The Department of Consumer Affairs announced that New Yorkers who earned $62,000 or less in 2015 may qualify for free tax prep services, including online filing and in-person filing with a certified preparer.
Have a heat or hot water complaint. Between October 1 and May 31 you can report inadequate heat in an apartment, non-residential or commercial building. Click here for more information.
The Social Security Administration encourages all workers 18 years and older to register for their personal My Social Security Account. Signing up is free and will afford you access you'll need as you plan for retirement, such as how much you've earned each year and what you'll receive from Social Security each month.
Community Board 7 currently has several vacancies due to mid-year resignations. Additionally, Community Board terms officially end on March 31 and the Borough President and Council Members will appoint and reappoint twenty-five board members to two-year terms.
Applications are available for the 2016-17 term through the Borough President's website. Although the deadline for applications has passed, the Borough President's office will continue to accept them, but they must be submitted as soon as possible.
Who is eligible to become a board member? How often does the Board meet? Please review the FAQ section of our website for the answer to these questions.
We also suggest reaching out to your local Council Member to let him know about your interest in joining the Board.
Mayor de Blasio Proposes New Streetcar Along Waterfront
A rendering of the BQX streetcar, provided by Friends of the Brooklyn Queens Connector
Community Board 7 learned earlier this month that Mayor de Blasio would propose a
new streetcar to run along the waterfront in Brooklyn and Queens, connecting Sunset Park to Astoria, Queens. The proposed route would connect industrial communities and several public housing developments.
The Board has not yet received a briefing on the proposal, but has been promised additional information and public meetings in the coming months.
The proposal, announced in the State of the City Address, is estimated to cost $2.5 billion and could potentially begin operations in 2024.
Keep an eye on
CB 7's calendar to find out when meetings are scheduled.
Issue Updates
Aerial view of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal
Manhattan-bound N trains will not provide service at 7 Brooklyn stations for the next fourteen months. The 8th Avenue Station in Community District 7 will operate with a temporary platform. Visit mta.info for service changes or to plan your route.
Mayor Bill de Blasio gave the annual State of the City Address earlier this month, including his proposal for a new streetcar along the waterfront. Click to read the main policy points or view the speech.
Please share your feedback on our newsletter by contacting the Community Board.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Laufer
District Manager
Call to Action:
Join the
City Service Corps
The City Service Corps, a new NYC Service program in partnership with the United Way of New York City and the Franklin Project, unites a diverse group of professionals to serve full-time at City agencies and their partner nonprofit organizations, working to address community needs.
All New Yorkers who are passionate about making a difference in our City are encouraged to apply.
City Service Corps Member Benefits:
Monthly living stipend of approximately $1,250 (pre-tax)
Basic medical plan will be available at no cost to corps members
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon completion of the program, if eligible
Child care voucher (if income eligible)
Student loan forbearance or deferment on eligible loans while in service, if eligible
Monthly professional development activities, led by CUNY
Experience working in City government and with NYC nonprofit organizations
Professional networking opportunities with City and civic leaders
