A Kingsbridge Armory Visioning Workshop will be held on Nov. 5. See attached flier below for more information.

New York Public Library (Pelham Parkway – Van Nest branch) is hosting an Immigration Information Session on Oct. 29. See attached flier for more information.

NYC Human Resources Administration has announced that from Oct. 17-31, residents can Pay Off Child Support debt twice as fast. See attached flier below for more information.

Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center is open every Saturday and Sunday. See attached flier below for more information.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Domestic Violence Awareness Event

State Sen. Jamaal T. Bailey, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and partners will host a domestic violence awareness event on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Bronx Community Board 12’s office at 4101 White Plains Road in Wakefield. See attached flier below for more details.

 

Social Security Increase 

The U.S. Social Security Administration has announced an 8.7 percent benefit increase for 2023. See attached flier below for more information.

Riders Alliance Bronx Community Meeting 

Riders Alliance is holding a Bronx Community Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. at the New Settlement Community Center, 1501 Jerome Avenue. Riders win better transit by coming together and organizing around shared needs for improved service on buses and subways. Join neighbors and fellow riders at the Bronx Community Meeting and have a seat at the table as Bronxites discuss the issues affecting access to fast, reliable, affordable transit and what can be done about it together.

The Path Higher Education Workshops

“The Path,” a series of virtual live and on-demand events, hosted by NYS Higher Education Services Corp (HESC), are designed to help New York’s students on their path toward a higher education. Students and their families can get advice about accessing and financing a college education from higher education (multilingual) experts by attending these events from the comfort of their homes. Browse upcoming events to join a discussion with HESC. Can’t make the virtual live event? Visit the on-demand events library to view archived events at your leisure. 

Free Mammogram Screenings 

Free mammogram screenings will be organized by The Office of the Bronx Borough President in conjunction with various partners, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at Lou Gehring Plaza. See attached flier below for more information.

 

Diverse Future Surgeon Webinar 

Weill Cornell Medicine Surgery / New York Presbyterian are holding a Diverse Future Surgeon Webinar on Monday, Nov. 14. See attached flier below for more information.

 

 

MJHS Hospice & Palliative Care welcomes the Hon. John Brooks to Vet-to-Vet Café on Nov. 30 to discuss advance care planning and how to access hospice and palliative care. See attached flier below for more information.

 

GoFundMe Page for Bedford Congregational Church

Residents are being kindly asked to donate to support the upgrading of the heating system at Bedford Congregational Church, located at 309 East 201st Street in Bedford Park. Founded in 1889 and a designated landmark since 2000, the church is a 501c3 charity and provides space for local support groups battling addictions, as well as other congregations. A replacement oil tank is needed before the water pipes freeze and burst. To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/warm-hearts-cold-church.

 

Alternate Side Parking

Alternate Side Parking regulations will be suspended Monday, Oct. 24, in observance of Diwali.

 

Transportation Updates 

For updates on Bronx Street and Bridge closures, subway changes, and other transportation-related updates, click here.

 

Domestic Violence Awareness Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or gender-based violence, help is available. Call 311 and ask to be connected to a NYC Family Justice Center or walk-in Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the NYC 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline on 1-800-621-4673

 

English Classes

Practice your English while getting to know your community, regardless of immigration status, with free English classes offered by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.  See below tweet for more information.

Practice your English while getting to know your community! MOIA’s We Speak NYC program offers FREE English classes, regardless of immigration status, to help all New Yorkers thrive in NYC. Fall classes begin Sunday, October 16.

🍂📚Sign up here: https://t.co/95wJPveYZs pic.twitter.com/WcR0MtXacA

— NYC Immigrant Affairs (@NYCImmigrants) October 14, 2022

 

 

Farmers Market

NYC Health + Hospitals/NCB provides the community with fresh fruits and vegetables, along with cooking demonstrations and more from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Wednesday at Jerome Avenue and Mosholu Parkway North. More #BackToSchoolNYC healthy eating tips can be found at https://bit.ly/3A9yt7J.

 

Local People Reported Missing in Recent Weeks 

A 75-year-old man was reported missing in Fordham Manor. Click here for more details.

A 14-year-old girl was reported missing in Fordham Manor. Click here for more details.

