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Dear Friend,
I hope you’re staying safe and well as we continue to enjoy these last few summer days. I’m sharing some great updates and announcement from my office:
- Solar Crosswalks for a Safer New York Act
- September 11 Day of Remembrance Op-Ed
- Free Swim Lessons for 2nd Graders
- NYPD Enforcement of E-Bikes and Pending Council Legislation
- Legislation to help small business
- OMNY on Roosevelt Island
- New Noise Camera
- Community Corner
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1. Solar Crosswalks for a Safer New York Act
I’m thrilled to announce that my bill, the Safer Crosswalks for a Safer New York Act, has now reached an overwhelming 30 cosponsors in the City Council. I’m happy to have so many of my colleagues join me in this effort to make our streets safer for pedestrians, a concern I’ve heard countless times before. As the NY Post reported, the bill would require the Department of Transportation to install at least 100 illuminated, solar-powered traffic control devices at crosswalks annually over the next 5 years. Studies have shown that illuminated crosswalks help reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries, and other large cities, such as Orlando and San Francisco, have already adopted these devices to great success. This is why I’m excited to lead the effort to implement this model in New York City, and will continue working with my partners in government to ensure this legislation has a hearing in the City Council to make our streets safer.
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2. September 11 Day of Remembrance Op-Ed
The events of September 11 marked a turning point in American history. Ever since that day, we’ve made a pledge to never forget those who lost their lives in this horrendous and unforgivable attack. However, we’re now seeing a new generation of Americans coming into adulthood, all of whom were born after that dark day. It’s our responsibility now to ensure the legacy of that day is not forgotten as time goes on, which is why I joined Council Member Ariola in support of her Resolution in the City Council calling for September 11th to be designated as a federal holiday, the September 11 Day of Remembrance Act. This is a sure way to ensure that this tragedy is commemorated for future generations, and that the sacrifice the victims of that day gave is never forgotten. You can read our full Op-Ed here. We will continue to advocate for Congress to make September 11th a national holiday.
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3. Free Swim Lessons for 2nd Graders
Another bill I’m thrilled about is my swimming lessons bill, Introduction 760. This bill has a supermajority of Council Member support that would require the Department of Parks and Recreation to provide free swim lessons to New York City public school second grade students. Since 2008, over 58 New Yorkers have died on New York City pools and beaches, something that can be prevented by having adequate and accessible swim lessons for children. Aside from ensuring water safety, swimming lessons to young children can help build confidence, gain numerous physical health benefits, and reduce the risk of drowning. It is my hope that this bill will pass the City Council later this month and be signed into law by the Mayor.
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4. NYPD Enforcement of E-Bikes and Pending Council Legislation
Over the last few months, I’ve heard time and time again about the dangers that irresponsible moped and scooter drivers present to pedestrians across the Upper East Side. The New York Police Department has recently launched a campaign to thoroughly enforce traffic regulations, including against moped and electric scooter drivers driving at excessive speeds, driving against the flow of traffic, driving on sidewalks, and more. Our local Precinct, 19th Precinct, has been a great partner in ensuring traffic safety across the Upper East Side, with at least 4 truckloads full of 2/4 wheeled devices confiscated over the last 4 months. I’m glad that the Police Department has taken the necessary steps to increase enforcement on this matter after continuous advocacy from local community groups. It is clear that these vehicles, used irresponsibly, present a dangerous hazard to pedestrians and drivers alike. This is why, aside from advocating for increased enforcement, I’ve signed on to Council Member Holden’s bill, Introduction 758, that would require every bicycle with electric assist, electric scooter, and other legal motorized vehicles to be registered with the Department of Transportation and receive an identifying number which would be displayed on a visible plate affixed to the vehicle. I look forward to continuing working to address this matter, and thank everyone who has reached out to my office in support of this bill.
