Community Alerts 11.13.24

NYC Drought Watch in Effect 

A Drought Watch has been declared for New York City. All New Yorkers must do their part to conserve water. City agencies are taking action to reduce water usage and protect water supplies. In addition, residents should take action to limit water usage during this dry season. 

Some actions New Yorkers can take include:

• Reporting open fire hydrants and leaks to 311.
• Avoid flushing toilets unnecessarily and take shorter showers.
• Avoid running the tap while shaving, washing hands, or brushing teeth.
• Take measures to fix leaky faucets and pipes within your house.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full, and use shorter cycles if available.

Help NYC by being conscious of your water usage. Learn more about conserving water: https://nyc.gov/site/dep/water.

Elevator Replacements at 66th Street-Lincoln Center Subway Station

To improve customer experience and modernize the transit system, the MTA is replacing elevators at various stations. Construction for the 66th Street-Lincoln Center Subway Station has begun. Two elevators that provide access to the 1 Train will be closed and removed for replacements through mid-2025. One elevator is located at street level of 66th Street and Broadway (south side), providing access to South Ferry. The other is located at street level on 66th Street and Broadway (north side), providing access to Van Cortlandt Park-bound platforms. If you have questions, contact the MTA by calling (212) 430-1525 or emailing 37ElevatorsProject@gmail.com. To learn about the status of other elevators or escalators, visit the MTA's website.

Updates from the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)

New Rules for Setting Out Residential Trash Now in Effect

All properties with 1-9 residential units are now required to use bins (55 gallons or less) with secure lids to set out trash. You can use a compliant bin (55 gallons or less with a secure lid) that you already have, but starting June 2026, you MUST use an Official NYC Bin. The NYC Bin is available for purchase at www.bins.nyc or by calling 1-855-NYC-BINS for a significantly lower price than similar bins at retail stores. Learn more about NYC Bins here. Join one of DSNY’s weekly online info sessions to learn more about residential containerization across the city.

Recycling and Composting

NYC Bins are also available to order for recycling (blue and green bins) and composting (brown bins), although they are not required. Curbside Composting is now mandatory citywide. However, there is a warning period until spring 2025, after which NYC residents will be subject to fines. Set out your leaf and yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper in bins (55 gallons or less) with secure lids and labeled as compost. Extra leaf and yard waste can be put in paper lawn and leaf bags or clear plastic bags.

Resources for Women Entrepreneurs

Women Entrepreneurs NYC (WE NYC) is an initiative based out of the NYC Department of Small Business Services dedicated to helping women start and grow their businesses. This network of like-minded entrepreneurs provides mentorship and coaching services to help empower women to start, operate, and grow businesses. On Friday, November 15, from 1:00pm until 5:00pm, the network will host a leadership conference about finding funding (RSVP here). The network also provides free legal assistance, business coaching sessions, and more. 

Textile Recycling

On Saturday, November 16, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, join The West 68th Street Block Association for Textile Recycling Day and Fall Street Spruce Up. Clothing, shoes, clothing accessories, sheets, towels, and handbags will be accepted. Pillows, comforters, bathroom mats, and plastic toys will not be. There will be information on composting, bulb planting, and street cleaning, as well as knife sharpening, $1 raffle sales, and a refreshment table. The event is weather permitting and will take place at 51 West 68th Street. View the event flyer here. 

Required Signs for NYC Restaurants & Bars Guide

The NYC Hospitality Alliance, in partnership with the NYC Department of Small Business Services, updated and released the Required Signs for NYC Restaurants & Bars, a guide that outlines the signage you need to display in your restaurant or bar. You can request your copy here and find many additional resources at the City’s NYC Restaurant Resource Guide.

Businesses: Avoid Federal Fines

As part of the Corporate Transparency Act, businesses need to report information about the individuals who own or control them by December 31, 2024. Any newly formed businesses must do the same within 90 days of being registered with the state. Businesses will be fined for not registering the appropriate information. Completing the form is free. You do not need to pay to process this one-time filing for your business. Businesses may be subject to civil penalties of $500+ for each day that they have not completed the filing requirement. The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will host at least one info session per month before the December 31, 2024, deadline, where you can learn which companies need to file, the contents and timing of the filings, and the process of completing such filings. RSVP for an upcoming info session here.

NYC Funds Finer for Businesses

Do you need financing for your small business? NYC Funds Finder from the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) provides free access to loan and grant resources. SBS has partnered with Next Street to make affordable financing more accessible to all NYC entrepreneurs, including women and minority-owned businesses. The NYC Funds Finder provides custom lists of loans and grants for your business through our Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partners and other responsible lenders, free one-on-one financial counseling, and help with documentation preparation.

Sign Up for UWSR’s Eco Letter

Upper West Side Recycling (UWSR) shares a free Eco Letter six times a year. Here you'll find out about environmental events taking place during the upcoming two or three months, along with commentary on an environmental topic relevant to Manhattan's Upper West Side. Read the November/December newsletter here. Sign up for the newsletter here. 

Traffic Advisories

The 2025 Alternate Side Parking (street cleaning) Suspensions Calendar is now available. Click here to download the 2025 NYCASP calendar.

Need to know about upcoming bridge and street closures? Visit DOT’s webpage for the weekly traffic advisory and weekend traffic advisory.