A 58-year-old man was reported missing in Norwood. Click here for more details.

A 73-year-old woman was reported missing in Wakefield. Click here for more details.

A 13-year-old boy was reported missing in Wakefield. Click here for more details.

A 76-year-old woman was reported missing in Mt. Hope. Click here for more details.

A 13-year-old boy was reported missing in the East Bronx. Click here for more details.

A 28-year-old man was reported missing in Baychester. Click here for more details.

A 30-year-old woman was reported missing in Morris Heights. Click here for more details.

A 13-year-old girl was reported missing in University Heights. Click here for more details.

 

Redress for Tenants regarding Construction Noise 

Construction can be noisy, dusty and disruptive. Living in a building that is undergoing renovation or construction can be difficult, but conditions should never be dangerous or present hazards to occupants. NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) works to help minimize the impact of construction on existing tenants through the Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA). Learn more: https://on.nyc.gov/3NtnCsQ

 

General Election – Nov. 8

The calendar for the November general election is below, as per NYC Board of Elections website. The poll sites typically used by many voters changed in recent months “due to redistricting” according to the Board of Elections. This had prevented many voters from casting their ballot before the polls closed in the June primaries. Voters are therefore encouraged to check their designated polling site well in advance of voting in the November election.

Flip the Ballot

Assembly Member Nathalia Fernandez (A.D. 80) is encouraging Bronxites, with less than a few weeks until Election Day, to “Flip the Ballot” and learn about the 2022 ballot proposals that will affect New York on both statewide and citywide levels. Fernandez previously joined the Racial Justice Commission to encourage voters to vote “Yes” on all four proposals on the ballot on Nov. 8 in order to make a more equitable and just City and State. See attached slides below for more information.

 

 

 

Increased Child Care Services

New York City Council has passed legislation to increase accessibility to child care services in New York City. Click here for our recent story on the issue.

 

Public Safety Town Hall

District 11 city councilman, Eric Dinowitz, and deputy mayor for public safety, Philip Banks, will host a public safety town hall on Monday, Oct. 24. See attached flier below for more information.

 

 

MTA WiFi News 

The MTA is expanding its WiFi service. For more information, click here.

 

Fire Safety Education 

Fire safety education events are taking place over the next week. See attached flier below for more information.

DACA Decision

According to the group, CUNY Citizenship Now, a court decision issued on Wednesday, Oct. 5, keeps DACA in place for current recipients who can renew their status and apply for advance parole. The ruling continues to disallow new applications. For more information about the future of DACA, please see http://ow.ly/MOVz50L4ER5.

 

 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Do you or someone you know have student debt? If you’re employed by a government or a nonprofit organization, you may be one of 250,000 New Yorkers now eligible for student loan forgiveness. Check your eligibility now, tell your family and friends, and join New York Public Library (NYPL) for free information sessions and helpful resources at the library. Get started today! The window for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) closes Oct. 31, 2022. Visit NYPL’s website for more information.

 

 

Citizen Training to Reduce Overdose Deaths 

With overdose rates of 75.3 percent in Hunts Pont and Mott Haven, the City has announced new measures to train citizens on how to reduce overdose deaths. Click here and here for more information.

 

City Redistricting 

The NYC Districting Commission held a public meeting on Oct. 6, and voted 13-1 to submit newly drawn maps for all 51 districts to the City Council. These maps were revised from the preliminary plan published by the Commission in July and a proposed revised plan in September that was not approved by the Commission. The latest maps represent a response to over 12,500 submissions offered by New Yorkers in person or via Zoom during more than 35 hours of public hearings; by email; and by regular mail. The latest revised plan and video of the meeting of the Commission will be made available for viewing on nyc.gov/districting. For more information and background, read our latest story here.

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women are encouraged to make an appointment to get screened. Learn more about women’s health services offered by NYC H+H at https://bit.ly/3D5kpxF. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), sometimes breast cancer shows no symptoms nor warning signs, not even a lump. Screening is important. If you have trouble paying for a breast cancer screening, the CDC offers free or low-cost screenings to women who qualify. Go to: https://bit.ly/3NP4A0f.

