to Junior and his family.
Community Board 3 September meeting.
P.S. 199 Safety Town Hall Meeting
The Mayor's Caribbean heritage Event with Actress Nia Long
Book bag Giveaway at C.S.55
Back to School Giveaway with Patterson Houses native Saquon Barkley.
Youth Spotlight
We would like to thank our Summer Interns for their service to the community of District 16. Kevin Encarnacion is a senior at Highschool of Law and Public Service; Ashlye Vega attends George Washington High School, Miriam Misshu is a senior at Claremont International High School; and Hummu Gado is a senior at University Prep Charter School. We look forward to seeing them excel!

If you would like to intern at the Office of Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, email District16Bronx@council.nyc.gov
Upcoming Events
Services & Resources
PLEASE NOTE ALL MONTHLY MEETINGS ARE SUSPENDED FOR THE SUMMER AND WILL RESUME IN SEPTEMBER.*

Find your local  Community Board (CB)  and attend a monthly CB meeting. Apply to your local Community Board  HERE .

  • CB3: second Tuesday of the month at 6PM. 718-378-8054
  • CB4: fourth Tuesday of every month at 6PM. 718-299-0800
  • CB5: fourth Wednesday of every month at 6PM. 718-364-2030

Find your local  Police Precinct  and attend a monthly Precinct Community Council meeting:

  • 42nd Precinct Community Council: Every fourth Thursday of the month in the 42nd Precinct Sitting Room at 7:00 P.M.
  • 44th Precinct Community Council: Every second Wednesday of the month at different locations at 6:30P.M.
  • 46th Precinct Community Council: Every third Tuesday of the month at 2120 Ryer Avenue, at 7:00 P.M.
  • PSA 7 Community Council: Every second Thursday of the month at 737 Melrose Avenue at 6:30 P.M