Community Alerts 7.26.22

 

According to the CDC, the current COVID-19 community level in New York City is HIGH. The CDC recommends masking indoors in public and on public transportation, as well as staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Be sure to get tested if you are experiencing symptoms. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. Find out more about the COVID-19 situation in New York City with the COVID-19 Data Tracker.

 

 

As of July 25, 1,040 people in New York City have tested positive for orthopoxvirus/monkeypox. Cases in NYC are increasing, and there are likely many more cases that have not been diagnosed. Anyone can get and spread monkeypox. If you have a new or unexpected rash or sores, contact a health care provider. For information on vaccination appointments, click here.

 

 

The NYC Department of Small Business Services has opened nominations for the Small Business Advisory Commission. The Commission will help cut the red tape for small businesses to ensure a truly equitable recovery. This is your last chance to nominate someone for the commission. Click here to nominate a small business owner by July 29.

 

On Saturday, July 30, the Amsterdam Houses will celebrate their 75th Anniversary of the NYCHA residence on 64th Street between Amsterdam and West End Avenues. The event will take place between Noon and 7 pm. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts will provide world-class entertainment, including music performances by the acclaimed New York salsa band Los Hacheros. Additional activities include basketball games, children’s fun, a luncheon for seniors from 1-3 pm, and scholarship awards for college students. View the event flyer for more information. Congrats on 75 years!

 

 

Certain large NYC establishments are now required by law to separate their organic waste. These include Food Service Establishments, Retail Food Stores, Food Preparation Locations, Catering Establishments, and Temporary Public Events. Businesses covered by these rules must separate staff-handled, back-of-house food scraps, plant trimmings, food-soiled paper, and certified compostable products from garbage and other recyclables. Enforcement of these requirements begins on July 31, 2022. To see if this effects your business, click here.

 

 

On Tuesday, August 2, the 20th Precinct and the Community Council will hold their annual National Night Out on Crime event at Verdi Square from 6pm - 8pm. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships to help make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Meet leaders and personnel from your local precinct and interact with neighbors, community members, and local businesses with the common goal of partnership and safety.

 

 

Thanks to Council Member Gale Brewer for the information: Here are the details on how seniors can get $10 bags of locally grown fresh produce. The Summer Meals Program is available throughout New York City to anyone 18 years old and under for free breakfast and lunch. Find out more here.

 

 

On Saturday, August 6, there is a single block Street Fair scheduled to take place on the east side of Broadway between 60th and 61st Streets from 10am - 6pm. The fair will benefit the 20th Precinct Community Council and Explorer programs.

 

 

Click here for information on cooling centers and tips for staying cool from the NYC Office of Emergency Management.

 

 

To help NYC invest in an accessible, equitable, and high-quality childcare system, Mayor Adams championed two new tax relief opportunities to increase childcare seats. The first is a new property tax abatement for property owners who retrofit space to accommodate childcare centers. Property owners who create a childcare center or increase the number of seats at an existing childcare center may be eligible for a property tax abatement covering up to $225,000 of construction costs. The second opportunity is a new NYC business income tax credit for businesses that provide free or subsidized infant/toddler care for their employees. Read the press release here.