Community Alerts

Community Alerts 9.26.24

Sep 26, 2024
Community Alerts 9.26.24

Open Streets on Columbus Avenue

The Open Streets, run by the Columbus Avenue BID, returns this year! Every Sunday from September 15 through October 27 (weather permitting), Columbus Avenue between West 68th and West 77th Street will be closed to vehicles (cross streets will remain open) between 11:00am and 7:00pm. Stop by to enjoy programming each week, including live music, dance lessons, and more. To stay up to date, follow the Columbus Avenue BID on Instagram or Facebook pages.    

 

Update on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (125 Columbus Avenue) is under construction, the information center is free and open to the public Wednesday through Friday from 11:00am until 4:00pm through the end of December. The renovations are predicted to be completed in 2027, after which visitors will be able to tour the temple via an open house before it is blessed and closed to the public.

 

Sanitation Updates

Composting Begins in October: Curbside composting will be available to all residents beginning October 6, 2024. Service will be year-round every week, and collection is on your recycling day. Learn more about the program here. Then, place your order for a free Brown Bin for your building. Orders must be placed before October 28, 2024. The next information sessions for property managers and superintendents will be on Thursday, September 26 and Thursday, October 3,at 2:00pm.

New Trash Containerization Rules for Residential Buildings: The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) recently announced plans to containerize all residential trash. As of November 12, 2024, properties with fewer than 10 residential units will be required to use bins with secure lids for trash set-out (55 gallons max) before transitioning to the use of an official NYC bin next summer. Eventually, properties with 10 - 30 residential units will be required to choose either stationary, on-street containers, or smaller wheelie bins, and properties with 31+ units will be required to use stationary, on-street containers for their trash, serviced by new, automated side-loading garbage trucks. On-street containers will be assigned to a specific building solely for residents of that building. Learn more or attend one of DNSY’s virtual information sessions, which will be held on Thursdays throughout September and October.

 

Free Help for Building Energy Efficiency Upgrades 

Whether you are currently undertaking deep building energy upgrades or have not yet explored energy conservation measures, incentive programs can drastically reduce the upfront cost. Some incentive programs can even provide your building with free in-unit LEDs. Unlock cost-saving opportunities for your building projects by working with a NYC Accelerator account manager to explore a curated list of incentive programs, financing options, and tax credits available to your building. Contact NYC Accelerator to get started with free, personalized technical assistance.

 

Storefront Businesses: Complete this Survey

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce is conducting a brief survey to better understand the needs of storefront businesses in Manhattan. The survey asks 10 simple questions about foot traffic and customer spending. It will only take four minutes to complete. Please take the survey here. 

 

Climate Week NYC

Climate Week NYC is the largest annual climate event of its kind, with over 600 events and activities across the City of New York – in person, hybrid, and online. Now through September 29, business leaders, political change makers, local decision takers, and civil society representatives of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world, are gathering to drive the transition, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening. Climate Week NYC is hosted by Climate Group, an international non-profit whose purpose is to drive climate action, fast. The event takes place every year in partnership with the United Nations General Assembly and is run in coordination with the United Nations and the City of New York. Learn more here.

 

RSVP for Free West Side Flu Shot Day

On Monday, September 30, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal will hold her annual flu shot day with Mount Sinai Health Systems from 10:00am through 1:00pm at her District Office at 230 West 72nd Street, Suite 2F (between Broadway and West End Avenue). Appointments are required. Please contact Assemblymember Rosenthal's office at 212-873-6368 or rosenthall@nyassembly.gov to RSVP.

 

COVID Vaccine Update

According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, getting the updated COVID vaccine around mid-October may help boost protection in time for the rise of cases that typically occur between November and January. Meanwhile, people with a high risk of severe illness are recommended to get an updated COVID vaccine as soon as possible. Learn more about where to find the vaccine on the Upper West Side via this article from the West Side Rag.

 

Volunteer This Hunger Action Month

This September, which is Hunger Action Month, NYC Service is focused on connecting volunteers and resources to community-based organizations that are at the forefront of eliminating hunger in New York City. Their website is a FREE online portal with visibility to over 7,000 registered volunteers. Your organization can join this effort: Register your organization at nyc.gov/service, if you don't already have an account (you can check here). Post your volunteer opportunities, making sure "Eliminate Hunger" is the selected impact area. Create "In-Kind Donation Lists" for non-cash items that are needed to support your initiatives. This may include canned food, pasta, rice, or unused food containers.   

 

Sign Up for UWSR’s Eco Letter

Upper West Side Recycling (UWSR) shares a free Eco Letter six times a year. Here you'll find out about environmental events taking place during the upcoming two or three months, along with commentary on an environmental topic relevant to Manhattan's Upper West Side. The September/October newsletter focused on composting. Sign up for the newsletter here. 

 

Traffic Advisories

Last week, NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Gridlock Alert Days through the end of the year. These days include September 23 through September 27 (the week of United Nations General Assembly). Drivers should expect extensive street closures and delays across Manhattan for the duration of this week. NYC DOT strongly encourages drivers to use alternative modes of transportation, especially on these days. Find the full list of Gridlock Alert Days here.

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