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November 1, 2023

Even in the pouring rain, hundreds showed up for our paper shredding event in front of our district office, sponsored by Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, State Senator Robert Jackson, and me. Critical and sensitive documents were safely disposed of on-site.

Advocates, survivors, and colleagues all supported my legislation with State Senator Nathalia Fernandez (@fernandez4ny) to eliminate the Rape Intoxication Loophole. We extend our gratitude to all those who attended to show their support for this vital piece of legislation. Closing the Voluntary Rape Intoxication Loophole in rape cases and securing the governor's signature during the upcoming legislative session is paramount.

I participated in a forum supporting the New York Health Act with local residents and members of the Riverdale Temple, along with Riverdale Temple Rabbi Thomas Gardner and Executive Director of the Campaign for the New York Health Act Melanie D’Arrigo.

This past weekend, I joined my colleagues Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Council Member Marjorie Velasquez, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, and the staff of Congressman Ritchie Torres to pay tribute to a prominent figure in the Bronx, Sylvia Lask. She was a steadfast supporter of our Bronx communities and a powerful advocate for mental health. A cherished friend and mentor to numerous individuals, she has left behind a legacy of leadership that many can aspire to. Special thanks to Council Member Marjorie Velasquez for facilitating this street naming in her honor!

Early Voting Information:

Wednesday, November 1st: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Thursday, November 2nd: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Friday, November 3rd: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday, November 4th: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sunday, November 5th: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

If you can vote, the races on the ballot are The City Council, The Bronx District Attorney's Office, Civil Courts, and Ballot Proposals. You can go to nycvotes.org for more information.

We received an update from the DOT regarding safety improvements that will be made to West 254th Street, as well as Railroad Terrace and Arlington Avenue, began in October 2023. Some of these improvements include:

• Add painted pedestrian paths to improve pedestrian safety

• Adding a new crosswalk on the north leg of Independence Avenue and West 254th Street to improve pedestrian visibility

• Install an all-way stop at West 254th Street and Sycamore Avenue to calm traffic

• Install markings to organize traffic flow

About Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR

The School Tax Relief (STAR) and Enhanced School Tax Relief (E-STAR) benefits offer eligible New York State homeowners property tax relief.

Who Can Apply

Homeowners not currently receiving the STAR exemption who meet the program's eligibility requirements may apply for the STAR tax credit with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. If you qualify for the credit, it will be issued to you in the form of a check. More information is available at www.tax.ny.gov/star or (518) 457-2036.

You may apply for the Basic STAR or Enhanced STAR tax exemption with the NYC Department of Finance if:

• You owned your property and received STAR in 2015-16 but later lost the benefit and would like to apply to restore it. Your income must be $250,000 or less to be eligible for Basic STAR.
• You currently receive Basic STAR and would like to apply for Enhanced STAR. You may be eligible for Enhanced STAR if you are 65 or older in the calendar year you apply. The total income of all owners, resident spouses, or registered domestic partners cannot exceed $98,700.

If you qualify for the exemption, it will be applied to your property tax bill. You will not be issued a check.

How to Apply

Suppose you meet the criteria above to apply for the Basic STAR or Enhanced STAR tax exemption with the NYC Department of Finance. You may submit your application online or download application forms at the Property Tax Benefits for Homeowners page.

You may also be eligible for other property tax exemptions.

Exemption or Credit?

If you currently receive STAR or E-STAR as a property tax exemption and earn $250,000 or less, you can register for the STAR credit to receive a check instead. You may receive a more significant benefit with the credit, as the amount of the STAR credit will increase in the future, but the value of the exemption will not. To learn more, visit www.tax.ny.gov/star or contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at (518) 457-2036.

NEW ADDITION TO OUR NEWSLETTER: Going forward, we will provide a history of Bronx street names and their origins as a fun way to spice up our weekly newsletter. Each week, we will provide three new streets and their histories, all coming from John McNamara's "History in Asphalt," which gives in-depth origins of how current and former Bronx Streets got their name! I handpicked the three streets for this week from Woodlawn: Kepler Ave, Vireo Ave, and Oneida Ave.

Kepler Ave: At one time in the 1890s. This street was mapped as Quail Avenue in Woodlawn Heights, then was given the number 3rd Street. It acquired its present name in March 1896 and is thought to honor Johan Kepler, an astronomer, but for no apparent reason/ The area figured in the Revolutionary War when, in 1778, Chief Nimham and his Stockbridge Indians fought the British cavalry under Simcoe. The calvary circled around present-day Kepler and Katonah Avenues to encircle the Indians at Van Cortlandt Park East.

Vireo Ave: During the Revolutionary War in 1778, the Queen's Rangers, led by Simcoe, crossed this present-day avenue westward to cut off Chief Nimham and his Indians gathered at Devoe's Lane. Some of the Woodlawn Heights Avenues once carried names such as Sparrow Avenue and Quail Avenue, and a vireo is a small woodland bird. In 1897, the other avenues had their names changed.

