Community Alerts 12.11.24

Congestion Pricing Begins This January 

Congestion pricing will begin on January 5, 2025. In advance of the program’s start, the MTA will host public webinars during the first three weeks of December. The hour-long webinars will include an explanation of how the Congestion Relief Zone works, how the region will benefit from the program, discounts and exemptions, and a Q&A. Sign up for the webinars and learn about discounts and exemptions. You can also learn more on the MTA’s Congestion Pricing website. 

Holiday Construction Embargo

NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) imposes construction embargoes during significant special events, including the New York City Marathon, parades, and for the winter holiday season. During embargoes, all active permits in the affected area(s) are suspended and no new permits may be approved unless a waiver for the work is granted by DOT. A special Holiday Construction Embargo shall be in effect from 6:00am to 11:59pm starting Friday, November 15, 2024, through Thursday, January 2, 2025. Learn more about the embargo and affected locations here. 

Volunteer with Goddard Riverside

Looking for an opportunity to give back or connect with your community this holiday season? Goddard Riverside is collecting food and supply donations to help deliver 1,500 Christmas dinners! Learn more here, then drop off your donations Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 1:00pm at Goddard Riverside (593 Columbus Avenue at 88th Street). The nonprofit is also in need of volunteers to help assemble and distribute meals (sign up here). On Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25), the center is open from noon until 3:00pm, and everyone who would like a meal is open (details here). 

Donate Toys at Patrol Borough Manhattan North

NYPD Patrol Borough Manhattan North is seeking toy donations to brighten the holidays for families in need at their annual toy giveaway. New, unwrapped toys are welcome for all age groups, dropped off at Patrol Borough Manhattan North (151 W 100th Street) before Friday, December 20. Contact P.O. Salazar with any questions at (929) 208-7159. (Thanks for the tip, Council Member Gale Brewer!)

Corporate Transparency Act Update 

As you may have heard, a Texas court has issued a nationwide injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Due to ongoing litigation regarding enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act, businesses should consult with counsel regarding current obligations under the Act. For businesses that choose to voluntarily register, SBS will be hosting a webinar on December 19 to walk them through the process. Businesses can sign up here to join. For up-to-date information on filing beneficial ownership information with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as part of the Corporate Transparency Act, please visit fincen.gov/boi. 

The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is in touch with the US Treasury Department and will share any updates. 

Volunteer to Help New Yorkers with Their Taxes

Council Member Gale Brewer’s office shared that the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is recruiting volunteer tax preparers to help fellow New Yorkers this coming tax season. Volunteers receive free, professional training and are certified by the IRS. They are looking for those who can commit to at least one 4–8 hour shift per week between January and April at one of the 150 NYC Free Tax Prep sites. Learn more here, by visiting the IRS Link & Learn site, or via New York Cares' online information sessions and training opportunities. To sign up, click here or contact 311.

Small Business Owner Survey

The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) wants to hear from small business owners! SBS is examining whether Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) are getting an equitable share of city contracts in key industries and wants to understand your experience working with or attempting to work with the city. Your input will help SBS explore potential changes to the City’s M/WBE program. Learn more and take this survey for your chance to win a $200 gift card! This study is a partnership between SBS and the CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance.

NYC Funds Finder 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.

Required Signs for NYC Restaurants & Bars Guide

The NYC Hospitality Alliance, in partnership with the NYC Department of Small Business Services, updated and released "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.

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.

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.

Traffic Advisories

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