[Para ver la versión en español visite aquí).

Dear Neighbors, 

Spring ushers in life, warmth, and sunshine! I hope you can make the most of this season and highly recommend taking a walk in one of our beautiful parks-nature has positive effects on both our mental and physical well-being. As the weather temperature warms up, my efforts as your senator intensify to pass a state budget that will help bring us another step closer to a budget that’s responsive to the needs of ALL New Yorkers.

Many of you may be aware that last week, as part of the state budgetary process, the NYS Senate Majority passed its One-House Budget Resolution. It’s our chamber’s answer to the Executive budget proposal first put forward by the Governor. This involved long days of hearing with experts and advocates in all fields. Our One-House puts forward a proposal that prioritizes investments in working and middle-class families and centers on the most pressing concerns of all in our state.

The resolution provides a solid fiscal foundation for New York State while also investing in public education and affordable childcare. The Senate Majority seeks to raise wages and increase the supply of affordable housing by involving local communities in the decision-making process. It also rejects the Governor’s proposal to increase tuition in our public higher education institutions. Additionally, this Resolution allocates resources to bolster healthcare, expand mental health treatment access, and improve public safety. Furthermore, it contains strategies to stabilize the MTA's finances and create a cleaner environment for New Yorkers. Ultimately, this One-House invests in New Yorkers to ensure a more secure fiscal future, greater affordability, and enhanced opportunities.

Some of the highlights of the Senate’s One-House include:

• Boosting the Availability of Housing & Strengthening Tenant Rights

The Senate Majority One-House Resolution puts forward a comprehensive range of initiatives to address the housing shortage and provide critical investments to incentivize municipalities across the state to build new affordable housing. These initiatives include: increasing the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) by $389 million for a total of $639 million; adding $5 million for legal representation for evictions outside of New York City for a total of $40 million; modifying the Executive proposal to set housing growth targets by removing mandatory requirements and overrides of local zoning; recognizing and supporting the need for an expanded and diversified housing supply, particularly affordable housing, while recognizing the critical role of community input in meeting development needs with community buy-in to different development strategies; and, supporting the advancement of tenant protections that align with the core principles of Good Cause Eviction.

• Strengthening Our Public Schools & Higher Education

We are committed to continuing to strengthen and improve our public schools and higher education. This year we are finally fully funding schools, which has been a long personal fight for me for over three decades, a product of the CFE (Foundation Aid) fight. You may know that as a parent activist in Northern Manhattan, I was a plaintiff on the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE) beginning in 1993 with a lawsuit we finally won in 2006. In response to the CFE decision, the legislature established the Foundation Aid formula in 2007 to fund public schools in New York State equitably. 

To do this, we propose to build on last year's investments by fully funding Foundation Aid for the first time in our state’s history. Rejecting the carve-out for high-impact tutoring, rejecting to lift the charter school cap, investing $280 million for universal school meals, adding $125 million for UPK reimbursement increases for early adopting schools, increasing library operating aid by $7 million, and adding $25 million in capital funding. 

For higher education, the proposal would involve the rejection of SUNY and CUNY tuition hikes, as well as an increase in the maximum family income cap for TAP eligibility from $80,000 to $110,000. Additionally, CUNY would receive $149 million for general operating aid, $333 million for a CUNY matching endowment, and $435 million for CUNY capital funding. For SUNY, the proposal would include $151 million for operating aid, $68 million for SUNY hospital debt service, and $350 million for SUNY capital funding.

This will help ensure that our public schools and higher education are well-resourced and better able to support the next generation of students.

