Community Alerts 1.25.24

All Commercial Waste Must Be Containerized

In joining a monthly call with Community Board 7’s District Manager and partners, we were reminded by representatives from the Department of Sanitation that, starting March 1, 2024, ALL businesses in NYC must use bins with secure lids when setting out trash for collection. Learn more on DSNY’s website.  

Check Out NYC Parks’ Programs

The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation offers a wide range of programs and activities for every age level and interest. Join rangers on February 17 for a Central Park Super Hike, explore their “Winter Fun” page for cold weather activities, or subscribe for email updates at the top of their website (in the gray bar, next to “Accessibility”). 

Request a Free "Operation Safe Travel" Workshop

The Lighthouse Guild is committed to providing exceptional services and workshops that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals. They are currently offering a free virtual workshop, “Operation Safe Travel,” that provides tips to help individuals with vision loss travel independently and safely. If you are interested in bringing this workshop to your community or senior center, please complete the request form here; a member of the Lighthouse Guild team will review your request and get in touch with you to discuss the details further.

Notice of Hearing on Third-Party Food Delivery Services

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is proposing new rules to clarify the licensing requirement for third-party food delivery services. The hearing for these changes will be held virtually on Monday, February 5, at 11:00am. Find the notice of the public hearing here.

Bootcamp for Small Businesses

NYC BEST is partnering with various city agencies, small business organizations, and community partners to help small business owners understand city rules and regulations through a series of webinars. Topics will include understanding City agencies' permit/license structures and processes, navigating government resources (NYC Business Solutions Centers, Commercial Lease Assistance, SBS Hotline), and how NYC BEST can help with permits and licenses. Register for the next series here.

NYC Trash Academy

Formerly known as Zero Waste Academy, “NYC Trash Academy: Talking Dirty About Sustainable Solution” is a free, virtual, 10-session educational series designed for all New Yorkers and anyone interested in learning how to create a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable city. Along with these virtual sessions, this year, the program will include three hybrid evening study halls where participants can come together (virtually or in person) to discuss the modules and network as a cohort. Applications are open until February 2. Learn more and apply here. 

MTA Plans to Phase Out MetroCards

The MTA plans to phase out MetroCards this year. If you have a reduced-fare benefit, find out how to link it to OMNY on MTA’s website. The website also provides steps for how to apply for the reduced-fare program, which is available for riders age 65 and older or those with a qualifying disability. 

NYC Tax Prep Presentation and Brochure Requests

The IRS has announced that it will begin accepting tax returns on January 29, and the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) wants to make sure all eligible New Yorkers use the NYC Free Tax Prep. New Yorkers who earned $85,000 or less for families or $59,000 or less as single filers in 2023 will be eligible to file for free with an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer using NYC Free Tax Prep. The services are also available for self-employed filers, such as small business owners, freelancers, and gig workers.

The DCWP Community Affairs Team is available to facilitate presentations in person or virtually for your organization, including staff and/or members. If you are interested, fill out their FTP Presentation Request Form to secure a date.

DCWP is also distributing Free Tax Prep brochures for the 2024 tax season. Order brochures for your agency/organization by completing the Google form by January 26, 2024: 2024 Tax Season Brochure Request Form.

Please note that you can request presentations, brochures, or both. 

Traffic Advisories from DOT

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