Dear Neighbor,
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones and Happy Three Kings` Day to those that celebrated on January 6th. I hope the start of the New Year will bring you blessings and I offer you well wishes this week.
As we look back at the past year, it is a reminder that 2020 was a difficult year for all of us. A public health crisis halted our way of life, decimated our global economy, and claimed the lives of too many of our friends, family, and neighbors.
Tough choices had to be made, including passing one of the most challenging budgets during my time as an elected official. The City Council fought to protect guidance counselors, social workers, educators, and essential workers without federal support, a $2 billion cut from Albany, a $7 billion loss in sales and revenue, a $9 billion budget deficit, and the inability to borrow money. In our negotiations with the Mayor, the Council pushed to protect jobs, education, healthcare, critical social services, senior centers, youth initiatives, and other essential programs that support vulnerable populations and those that were the most impacted by the pandemic.
Months later, our district is still grappling with the devastating aftermath from COVID-19, gun violence, food insecurity, unstable housing, unemployment, the closure of small businesses, and a myriad of other issues. We are well aware of these challenges because my team and I have been on the ground and working remotely throughout the pandemic. I know our borough has a long way to go before a full recovery, but I am optimistic the Bronx will come back stronger than ever.
Earlier this week, I was appointed Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Investigations by Speaker Corey Johnson. I intend to use my new position to continue to fight for the Bronx and advocate for greater accountability and transparency from the administration. My predecessor, Congressman Ritchie Torres, laid the foundation and, under his leadership, ensured the Bronx had a seat at the table. As the new Chair, I will proudly follow in his footsteps and continue to fight for the needs of our borough.
Please continue to be safe by wearing your face-covering in public, washing your hands, and avoiding large gatherings. Information on COVID-19 testing sites can be found in today`s newsletter, as well as highlights from 2020, upcoming events, and much more.
If you need to reach us or have any questions, you can contact us at:
P: 718-588-7500
E: District16Bronx@council.nyc.gov
Click the links below to get District 16 updates on:
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- We started the month by celebrating the new year and by demanding justice for a Bronxite that was murdered on Christmas Eve in the Morrisania section of the Bronx. Mr. Juan Fresnada was attacked while with his partner in an attempted robbery. Council Member Gibson joined with elected officials, community leaders, NYPD, and our cure violence groups to host a press conference demanding justice for Mr. Fresnada and his family.
- Council Member Gibson hosted her first Three Kings` Day Celebration in partnership with Teatro SEA with food and giveaways for the families in District 16.
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- Council Member Gibson celebrated Black History Month by attending several citywide celebrations and hosted a Black History Month event at the New York Botanical Garden to honor sixteen of her New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Tenant Association Presidents.
- Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson joined NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Deputy Commissioner Tom Foley to celebrate the partial reopening of the public plaza at the Bronx Hall of Justice in Concourse Village.
- Legislatively, Council Member Gibson`s food policy bill (Intro. 1664-A) was voted on and passed with overwhelming support from the City Council. This bill requires the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy (MOFP) to consult with relevant stakeholders that focus on food policy, food equity, food justice and food insecurity . The plan sets goals to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, increase access to healthy food, reduce food waste, develop and improve food and farm economies, and increase urban agriculture and sustainability.
- Council Member Gibson also joined with her colleagues in the City Council for a rally in support of the Fair Fares program and at a press conference for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
- Council Member Gibson attended Hostos Community College`s Dominican Heritage Celebration for Dominican Heritage Month.
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- We were proud to host a State of the District Address to provide updates on legislative accomplishments, projects that were funded in the previous fiscal year, and Council Member Gibson`s vision for the district.
- The Members of the New York City Council`s Women's Caucus unanimously elected Council Members Gibson and Louis, Co-Chairs to continue the fight for gender equity during Women's History Month.
- A deadly pandemic puts our entire city on pause and we are forced to shelter in place. The number of COVID-19 infections in the Bronx were higher than the citywide average and Council Member Gibson was calling on the administration to provide additional testing in the West Bronx.