• Expanding Access to Healthcare, Mental Health Treatment & Social Services

The One-House Budget Resolution seeks to address the gaps in healthcare exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the persistent inequities in mental health treatment and behavioral health services access. The Resolution provides for an 8.5 percent cost-of-living increase for all workers at the Office of Mental Health (OMH), the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). It also increases the Medicaid reimbursement rate for hospitals and nursing homes by 10 percent, adds $1 billion in State funding for financially distressed and safety-net hospitals, modifies Essential Plan eligibility, adds $10 million to support doula services and provides reimbursement rates for providers, provides $10 million for a pilot of Daniel’s Law to support increasing access to emergency mental health crisis counselors, adds $187 million to support safe staffing for nursing homes, and adds $1 million to support Native American Health Clinics.

• Supporting Working People & Families

The Senate Majority One-House Resolution prioritizes investments in key sectors of the economy to better support New York's working families and the middle class. 

The New York Senate is proposing $623 million to expand childcare eligibility up to 103 percent of the State median income level in 2023 and 129 percent of the State median income level in 2024. Additionally, $500 million will be allocated to the Workforce Retention Grant program to provide up to $12,000 in salary enhancements to eligible childcare workers. The minimum wage will also be raised and indexed to inflation after a sufficient increase to ensure New Yorkers earn a living wage. Furthermore, the Empire State Child Credit will be expanded to include children under four, and $16 million will be added to provide an allowance for the cost of diapers.

• Boosting Funding to Spur Economic Development & Support Small Businesses

The Senate Democratic Conference is devoted to strengthening the small business owners and entrepreneurs who are the foundation of our economy and the anchors of our neighborhoods. This year, we are working to help them recover from the COVID crisis and investing in their future. Our One-House Budget Proposal includes investing $100 million to create a Small Business Development Grants Program, exploring the use of conduit financing to provide unemployment insurance premium relief to business owners across the State, adding $7.5 million to create the New York State Entrepreneurial Training Grants program, and providing $2.4 million in additional support for the Minority and Women-Owned Business Development and Lending Program, for a total of $3 million.

• Combating Climate Change & Protecting the Environment

As a staunch advocate for climate justice, I am proud to support the Senate Majority's One-House Budget Resolution that puts New York on the right path to taking action to combat climate change and protect the environment with the implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. This includes directing the Department of Environmental Conservation and NYSERDA to establish a cap-and-invest program with specific programmatic details, setting up the Climate and Community Protection Fund, and aligning the Public Service Law with the emission reduction mandates of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Funding for the Environmental Protection Fund and clean water infrastructure has also been increased. Additionally, language has been advanced to create a Climate Change Cost Recovery Program, establish all-electric building requirements, replace the Producer Responsibility Program, create the Safe Water Infrastructure Action Program, and expand the Returnable Container Act.

• Bolstering Investments in Public Safety

The Senate Majority Conference recognizes that true criminal justice and public safety can be compatible. As such, the One-House Budget Resolution prioritizes increasing funding for public safety initiatives, including $20 million for Operation SNUG, $20 million for pretrial services, and $14 million for local law enforcement related to Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Additionally, if passed, at least $10 million will be added to support legislative grants for community safety and restorative justice grant programs that assist gun violence prevention programs, gang and crime reduction strategies managed by local governments, and community-based not-for-profit service providers, as well as aid survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and support criminal and civil legal services, alternatives to incarceration, community supervision and re-entry initiatives. Finally, the One-House Budget Resolution allocates $40 million for Discovery Reform funding for criminal defenders and $50 million for New York City District Attorneys to support discovery reform implementation.

This One-House Resolution demonstrates our Senate Majority's commitment to providing New Yorkers with a better and more sustainable future, but it can also be made stronger through good faith negotiations between the Governor’s Office, Senate, and Assembly I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to pass a transformative budget that works for all New Yorkers. 

It is also the start of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak to the Muslim community at the beginning of this holy month. As the first and only member of the Muslim faith in the NYS Senate, I will be fasting before celebrating at dusk. ⁣⁣May this Ramadan bring peace, unity, and prosperity to all.⁣

Please continue reading this weekly update for information about valuable resources, and don't forget to scroll to the end to see our community updates. Enjoy the week with your family and friends, and please stay safe!