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5. Legislation to help Small Business
As Chair of the Small Business Committee, I’m always looking at ways to support the essential role that small businesses serve in our communities. This month, two of my bills related to small business are expected to be voted upon by the City Council. One bill, Introduction 263, will require the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) to report on the services they provide at Workforce1 Career Centers. These centers provide essential services to New Yorkers looking for employment, including job assistance and training opportunities. To better serve the population, it is necessary to have data on the performance of these Workforce1 Career Centers to find ways to increase their effectiveness and expand on the services already provided. Furthermore, Introduction 1103 would require the Department of Small Business Services to post on its website information on selecting a bank for small businesses. Selecting a bank for your business is one of the earliest and most important decisions to make in your business career, therefore it is critical to have the information needed when making that decision. This bill would provide information on specialized services offered by banks for small businesses, typical fees, interest rates, monthly charges, balance requirements, and more. This will help business owners make more informed decisions and prevent them from facing banking obstacles from the get go.
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6. OMNY on Roosevelt Island
One of the many requests my office receives is to bring the OMNY fare payment system to the Roosevelt Island Tramway. I’m ecstatic to announce that, starting on August 25th, the OMNY fare payment system is now available on the Roosevelt Island Tramway. Since then, tramway users are able to simply tap and go with their smart devices, contactless credit card, or OMNY card, and make use of the MTA’s seven-day fare capping program. This milestone achievement represents the first time a non-MTA operated entity begins to accept taps as a fare payment, and sets the ground for future OMNY expansion to the John F Kennedy Airport’s Airtrain. This rollout is the result of countless advocacy from local community groups, transit advocacy organizations, and tramway users who have waited for years for this system to be brought to Roosevelt Island. I want to thank the MTA and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation for listening to the community and creating a seamless communing system.
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7. New Noise Camera
With the summer in full swing, many have reached out to my office over excessively loud motorcycles and cars in our district’s roadways. I’m happy to announce that, in collaboration with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the city will be installing a new noise camera near the Isaacs Houses. This is the result of a pilot by the Department of Environmental Protection to introduce camera enforcement as an alternative approach to enforcing the NYC noise code. The camera is paired with a sound meter that activates when the meter detects a noise of at least 85 decibels from a source at least 50 feet away, which then prompts the camera to capture the vehicle’s license plate. The Department of Environmental Protection then reviews the evidence, and if necessary, issues a Notice to Appear to the vehicle owner. This is a critical step to mitigate one of the biggest sources of noise complaints in our district, and I’m absolutely grateful to the department and the administration for listening to our constituents and placing a camera in our district. I encourage you to please reach out to our office over locations you believe a camera should be placed in the future, and we’ll make sure to pass along the concern to the Department of Environmental Protection.
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8. Community Corner
I want to highlight some upcoming events and announcements by trusted community partners. If you want to feature something in our newsletter, please email JaGarcia@council.nyc.gov
Grass Roots Grocery: Upper East Side Community Fridge
Please help Grass Roots Grocery fill up their UES Community Fridge, and be a part of the effort to bring food to those in need. Open 24/7 at NYCHA’s Holmes Towers (1780 1st Avenue), the community fridge is able to accept leftovers*, sandwiches*, baked goods, fresh produce, eggs and dairy, prepared meals, and nonperishable goods.
*All prepared items should be individually packaged, in see through packaging, and labeled with a date of preparation, the name of the item, and any common allergens. All other items should be unopened and non-expired
Asphalt Green: Hiring!
Asphalt Green is NYC’s premiere sports and fitness organization. They are currently hiring instructors for their Recess Enhancement Program (REP) and Waterproofing Program. Both of these wonderful programs will serve children in our district this school year.
City of Forest Day
We’re thrilled to share that on Saturday, October 14th from 11am to 3pm, we’ll be sponsoring the City of Forest Day event on Lighthouse Park, Roosevelt ISland. We invite everyone to attend and participate in the activities!
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Tango in The Park at Sutton Place Park
Join NYC Parks for FREE Tango classes. Put on your dancing shoes and learn with Strictly Tango NYC Dance School. Experience “the authentic Buenos Aires Tango feeling.” Come with your partner, friends, or by yourself and find a new dance partner!
Fridays | September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m
Friday | October 13, 2023 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m
Sutton Place Park
E. River bet. E. 56 St. & E. 57 St., New York, N.Y. 10022
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Contact Us
Email us at district5@council.nyc.gov, call our office at 212-860-1950, or visit us at 444 East 75th Street #1B (75th and York Avenue)
Best,
Julie
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