Missing Local People 

A 10-year-old boy has been reported missing from Jerome Park. For more information, click here

A 23-year-old man has been reported missing from Olinville. For more information, click here.

A 13-year-old girl has been reported missing form Laconia. For more information, click here.

An 85-year-old man has been reported missing from Williamsbridge. For more information, click here.

 

 

COVID-19 Updates

• On June 24, 2021, New York State ended the State disaster emergency (PAUSE order) declared on March 7, 2020, to fight COVID-19.
• On Sept. 15, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a series of universal mask requirements designed to protect New Yorkers against the highly contagious Delta variant and the recent surge in COVID-19 infections statewide.
• Face masks are now required at State-regulated childcare facilities for children aged two and up, and for all staff and visitors.
• Residential congregate programs operated, licensed, certified, or approved by the Office of Children and Family Services, are required to ensure masks are worn by all staff and residents.
• Programs and facilities licensed or registered by the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, require masks to be worn, regardless of vaccination status.
• On Sept. 15, Gov. Hochul announced a #VaxtoSchool campaign to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates among school-aged New Yorkers. Additionally, 125 free tickets were made available to the Governors’ Ball Music Festival on Randall’s Island from Sept. 24 to 26. Tickets were available to individuals who received a first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine at State-operated, #VaxtoSchool, pop-up locations. The Bronx location was Mosholu Montefiore Community Center 3450 Dekalb Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467.
• Effective Sept. 2, all teachers, administrators, and other school employees must submit weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination.
• The NYS Department of Health has released official guidance for classroom instruction for the 2021-2022 school year, as follows: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/school-guidance.pdf.
• Gov. Hochul also recently announced a #VaxandWin football sweepstakes in partnership with all three New York professional football teams to support vaccinations among currently unvaccinated New Yorkers.
• Gov. Hochul signed into law a new moratorium on COVID-19 related residential and commercial evictions, which is in effect until Jan. 15, 2022. To apply, go to: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/.
• On Sept. 22, the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) authorized people over 65 who have received Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine to get a booster shot at least six months after their second injection. The FDA also authorized booster shots for adult Pfizer-BioNTech recipients who are at high risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19 or who are at risk of serious complications from the disease due to frequent exposure to the coronavirus at their jobs.
• Certain New Yorkers are now eligible to receive their COVID-19 booster shot. See who’s eligible and where to get your booster dose.
• The FDA has expanded the emergency use authorizations for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines so that immunocompromised individuals will be eligible to receive a third booster vaccine shot to boost their antibodies.
• COVID-19 clinics are being held at Tracey Towers. The next sessions will be on 10/9 and 10/16, and will cover Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, COVID-19 testing, as well as the administration of booster shots. Children aged 12 to 17, who have permission from their parents may attend. Slips will be provided.
• The open enrollment period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through Dec. 31. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, at https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or directly through insurers.
• Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
• CDC mask guidance can be checked here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html.
• NYC offers free, at-home PCR COVID-19 testing for all New Yorkers who are 65+ or immunocompromised. The service is available 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and appointments can be scheduled by calling 929-298-9400.
• As of Aug. 17, people 12 and older are required to show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to obtain access to indoor dining, indoor fitness, and indoor entertainment. Learn more at: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines-keytonyc.page.
• On Sept. 9, Mayor Bill de Blasio mandated that all NYC pre-kindergarten, childcare, and after-school program workers who have contracts with the City must show proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 27.
• On Sept. 20, the NYC Department of Education announced that COVID-19 testing will be increased in all schools from biweekly to weekly basis. Testing will continue to take place for 10 percent of unvaccinated students in grades 1 through 12.
• A virtual town hall to combat COVID-19 vaccine misinformation was held by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81) on Thursday, Sept. 23, It can be watched here.
• Gov. Kathy Hochul has said in the context of certain COVID-19 vaccine mandates that exemptions on religious grounds are not legitimate because the leaders of the various organized religions have said there is no legitimate reason for an exemption.
• The CUNY Professional Staff Congress union has received a $100,000 grant, supported by the AFT’s “Back-to-School for All” initiative, to fund a campaign to promote student vaccination. Fill out this form (https://www.psc-cuny.org/…/form/help-cuny-rising-vaxupcuny) to invite a CUNY Rising Alliance organizer to make a short presentation about the campaign to your chosen group. #VaxUpCUNY.
• Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that there will be a vaccination site at every single school building with students aged 12+ for students and staff.
• The City has expanded their in-home vaccination program to all New Yorkers aged 12+. You can select which of the vaccines you prefer at no cost. To request your in-home vaccination visit https://forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/home.
• NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses continue to provide J&J vaccines in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens. The full schedule of mobile vaccine locations can be found here. Walk-ups are welcome and you can also book in advance through the Vax4NYC website.