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Event 

Bronxites can participate in an NYC Health+Hospitals/NCB walk in support of Breast Cancer Awareness on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 8 a.m. starting at Bay Blaza Shopping Center, 200 Baychester  Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475. All funds raised go to the American Cancer Society. Email Vanessa.Eaddy@nychcc.org for more information. Go to https://bit.ly/3fd6njY to register. See attached flier below for more information.

 

Dental Hygiene Month 

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. See the attached flier for tips on how to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. To find low-cost dental treatment near you, search the NYC Health Map: https://on.nyc.gov/3ygIy17.

 

High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) 

Con Edison Discounts 

According to Bronx Community Board 7, Con Edison is offering residential customers a $50 discount for buying an eligible smart thermostat, and another $85 for registering it with Con Edison’s “Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT)” Program. Con Edison is also offering residential customers a $1,000 rebate to weatherize their home with new air sealing and proper insulation. Click on the following links for more information.

 

Avoid Getting Scammed by Robocalls 

See the below flier for tips on how to avoid robocall scams.

 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) is offering support and educational group services to those who survived domestic violence or sexual abuse. See below flier for more information.

 

 

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) is hosting a night of art and activities focused on hope, love & support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Nov. 3, 2022. See attached flier below for more information.

 

 

NYC Department of Sanitation is hosting a Bronx SAFE Disposal Event at Orchard Beach on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. See attached flier below for more information.

 

 

Polio Vaccine

See attached below the recommended childhood polio immunization schedule.

NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) says according to their data, 13.8 percent of children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years in New York City have not been vaccinated against polio and the agency is urging parents to ensure their children get vaccinated against what they say is a highly contagious viral infection. Meanwhile, CBS News recently reported that the New York Health Department said hundreds of people may be infected with the polio virus, once regarded as being an illness that was contained.

Our new map shows polio vaccination rates for NYC children 6 months to 5 years old. According to our data, 13.8% have not been vaccinated against polio. Polio is highly contagious. The most important way to prevent polio is by getting vaccinated: https://t.co/HVfYyj35LN pic.twitter.com/JSe4pK9G90

— nychealthy (@nycHealthy) August 5, 2022

Abortion Services in New York 

New York Attorney General Letitia James is reminding New Yorkers that abortion services remain legal in New York for those who seek them. A free legal hotline is available for information and legal guidance on accessing safe abortion services in the State. Call (212) 899-5567 for more details.

 

2022 Community Needs Assessment 

Do you have ideas about what your local community needs? Take a few minutes and fill out a survey to help inform how future funding is spent across the city. Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022CNANYC today. See below flier for more information. Norwood News recently published an Inquiring Photographer feature on where would be the best location for a new public swimming pool in Bedford Park / Norwood. Some residents had also raised the need for a YMCA in the Northwest Bronx, an east-west subway service, and platform seats in all Bronx subway stations. See also our recent story on the latest discussions around the Kingsbridge Armory.

 

In addition, Bronx Community Board 7 is inviting residents to join them to help identify community needs and ideas for expense projects at 6 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 27, and Wed., Nov. 2, at The Bedford’s Community Room, 211 E 203rd St., Bronx, NY 10458. Call (929) 496 0748 or email kcabreracarrera@cb.nyc.gov for more details.

 

 

Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

State Sen. Jamaal Bailey (S.D. 36) and District 12 City Council Member Kevin Riley are hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Sunday, Oct. 23. See attached flier below for more informamtion.

 

 

Financial Mastery Program for Older Adults

Neighborhood SHOPP is collaborating with Ponce Bank to present a Financial Mastery Program for older adults. See attached flier below for more information.

 

 

Free diabetes workshops will be held both in person and online throughout October. See attached flier below for more information.

 

 

Bronx Community Board 7 is hosting a number of Idea Generation sessions to brainstorm community needs and expense projects.
See attached flier below for more information.

 

 

Mental Health Resources

RAINN offers mental health resources for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, teen dating abuse or who has been discriminated against or abused due to their sexuality. For more information, see the attached flier below.

 

 

 

Free Prenatal, Nutrition and Gestational Diabetes Virtual Workshops 

NYC Health and Bronx Neighborhood Health Action Center offer free prenatal nutrition and gestational diabetes virtual workshops. See attached flier below for more information.

