Announcements

Please see the following notices for ramp/lane closures on the BQE.

The work on the Columbia Street ramps on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) has been extended until about July 28th. However the nighttime traffic impacts listed below will end earlier:

• Columbia Street entrance ramp to Staten Island-bound BQE – CLOSED
• Columbia Street exit ramp from the Staten Island-bound BQE – No left turn
• Northbound Columbia Street (Congress Street to exit ramp) – East sidewalk closed

On or about July 20th, NYCDOT will close one lane at nighttime on the Queens-bound BQE from Atlantic Ave to Sands Street from 12:01 A.M to 5:00 A.M. to prepare for the interim repairs on BQE (I-278). The Queens-bound entrance ramp from Atlantic Ave will also be closed during this time. It is anticipated that preparation work will last up to 8 weeks.

Please see below the following PDFs for detours and notices:

BQE Queens Bound One-Lane Closure

BQE Columbia Street Ramp Closure

You can register to vote online, in-person, or by mail. Election day is November 7, 2023.

Visit the NYC Board of Elections page to learn how to register, to check if you are already registered, and more. Voter registration forms are also available at the District Office in multiple languages.

Register to Vote | NYC Board of Elections

As an initiative of Mayor Adams’ “Charge Safe, Ride Safe: Electric Micromobility Action Plan”, the NYC Parks department is piloting a new rule to allow electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) to use park drives and greenways. The pilot program is in effect from June 20, 2023 through May 31 2024.

Share your thoughts on e-bikes in parks! The survey is available in English,
Spanish,
Bangla
and Chinese (Simplified).

To learn more, visit https://www.nycgovparks.org/things-to-do/e-bikes

The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is implementing a new rule starting August 1, all food-related businesses in NYC must use rigid containers with secure lids when setting out trash and compost for collection.

Join an info session to learn more.

For more information click:  nyc.gov/UseBins

As part of our commitment to keeping our streets clean, the NYC Department of Sanitation is implementing a new rule to reduce the time that trash, recycling, and curbside composting will sit on sidewalks. The new rule went into effect April 1, 2023.

Residents

Residential buildings have two options:

• Place waste out after 6:00 PM in a container of 55 gallons or less with a secure lid, or
• Place waste out after 8:00 PM, if putting bags directly on the curb

To ensure collection, all waste must be set out by midnight.

Businesses

Businesses that place waste at the curb* for collection have two options:

• If using a container with a secure lid, place waste at the curb 1 hour before closing, or
• If putting bags directly on the curb, place waste out after 8:00 PM

* This does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.

Remember, containers must be removed from the curb by the time your business reopens.

Spring is here! As the weather begins to turn warmer, here are 7 helpful tips for
managing your energy costs from Con Edison:
1. Sign up for a Level Payment Plan.
2. Keep your vents and ducts clean. Your heating system will run more efficiently,
and it may last longer. Get more tips.
3. Avoid peak hours and save with our Time-of-Use rate option.
4. Take an in-depth look at your hourly energy use by logging into My Account or our mobile app.
5. Choose your energy supplier. Research and choose another supplier and get tips for evaluating
choices.
6. Check your benefits. Customers enrolled in assistance programs may be eligible for discounts on
their energy bills through our Energy Affordability Program. Also, see if you’re eligible for the
state’s Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps New Yorkers heat and cool their homes.
7. Don’t miss bill help. If you’re a residential customer with an active disconnect notice, you may qualify
for up to a $200 EnergyShare credit toward your bill. See if you qualify

For more information, click https://www.coned.com/en/save-money/tips-to-lower-your-bill

Starting July 1st, NYC Ferry riders can reserve a spot on any weekend Rockaway trips to the beach from 9am-2pm and back from 3pm-8pm. Reserved tickets cost $10 and are available for purchase up to 2 weeks before the date of each departure, so plan ahead and get your tickets early! Most spots on each vessel are un-reserved, so riders paying a $4.00 regular fare, $2.75 as part of the ten-pack, or $1.35 discount ticket will be able to board normally. Reserved tickets are available for purchase via the NYC Ferry App only for both Wall Street/Pier 11 and Sunset Park/Brooklyn Army Terminal departures.

To provide more weekend capacity for all Rockaway riders, NYC Ferry will operate an extra vessel, adding 25% more capacity on weekends and holidays starting July 1st:

https://ferry.nyc/blog/rockaway-reserve-tickets/

Set Sail on the Rockaway Rocket – Brooklyn! Starting this August

The Rockaway Rocket is coming back this August with an exciting new look! This summer, the Rockaway Rocket will run as a limited engagement between Atlantic Ave./Pier 6 and Rockaway. Beat the lines and the heat with a guaranteed spot on a ferry going directly from Brooklyn Bridge Park/Pier 6 to Rockaway for $10.

This service will operate on four weekends from August 12th through Labor Day. Final schedule details to follow in the coming weeks.

