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** Dear Neighbors,
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As we begin to prepare for the re-opening of New York City, the City Council is legislating ways to both do it as safely as possible, and bring badly needed relief to our local economy.

Yesterday the Council introduced legislation ([link removed]) which will require the City to identify open spaces (sidewalks, streets, plazas, etc.) where restaurants and bars can follow social distancing measures and safely serve customers outside -- enabling more of these businesses to re-open.

Also yesterday -- my colleagues and I passed a bill which requires public reporting on the City’s COVID-19 contact tracing efforts; another which establishes a commission to oversee the early release of incarcerated persons, including those vulnerable to COVID-19, who have served a portion of their sentence; and a resolution calling for pay parity for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

With the City's Test & Trace Corps set to launch June 1, and the number of positive cases, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit cases in decline, New York City is approaching eligibility for Phase 1 of the State's re-open plan.

Local industries eligible for Phase 1 include construction, manufacturing, wholesale suppliers, and non-essential retail. An estimated 200,000-400,000 workers will return to their job sites as part of Phase 1. To ensure this is done safely, all businesses will need to adhere to specific hygiene, distancing, and health protocols. Read the State guidelines here ([link removed]) .

INCIDENT IN CENTRAL PARK
This week I joined Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Brooklyn BP Eric Adams, Manhattan BP Gale Brewer, and many other community leaders to call attention to the recent incident in Central Park in which a white woman called the police to make a complaint about a black bird watcher.

While the Upper West Side is proudly home to many different types of people, we are relatively more affluent and white. And for that reason alone, many of us do not experience police brutality the way our neighbors do.

Both disturbing recent videos, and data, have shown the disproportionate police enforcement of social distancing -- with black and brown people being far more likely to receive summons, or brutality, for non-compliance.

And as the racist and false allegations made against Mr. Cooper for birdwatching clearly illustrate -- the violence of racism is weaponized in the daily interactions of so many New Yorkers.

Calling the police on a black man is too often a death sentence (it was for George Floyd in Minnesota), and what the video perfectly captures is the eagerness to make that call and leverage that power. It is tragic that Mr. Cooper is so familiar with this reality that he has published works to guide and protect his peers on the dangers of birding while black.

Central Park should be a natural respite for ALL New Yorkers, where no one should encounter harassment and abuse. I take this to heart as a white woman. We must confront how we weaponize power, and redirect it in service of equity.

CITY BUDGET
The City is required to pass a balanced budget by the end of June. With additional drops in revenue, looming State cuts to education and healthcare funding, and the growing un-likelihood of Federal support for states and localities, piecing together a budget that does not cut critical programs and services will be a massive challenge.

The City must assemble a package of solutions which includes productivity savings, some cuts to services, new revenue opportunities, use of reserves, and borrowing. There is no one silver bullet. I've spoken ([link removed]) and written ([link removed]) about some of these ideas.

To raise additional revenue, the lowest hanging fruit is to unwind the rebate of the securities transfer tax, currently in State law. This tax was collected until 1981 and could generate billions of dollars, depending on the percentage collected, and be shared equally by the City and the State.

NYCHA TOWN HALL
Thank you to all the NYCHA residents who joined us for a special Town Hall this week. We discussed COVID-19 safety measures in Upper West Side NYCHA buildings, testing for NYCHA residents, resources for seniors and other vulnerable residents, ongoing repair and maintenance problems, and more.

Chairman Greg Russ and other NYCHA leadership responded to questions from tenant leaders and residents for over an hour. We were also pleased to be joined by City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. You can watch the full Town Hall here ([link removed]) .

COVID-19 DIAGNOSTIC & ANTIBODY TESTING AVAILABLE
Testing for the coronavirus itself, and the subsequent anti-bodies, is being provided by the State of NY in our community.

When: Ongoing
Where: 145 West 96th Street.
What: Both COVID diagnostic and antibody (serology) tests available
How: By Appointment Only. Call 1-833-766-6769 (SOMOS-NY) to sign up

Thank you to Assembly Member O'Donnell's office for sharing this information.

BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED
The cancellation of blood drives during the pandemic has significantly impacted supply levels. Please consider donating blood. New Yorkers can make an appointment by visiting nybc.org ([link removed]) or calling 800-933-2566.

