Community Alerts 1.22.25

Parking & Traffic Advisories

Alternate side parking regulations will be suspended for snow removal tomorrow, January 23. Parking meters will remain in effect. Download the NYCASP calendar here. 

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

Support Those Affected by the Wildfires in Los Angeles 

Earlier this month, horrific wildfires devasted the Los Angeles community. We continue to keep those who have been affected by this disaster in our thoughts. If you are looking for a way to support the LA community, consider these resources, compiled by the DTLA Alliance (Downtown LA).

DSNY Proposed Rule Relating to Entities Engaging in Cleaning Services

DSNY is proposing to amend its rule to clarify that no entity engaging in cleaning services shall be permitted to place bags of refuse and recycling out for collection. The agency will hold a public hearing on the proposed rule via Microsoft Teams at 10:00am on February 10, 2025. Find more details here.

Join Your Community Board

Do you want to make a real difference in the future of your community? Are you passionate about the issues that affect your neighborhood? Community Boards are a place to get involved, and your perspective, your voice, and your ideas can help shape the future of our borough. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine has opened the 2025 Community Board application—apply today!

Artists: Submit Your Proposals Today

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) will host its annual Car-Free Earth Day event, transforming NYC streets into active and attractive public spaces. As part of the event, DOT Art is seeking environmentally conscious artists to submit proposals for new or existing artwork to be presented as a one-day installation along the event route. Selected artists may receive up to $10,000 to cover project costs and will be responsible for installing, monitoring, and de-installing the artwork on the day of the event. Review the Car-Free Earth Day Art Interventions RFP (pdf) for more information. Interested artists must submit their proposals here by Sunday, February 9, 2025, before 11:59pm.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

It’s not too late to apply to HEAP—a New York State program to help cover heating or repair costs this winter. This benefit can help homeowners repair or replace a furnace, boiler, and/or other essential heating equipment necessary to keep the home’s primary heating source working. Learn more here.

Restaurants: Learn About the Restaurant Meals Program

The Restaurant Meals Program, which allows some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to use their benefits at participating restaurants, has been a success in California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, and Rhode Island, and is finally launching statewide in New York after a successful pilot in NYC and Monroe (Rochester) County. The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), NYS Department of State (DOS), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be hosting a webinar for restaurants on Monday, February 10 at 11:00am. Attend the webinar here.

Reduced-Fare OMNY Cards Are Coming Soon

As the MTA transitions from MetroCard to OMNY, existing Reduced-Fare MetroCard customers will be receiving OMNY cards in the mail along with this letter. During the transition, the Reduced-Fare application process will change. Learn more about the Reduced-Fare program here. Reduced-Fare customers who switched to their digital wallet will not be receiving the card. If those customers would like a physical card, they must visit the MTA at 3 Stone Street. 

Attend Rat Academy

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal is hosting a free rat academy with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Project Find on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at Hamilton House (141 W 73rd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues). While the City has made great strides in reducing its rat population, we can always do more. Join the Assemblymember’s Rat Academy to discuss an array of rat mitigation efforts that can be implemented by individuals and building staff to clean up our streets. To RSVP, please contact Assemblymember Rosenthal’s district office at 212-873-6368 or at rosenthall@nyassembly.gov. 

Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Update

As of December 23, 2024, a federal court of appeals lifted the preliminary injunction blocking the reporting deadline for Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI).

Following the decision, FinCEN has extended its reporting deadline to January 13, 2024, to file their BOI reports. BOI filing is required. If a business fails to file a BOI report or provide inaccurate information, there may be potential civil and criminal penalties. Learn more here.