• Summer Schedules for all routes in effect starting May 22
• Weekend Governors Island Shuttle Service direct from Wall St resumes May 27 (Summer Weekends and Holidays NYC Ferry serves Governors Island by a direct shuttle from Pier 11 only. NYC Ferry Riders can transfer from the South Brooklyn Route to the Governors Island Shuttle at Wall St/ Pier 11. Governors Island will remain on the South Brooklyn Route on weekdays)
• All Routes will observe Weekend Schedule on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29
• Rockaway Summer Schedule changes begin May 30
• Rockaway Shuttle Bus Schedule changes begin May 30
• South Brooklyn Weekday Schedule changes begin May 30

Click here to preview & download the new schedule to plan your trip accordingly.

Department of Youth and Community Development is seeking community representatives to serve as members of their Neighborhood Advisory Board.

Neighborhood Advisory Boards (NABs) provide residents of low-income communities with an opportunity to help DYCD identify funding priorities.

NABs serve Neighborhood Development Areas (NDAs), which are low-income neighborhoods designated as needing community development support. NAB members are responsible for helping to identify the needs of their local communities. DYCD takes their findings into consideration when allocating federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding.

For more information or to download the application, please click here.

NYC Dept. of Buildings is opening their doors every Tuesday for our Buildings After Hours customer service events to make it easier for homeowners, small business owners, tenants and buildings managers to get questions answered. Between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm at the five borough offices, meet with DOB staff to get advice on construction projects, address an open violation on a property or to get the status of an application filed with DOB.
Find a borough office near you.
Learn more about joining an after-hours event near you.

Have you been contacted by Precision Pipeline Solutions requesting an inspection?

Natural gas customers in New York State are currently undergoing natural gas service line inspections. These inspections are in accordance with the mandated New York State Public Service Commission Order in Case 15-G0244, “Order Establishing Statewide Inspection Schedules and Procedural Requirements” making sure that all natural gas services are working properly and that there are no safety issues. In New York City, these inspections are carried out by National Grid’s hired contractor, Precision Pipeline Solutions.

These contractors carry identification notifying the customer that they are working on behalf of National Grid to complete this important safety work. Because these inspections are performed on inside meter services, the contractor is required to gain access to the customer’s home/business.

If you have not responded to a request for an inspection for your property, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Ignoring this request may lead to fines or eventual gas service interruptions. Read more here.

This advanced compost education and outreach program is offered year-round throughout the 5 boroughs, and is designed to build a citywide network of educators, advocates and community composters to support NYC Department of Sanitation composting initiatives.

Those enrolled in the program will gain an understanding of the various organic waste diversion programs in NYC, as well as learn basic compost science, urban compost system design, and outreach techniques through classroom instruction, field trips, and hands-on activities. Participants will receive ongoing support to complete the coursework and required volunteer hours according to their interests and community needs. To learn more about certification requirements and eligibility see here.

The People’s Pantry, an initiative where folks can give food and provisions if they are able, and those in need can take what they wish. FREE food and provisions for anyone who needs them, no questions asked. The community pantry remains accessible 24/7.

To donate:
Simply drop off non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, or other household necessities OR donate funds using Venmo app @thepeoplepantry_nyc

Questions?
Please dial 718-745-8520

Phase 3 (2020 thru 2024) of Citi Bike Service Area Expansion includes portions of Southwest Brooklyn. Citi Bike is a Private – Public partnership. The NYC Department of Transportation is responsible for system planning and outreach and Lyft is responsible for day to day operations.

Community Board 10 was notified by NYC Department of Transportation that while only a few blocks within Community District 10 (referenced as 310 in map) are included in the next phase of implementation, anyone can recommend possible site locations.

To view the interactive station planning map
please visit the Citi Bike feedback portal where public comments can be submitted.

Several residents alerted the District Office about rat sightings at various locations in the District.

There are lots of reasons for rats to surface – the most notable culprit is street excavation. As you know, there is regular digging taking place around town for one reason or another.
We encourage all to report rat sightings directly to 311 and share the locations with our office and we will share with the Department of Health. The good news is inspectors can often identify the source and put an immediate abatement treatment plan together to address the condition.

We need your help to keep them at bay and prevent them from coming back. The New York City Department of Health has produced a helpful pamphlet entitled “Preventing Rats on Your Property. It can be found online and provides helpful information. Below is a quick summary but we encourage you visit DOH website and check it out!

Open to disabled Brooklyn veterans who own a home that needs modification in order for them to continue living independently.

Eligible projects include wheelchair ramps, lifts, roll-in showers, and doorway widening.

Total household income limit is 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) for the Metro NYC area. Disabled veterans impacted by COVID-19 will be given special consideration.

Applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact
Angella Cummings
Director of Operations
[email protected]
718-469-4679

The following items are accepted at DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off Sites:

• Batteries, including automotive, rechargeable (such as small sealed lead acid batteries, Li-Ion, Ni-MH, Ni-ZN, Ni-Cd) and single-use (such as alkaline and lithium primary). Follow instructions below to prepare batteries before arrival.
• Motor oil and transmission fluid (up to 10 quarts per visit)
• Motor oil filters (up to two filters per visit)
• Fluorescent light bulbs & CFLs
• Latex paint (up to five gallons per visit)
• Mercury-containing devices (up to two per visit)
• Passenger car tires (up to four per visit)
• Electronics (covered by the NYS disposal ban)

Download the checklist for future reference here.

DSNY drop-off sites are only for non-commercial materials from NYC residents. Anyone with a commercial license plate will not be allowed to enter the site.

When you arrive at the drop-off site, you’ll be required to show proof of residency, such as a valid NYS driver’s license. If you aren’t arriving by car, you can provide a picture ID and proof of residency, such as a phone or utility bill.

The drop-off location may not be immediately visible. If you have trouble finding the location, ask a DSNY garage foreman or supervisor at the site. DSNY officials will be there to instruct you, but the sites are do-it-yourself style. Wearing casual clothes and work gloves is strongly recommended.

To prevent the risk of fire, individually bag each non-alkaline battery or use CLEAR tape to cover the terminals. Do not use opaque tape and do not bag or tape alkaline batteries.

At the drop-off site, place each battery into its designated collection container: alkaline, small sealed lead acid, auto, and “other”.

Please note: Alkaline batteries are collected here but can be discarded in the garbage. Since they no longer contain mercury, they’re not hazardous.

More information could be found here.

• Typically, work performed by National Grid will begin with the installation of new gas pipe either in the street or sidewalk. The
excavation required will be backfilled at the end of each day. Steel plates will be used to cover any excavations left open to allow
vehicular traffic and provide access to driveways, steps, and walkways.

• The entire work area will be kept clean and orderly. Attempts will be made to keep noise, dust, and debris to a minimum. All material
required on site will be stored neatly in designated areas.

• All or part of your gas service may have to be replaced. In order to complete this work, we must gain access to your home at the point
where the service enters the building (basement, crawlspace, etc.). If this is the case, you will be contacted by a National Grid
representative to make an appointment.

• Some excavations may need to remain open until all gas services have been transferred, at which point the old main will be retired and
the openings will be backfilled.

• All street and sidewalk surfaces affected by the construction will be repaved to ensure a smooth surface. Temporary asphalt pavement
will be used until all National Grid work is complete and permanent restoration can be performed.

• Concrete openings should be restored within 21 days with the exception of work done in mid-winter. Some delays may occur due to
inclement weather or when the temperature is too cold to pour concrete.

Garden greeters are an integral part of the NBG. Greeters will work at a table in front of the Native Plant Garden (just inside the NBG entrance located across the street from 6917 Shore Road). Duties include greeting people that walk through the NBG, answering their questions, encouraging them to become involved, and whatever else comes up that day.
Volunteers sign up for two hour slots via our Sign Up Genius page which is accessible on NBG’s website.

Bay Ridge Center’s volunteer program to combat the effects of the pandemic needs your help to help our neighbors in need! Calling both volunteers and those in need: your issue is neither too big nor too small.

Need a hand with your computer skills? Driveway buried in snow? Want to learn to crochet? Interested in learning a new language? Let’s make it all happen, together!

Please reach out to Michael Schumer, Director of Strategic Initiatives, at [email protected] to get rolling.

The District Office often receives calls about commercial ad posters affixed to public property including street lights and street signs.

Residents can reach out to the District Office at [email protected] or to report posters affixed to public property via 311 online directly to the Department of Sanitation here.

The Department of Sanitation will not accept complaints about posters attached to private buildings or those put up by government agencies on public property. Sanitation will respond within 3 to 7 business days to remove illegal postings.

Customers are advised to check the schedule for updates.

We are committed to keeping everyone safe, and ask that customers maintain a safe social distance when waiting on line.

MetroCard Mobile Vans Accepting Cash

Services offered at the Mobiles Sales Vans

• Get help with a Reduced-Fare application
• Transfer MetroCard balances (Full fare and Reduced-Fare)
• Exchange a damaged Reduced-Fare MetroCard for a temporary replacement
• Report a lost/stolen Reduced-Fare MetroCard
• Ask our team about any MetroCard-related issues

Schedules are subject to change, so check back before you visit. Please call 511 for specific dates.

Please note: MetroCard Mobile Sales does not operate on the observed day for the following federal holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.

Location: Bay Ridge at 86 St & Fourth Ave
Day: 2nd & 4th Friday
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

More information could be found here.

1. Service Request to 311
2. NYC Parks will inspect tree (work order is formed based on they type of work needed and priority level)
3. Priority is based on inspection criteria. Those in need of immediate attention will be handled first.
Learn more about NYC Parks Tree Risk Management Program.