RESOURCES FOR UPPER WEST SIDERS

My office is working with seniors, the disabled, the recently un (or under) employed, the food insecure, people with housing issues, and all those suffering the many consequences of this pandemic, to help in any way we can.

Please call (212) 873-0282, leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible; email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) ; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com ([link removed]) . We update it on a daily basis with information about public benefits, non-profit resources, and health facts Upper West Siders need to get through this crisis.

COOLING ASSISTANCE
New York City's Human Resources Administration is providing a “Cooling Assistance” benefit, which helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800. Learn more and apply here ([link removed]) .

NEW RESOURCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
As New York State begins to re-open, the NY Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) can assist small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, nonprofits, and small landlords that have seen a loss of rental income.

NYFLF is timed to support businesses and organizations as they proceed to reopen and have upfront expenses to comply with safety guidelines (e.g., inventory, marketing, refitting for new social distancing guidelines) under the New York Forward Plan. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

DEALING WITH DEBT COLLECTORS
The City's Dept of Consumer & Worker Protection has produced a letter template in multiple languages ([link removed]) that New Yorkers can use to respond to aggressive debt collectors during the state of emergency. For more information about scams and other consumer issues, visit nyc.gov/consumers ([link removed]) .

ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS

Summer Intergenerational Volunteer Opportunities
If you're age 65+ and enjoy spending time with young people, please volunteer to share wisdom and laughs with DOROT teens this summer. Join us from your home for weekly intergenerational workshops in storytelling, discussion groups, legacy projects, StoryCorps Connect, or art, for a four-week session, beginning on June 22 or July 20.

Following an online orientation, sign up for your preferred activity and session. Familiarity with Zoom and access to a computer, phone or tablet with a working camera is required. Orientations are held in early June. Sign-up here ([link removed]) . Please email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) with any questions.

Are You Having Difficulty With Meal Delivery?
Seniors who signed up through a senior center, or with the City's Dept for the Aging (DFTA), should be receiving meal packages delivered directly to their homes. The meal plan has recently changed to a 9-meal package per person, which is delivered twice per week.

If you are not receiving your meal deliveries, please contact the senior center where you signed up. Click here for Upper West Side senior center phone numbers, under "Senior Centers" ([link removed]) . We would also appreciate you alerting our office by leaving a message at (212) 873-0282, x206.

Caring Calls
If you are an older adult and would like to speak regularly with a friendly Upper West Side volunteer, please call DOROT at (212) 769-2850 or email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

ESPECIALLY FOR NYCHA RESIDENTS

Free AC Unit for Seniors & Other Vulnerable Residents
NYCHA seniors & other vulnerable residents can receive a free AC unit and have it installed. Eligibility: residents age 60+, and/or with a mobility impairment, and/or that are on life sustaining equipment, and do not have an air conditioner.

Eligible candidates will be receiving robocalls. Anyone who missed the robocalls should inquire to (718) 707-7771.

Tablets for Seniors
The City is distributing 10,000 tablets to NYCHA seniors in an effort to connect them to their loved ones. First come, first served. To register, please call (929) 505-6208 or (929) 237-3069, Monday- Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm, or e-mail: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Eligibility:Seniors (62 years+) who live alone or with another senior only. The tablet comes with 12 months of free internet service, training and support.

2020 CENSUS: NYC NEEDS YOU
Just over half of New York City residents have responded to the 2020 Census. It is absolutely essential --for fair representation in government, equitable public funding, and much more-- that all New Yorkers participate. Every household has the option of responding online, by phone, or by mail. Learn more here. ([link removed])

