Community Alerts 3.21.24

All Commercial Waste Must Be Containerized

As of March 1, 2024, ALL businesses in NYC must use bins with secure lids when setting out trash for collection. There will be a one-month warning period. Later, businesses found to be in violation of the trash container rules will be subject to fines, starting at $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $200 for all subsequent offenses. Check out our recent story for details, or learn more on DSNY’s website, including upcoming information sessions to help prepare businesses.

Traffic Advisories from DOT

From Friday, March 22 at 6:00 pm until Saturday, March 23 at 6:00 am, DOT will be conducting roadway milling in two locations around the Lincoln Square BID: Central Park West between W 62nd Street and Columbus Circle and West 67th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway. No parking signs have been posted, noting that these areas will be a tow-away zone. 

On March 24, alternate side parking will be suspended for Purim. Meters remain in effect. Click here to download the NYCASP calendar.

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

Church of Latter-Day Saints Closes for Renovations

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (125 Columbus Ave between W 65th and W 66th Street) closed this month for renovations. Work began this month and the renovations will continue for three years. The Church posted about the renovations in this press release last August.

Learn More About the City of Yes

The Department of City Planning (DCP) will host public information sessions on components of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity proposal from 6:30 - 8:30pm on the following dates:

• Wednesday, March 27: “Missing Middle” Housing Types (transit-oriented development and “town center” zoning)
• Wednesday, April 17: Overview of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity Proposal

City of Yes for Housing Opportunity is the third of three City of Yes initiatives to update New York City’s zoning; the first, for Carbon Neutrality, was adopted by the Council in December; the second, for Economic Opportunity, was approved by the City Planning Commission earlier this month.

Landmarks Launches Portal for Application and Document Filings

On March 19, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission launched Portico, a web-based permit application portal for owners of landmark buildings applying for permits to work on their designated properties. The new process will make it easier for applicants to file an application, allow multiple users to access the same application, and offer updates from start to finish. Read more via CityLand. 

Tax Season Updates

The IRS is now accepting tax returns, 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.

Reporting Illegal Cannabis Shops

Information about activities that may be in violation of the Cannabis Law can be sent to the NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) via email or through OCM's website. Suspected violations or complaints can be reported here. Whenever possible, OCM requests that you include the following information when submitting a complaint: name of the business; time of alleged illicit activity; location of alleged illicit activity; pictures of alleged illicit activity; indicate if there has been previous police contact (i.e., 911 calls); proximity to sensitive use locations (e.g., school, house of worship); and contact information of the person reporting the alleged illicit activity (for any follow-up questions investigators may have).

Mobility and Vehicle Ownership Survey

How do you feel about parking and traffic in NYC? Students in Hunter College's Master of Urban Planning studio class are interested in learning more about mobility and vehicle ownership in NYC. Take this survey to inform their final report.

NYC Parks is Hiring

NYC Parks is seeking summer workers. City Park Workers make $20.89 but must have a driver's license. The agency also has City Season Aide positions available for non-drivers at $18.00 an hour. Complete the short application here.

Free Summer Program for Students

All NYC students currently in grades K-8 (2023-2024 school year) are eligible for Summer Rising 2024. Learn more about the program here, then visit MySchools.nyc to create an account and register your child. For additional information, check out this flyer from NYC Public Schools.

Don’t forget to register to vote! 

You can check online to see if you are registered, or call 1-866-868-3692.

If not, register online, via the DMV, by mail, and in person. To be eligible to vote in the Presidential Primary, your application must be received no later than March 23, 2024.