Community Alerts 1.5.23

COVID-19, Flu, and RSV in NYC

New York City is facing high levels of COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The New York City Health Commissioner issued an advisory that strongly urges New Yorkers to wear masks in public indoor settings and crowded outdoor settings. The flu vaccine and COVID-19 boosters are our best protection against serious illness and complications. It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time! To find a location near you, go to nyc.gov/vaccinefinder. NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher is hosting a COVID-19 booster clinic on Wednesday, January 18. Find out more details here and schedule your appointment here.

Get Free COVID-19 Tests Delivered to Your Home

With COVID-19 cases on the rise, the Biden administration is offering free at-home COVID-19 tests again through the Postal Service. You can order 4 free tests here.

Alternate Side Parking Suspended on January 6

Alternate side parking (street cleaning) regulations are suspended on Friday, January 6th for Three Kings’ Day. Click here to see the full NYCASP calendar for 2023. 

Christmas Tree Disposal available through January 8

DSNY will collect clean Christmas trees (and wreaths!) from Friday, January 6, 2023, through Saturday, January 14, 2023 — weather permitting. Remember, Christmas trees and wreaths are collected separately from your trash and recycling. Find more info here. Or, wrap up your holiday season and say goodbye to your tree at Mulchfest. Join NYC Parks and the New York City Department of Sanitation in the NYC holiday tradition of recycling your Christmas tree! Put on your boots and haul your tree to a Mulchfest location to see your tree into wood chips that will be used to nourish trees and make NYC even greener. Find a location here.

Volunteer for HOPE 2023 on January 24

Sign up now to participate in HOPE, NYC's annual survey of street homeless individuals. HOPE 2023 will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, from 10pm to 4am. Volunteers will begin at a HOPE site and then canvass streets and subways. Volunteers must be 16 or over, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Register here.

The Kindergarten Application is Open, Apply by January 20

The kindergarten application is open!  If your child was born in 2018 and lives in New York City, they are eligible to attend kindergarten in fall 2023. Apply here by January 20, 2023. Learn more here.

DOT Accepting Applications for 2023 Open Streets Program

On December 5, 2022, the Department of Transportation announced the availability of online applications for the 2023 Open Streets program. Through the Open Streets program, the Department of Transportation works with community organizations, schools, and businesses to provide activities in public space created by closing roads to vehicular traffic. If your Open Street will launch on or before June 30, 2023, you must apply by January 31, 2023. If your Open Street will launch on or after July, 2023, you must apply by April 14, 2023. Learn more about open streets on the DOT's website and from this presentation, and submit your application here.

The 2023 Manhattan Community Board Application Period is Open

Community Boards are the independent and representative voices of their communities. The Boards are pivotal in shaping their communities and work to enhance and preserve the character of the city’s many unique neighborhoods. The 2023 Community Board Application is open until March 17, 2023, at 5pm. Submit your application to serve on your Community Board here.

Read the UWSR Eco Letter

The free UWSR Eco Letter from Upper West Side Recycling lists events taking place during January and February as well as Winter 2023 updates for the Upper West Side of Manhattan. You can read the letter here.