 

 

Health Equity and Access to Care

CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy is inviting members of the community to join a focus group on health equity and access to care in New York City. See attached flier below for more information.

 

 

MPV Outbreak Update

As of Oct. 15, there were 3,683 cases of MPV in New York City, up from 3,600 cases on Sept. 30, according to NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). A two-dose vaccination is available for those eligible, and appointments are now open for second doses. A Bronx mass vaccination site is open at Lincoln Hospital, 234 E 149^th Street. Book an appointment by calling 877-829-4692. Visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/monkeypox.page for more information.

 

Officials emphasize that anyone can get and spread MPV, and added that the current cases are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual, and other men who have multiple sexual partners, and therefore this community subset is currently at greater risk of exposure. They said if you have a new or unexpected rash or other symptoms of monkeypox, contact a health care provider. The mass vaccination site is no longer open at Bronx High School of Science.

 

As reported, cases had risen sharply over the summer, with 30 percent of U.S. cases recorded in New York City, per the CDC. The WHO declared the MPV outbreak a global emergency on Saturday, July 23. The White House declared it a public health emergency on Aug. 4. For our latest story on the Bronx MPV Townhall, click here.

 

Norwood News partnership with WNYC

Ahead of the November mid-terms elections, Norwood News is partnering with WNYC Public Radio as part of a larger effort to amplify the voices of voters in communities throughout the city. See attached flier below for more details on how to get involved. Thank you.

 

 

Cameroonians Living in the U.S. May be Eligible for TPS 

 

COVID-19 UPDATES 

A new COVID-19 vaccine booster has been authorized for everyone 12 and older who received their most recent vaccine dose at least two months ago. This booster is specifically designed to protect you against the omicron subvariants that account for nearly all recent infections in NYC. You can get this updated booster at the same time as other vaccines. Learn more about getting the updated booster.

An NYC COVID-19 hotline provides residents with COVID-19 updates, including testing sites, advice from medical staff, quarantine information and mental health support. Call 212-COVID19 or (212) 268-4319. Find a vaccine or booster location today at ny.gov/vaxtoschool. For more information on boosters, click here. For more general information on testing and other COVID-19 matters, click here.

 

Open Enrollment for NYS Health Insurance

The NY State of Health Open Enrollment Period for coverage in a 2022 Qualified Health Plan has been extended indefinitely for the duration of the pandemic, as confirmed on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022 by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan is available. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, at https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or directly through insurers. If you need help choosing a plan, talk to a registration advisor for free. Call 311, text the word “SafeNYC” to 877-877 or visit https://on.nyc.gov/3hEl8JI.

 

Waste Management Plan

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) now requires owners and developers of new large residential buildings to submit a Waste Management Plan. This requirement is found in a new rule effective April 1, 2022. Visit nyc.gov/wastemanagementplan to learn more and submit your plan.

 

Free Haircuts

SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center is offering free haircuts by appointment. Taking place Mondays through Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Bronxites can call the following number if interested: 718-530-7043. The haircuts will take place at the following location: SUNY Bronx EOC, 1666 Bathgate Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457. Vaccination or a negative test within three days is required to receive a haircut.

 

Free Parenting and Prenatal Classes

The Parenting Resource Center at Catholic Guardian Services, located at 3356 Fort Independence St., Bronx, NY 10463, is providing free, parenting, and prenatal classes for new and expecting parents. Classes will be held in person and will be taught in English and Spanish. Parents that complete the classes will be given a free crib. The four classes will be on breastfeeding, stress or trauma, safe sleep, and women’s health. To sign up, contact Marie at (718) 828-0300 Ext. 209.

 

 

Notice from NYCHA / Con Ed re People Who Use Life-Support Equipment 

New York City Housing Authority ae advising residents that if they use life-support equipment or if someone in their household does, it’s important to let Con Edison know. Con Edison keeps a record of such individuals to contact them in case of emergency and make sure they are safe. Call 1-877-58-CONED (1-877-582-6633) or visit https://on.nyc.gov/3tScCuR to complete the online form. Please have your 15-digit account number available when you call. Life-support equipment conditions require certification that must be updated annually.

NYC Care

NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals. With NYC Care, residents can get a unique membership card to access health services, choose their own doctor, and get affordable medications. Immigrants no longer have to live in NYC for six months to be eligible for NYC Care. Click on the link in the below tweet to learn how to enroll.