 

Proof of Vaccination

According to NYC DOH, when proof of vaccination is required, New Yorkers can choose from the following options:

• a CDC vaccination card, or photo or photocopy of this card;
• an NYC vaccination record or other official immunization record from within or outside the U.S., including from a health care provider or a photo or photocopy of this card;
• the NYC COVID Safe App, on Android or iOS, where residents can upload a photo of their CDC vaccination card or other official record, along with a photo ID;
• the Excelsior Pass or Excelsior Plus Pass, where New Yorkers will need the phone number or email address associated with their NYC vaccination record. More information is available at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines-keytonyc.page.

 

 

Data Shows Vaccination Works

NYC DOH said data collected to date shows how the COVID-19 vaccines are protecting New Yorkers against infection and illness. Since mid-January, the vast majority of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in NYC are occurring in unvaccinated people. Between January 17 and August 17, people who are unvaccinated in NYC accounted for:

96.1% of all COVID-19 cases

96.9% of COVID-19 hospitalizations

97.3% of COVID-19 deaths

 

 

Private Employer Vaccination Mandate 

On September 9th, as confirmed by State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, President Joe Biden mandated that all private employers with 100 or more workers require their workers to be vaccinated or tested weekly. He also mandated that all healthcare workers in hospitals, clinics and other facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid payments and all federal contractors must get vaccinated, with no opt out option.

 

 

COVID-19 Business Guidelines

COVID-19 restrictions in New York State have been lifted, subject to ongoing guidance (see above), since 70 percent of adults have received their first dose of the vaccine. For the latest industry guidance, go to: https://forward.ny.gov/active-industry-guidance.

 

Funeral Cost Reimbursement for COVID-19 Deaths

The New York Office of Children and Family Services is administering $25 million in funds to provide child care support for children of essential workers. The Essential Worker Scholarship is only available to residents of New York State and will be awarded weekly through payments made directly to child care providers on the parents’ behalf. Parents will be responsible for paying any tuition amount that is greater than the market rate. Families currently receiving child care scholarships under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act are strongly encouraged to also apply for this new funding opportunity. For more information and to apply visit https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/contracts/funding/COVID-relief/essential-workers.php.

 

U.S. Small Business Administration Fact Sheet

Disaster Loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration for those who experienced physical damage as a result of the Remnants of Hurricane IDA from Sept. 1 to 3, 2021, under New York Declaration 17147 & 17148 (Disaster: NY-00208) in the primary New York counties of Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, and Westchester. The application filing deadline for physical damage is Nov. 4, 2021. More information is available at https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance.

 

Resources & Help following Storm Ida

Service centers to support those affected by the flash flood emergency following Storm Ida are open to all, irrespective of immigration status. The Bronx center is located at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse, E. Building C, Bronx, NY 10451. Bronxites can also call 311, or access city services online by visiting https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/ida.page.

 

Food assistance is available by calling 311. Each box will have six meals (three lunches and three dinners) and residents can request one delivery or two weeks of meals. Meals will need to be heated and refrigerated and come either fresh or frozen. If you need refrigeration or heating appliances, the City may be able to help. Halal, Kosher, or non-specialty meals are available.

 

To apply for flood assistance from FEMA, please go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call 1-800-621-3362. Operators are on duty seven days a week from 8am to 7pm. Please be aware that you may receive a faster response if you register online instead of by telephone.