Peace & blessings, 

RJ

#CommunityFirst

Solidarity with Students in the Heights

I stood in support of Washington Heights students who organized against violence, discrimination, and school cuts in our community.

I wholeheartedly commit to doing everything in my power to ensure that all students, no matter their race or ability, feel safe and respected in our communities. I stand with the courageous young people of Uptown Youth Power (UYP) in their fight against violence and discrimination against students of color, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ students. It is vital that their voices are heard and that they are kept at the forefront of the conversation.

I applaud the bravery of these young people in initiating UYP. Let us show them our support!

New York Families Demand A Climate Budget

I am honored to have collaborated with the remarkable members of Climate Family NYC, Liat Olenick and Laurel Tumarkin, on the op-ed New York Families Demand A Climate Budget, written on behalf of parents, grandparents, and all those deeply concerned for our children's future. We need the full NY Renews Climate Jobs Justice package in this year's budget.

You can visit this link to read and share.

$400,000 for ARC Fort Washington's Senior Center

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for ARC XVI Fort Washington's senior center. Furthermore, I had the privilege of presenting ARC Fort Washington with a check for $400,000 for their kitchen build-out and remodeling project, which will allow them to continue supplying nutritious meals to the elderly members of our community.

Northwest Bronx Indivisible Event

I was honored to join Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Councilmember Eric Dinowitz at the Northwest Bronx Indivisible event.

I spoke to our constituents about the issues I am fighting for in the New York Senate this legislative session. These include Good Cause Eviction, the One Fair Wage Act, the IONY package of bills, increasing mental health access in our schools and communities, strengthening healthcare, and advocating for a shift from Tier 6 to Tier 4 for the pension plan.

I am eager to work with my colleagues in the Senate to pass a budget that benefits all New Yorkers.

Ecumenical & Interfaith Advocacy Day 

I am proud to have joined The New York State Council of Churches for its first in-person Ecumenical and Interfaith Advocacy Day since 2020. The mission of congregations is to promote justice and take care of our neighbors - the New York State Council of Churches has made it their duty to fulfill this calling. Our State Legislators have a commitment to serve the people of our state and enact laws that ensure the safety and security of all New Yorkers.

As a State Senator of faith and good conscience, I am committed to fighting for One Fair Wage, the Unemployment Bridge Program, Coverage for All, Good Cause Eviction, the End of Qualified Immunity, New York For All, & Mental Health in Schools. We all have the responsibility to do justice, and together, we can make sure no one is left behind.

I look forward to passing a comprehensive, historic legislation representing ALL New Yorkers. Let us be inspired by our shared commitment to justice to create a fairer and more equitable New York.

Clean Slate Act Rally

I joined advocates and colleagues in Albany to rally for Clean Slate to be passed in this legislative session.

I strongly support the Clean Slate Act, which would give individuals who have served their time a fair chance to work, care for their families, and contribute to their communities. This common-sense policy would remove unnecessary barriers to education, employment, and housing, ultimately promoting justice, stability, and safety for everyone. We have a moral obligation to pass this critical legislation that would help to create more equity, especially across race and income. 

Let's make it happen!

A Visit From UFT District 6 Members

I was honored to host a morning meeting last week with Dr. Mayra Cruz and UFT members from District 6 at my office in Albany. We were united in our mission to ensure that our educators and students have the resources they need.

UAW Local 2710 Reception

It was great attending the UAW Local 2710 reception last week. I'm ready to go to Albany and fight for increasing the minimum wage, offering affordable health care to everyone, and improving unemployment benefits for #UnionStrong members in the state. I'm eager to accomplish our goals this legislative session!

Bill of the Week

This section highlights and explains legislation that I sponsor or strongly support in the 2023 legislative session.