- We partnered with community partners and tenant leaders to provide food and PPE for residents while hosting virtual informational sessions on Zoom.
- The New York City Council Women's Caucus calls for pay equity and pay parity as women are still being paid less than their male counterparts on New York Equal Pay Day Rally.
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- The New York City Council Women's Caucus joins with advocates for a virtual rally in support of Reproductive Health.
- Council Member Gibson joins with the Third Avenue BID for a virtual South Bronx Small Business Townhall and a Day of Prayer for those that were impacted by the pandemic.
- Associated Supermarket partnered with our office to provide free meals to essential workers that were on the frontlines working tirelessly to keep New Yorkers safe.
- In response to Council Member Gibson and other elected officials calling for additional testing in the Bronx, Mayor de Blasio announces a new COVID-19 testing site at Gotham Morrisania.
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- NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Gibson hosted a community town hall to update residents on COVID-19.
- Council Member Gibson continued to host food and mask giveaways throughout the district as COVID infection rates remained high in New York City and delivered additional meals and resources to hospital staff.
- The New York City Council Women's Caucus recognized Denim Day. Denim Day is when advocates wear jeans to raise awareness about sexual assault.
- Council Member Gibson partners with our healthcare providers and Stonewall CDC to host virtual fitness classes.
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- In late May, the world witnessed the murder of a young African-American man named George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis. The attack on George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other African-Americans by police ignited global protests. As Co-Chair of the Women's Caucus, Council Member Gibson joined with her colleagues in condemning police brutality and passed legislation to create an Early Intervention System to identify problematic officers. She also joined with several community leaders in calling for criminal justice reform.
- The City Council voted and passed the POST Act sponsored by Council Member Gibson. The bill requires NYPD to report on their use of surveillance technology to the City Council. The Council also passed a bill co-sponsored by Council Members Gibson and Treyger that would create a database tracking COVID-19 expenditures.
- Council Member Gibson recognized June as Pride Month and Caribbean Heritage Month.
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Juneteenth was recognized as an official holiday celebrating the emancipation of African-Americans from slavery in the U.S.
- Small Business Services Commissioner Jonnel Doris and Council Member Gibson conducted a walkthrough of the Jerome Avenue Corridor with Community Board 4 District Manager Paul Philps to speak to the businesses that were impacted by COVID-19.
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- The City Council passed one of the most difficult budgets in recent history with a loss of revenue and budget deficit from COVID-19. Despite the challenges, Council Member Gibson was able to fight for summer youth employment, senior services, and a full restoration of funding for Domestic Violence providers.
- We witnessed an increase in gun violence during the summer in the Bronx that claimed the lives of several community residents. In response to the violence, Council Member Gibson started Operation Save our Sons and Sisters.
- Council Member Gibson joined with community groups to host park clean-ups to beautify our local parks and encourage community service.
- Mayor Bill de Blasio, Council Member Gibson and other leaders unveiled the Black Lives Matter mural and street co-naming on 161st Street and Morris Avenue.
- Council Member Gibson worked with Morris Heights Health Center to establish on-site COVID-19 testing for residents at River Park Towers and in Morris Heights. The unveiling occurred in late July.
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- City agencies, elected officials and advocates recently announced the completion of Phase 3 of the reconstruction of the Grand Concourse.
- Council Member Gibson joined with the Bronx Borough President's office to distribute school supplies at PS 114x.
- A food distribution occurred at 1520 Sedgwick (the birthplace of hip-hop) with Council Member Gibson and special guest Grandmaster Caz.
- The Street Vendor Project partners with our office to provide hot meals to residents to combat food insecurity in the Bronx and to support local vendors.
- The Women`s Caucus recognized Women's Equality Day and the Centennial Anniversary of women's suffrage.
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- Council Member Gibson hosted a Back to School event in Highbridge for families to receive backpacks and school supplies as their children prepare to return to in-person learning.
- Our office hosted pop-ups at Farmers Markets in the Bronx to distribute health bucks to residents and to encourage healthy eating. Health bucks are $2 coupons from the New York City Department of Health that can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables.
