What's happening in our community

Community Board #13 Newsletter

Vote 2020 in person

Due to COVID-19, in-person services may have limited availability. Contact your local election office to confirm. See CDC guidance on safe in-person voting.

Vote on Election Day

Voters registered in New York can look up where to vote on New York's site.

Vote early

New York voters can also vote before Election Day. The early voting period runs from Saturday, October 24, 2020 to Sunday, November 1, 2020, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live.

What to bring

If you've voted in New York before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide a copy of your ID with your registration, you may need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include: a current and valid photo ID; or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote an affidavit ballot.

Open Storefronts

Overview

The Open Storefronts program assists existing ground-floor storefront businesses who want to use outdoor areas on a temporary basis. The program allows eligible businesses to conduct activity on sidewalks, on roadways in the Open Streets: Restaurants program, or a combination of both. In addition to businesses engaged in retail trade, repair stores, personal care services, and dry-cleaning and laundry services are able to use outdoor space for seating, queuing, or display of dry goods. For a list of eligible retail activities, please visit Open Storefronts FAQ 2.

The Open Storefronts program is available October 30 to December 31, 2020.

Open Storefronts Siting Requirements

Siting Criteria for Sidewalks

Objects placed on sidewalk must be up against the wall of the business or as close as possible
Sidewalk objects and activities may not exceed business frontage
Must leave an 8' clear path for pedestrians. Eligible businesses who can currently display merchandise as-of-right or with a stoopline stand license can continue to do so under existing regulations and do not need to certify under Open Storefronts for the existing eligible merchandise
Must conduct eligible activities and place outdoor objects no more than 5’ from the property line (i.e. from external facing wall of the business)
Outdoor objects must be at least 3' from the adjacent restaurants, or 1’ away from other businesses participating in the Open Storefronts program
Outdoor objects and goods cannot block subway grates, fire hydrants, utility hardware, Siamese water connection, bus stop waiting areas, subway entrances, and fire exits. Vault entrances not exclusively accessible by the business can only be blocked in coordination with other tenants. Objects cannot block doors, including entry and exit doors to other spaces, and cannot block driveways or garage entrances unless they are used exclusively by the business participating in the Open Storefronts program
For clear path purposes, parking meters, traffic signs and tree pits with flush gratings (without tree guards) are exempt. All other above-grade structures are considered obstructions
Merchandise placed outside cannot exceed 5' in height above the level of the sidewalk
Collapsible tents and umbrellas with weighted base must have at least two (2) sides open and must be installed per manufacturer’s instructions. A single area or area of combined / tied together tents and umbrellas should not exceed 400 square feet in size
Tents and umbrellas should not be used during inclement weather such as high wind condition. Sign up for DOB’s Weather Advisory Subscription.
Outdoor objects and goods, including tents and umbrellas, must be provided by applicant and must be removed from the sidewalk when a business is closed, excluding stoopline stands (in line with current regulation). Permanent structures cannot be built or placed on the sidewalk
Hours of operation will be normal business hours

Siting Criteria for Eligible Businesses on Open Streets: Restaurants Corridors

Applicant must provide emergency lane of 15’. Where this is not possible on a given roadway, organizations must get approval from NYC DOT and FDNY to ensure emergency access at all times
Eligible businesses may conduct eligible activities on roadway up to the 15’ emergency lane for the duration of the temporary street closure
Bike lanes may be included in the 15’ designated emergency lane
Roadway objects must be sited at least 15’ from a hydrant and 8’ from a crosswalk
Roadway objects may not be placed beyond width of business frontage
Individual businesses must delineate their footprint with some type of barrier element, although these must be removed at the end of each day
Outdoor objects and goods must be provided by applicant and must be removed from the expanded zone at the end of each day
Merchandise placed outside cannot exceed 5' in height above the level of the sidewalk
Hours of operation will be normal business hours unless they exceed Open Streets: Restaurants limitations, in which case those limitations will apply
Collapsible tents and umbrellas with weighted base must have at least 2 sides open and must be installed per manufacturer’s instructions. A single area or area of combined / tied together tents or umbrellas should not exceed 400 square feet in size
Tents and umbrellas should not be used during inclement weather such as high wind condition. Sign up for DOB’s Weather Advisory Subscription.
Other than barriers, permanent structures cannot be built or placed on the roadway

Apply Online

NYC is allowing businesses to self-certify that they meet program requirements.

Submitting an application is an acknowledgement that the establishment understands and agrees to all applicable terms and conditions and all applicable laws and guidance. If an establishment is not compliant, the City may revoke or suspend its authorization at any time during the program period.

NYC DOT may immediately revise, terminate or suspend, for a period of time and without prior notice, the outdoor area usage based on valid complaints, lack of ADA access, need for repairs, or for any other reason.

>>Open Storefronts Information & Application

*Groups of three (3) or more businesses on at least one single block, may join together to apply. Please visit Open Streets: Restaurants for more information and the group application.