In case you missed it last week, here it is again; the bill of the week is the One Fair Wage Act, S5567, which provides minimum wage requirements for miscellaneous industry workers, establishes the Restaurant and Restaurant Worker Recovery Loan Program, creates the Restaurant Worker Recovery Fund, and allocates funds for these programs.

For many years, employers of food service employees have been provided with a credit that reduces the hourly minimum wage paid to employees receiving gratuities. Allowing for the tip credit has created many inequities in food service work.

Providing equity and fairness to restaurant workers would help reduce the wage gap and align New York with many of its sister states in workers' rights and fairness on the job. 

How would the One Fair Wage Act achieve equality and fairness in the food service industry?⁣

• Sets tipped workers in food service on a path to receive the full minimum wage by 2028.

• Codifies wage increases for miscellaneous workers. The bill will eliminate the subminimum wage for those industries by December 31, 2025.
  
  
• Provides loan forgiveness for restaurants that pay or seek to transition to paying workers a full minimum wage with tips on top to recruit staff.
  
  
• Updates New York law to allow tip sharing between all employees, including those in "back of house" roles, such as cooks and dishwashers, to ensure greater equity in wage-earning. This follows recent changes in federal Department of Labor regulations that permit tip sharing between all employees, including those who do not traditionally receive tips. Currently, this practice is barred under New York State law.

It is time for New York to join other states and improve the working conditions in the restaurant industry by eliminating the sub-minimum wage and increasing the minimum wage to ensure that all workers are treated equally and fairly.

For more information on this bill, visit here.⁣

The Cannabis Corner

• Cannabis Career Exploration and Worker Rights Certificate Program
  

The New York State Cannabis Workforce Initiative, a collaboration between the New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University and the Workforce Development Institute, is providing a Cannabis Career Exploration and Worker Rights Certificate Program.

If you are interested in a cannabis job but don’t know where to start, sign up here for CWI’s free 10-week pre-employment training program to learn about the industry, job opportunities, and your rights at work. Find your cannabis career path and be better prepared for job interviews.

• If you have any questions about the CAURD license or have issues applying, please call 1-888-OCM-5151 (1-888-626- 5151) or reach out to licensing@ocm.ny.gov for assistance.
  

There is a lot of misinformation, so stay updated here with my office’s information memo for the latest about the MRTA.

Building Community through Activism

Come celebrate the inspiring women in our district who are making a difference on March 25th from 11:30 am - 1 pm at Recirculation (a Word Up Community Bookshop project), located at 876 Riverside Drive, NY, NY 10032! 

This panel discussion will recognize and honor the incredible work of these women to strengthen and uplift our community through their activism. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity and spread the word!

Bronx Satellite Office

We continue to offer Bronx constituents of District 31 better access to our services with two satellite offices!

Here are the locations, times, and dates:

Jerome Park Library

Address: 118 Eames Place Bronx, NY 10468

Hours:     10 am – 5 pm

Dates: April 5, May 3, and June 7

Sedgwick Library

Address: 1701 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Bronx, NY 10453

Hours:     10:30 am – 5 pm

Dates: April 19, May 17, and June 21

For more information, please call my office at 212.544.0173.

Portraits Against Gun Violence

We are excited to announce a paid art-making opportunity for Washington Heights and Inwood youth ages 16-21 in collaboration with Artistic Noise and SeedCo. This workshop will include portraiture and prose, allowing young people to interview and gain insight into the effects of gun violence in Northern Manhattan, as well as express their emotions and suggest solutions. It will take place every Tuesday (May 2nd - 30th), 4 pm to 7 pm at 513 w 207th St. NY, NY, 10034.

Visit this link or scan the QR code on the flyer below to apply. For more information, call 646-256-7296 or email info@artisticnoise.org.

There are limited spots available, so please check out the flyer attached and spread the word to students, youth, and neighbors!

Job Opportunity In the Bronx

Ariva is seeking three full-time Financial Counselors to join their community wealth-building team. The ideal candidate must be proficient in English and Spanish, and no prior financial counseling experience is necessary as training will be provided.