 

Immigrants no longer have to live in NYC for six months to be eligible for #NYCCare! 🎉 It’s now easier than ever to enroll! Learn more about the @NYCHealthSystem program that guarantees care for all New Yorkers: https://t.co/feRboHd8y0 pic.twitter.com/TDLGVjgzx3

— NYC Mayor's Public Engagement Unit (@MayorsPEU) June 22, 2022

 

SNAP App

NYC Human Resources Administration and NYC Department of Social Services are advising New Yorkers that SNAP benefits and Cash Assistance can be managed via the HRA app. See the link in the below Tweet for more information.

Need SNAP? Get the app.
To apply for and manage your SNAP benefits and Cash Assistance, use the ACCESS HRA app. Learn more: https://t.co/stpJyqx6mE

— HRA (@NYCHRA) May 10, 2022

Cannabis Updates 

On Aug. 28, the Mayor’s office announced that New Yorkers can now apply for the State’s first cannabis retail dispensary licenses, adding that licenses for those most harmed by cannabis prohibition would be prioritized. More details can be found at nyc.gov/cannabis. On Oct. 6, U.S. President Joe Biden announced he was pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. “There are thousands of people who were previously convicted of simple possession who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result,” he said. “My pardon will remove this burden.” For more information click here.

 

A Bronx Cannabis Forum was recently held in the borough. For more information on what was discussed, click here. For other recent Cannabis-related news in The Bronx, click here. Click here for a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding medical cannabis dispensary operations, provided by PharmaCann in relation to Verilife’s relocation to 25-27 West Fordham Road, Bronx NY 10468. According to its website, PharmaCann [https://www.pharmacann.com/] is one of the country’s “largest vertically integrated cannabis companies, providing safe, reliable, top-quality cannabis products.” For more information about Verilife Bronx, NY, go to https://www.verilife.com/ny/location/bronx.

 

United States Suicide Prevention Hotline 

A National Suicide Prevention hotline is available since July 1. Call 988 for help.

 

NYC Well

NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene provides a confidential mental health and substance use support 24/7 via their NYC Well service. Talk with a professional on (888) 692-9355 or via 888-NYC-Well, text “well” to 65173, or chat on https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/.

 

Free Legal Help with Domestic Violence 

The Urban Justice Center’s Domestic Violence Project provides free legal help with domestic violence-related matters on the last Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conjunction with District 12 City Councilman Kevin Riley. See attached flier below for more information. (If you are in immediate danger, if you can, call 911.)

 

 

Suicide Awareness Seminar with The Suicide Network  

 

Youth Run Farmstand

A Youth Run Farmstand will be held from July 6 to October 26, at Gale Place and Orloff Avenue in Van Cortlandt Village. See attached flier below for more information.

 

Co-Op City Apartments Application Period Open 

Riverbay Corporation is now accepting applications for apartments at Co-op City. See attached flier below for more information.

 

 

Cash Assistance from Bronxworks 

Social Security Online Services 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has advised it now has a one-stop shop solution allowing customers to complete their Social Security business remotely, rather than visiting a Social Security office. Hundreds of partners across the country are reportedly now using the Social Security Express Icon, including libraries, retirement communities, homeless shelters, job training facilities, prisons, doctor’s offices, veterans’ facilities, motor vehicle administrations, health and human service offices and many more. Customers are being encouraged to avail of SSA’s “flexible, easy and time-saving solution to conduct their Social Security business in one place.” To learn more and get the Social Security Express icon on your public access computers and websites, click here.

 

 

Visiting Nurses Services NY is inviting the public to virtual, exercise classes in Cantonese on Tuesdays, from 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. See attached flier below for more information.

 

 

LISC NYC Developers of Color Training Programs 

LISC NYC is partnering with Infinite Horizons and other partners to provide a Developers of Color Training Program aimed at expanding the capacity of minority-owned business enterprise developers. Go to Developers of Color Training Program for more information.

 

Make Compost, Not Trash!

New York City Department of Sanitation is encouraging New Yorkers to make compost, not trash, by using their buildings’ brown bins to deposit food scraps. For more information, see attached flier.