For help completing the application or for translation assistance, please call the SBS Hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).

Next Steps

Businesses that self-certified will receive an email from the City authorizing outdoor retail on the City’s sidewalk and/or roadway in front of the establishment, in accordance with all applicable terms and conditions, laws and guidance. Businesses should print and prominently display their Open Storefronts email confirmation.

Resources

Contact

For help completing the application please call the SBS Hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692). NYC launched this small business hotline to answer the most pressing questions of small business owners as they prepare to re-open. Small Business Advocates and Compliance Advisors will monitor the hotline and have been equipped with the latest guidelines and regulations to share with business owners.

NYC will rely on each establishment's compliance with all of these terms and conditions and all applicable guidance. If you want to report an issue, concern or violation about an Open Storefronts, please contact NYC311.

If you have questions or concerns about the Open Storefronts program, please contact NYC DOT online.

Department of Sanitation

New York State Plastic Bag Ban Will Start Up Again!

Starting October 19, 2020 enforcement of the New York State Plastic Bag Ban and Paper Bag Fee will begin. Stores will be penalized for distributing single use plastic bags and must collect a 5-cent fee on paper bags. Please help us notify your constituents to use a reusable bag, wash it often and keep our environment clean. Visit nyc.gov/bags for more info or share our posts on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

If you would like a shipment of reusable bags for distribution, please complete the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/DSNYBagDelivery. Delivery may take a few weeks.

Dear Community Partner:

As you are aware, the City is currently responding to the novel coronavirus, and we want to make sure that you are provided with the most up-to-date information.

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection:

Get DCWP Alerts and Information During COVID-19 Crisis: For the latest information to all of our COVID-19 resources listed below and in additional languages, please visit: nyc.gov/DCWPAlerts

NYC is in Phase 4 of Reopening. Learn more about important guidelines and resources available to workers under Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4: www.nyc.gov/workers

As of September 30, 2020, indoor dining can reopen in NYC with strict rules. For more information on guidelines for indoor dining and additional industries, visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/workers/NYC-Business-Reopening-AdditionalIndustries-WhatWorkersNeedToKnow.pdf

Worker Protection Hotline: Call 311 and say “Worker Protection Hotline” if you have questions about reopening, health, and safety guidelines for the workplace, or to report an employer that is not following reopening requirements.

Price Gouging: Please be advised that effective June 26, 2020, DCWP has issued a permanent rule that makes price gouging illegal for any products or services essential to health, safety, and welfare during a declared state of emergency. Learn more: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/media/Face-Masks-in-Short-Supply-Due-to-COVID-19.page

COVID-19 Scams and Safety Tips: Important Information that describes common COVID-19-related scams and tips to stay safe. https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/consumers/COVID-19-Scams-and-Safety-Tips-English.pdf

Workplace Guidance: NYC Workplace laws are still in effect. Learn more about employee rights and employer responsibilities here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/workers/Complying-with-NYC-Workplace-Laws-During-COVID-19.pdf

NYC Free Tax Prep: The tax filing deadline was July 15, 2020. However, you can still file your 2019 tax return for free at an NYC Free Tax Prep Site or online through October 15, if you meet income requirements. We urge eligible New Yorkers to use NYC Free Tax Prep services including, In-person Tax Prep, Drop-off Service, Virtual Tax Prep, and Assisted Self-Prep to file taxes for FREE.

New Yorkers who earned $64,000 or less in 2019 are eligible for In-Person and Virtual Free Tax Preparation with a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) certified preparer.
New Yorkers who earned $69,000 or less in 2019 are eligible for free Assisted Self-Preparation.

Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone and a stable internet connection for virtual free tax prep services. Learn more: www.nyc.gov/taxprep

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers: For the health and safety of our providers and clients, all Financial Counseling sessions will be conducted over the phone. Our counselors can help New Yorkers manage their bills amidst the coronavirus crisis, understand student loans, and more. Book an appointment at www.nyc.gov/talkmoney

Have a Student Loan?: Important information about payments and resources can be found at www.nyc.gov/studentloans

Expecting an Economic Impact Payment from the IRS? You must act by October 15, 2020 to get your Economic Impact Payment (stimulus payment) this year. Download Economic Impact Payments Poster here (available in 11 languages) https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/economic-impact-payments.page

Debt Collection: DCWP has created a joint letter template that you can fill out and mail (required by federal law) so debt collectors can’t contact you until the State of Emergency in New York City has ended. More information found at https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/consumers/DCA-Template-Cease-Debt-Collection-Communication-Letter-for-Consumers.pdf

Questions about Funeral Planning During COVID-19? : Important Information for New Yorkers who have lost loved ones can be found here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/consumers/Funeral-Planning-During-COVID-19-English.pdf

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:

Recent Guidelines and Tools: All the latest guidance from face masks to how to properly document your eligibility for NYS Emergency Paid Sick Leave can be found here: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-main.page

NYC Human Resources Administration:

Cash Assistance: You may be eligible for an emergency cash grant if it will meet certain special needs. For more information call HRA’s Infoline at 718-557-1399 or please visit: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/

Funeral and Burial Guidance and Assistance: HRA will provide financial assistance to individuals in need of assistance to meet qualifying funeral expenses. For more information e-mail burialservices@hra.nyc.gov

Food Resources:

The City has created the GetFoodNYC food delivery program to provide food for coronavirus (COVID-19)-vulnerable and food-insecure New Yorkers not currently served through existing food delivery programs. Find out more information here.