The Financial Counselors will work with low and moderate-income New Yorkers to provide financial counseling services, facilitate access to affordable banking products, help create household budgets, and develop a good understanding of the US financial system. In-person services are integral to this position, and all staff must be vaccinated, wear masks, and abide by Ariva's health and safety protocols. They offer a salary range of $42,500 to $47,500 and benefits, including but not limited to subsidized health and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits.

If interested, submit your resume and cover letter to dnegron@ariva.org before April 10th, 2023.

Columbia University Career Fair

Columbia University and the Irving Medical Center are welcoming back the local community to their annual Career Expo! 

On March 28, 9 am - 1 pm, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about job opportunities, meet representatives from their schools and departments, and attend job-preparedness workshops. A professional photographer will also be on hand to take headshots that can be used to update your professional social media profile.

Don't miss out on this chance to further your career – register now at this link!

Hospitality Pathways FOH Paid Training

Hospitality Pathways is offering training for students aiming to take on guest interactive restaurant positions in four particular areas: host, runner, busser, and server. Through their program, students gain an understanding of the full-service process. Additionally, students are trained in teamwork, time management, conflict resolution, and communication to prepare them for the job market. Upon completion, they will also receive assistance with resume and interview preparation.

For more information, read the flyer below or email hospitalitypathways@gmail.com.

Elections 2023 Community & Citywide Education Councils (CCEC's)

Want to make a difference in your community? The NYC education councils are now open for elections for the 2023-2025 term!

The NYC education councils give parents a voice in shaping the policies and priorities for New York City schools. You are eligible to run if you are the parent of a student who currently attends pre-K through eighth grade in a school under the jurisdiction of the community school district where you wish to serve on the CEC.

Education councils are elected every two years, and elections are now open to fill all 325 elected seats for the two-year term that begins on July 1. Don't miss your chance to make a difference in your community - submit your application now via the NYC Schools Account Portal!

For more information, parents can visit here.

2023 Summer Youth Employment Program

Businesses and organizations can now apply to hire NYC youth through DYCD’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

SYEP is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer. Participants have the opportunity to explore their interests and career pathways, develop workplace skills, and engage in learning experiences that help develop their social, civic, and leadership skills.

To apply as an SYEP worksite, visit nyc.gov/syep. Youths ages 14-24 can also apply now.

Seedco Community Programs

For the upcoming months, Seedco will be offering "Resume Reviews" and job fairs to the Upper Manhattan community on Workforce Wednesdays. Every other Wednesday, from 1 pm to 4 pm, candidates can come in for resume feedback (Spanish available once a month). Additionally, their next job fair is taking place on March 29 from 1-4 PM at 513 W. 207th Street, NY, NY 10034.  

Housing Programs for Low-Income Families

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides Housing Choice Vouchers to eligible low-income households. Learn more about these programs and check your eligibility here.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off. 

Find out your eligibility here. Any questions regarding the HEAP program should be directed to your HEAP Local District Contact.

Half-priced MetroCard's for Eligible New Yorkers

Fair Fares NYC is here to make transportation more affordable for low-income New Yorkers. This city program offers discounted MetroCards. If you need assistance applying, please call 311 or visit a Fair Fares NYC location.

Undocumented Youth Internship Program

Applications are open for The Oyate Group’s Beyond Rising Internship Program for undocumented high schoolers! 

Oyate is looking for the next group of leaders who want to learn, grow, and have a blast this summer! Last year's interns gained career-readiness skills, built strong peer-to-peer networks, developed relationships with mentors, and explored New York City, including a trip to Six Flags. If you know any undocumented high-school youth aged 16-18 from the Bronx, Harlem, or Washington Heights, share!