 

 

Eviction Moratorium 

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s moratorium on COVID-19-related residential and commercial evictions expired on Jan. 15, 2022. For more information on how to get help, EvictionFreeNY.org is a free tool put together by JustFix and Right to Counsel.

 

It is illegal for someone to pressure or force you to leave your home. Do not self-evict! Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline to get free legal advice, including information on how to complete the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) application. pic.twitter.com/OknxH0kACN

— NYC Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants (@NYCMOPT) March 10, 2022

 

As of Jan. 24, delivery workers now have new rights:

1. Apps must tell you how much the customer tips for each delivery.
2. Apps must tell you your total pay and tips for the previous day.
3. You may have better access to restaurant bathrooms when you pick up orders.

Go to: http://on.nyc.gov/33BL6el for more information.

 

Qualifying disabilities include receiving medicare benefits for any reason other than age, serious mental illness and receiving supplemental security income, blindness, deafness or hearing loss, ambulatory disability, cognitive disability, or other physical disabilities. You can submit an application online, by mail, or in person. See how to apply.

 

Become a New York City Lifeguard

NYC Parks is recruiting for New York City lifeguards. See attached flyer above for details.

 

 

 

 

Community Meetings

Bronx Community Board 7 meetings resumed in September. The elections for the board and committees will be held soon. Former Board chair, Emmanuel Martinez, has stepped down. Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7) district manager, Ischia Bravo, has been appointed, effective Jan. 2, 2023, as county clerk for Bronx County at the Supreme Court of The State of New York Appellate Division, first judicial department, as reported. Her replacement has not yet been announced. Contact kcabreracarrera@cb.nyc.gov to be added to the distribution list for upcoming meetings. The latest schedule of meetings for October is attached below. This calendar is subject to change. The next BRONX COMMUNITY BOARD 7 general board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 6.30 p.m. at Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Rd., Bronx, NY 10458. Contact KCabreraCarrera@cb.nyc.gov to be added to the distribution list. Proof of vaccination is required for in-person meetings.

 

 

The latest Bronx Community Board 8 schedule for October meetings is attached below. All meetings in October will be held via Zoom.

 

 

The 52nd Precinct Community Council meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., sometimes virtually and sometimes in person. Call the 52nd Precinct Community Affairs office at 718-220-5824 to be added to the email list. The NYPD’s 52nd Precinct is divided into a number of sectors. Find your sector by entering your address in the map here. The precinct also holds regular Build the Block community meetings and invites feedback from residents to discuss issues of common concern. The next 52^nd PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL meeting will take place on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. at the Kennington Building on 2455 Sedgwick Ave., Bronx, NY 10468. Proof of vaccination is required for in-person meetings.

 

Bedford Mosholu Community Association meetings are usually held on the first Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m. For further details, contact bedfordmosholu@verizon.net. The next BEDFORD MOSHOLU COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION meeting will be held in person on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. at 400 E Mosholu Pkwy S, #B1 (lobby floor), The Bronx, NY 10458.

 

Bronx Residents Have $353,393,103 in Unclaimed Funds

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced last year that Bronx residents have $353,393,103.00 in unclaimed funds, waiting to be paid. In 2022, New York State returned $208,316,341 so far to New Yorkers. For more information about this topic, and how to check if you are owed unclaimed funds, click here.

 

Following the 2020 census, the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) held a number of virtual sessions with community residents to discuss the redistricting process over a matter of months. The IRC held a final Bronx County hearing on its proposed redrawn maps for the assembly, State senate, and congressional districts on Nov. 9, 2021. That hearing can be watched here. The maps/plans were submitted by the commission to the State legislature on Jan. 3, 2022.

 

The State legislature voted on the first set of plans, rejecting it, and could not agree on a second set. Instead, elected representatives voted to approve alternate maps proposed by the Democratic Party, and these were ultimately approved on Feb. 2 by the State legislature, which holds a Democratic majority, and signed off by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Feb. 3, as reported.

 

The NYS Republican Party immediately mounted a legal challenge, and a judge later overruled the February vote by the State legislature as being unconstitutional, saying the February maps were gerrymandered by Democrats. The court ordered new maps to be redrawn. Lawmakers had until April 11 to submit new maps, but on Monday, April 4, a judge issued a stay on the case, which retained the prevailing February maps in place, allowing candidates time to collect the required number of voter signatures needed to get on the ballot for the June Primaries before the deadline.

