Community Alerts 12.14.23

Protest Alert

We have been advised that there is a protest planned for today, December 14, at 6:00pm at Richard Tucker Park (Broadway and W 66th Street).

Congestion Pricing Update

On December 6, the MTA Board voted in favor of a congestion pricing plan that will charge cars with E-ZPasses entering Manhattan south of 60th Street a base fare of $15 during peak periods, once per day. Trucks will pay $24 - $36, and smaller fees will apply for taxis and ride share vehicles. The plan is meant to decrease traffic and its externalities, while generating $1 billion for the MTA’s capital plan. A 60-day public comment period is now underway. For more information on the plan’s toll structure, read the Traffic Mobility Review Board’s report. Learn more about the Central Business District Tolling Program in this overview.

Restaurants: Register for NYC Restaurant Week Today!

NYC Restaurant Week’s Winter 2024 program will take place January 16 – February 4, 2024. Restaurants can participate during lunch and/or dinner at either the $30, $45 or $60 price point. If your restaurant has participated before and would like to do so again, complete the registration form in the members-only section of NYC Tourism. If your restaurant is new to the program or would like more information, please complete this interest form and a member of NYC Tourism will be in touch. Late registration will stay open until January 15, and questions may be sent to nycrestweek@nyctourism.com.

New Program for Budding Entrepreneurs

A new online educational pilot program to help small business owners and community partners understand the rules and regulations needed to launch and operate a business in New York City is now live. Register here for the NYC BEST Bootcamp series to hear directly from the various City agencies. The second series is currently in progress, and the third series is scheduled for January.

New Safety Standards for Electric Micromobility

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has adopted new rules that require safety standards for all powered bicycles, powered mobility devices, and their batteries that are distributed, sold, leased, or rented in NYC. Beginning January 3, 2024, to be compliant, the devices and their batteries must be tested by an accredited testing laboratory. 

Flood Recovery Loans

If your home or business in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island was flooded during the significant flash flooding event on 9/29, you may apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration until 2/2/2024 (for physical damage) and 9/4/24 (for economic injury). For more information, visit: on.nyc.gov/flashfloodrecovery.

Free Tax Prep for Self-Employed Tax Filers

NYC Free Tax Prep for Self-Employed Filers provides free tax preparation services for gig workers, freelancers, and small business owners via the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. In addition to providing annual and quarterly estimated tax filing preparation assistance, new workshops, and one-on-one consultations will help the growing number of New Yorkers who perform gig and freelance work to learn the basics of tax filing and recordkeeping best practices as self-employed filers. 

Stay Prepared

With temperatures dropping, there’s no better time to sign up for emergency alerts via Notify NYC. The updates from the NYC Department of Emergency Management are available in 13 languages and American Sign Language. You can also follow Notify NYC on Twitter (@NotifyNYC) or download the free mobile application for your smart device.

Holiday Construction Embargo

Between November 15, 2023, and January 2, 2024, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) will be suspending all routine work on streets, except for emergency work or for work that is granted special permission. Any non-emergency permits issued prior to September 8, 2023, are hereby suspended for the dates and locations affected. Utility cover openings are also restricted unless an emergency authorization number has been obtained from DOT. DOT’s map shows that the holiday embargo is in effect in the BID along Amsterdam Avenue, Columbus Avenue, and Central Park West, as well as 59th Street through 66th Street between those avenues.

COVID-19 Vaccines & Tests

The COVID-19 vaccines reduce the severity of symptoms if you get sick from COVID-19 and reduce the risk of developing long COVID. While anyone can become very sick from COVID-19, vaccination is especially important for people who are age 65 and older, are pregnant, or have certain health conditions and disabilities. The updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2023-2024 season are designed to protect against newer variants and to increase people’s protection against the virus. Visit the NYC Vaccine Finder to find a vaccine and schedule your appointment.

As of November 20, every household is also eligible for an additional four free at-home tests. If you did not order tests this fall, you may place two orders. Place your order(s) for the tests here.