The program runs from July 6 - August 11, 2023, and includes: 

• An internship placement in a Fordham University department
  
• A work schedule of Monday - Thursday from 10 AM - 4 PM
  
• A weekly stipend of $500 via Visa gift card
  
• Enrichment activities including trips, mentoring and more every Friday at the Oyate Group offices in the Bronx

For more information, click here to visit their website or submit an application through this link.

NYC free tax prep program

File Your Taxes with NYC Free Tax Prep!

If you earned $80,000 or less in 2022, file for FREE with an IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer. For more information about all services and eligibility, visit nyc.gov/taxprep or call 311 and ask for "tax preparation.

Your Path to Contracting with the City

New to, or interested in, contracting with the City of New York? 

Your Path to Contracting with the City is a visual representation of a vendor's typical roadmap to contracting with the City of New York. Click here to visit their resource page and obtain more information.

Student Loan Payment Pause Extended

The student loan payment pause is extended until the U.S. Department of Education is permitted to implement the debt relief program, or the litigation is resolved. If the debt relief program has not been implemented and the litigation has not been resolved by June 30, 2023 – payments will resume 60 days after that. We will notify borrowers before payments restart.

You can also visit here for more information.

Resources for Veterans

If you are a veteran who needs employment or career services, Acacia Network, Promesa Inc, and Seedco have launched a program that may help you. They are now enrolling homeless veterans, incarcerated veterans, female veterans, and veterans with families.

For information and referrals, call 646-499-1230 or email cstaten@promesa.org.

NMIC's Disability Assistance Program

If you have been recently denied Federal Disability benefits under the SSI or SSDI programs, NMIC has announced that they received a grant to provide legal services for those denied disability benefits. 

For more information about this program, please email Abe Greene at abrahamgreene@nmic.org or call (929) 415-8745 on Mondays from 9 am-1 pm. 

Supplemental Food Program for Seniors

The New York State Department of Health’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers free, healthy food to seniors ages 60 and older that live in New York City and Long Island.

For more information on the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, click here.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal program that helps low-income households pay for internet service. Eligible households could receive: 

• $30/month discount on your internet service
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer

Enroll today by visiting here.

Civil Service Exams

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) represents the largest local government in the U.S., with more than 400,000 employees and 80 agencies. They are providing plenty of career opportunities with great benefits.

The City Jobs and Civil Service announcements for upcoming exams can be found here. Fee waivers are available for UI recipients and New York City residents and receiving full benefits (Cash, Medicaid, and Food Stamps).

Free Cancer Screening for the Uninsured 

The Manhattan Cancer Services Program at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital (NYP)  is hosting free Cancer screening for uninsured women & men. They will offer breast and cervical screening for women age 40 or older and colorectal screening for those age 45 or older. For more information or for an appointment, call (212) 851-4516.

CaringKind Programs and Services

CaringKind is an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving organization that works directly with community partners to develop the information, tools, and training to support individuals and families affected by dementia. They provide a helpline staffed by Dementia Care Specialists trained to provide you with the most up-to-date information, education, and support regarding dementia. To access their services, please visit their updated CKConnection form available online here. For more information on any of CaringKind’s Programs and Services, please call the CaringKind Helpline: 646-744-2900 or visit us at www.caringkindnyc.org.

Gun Violence Prevention Initiative  

New York State has launched a long-term jobs program that will serve unemployed, underemployed, and out-of-school young New Yorkers ages 18-24 in areas impacted by high rates of gun violence.

Youth can sign up to participate in our partnership with the Consortium for Worker Education, the workforce development arm of the NYC Central Labor Council. If you’re between 18 and 24 and are interested in job training and placement services, please register here to obtain job training and placement in good, long-term jobs. Please note that youth enrolled in college or university will not be eligible. For more information, please visit this link.

Youth Services Committee of Community Board 5

The Youth Services Committee of Community Board 5 (Bronx) is accepting applications for the New York Yankees Community Council Youth Leadership Award. Those selected youths will receive a $750 stipend, and the Youth Leaders will be recognized on-field during the pre-game ceremony at Yankee Stadium.