AVAILABLE RESOURCES AT A GLANCE

For Everyone:
* Text 'COVID' to 692-692 to get important COVID-19 related updates sent straight to your phone. You can text 'COVIDESP' to get updates in Spanish.
* NYC Coronavirus Website: nyc.gov/coronavirus ([link removed])
* NYC COVID-19 Self-reporting Portal: Link here ([link removed]) or call 311
* Dept of Health FAQs: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) ([link removed])
* Face Covering Tips: helpful videos ([link removed])
* Unemployment Benefits: NYS Department of Labor ([link removed]) + Guidance from the Legal Aid Society ([link removed])
* Benefits Available for New Yorkers: AccessNYC ([link removed])
* Office of Administrative Trials & Hearings (OATH): Hearing Online - OATH ([link removed])
* Food Finder: Food Bank NYC ([link removed])
* Grab & Go Meals and Remote Learning: NYC DOE Info Hub ([link removed])
* Fun at Home for Kids: nyc.gov/funathome ([link removed]) or text “Fun” to 97743
* School and Childcare for Essential Workers: Regional Enrichment Centers ([link removed])
* NYCEM Pets Planning: Get Prepared - Pets & Service Animals ([link removed])
* NYC COVID-19 Pet Owner Hotline: 1-877-204-8821, 8AM - 8PM, seven days a week
* Animal Welfare FAQ: COVID-19 and Animals FAQ ([link removed])
* H+H visitor policy: Policy to Reduce the Spread of Coronavirus ([link removed])
* Latest Ferry Schedules: Staten Island Ferry ([link removed]) / NYC Ferry ([link removed])
* Map of Essential Construction: Essential Active Construction Sites Map ([link removed]) / FAQ ([link removed])
* Report Price Gouging: DCA - COVID-19 Complaint ([link removed])
* Resource Guide for Immigrants: Resources for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19 Pandemic ([link removed])
* DACA Application Renewal Assistance: Call ActionNYC at 1-800-354-0365
* Financial Empowerment Guidance: DCA - Free Financial Counseling ([link removed])
* Fully Online Marriage Licenses: nyc.gov/Cupid ([link removed]) or cityclerk.nyc.gov ([link removed])

How to Help:
* How to Help: Help Now NYC ([link removed])
* Donate PPE: NYC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Donation Portal ([link removed])
* Companies with Medical Supplies on Hand to Donate or Sell: NYC Suppliers Page ([link removed])
* Companies Ready to Begin Producing Supplies: COVID-19 Emergency Supply Sourcing & Manufacturing ([link removed])
* Food and Non-medical Donations: DonateNYC ([link removed]) , or call 833-NYC-0040
* Donate Plasma: New York Blood Center ([link removed])

For Constituents in Need:
* Services for Folks in Need: Assistance for Individuals ([link removed])
* SNAP: SNAP Benefits ([link removed])
* Domestic or Inter Partner Violence: NYCHope ([link removed]) and/or call 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)
* People with Disabilities: @NYCDisabilities, 311 or visit [link removed] ([link removed]) or via video phone: 646-396-5830
* Student Loan Debt Tips During COVID-19: NYC Consumer Affairs ([link removed])
* Hotel Isolation Referral Program: nyc.gov/covid19hotel ([link removed])

Businesses & Nonprofits:
* Stop the Spread: Stop the Spread of Coronavirus Flyer ([link removed])
* For Small Businesses: Assistance & Guidance for Businesses ([link removed])
* Non-Profit Providers: FAQ for Nonprofit Businesses ([link removed])
* Guidance for Employers & Employees: Update about Workplace Laws ([link removed])
* Facebook Grants for Small Businesses: facebook.com/grantsforbusiness ([link removed])

Workers:
* State List of Essential Business/Services: Governor Cuomo Guidance Under 'New York State on PAUSE' ([link removed])
* Labor Issues: Call 311, or AG’s office: (212) 416-8700, or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
* Citibike Free Year Membership for First Responders: Critical Workforce Membership ([link removed])
* TLC Driver Jobs: NYC Food Delivery Driver Portal ([link removed])
* Job Listings via NYC Small Business Services: Virtual Workforce One Center ([link removed]) or call 718-960-2458
* Freelancers in NYC: File Workplace Complaint ([link removed])
* Hotels for Healthcare Workers: NYC & Company ([link removed])

Buildings & Residents:
* For Tenants/Landlords: COVID-19: FAQ for Residential and Commercial Buildings ([link removed])
* For NYCHA Residents: NYCHA’s journal ([link removed]) +Hardship Rent Reductions ([link removed]) + NYCHA COVID-19 FAQ ([link removed]) + City Harvest Mobile Markets ([link removed]) + Mayor de Blasio Announces New Plan to Combat COVID-19 at NYCHA ([link removed])
* Property Tax issues: Department of Finance Benefits ([link removed])


As always, please stay home to every extent possible for the safety of everyone. You can review NYC Dept of Health guidelines here ([link removed]) .


Please stay well and share some kindness with yourself and the people around you.

Warmly,
P.S. Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested, or have them subscribe to my e-blasts here ([link removed]) . Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) , and/or Instagram ([link removed]) .

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