 

State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi has advised that FEMA has opened a registration intake center in the Bronx to help people apply for disaster financial assistance in person at Bruckner Boulevard near Pelham Bay train station in Pelham Bay Park, which is open from Thursday, Sept. 30, to Sunday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

On Tuesday, Sept. 28, Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio allocated $27 million in financial relief for undocumented New Yorkers who experienced damaging flooding during Hurricane Ida. The funding will be provided to New Yorkers who are not eligible to receive storm recovery assistance through the FEMA Individual Assistance Program or other means.

 

Biaggi has also said that the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) is managing this program and that in order to qualify for this financial relief, applicants must a) themselves not be eligible for FEMA assistance and b) not have an individual in their household who is eligible for assistance.

 

A select group of not-for-profit organizations will provide information, assistance and help for residents who were impacted by the storm. In the Bronx, Catholic Charities Community Services, 402 East 152nd Street, Bronx, NY 10455 will provide services. This program is now open. Call the ONA Hotline at 1-800-566-7636 for help on where to apply.The application period will close on Friday, November 26, 2021.

 

Heat Season Commences

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) announced on Friday, Oct. 1, the beginning of New York City’s eight-month-long “heat season,” during which all residential building owners are required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when outdoor temperatures fall below 55 degrees during the day. Indoor temperatures must also be maintained at a minimum of 62 degrees overnight, regardless of outdoor temperatures. Building owners are legally required to provide hot water at 120 degrees year-round. To file a complaint, tenants can call 311, visit 311 online or use the app 311Mobile (on Android and iOS devices). Hearing-impaired tenants can register complaints via a Touchtone Device for the Non-Hearing or Hard of Hearing at (212) 504-4115.

 

November General Elections 

The deadline to register for the November elections is Oct. 8. Election Day is on Nov. 2. NYC Votes is partnering with TurboVote to make sure all New Yorkers can register and vote with confidence. It should take about 5 minutes to fill out an online form. If you don’t have a NY state ID, a pre-filled registration form can be mailed to you to sign and submit. If you do have a NY state ID, you can fully register online at https://nycvotes.turbovote.org/. If you are currently on probation or on parole, you have the right to vote in New York.

Five State Constitutional Amendments on November Ballot

There will be five proposed amendments to the state constitution on the Nov. 2 general election ballot. These five proposals are in addition to the elections for mayor, public advocate, city comptroller, Bronx borough president, and city council, as well as any contested judicial positions. A detailed summary from the NYS Board of Elections and the exact text of each proposal can be found here: https://www.elections.ny.gov/2021BallotProposals.html.

 

Bedford Park Affordable Housing Lottery 

An affordable housing lottery has launched for units at The Bedford, a 13-story residential building located at 211 East 203rd Street in the Bedford Park section of The Bronx, as reported by YIMBY. Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for the apartments, and applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than Nov. 15, 2021. For more information, click here.

 

Building Application Filed for 2895 Valentine Avenue in Jerome Park

Building applications have been filed with NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) for a nine-story residential building at 2895 Valentine Avenue in the Jerome Park section of the The Bronx, as reported by YIMBY. For more information, click here

 

Free Flu Shot Event 

A free flu shot event, hosted by the Office of Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz will be held on Oct. 13. Details are included in the attached flyer. For more information on why it it is important to get the flu shot, click here.

 

 

Redistricting

Following the 2020 Census, a schedule of upcoming public hearing dates to discuss the proposed redistricting maps put forward by New York State Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) can be found here: https://www.nyirc.gov/meetings. A link to the draft plans can be found here: https://www.nyirc.gov/draft-plans.

A specific hearing will be held in Bronx County on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. at BronxWorks gymnasium, located at 1130 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10456 but we understand that residents can join any hearing that best suits their schedule. The deadline to sign up for the Bronx hearing is 3 p.m. on Nov. 7.