To apply, visit this link; the application deadline is Friday, April 21st, 2023, by 5 pm. Applicants can email the completed application form and resume to the Board's email at: bx05@cb.nyc.gov. 

This is an excellent opportunity for the youth. Please take advantage of it and help spread the word!

Let’s Talk: A Community Conversation on Stopping Violence

On March 30 from 6 - 8 PM, joined the Uptown Youth Collective at I.S. 52 (650 Academy St, New York, NY 10034) for “Let's Talk: A Community Conversation on Stopping Violence.” Express your concerns and offer suggestions for possible interventions to help stop violence in our community. 

Don't miss out!

Call for Proposals to Beautify 191st Street Tunnel

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for designers to submit bold, colorful designs to beautify the 191st Street Tunnel (The Tunnel). Proposed designs should reflect the local community and the rich cultural identity of Washington Heights.

DOT Art will select up to four (4) artists to develop design treatments to be painted within the Tunnel with community and volunteer support. The selected Artists shall be responsible for completing one (1) final design, working with DOT staff to develop the implementation plan and material list, assisting with stencil production and developing techniques to translate the design onto tunnel walls, and assisting with overseeing a team of community volunteers or assistants.

The RFP is available for download on DOT’s website. For more information, please visit here.

Submissions must be submitted via e-mail by Friday, April 14th, 2023, at 11:59 PM to be considered. Hand-delivered proposals will not be accepted. All submissions should be emailed to: 191TunnelArt@dot.nyc.gov.

Cabrini Immigrant Services Food Pantry

The Cabrini Immigrant Services Food Pantry operates Saturdays from 7:30 - 9 AM year-round at Church of the Good Shepherd (630 Isham Street, New York, NY 10034). They serve hundreds of families each month, distributing bags of food that include nutritionally diverse and culturally appropriate selections. They prioritize offering fresh produce to their clients and have received recognition for our program from the City of New York.

For more information about their Food Pantry, contact their Food Pantry Coordinator, Paul Kwon, at 212-791-4590 ext. 102 or foodpantry@cis-nyc.org.

Dyckman St A-Train Stairwell Construction

The MTA continues its stairwell repair work at the Dyckman Street A-Train Station.

The Dyckman Street Station stairwell, located on the southwest side of Broadway and Riverside Drive, is closed 24/7 for repairs occurring between 7 am-5 pm. Repairs will consist of complete stairwell demolition and refurbishment.

This work is slated for completion by the end of April.

Customers will continue to have immediate, unobstructed access to two (2) other station stairwells throughout the project duration.

Fort Tryon Park Events

Fort Tryon Park hosts weekly activities for people of all ages.Visit here for the list of activities that will be going on in Fort Tryon Park during the rest of the month.

NAMI-NYC Events

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC) helps families and individuals affected by mental illness build better lives through education, support, and advocacy. Please visit here to view their calendar of events during the rest of the month.

Morris-Jumel Mansion Events

As Manhattan’s oldest surviving residence, the Morris-Jumel Mansion, built-in 1765, preserves, collects and interprets history, culture, and the arts to explore inclusive narratives that engage and inspire diverse audiences.

Visit here to see what's happening at the Mansion.

Met Council on Housing Mutual Aid Tenants’ Rights Hotline

Met Council on Housing seeks bilingual (English/Spanish) volunteers for their Mutual Aid Tenants’ Rights Hotline team. The hotline serves thousands of tenants all over the city every year. Hotline Team Members answer questions on common tenant issues, inform callers of their rights and help them determine the best course of action to assert those rights. As part of their hotline team, you will be directly assisting tenants in need fight against their predatory, abusive landlords and stay in their homes.

If you’re interested in joining the hotline team, please email katee@metcouncilonhousing.org include any questions you may have about the position.

In solidarity, 

RJ