Community Alerts 7.31.24

LAST CHANCE FOR RESTAURANTS: Apply Now for Dining Out NYC

Restaurants with outdoor dining setups (outdoor seating, self-serve tables, etc.) must apply for the Dining Out NYC program by August 3 or remove their setups. Restaurants that have chairs or a bench may need to apply for a permit, however, it is not completely clear, so check with DOT. The NYC Business Express Service Team (NYC BEST) can help restaurants understand and comply with new program rules and other city regulations. Download the Dining Out NYC Financial Estimator to help you determine if participation in Dining Out NYC is right for your business. 

National Night Out 

Our local NYPD precinct (the 20th) will participate along with other precincts in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6. Events vary but may include speakers, tabling by local organizations, and refreshments. Join the 20th Precinct from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Verdi Square (W 73rd Street between Amsterdam and Broadway), or join the Central Park Precinct and Transit District 1 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at 59th Street and Columbus Circle.

Cooling Centers

As temperatures remain high this summer, make sure to stay cool. The City opens its cooling centers when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory with a forecasted heat index of 95 degrees or higher for two or more days or 100 degrees for any period of time. Find your nearest NYC cooling center here. If you or someone you know has any symptoms of heat illness (heavy sweating, lightheadedness, decreased energy, loss of appetite, etc.), call 911. 

Use Notify NYC to Stay Updated

New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) created Notify NYC as New York City’s dedicated emergency public communications program. Notify NYC staff operates 24/7, constantly monitoring emergency activity in New York City and the metropolitan area. Create an account here to receive updates ranging from pool notifications to police advisories and weather emergency messages.

Free Summer Meals

The 2024 Free Summer Meals Program from NYC Public Schools began on June 27 all across New York City, and it's totally free for anyone who's 18 years old or younger. You can find these meals at specific places like select NYC Public Schools, community pool centers, parks, and libraries. And guess what? You don't need to sign up, show any papers, or have an ID to get these meals. Just head to one of the spots and enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch. The closest location to our neighborhood is at the High School for Law, Advocacy and Community Justice at the MLK Educational Complex located at 122 Amsterdam Avenue. Have a great summer filled with good food! You can learn more by visiting the NYC Public Schools website.

2024 Fresh Food for Seniors Program

Council Member Gale Brewer’s office offers $15 worth of locally grown fruits and vegetables for just $10 for older adults on the West Side every two weeks. The program is pay-as-you-go, not a subscription. The next pickup day is Wednesday, August 7, at Goddard Riverside's Older Adult Center (593 Columbus at 88th St). When you pick up your order, you can place your next order for pickup on August 21. Orders and pickups are also available at Project FIND Clinton Older Adult Center (530 W. 55th St.; 212-757-2026); NCJW Council Lifetime Learning (241 W 72nd St.; 212-687-5030); Lincoln House Outreach (303 W 66th St.; 212-875-8958); hours will be different than Goddard, so call each location for details.   

It’s Festival and Parade Season

In the warmer months, streets are often closed due to local festivals, parades, and fairs. Visit Manhattan Community Board 7’s website for a list of events scheduled for the Upper West Side, or find a full list of NYC street fairs here. 

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.