- Council Member Ritchie Torres and Council Member Gibson hosted a press conference to announce that they allocated a combined $30,000 to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for health bucks.
- Census outreach continued as New York City attempted to get residents counted. Council Member Gibson joined with Catholic Charities and other partners to inform residents about the importance of the census.
- Council Member Gibson and women leaders across the Bronx paid tribute to the women`s rights icon and pioneer, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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- For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our domestic violence providers joined with Council Member Gibson for a press conference emphasizing support for survivors during the pandemic.
- Council Member Gibson announced funding for the NYC Department of Sanitation and community organizations to maintain the cleanliness of our neighborhoods and local parks.
- Our celebrations looked differently this year because of COVID-19, but we were still able to provide Halloween candy for our youth by joining with NYPD, local schools, and other healthcare providers for socially distanced events.
- Council Member Gibson joined with New York City Health and Hospitals and other elected leaders to distribute PPE in Highbridge and other zip codes with significantly high COVID-19 infection rates.
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- The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity in the Bronx and the need was even greater this year. We are thankful to our partners, BronxCare, Associated Supermarket, City Harvest, Morris Heights Health Center, the Carpenters Union, Camber Property Management, Related Management and so many others that donated this holiday season. With their support, we were able to provide over 2,200 turkeys to our families, seniors, and NYCHA residents.
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- Council Member Gibson joined with Visiting Nurse Services of New York to host our first ever World AIDS Day event to destigmatize HIV/AIDS and bring awareness to resources that are available.
- We were proud to partner with Future Star Productions, the 44th Precinct, Transit District 11, the New York Yankees, AFC Urgent Care, MetroPlus, Essen Health Care, Bringing the Peace, Aliah Home Care, our NYCHA TA leaders, and so many other phenomenal partners to host toy giveaways in our district. This was a challenging year for many of our families but we were able to donate over 600 toys to those in need.
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Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson Condemns Attack on U.S. Capitol |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 6th, 2021
"The attack earlier today on our nation’s Capitol by the rioters was deplorable and reprehensible. It was a direct result of President Trump’s dangerous and inflammatory rhetoric that empowered a mob to storm the U.S. Capitol without fear of any repercussions.
It is shameful to have our nation’s commander-in-chief incite violence and continue to lie about the results of a fair and democratic election. His temper tantrums and conspiracy theories are putting the lives of United States’ Senators, Members of the House, and their staffs at risk.
This is not behavior that we should tolerate, and I urge the President to condemn these actions by the rioters immediately. I also want to extend prayers of comfort to the elected representatives, staff, and family of the woman who unfortunately passed away during the senseless assault on the U.S. Capitol."
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Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson to Serve as Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Investigations
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 6th, 2021
The Council voted to appoint Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson to serve as chair of the Committee on Oversight and Investigations. She is replacing former Council Member Ritchie Torres, now a representative for the 15th Congressional District. Council Member Gibson is currently chair of the Subcommittee on Capital Budget and Finance, a role she is transitioning out of, and co-chair of the Women’s Caucus. The Committee on Oversight and Investigations has jurisdiction over investigating matters within the Council’s jurisdiction concerning property, affairs, or government of New York City, as well as the Department of Investigation.
"Over the past three years as Chair of the Subcommittee on Capital, it has been my honor and privilege to oversee the city's capital investments and bring much-needed reform to our capital process. Now, as the new Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Investigations, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the administration to ensure effectiveness and accountability in city agencies. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the work of my predecessor, former Council Member, and now Congressman Ritchie Torres, and I want to thank Speaker Corey Johnson for affording me the opportunity to serve in this role," said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
Health care workers who are at high-risk for exposure to COVID-19 will be prioritized to receive immediate vaccinations. Hospitals that receive the initial distribution of vaccine will vaccinate their staff.
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been shown to have 95% efficacy at preventing symptoms and decreasing severe COVID-19 infection.
- COVID-19 vaccines may not be widely available to the general public until mid-2021.