 

Bronx Bus Redesign Restarting

The final Bronx bus redesign plan, initiated in 2019 by New York City Transit (an agency of the MTA), is now available for review and comment by New Yorkers. The final plan can be read here: https://new.mta.info/bronxbusredesign, and comments can be submitted here: https://mta-nyc.custhelp.com/app/comments_bronxbus.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81) recently summarized the main elements of the plan, and how it may impact residents of the Northwest Bronx, with the main impact being the potential removal of 18 percent of existing bus stops, in order to speed up the service, and improve efficiency. Further information about these removals can be read here.

 

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

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli recently announced that Bronx residents have $353,393,103.00 in unclaimed funds, waiting to be paid. For more information about this topic, and how to check if you are owed unclaimed funds, click here.

 

New YMCA Center

A new Northeast YMCA Center is now open at 1250 229th Street in the Bronx. Some more details are in the attached flyer.

 

Affordable Housing Workshop

Gateway Community Development is hosting a virtual, affordable housing workshop on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. Email gtwycdvlpmntinc@aol.com or call (718) 734 1028 for more information.

 

Excluded Workers Fund

The application for the Excluded Workers Fund is live. Visit ​​https://ewf.labor.ny.gov/new to apply. For more details and to learn about documentation required to apply, visit on.ny.gov/ewf. This $2.1 billion State fund will provide financial relief for New Yorkers state-wide who have suffered income loss during the pandemic and were left out of the various federal relief programs, including unemployment and pandemic benefits.

 

 

ICCAN Applications now available

Calling all teens! Your future starts now! What are your plans for after high school? Whether you’re working on college applications or trying to figure out what career is best for you, NYPL’s College and Career Pathways (CCP) program is here to help with its Intensive College and Career AccessNetwork (ICCAN)! As an ICCAN Scholar, you and your family will be able to access an array of college and career readiness resources through the Library. ICCAN Scholars will have preferred access to programs at hub locations across the Library provided by specially trained Library staff.

When you complete the ICCAN program, you will be able to apply for a Magic Grant of at least $1,000, which, if approved, you can use towards a project you believe will help you find college or career success. Open to sophomores, junior and seniors at least 15 years of age, students should apply now by emailing vancortlandt@nypl.org. Applications due September 30!

 

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

The MTA is hiring bus operators between Sept. 20 and Nov. 30, 2021. The starting hourly rate is $23.84 to $25.49 and a competitive benefits package is offered. To apply, you must have had a motor vehicle driver license for at least three years, be valid in the State of New York, and must be either a Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) or a Permit, with a passenger endorsement and no airbrake or other disqualifying restrictions. Visit new.mta.info/careers for more information.

 

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, whose main office is located at 3450 Dekalb Ave, Bronx, NY 10467 in Norwood, is hiring. Check out the open positions at www.mmcc.org/open-positions/.

 

Bronx CB7 is also hiring a new community coordinator and a new intern. See attached flyers further below for details.

 

 

NYC Health Community Advisory Board

New York City Health and Hospitals is looking for volunteers to join its community advisory board (CAB). Volunteers are sought to represent their communities in voicing their healthcare concerns. CABs raise awareness about healthcare services, and advocate for the public healthcare system. Anyone interested in getting more information or scheduling an interview can email their name and contact information to Amir Abbady at abbadya@nychhc.org.

 

 

Public Library Service Restoration

As of July 6, The New York Public Library has reopened all available locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island (except those undergoing improvements or being used by the City). NYPL is offering nearly full service, including general library use and seating, unlimited browsing, laptop and computer access, and more. In-person programs and classes will also resume at some locations in July and expand over the coming months. Masks are still required for all persons in NYPL locations. Van Cortlandt Library has a number of initiatives on offer for young people. Check out their teen newsletter and more at https://www.nypl.org/locations/van-cortlandt.

 

Mosholu Library After-School Library 

Mosholu Library, located at 285 E 205^th Street, Bronx 10467, has announced a new after-school program. Click here for more information. Additionally, the library held a grand opening, on Aug. 18, of its new outdoor space. As reported, Mosholu Library recently received additional funding secured by Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernández (A.D. 80).