COVID-19 Testing:

The City is continuing to expand capacity for COVID-19 testing. For more information, please visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page

Taxi and Limousine Commission:

TLC Food Delivery Program : TLC drivers can sign-up to deliver meals to elderly and high-risk people around the City. As of, Sunday, April 26, drivers will receive $53 per route, on all routes citywide, including $40 per route in base pay and $13 per route to cover gas and mileage. TLC drivers can also use non-TLC vehicles. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/drivers/tlc-driver-food-delivery.page

TLC licensees can take advantage of the Driver Resource Center, which provides financial counseling and legal services and other useful free City resources such as health care insurance, mental health resources and more. https://portal.driverresourcecenter.tlc.nyc.gov/

New York State requires all TLC drivers and passengers to wear face coverings while riding together. You can use a homemade mask, bandana, or a scarf to cover your mouth and nose.

Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs:

Public Charge: In New York City, healthcare is a human right. Use of health services related to COVID-19 will not be considered under the public charge rule and will not impact your ability to apply for a green card or citizenship. For more information visit: nyc.gov/publiccharge

Resources for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19:

Many city services are available to all New Yorkers no matter what your immigration status is and regardless of your ability to pay. View the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ (MOIA) resource guide for immigrant communities at nyc.gov/immigrants/coronavirus. Downloadable PDF translations of this resource guide are available online in multiple languages.

NYC Commission on Human Rights:

NYC Human Rights Law: Harassment and discrimination based on race, national origin, age, and disability (including having COVID-19 or another serious illness) is illegal. If you have faced harassment or discrimination in housing, at work, or in any public place, contact the Commission by filling out our online form or by calling 311 and asking for "human rights." Please visit: www.nyc.gov/cchr

NYC Department of Education:

The NYC DOE Regional Enrichment Centers (RECs) are now closed. Beginning September 21, the DOE will be offering childcare to eligible families through their Learning Bridges program—learn more here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/learning-bridges

NYC Care: NYC Care is a health care access program for people who are not eligible for or cannot afford health insurance. It is now available in every borough.

To learn more, visit nyccare.nyc

Department of Sanitation

Now Hiring: Emergency Snow Laborers for Winter Season

Snow Laborers Crucial in Clearing Snow and Ice After Big Winter Storms;

New for this Season: Advance Online Registration Required

The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced that registration is now open for those interested in working as Emergency Snow Laborers for the upcoming winter season. Emergency Snow Laborers are per-diem workers who shovel snow and clear ice from bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants and step streets around the five boroughs after heavy snowfalls. Snow Laborers earn $15 per hour to start, and $22.50 per hour after 40 hours are worked in a week.

To better allow for social distancing and COVID-related protocols, those interested in becoming a Snow Laborer must register for a 15-minute application appointment at nyc.gov/snow. Registration appointments take place at the Department’s 59 garages.

Snow laborers must be at least 18 years of age, be eligible to work in the United States, and capable of performing heavy physical labor. All applicants must bring the following items at the time of registration:

Two small photos (1 ½ square)
Original and copy of two forms of identification
Social Security card

To comply with COVID-related safety protocols, potential Snow Laborers should wear a mask or face covering while at the registration appointment. Applicants should not attend the appointment if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, if they recently traveled to a state with high rates of COVID-19 transmission, or if they recently had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

“When the City gets a big winter storm, our Snow Laborers are vital in helping the City get back up and running,” said Acting Commissioner Edward Grayson. “While our Sanitation Workers operate the salt spreaders and snow plows, the Snow Laborers concentrate their efforts on pedestrian areas such as bus stops, crosswalks and step streets. Clearing these pedestrian areas is important, and the work of Snow Laborers is one crucial way of getting that work done.”

While Snow Laborers work on some pedestrian areas, property owners are still responsible for keeping sidewalks abutting their clear and accessible. More information at nyc.gov/snow.

About the New York City Department of Sanitation

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) keeps New York City healthy, safe and clean by collecting, recycling and disposing of waste, cleaning streets and vacant lots, and clearing snow and ice. The Department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms and 705 salt/sand spreaders. The Department clears litter, snow and ice from approximately 6,500 miles of City streets and removes debris from vacant lots as well as abandoned vehicles from City streets.