Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for joining us for another week in review.

This week, we joined with our colleagues in government for Mayor Eric Adams' State of the City Address where he laid out his comprehensive vision for the City, with an emphasis on fairness and equity. His “Working People’s Agenda,” will be successful in seeing our residents and families rebound from the effects of COVID-19 by focusing on jobs, public safety, housing, and healthcare. Click here for my response to Mayor Adams' State of the City.

We want to remind everyone that our first-ever digital Community Board application is live and available in both English and Spanish. We wanted to make our application easy and accessible to our community by eliminating the barriers that could keep our neighbors from joining. We encourage everyone to apply - our community boards should reflect the diversity of our great Borough. We also encourage our youth (16 years or older) to join us! We want to hear from you. Help us build the Borough you want to see! The application deadline is March 3rd, 2023. Click here to apply. 



Tax Season is upon us! Single-filing New Yorkers who earned $56,000 or less in 2022, or families who earned $80,000 or less, are encouraged to file their taxes for free using NYC Free Tax Prep. NYC Free Tax Prep provides free, professional, tax preparation that can help New Yorkers keep their full refund, including valuable tax credits, like the newly enhanced New York City Earned Income Tax Credit (NYC EITC). The new NYC Free Tax Prep for self-employed New Yorkers will also provide income tax services to freelance workers and small businesses.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

Tyre Nichols was a son, a brother, a father and a friend to many. I am heartbroken for his family and friends. Tyre Nichols had a bright future, yet it was cut short by the actions of five former Memphis police officers.

Please join our office in conjunction with the Bronx Interfaith Council tomorrow for a Candlelight Vigil in remembrance of Tyre Nichols.

WHEN: Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 1st at 5PM

WHERE: Steps of Borough Hall, 851 Grand Concourse

IN THE COMMUNITY

🗽Thank you Mayor Eric Adams for your commitment to New Yorkers. The State of the City further proved that we are better together.

🗽This is an exciting time for the Bronx, and New York City, as we look forward to working with Mayor Adams and our other partners in government to ensure the Bronx is not forgotten, and that our residents` voices and issues are heard.

Thank you to U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and the Bronx Members of the House of Representatives for securing a total of $18,291,005 for projects across our beloved Borough.

These projects will include educational programs at Hostos Community College of CUNY, improvements to healthcare access and facilities at Montefiore Medical Center and NYC Health + Hospitals - Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, building construction at cultural centers like the New York Botanical Garden, and $5M for the Universal Hip Hop Museum!

We hosted our second Fire Safety Workshop at R.A.I.N Gunhill Senior Center in collaboration with the FDNY and our Deputy Borough President, Janet Peguero.

Our Borough has seen some of the worst fires in our City’s history; and lately, we have seen a great need to prioritize fire safety education.

Fire Safety is a top priority for our office. Thank you to the FDNY for working with us to educate our community in order prevent fire-related tragedies.

ICYMI

To watch the first Ask the BP episode of 2023, click here.

Join the Team!

Become an NYC Parks lifeguard.

January lifeguard qualifying tests have been added for the summer 2023 season!

Make summer happen for NYC! Work outdoors in some of New York City's most iconic locations and become part of a team and meet people who share your interests.

The first step to becoming a lifeguard is to pass our qualifying test. Tests start Friday, December 2 and continue into January at sites across the city.

Register now for a test to enter our 16-week training program to be beach or pool-ready for next summer. If you successfully complete the training program, you may be offered a full-time job for the summer working at a beach or pool in one of the best cities in the world!

Registration for test slots is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

HOW TO JOIN

All potential lifeguards must pass the Lifeguard Qualifying Test, a vision and swim exam. To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 16 years of age by the start of employment.
• Have at least 20/30 vision in one eye and 20/40 in the other - without corrective lenses. Glasses and contact lenses may not be worn during the eye exam.
• Be able to swim 50 yards in 45 seconds or less, with proper form.

Sign up today at nyc.gov/parks/lifeguards.