 

 

NYC Utility Moratorium

New York’s statewide, utility shut-off moratorium, which had expired on March 31, has been extended. The law extends the statewide moratorium on utility shut-offs, including water, heat, electric, telephone, cable, and broadband services until the conclusion of the COVID-19 state of emergency, or until December 31, 2021, whichever comes first. For New Yorkers suffering financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the law enshrines a further moratorium extension of 180 days.

 

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.

 

 

New Gas Meter Liability Legislation Passed 

A new law, sponsored by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, has been passed that will strengthen State law which prohibits the illegal installation of any gas meters by expanding the law to include any installation that is not performed by a gas company or their licensed contractor. The law also expands liability for any illegally installed gas meters to include the property owner in question, in addition to the person who illegally installed the meter.

 

 

Bronx Winner in New York Lottery

The New York Lottery announced on Friday, Sept. 17, that one top-prize winning ticket was sold in the Sept. 16 TAKE 5 EVENING drawing. The ticket, worth $44,137.50, was purchased at Happy Face Convenience Corp., located at 921 E. 180th Street in the West Farms section of the Bronx.

 

GoFundMe for Bronx Fruit Seller, Diana Hernández Cruz

On Thursday, Sept. 23, NYPD officers in collaboration with the Department of Sanitation confiscated the materials of longtime Bronx street vendor small business owner, Diana Hernández Cruz, and those of her colleagues. Diana has been a beloved vendor in the neighborhood for several years. Community members jumped to her defense, filming the incident and berating the officers for harming her livelihood, and throwing over $1,000 worth of fresh produce into the trash, while 1 in 5 Bronx families is food insecure. Anyone wishing to donate to support the impacted street vendors can access the GoFundMe page here.

 

 

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Study 

 

MTA Security Camera Expansion

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced on Monday, Sept. 13, that security cameras have been installed at all 472 subway stations across New York City. Cameras were deployed on Sept. 11 at the 472nd station, Broadway station, on the G line, and officials said thousands of cameras have since been deployed systemwide. The initiative to expand security camera coverage was accelerated last year by interim president of New York City Transit, Sarah Feinberg, who identified a new class of camera that could be deployed more quickly, and at much lower cost than traditional cameras. As a result, officials said 200 of the 472 subway stations in the system gained security camera coverage within the past year.

 

 

Free HVAC Training Course

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.

 

GoFundMe Fundraiser for Christopher Clarke

Kelsi with GoFundMe asked us to share the following message. “I am reaching out in light of the news regarding Christopher Clarke, a 20-year-old man with autism, who was missing for a week in the Bronx and later found deceased.

I wanted to pass along the verified GoFundMe fundraiser created to honor the memory of Christopher and help his mother, Claribel Castillo, cover his final expenses. Per the GoFundMe, after many days of searching, Christopher’s body was recently discovered and identified.

The community is showing strong support for this family and has contributed over $11,000 in just one day. Claribel has shared the GoFundMe as the only authorized fundraiser, and you can view that link below. To view the GoFundMe, please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/qv3/in-memory-of-christopher-clarke”

 

 

5K Run/Walk/Roll to End Domestic Violence 

The Office of the Bronx District Attorney is holding the 4th Annual 5K run/walk/roll to end domestic violence on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., rain or shine. Flyer attached further below with more information.

 

Woodlawn Restoration Project

 

 

Protect Yourself from Eviction 

EvictionFreeNY.org is a free tool put together by JustFix and Right to Counsel to allow renters to exercise their rights under the New York State eviction moratorium. The website helps renters fill out and send a Hardship Declaration form to the Court and their landlord to pause their eviction case until January 15, 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obtaining a High School Equivalency and / or Commercial Driver’s License 

 

Illegal Dumping

NYC Department of Sanitation Ops has recently launched a pilot program to help stop illegal dumping, increasing and concentrating their efforts in certain areas. So far, they’ve been to #Brooklyn CB5 and #Bronx CB2. They’ve issued summonses, impounded vehicles, and have even had an arrest (and cleaned the mess).