 

As reported, on April 27, the New York Court of Appeals struck down the congressional and State senate redistricting maps approved by the State legislature in February, and a court-appointed special master was required to come up with new maps by May 20. The court also ordered that the 2022 congressional and State primary elections be postponed to August 23. The new maps by the special master are now available and can be viewed here. They will become effective on Jan. 1, 2023.

 

On June 10, a separate legal challenge resulted in the courts also overturning the redrawn maps for the State assembly districts which had been approved by the State legislature in early February 2022. However, unlike the congressional and State senate races, the court ruled that the June 28 primaries would go ahead based on the State Assembly district maps approved by the State legislature in early February 2022. The same maps will remain in place for the November 2022 general elections for the State assembly races. The State Assembly districts will later be redrawn by a court appointed special master ahead of the 2024 primaries.

 

Obtaining a High School Equivalency and / or Commercial Driver’s License (free or loan-free)

VetConnectPro has tools to help #veterans land a great job & launch a career, including:
– military skills translator
– a dashboard w/ NYC gov job postings
– info on civil service exams
– recommended online job training

Create or upload your resume today: https://t.co/xS9E7ZbR7K pic.twitter.com/DNpYbdsqI4

— NYC Department of Veterans' Services (@nycveterans) November 11, 2021

 

Free Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities 

Free transportation is available with NYC Department of the Aging for seniors and people with disabilities living in certain community districts in the Bronx. See attached flyer for more information.

 

 

Price Gouging

Price gouging is illegal. Bronxites can report sudden and unexpected increases in consumer goods by calling the consumer hotline toll free at 800-697-1220. This line is available seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for consumers. For more information on this topic, click here.

 

Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC)

Black entrepreneurs face enormous barriers and are vastly underrepresented among New York City’s business owners. While the Black community currently makes up 22% of New York City’s population (1.9 million), just 3.5% of NYC businesses are owned by Black entrepreneurs. There is tremendous potential for more Black-owned businesses to start and grow. In September 2019, in partnership with community members, organizations, advocates, and leaders, Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC), was launched to help create equity of opportunity by advancing Black entrepreneurship. More information is available here.

 

Free Training from NYC Department of Small Business Services

The NYC Department of Small Business Services is providing no-cost, online training to help business owners and employees in NYC. Click here for more information: http:// nyc.gov/trainingemployees. In addition and as reported, during National Small Business Week 2022, Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim also encouraged small businesses to avail of a range of other supports available to New York City small businesses. Click here for more information.

 

New Urgent Care Opening 

A Bronx County Medical Society physician opened a New Urgent Care across the street from Montefiore Hospital at 161 East Gun Hill Road on Wednesday, June 22, “in efforts to reduce inpatient admissions in hospitals, while also educating the public on what Urgent Care can support, especially for non-emergencies as well as supportive care in the community.” For more information, go to: www.mydocurgentcare.com.

 

Norwood Community Library 

Norwood Community Library distributes free books at different pop-up events around the borough but also has a library mailbox based at the Keeper’s House, located at 3400 Reservoir Oval East in Norwood. More information about the library can be found here.

 

Building Skills NYC is offering a free, 3-month training program in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning). Flyer attached further below with more details.

 

 

Illegal Dumping

 

NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave 

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) advises that paid safe and sick leave is covered for all workers who:

• seek diagnosis or treatment of an illness, injury, or health condition;
• are sick, including from side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine;
• have to take kids to get the COVID-19 vaccine;
• need preventive care;
• have to quarantine;
• seek safety because of domestic violence, unwanted sexual contact, stalking, or human trafficking; or have to care for a family member for the reasons above.

 

For more information about the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law or to file a complaint, visit nyc.gov/workers.
All covered workers have the same rights and protections under the Law, regardless of immigration status.
Contact NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection: Call 311 and say “Paid Safe and Sick Leave” | Visit nyc.gov/workers | Email OLPS@dca.nyc.gov.

 

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center Programs

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center provides a range of helpful programs to the local community for all age-groups. For more information, click here.