- The vaccine will be offered first to people who work in health care and are at increased risk of getting COVID-19. This includes people who take care of COVID-19 patients or work in areas of a facility where COVID-19 patients are seen.
- The vaccine will also be made available to nursing home residents and staff.
The vaccine may next be available to the following groups:
- Essential workers who interact with the public and who are not able to physically distance
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People at high risk of complications from COVID-19 because of age or underlying medical conditions
When there are enough vaccine doses available, it will be made available to all New Yorkers.
You will likely be able to get the vaccine at the same places you usually get vaccines, such as:
- Your health care provider
- Community and hospital clinics
- Pharmacies
- Urgent care centers
The vaccines currently in trials have not yet been studied in children younger than 16. They will not be available to that age group until more information is available.
Bathgate Contract Postal Station
4006 3rd Avenue
Hours: Sunday, January 10: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; starting Monday, January 11 at 10 a.m.: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Appointment requests accepted starting Saturday, January 9
- 24/7 Vaccine Operations start on Monday
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NYC Unity Project surveyed hundreds of LGBTQ program and service providers across New York City to develop a resource page, which includes up-to-date information on LGBTQ resources still available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click HERE for resources for the LGBTQ+ community.
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The NYC Council Women`s Caucus |
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The Women’s Caucus of the New York City Council is a non-partisan alliance of woman-identified legislators, dedicated to advancing gender equity in New York City. Under the leadership of Co-Chairs, Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson and Council Member Farah Louis, the Women’s Caucus works to improve the everyday lives of women and transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people across the city.
Follow the Caucus on Social Media to get updates on these 13 marvelous women:
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Helpful Resources
NYSDOH COVID-19 Tracker (Up to Date Statistics/Tables/Maps/Graphics for NYS):
NYS COVID-19 Testing Data:
Price Gouging hotline: 800-697-1220
24-Hour Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065
NYS DOH website regarding Coronavirus:
NYS COVID-19 Email Alert Sign Up
To file a complaint with the NYS Department of Human Rights
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RESOURCES
Guidance on Coronavirus Resources from AG's Office
COVID-19 Application For Suspension Of Debt Collection Activity:
If you believe an employer is in violation of either existing labor laws or recently issued executive orders you can contact the NYS Attorney General’s Office at (212) 416-8700 or Labor.Bureau@ag.ny.gov
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Weekly Provider Update (Recorded Web Conference):
Assistance of Qualified Medical Professionals Survey/Sign Up:
Retired Health Professional Survey/Sign Up:
E-mail address for NYC OEM that health care providers (PCP's, FQHC's, others) can use for supplies: Supplyrequest@oem.nyc.gov
MENTAL HEALTHCARE RESOURCES
NYS Mental Health Hotline: 1-844-863-9314 (to schedule a free appointment)
BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYERS
Empire State Development (ESD) FAQ for businesses regarding State regulations and general guidance related to the coronavirus.
ESD COVID-19 Related Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
DOL LINKS
COVID-19 Sick Leave Application
DOL Complaint Process Related to COVID-19
Additional Information:
HOW YOU CAN HELP
DOH How You Can Help General Webpage
If someone is interested in selling products to the state: If your company is able to immediately sell or produce approved COVID-19 related medical equipment and supplies, please complete this form: www.ny.gov/covid19supplies
Businesses interested in receiving state funding to manufacture PPE products: For manufacturers interested in repurposing production and retooling to begin making the approved COVID -19 related medical equipment and supplies, please go to: esd.ny.gov/COVID19supplies
If people want to make a donation (including essential goods, services, and/or spaces): If you are looking for information on how to offer donated goods, services, or spaces for use in New York’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, please go to:
New Yorkers who have recovered from COVID-19 and had a positive test before March 7th should visit https://www.mountsinai.org/ to help save another New Yorker by donating plasma.
To donate to the First Responders Fund to assist COVID-19 health care workers and first responders with expenses and costs, including child care:
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Hon. Vanessa L. Gibson
Council Member, 16th District, Bronx County
Deputy Leader
Chair, Committee on Oversight and Investigations
Co-Chair, NYC Women`s Caucus
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