Oneida Ave: This was formerly Devoe's Lane that figured prominently in a Revolutionary War battle. In 1778, Chief Nimham and his Indians fought Colonel Simcoe and his Queens Rangers across Devoe's Lane. The avenue was known as 4th Street in Woodlawn Heights until 1896 when it received its present name. The Indians were not of the Oneida tribe, so there may be some credence to the story that the avenue was named to honor a Civil War gunboat commanded by Commodore Farragut in his capture of New Orleans. A vague reference is made to a resident who served in that action.

The Riverdale Press, October 26th, 2023 — Students, and Riverdale community stand up for Israel and Rep. Ritchie Torres

Norwood News, October 26th, 2023 — Around 150 Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Protest Torres’ Support of Israel as Separate Pro-Israeli Rally Held in Riverdale

Jewish Link, October 26th, 2023 — Riverdale Rallies to Support Pro-Israel Rep. Ritchie Torres

Free Beacon, October 26th, 2023 — Democratic NY Lawmakers Arrested at Anti-Semitic Rally

The Riverdale Press, October 27th, 2023 — Dinowitzes: Release hostages

FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed on Tuesday that the United States is experiencing a significant increase in antisemitism, which he described as reaching "historic levels." This rise coincides with the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Wray noted that the Jewish American population, despite representing only about 2.4% of the U.S. public, has been disproportionately affected, accounting for approximately 60% of all religious-based hate crimes, according to FBI statistics.

The Anti-Defamation League reported over 300 antisemitic incidents in the United States since the Hamas attack on October 7. This surge in antisemitism is not limited to specific areas, as college campuses have also witnessed a sharp rise in antisemitic activity, including threats against the Jewish community at Cornell University.

To combat this increasing antisemitism, Wray stated that the FBI is taking a proactive approach through various law enforcement efforts. These efforts include the establishment of joint terrorism task forces, conducting hate crime investigations, and sharing intelligence to address and counteract the rise in antisemitic incidents.

Last week, I asked, "Do you believe that social media has negatively impacted mental health?"

Yes — 61%

No — 32%

Other / No opinion — 7%

» Council Member Eric Dinowitz — Clothing Drive

• Collecting new and gently used clothing donations to help migrant families. Hours of Drop-off are Monday-Friday from 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM at the Drop-off Point located at 277 West 231st Street, Bronx, NY 10463

• Donations needed: Warm Coats and jackets, Underwear, T-shirts and blouses, Pants, Hats, Closed-Toed Shoes, Gloves, Scarves, Diapers and Formula, Sweaters, Sweatshirts, Socks, Leggings, Long-sleeve shirts, ALL SIZES

• To learn more, call 718-549-7300, or email Dinowitz@council.nyc.gov.

» NYCDEP — Update for consumers, October 13th - November 15th

• Now through November 15, 2023, DEP customers can receive $100 off their next water bill by enrolling in Autopay.

• Autopay allows customers to pay their bills automatically on the due date or a specific date each month and avoid the hassle of remembering to pay on time. Setting it doesn’t mean forgetting it – they’ll get monthly notices that their payment is scheduled and paid.

• Customers can sign up for Autopay through their My DEP account. To learn more, visit our Autopay webpage, call 718-595-7000, or visit one of our customer service offices.

» NYC Votes — Upcoming Election Information

• Offices on the Ballot: City Council, District Attorney, Judges * Voters can also vote "Yes" or "No" on two ballot proposals this November. Learn more about them @nycvotes

• Key Dates:

-October 28th through November 5th: Early Voting

-November 7th: Election Day

» Van Cortlandt Park Alliance — Events throughout November 2023

Trail Work Wednesdays

Wednesdays - Meet at 9:00 am

Miles of trails traverse the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park, and they need regular maintenance. Volunteers will assist staff with maintenance of the cross-country course and other trails throughout the park. Work includes water bar and checkstep maintenance, corridor clearing, raking, etc. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants; bring water and a snack.

RSVP Now

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

Birding with NYC Audubon

Saturdays, November 4, 11 + 18 - Meet at 9am

Explore Van Cortlandt Park’s ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long birding tradition there. A New York City Audubon guide will lead each walk.

RSVP Now

Meet at the Nature Center.

Community Volunteer Event: Wet Meadow Maintenance

Saturday, November 4 - Meet at 9:00 am

A small wet meadow within Van Cortlandt Park is home to a diverse plant community, attracting various pollinators and bird species. VCPA, with NYC Audubon, is working toward improving the health and diversity of this meadow. Join us to assist in plant removals and plantings of pollinator plant species.

RSVP Now

Meet in front of the VC Golf House.

Discover VCP: Autumn Hike & Forest Exploration

Saturday, November 4 - Meet at 1:00 pm

Delve into the forest along the Cass Gallagher Trail. Led by Volunteer Coordinator Noel Hefele, this leisurely walk covers 2-3 miles and offers a fresh look at native and invasive tree species in our Northwest forest.

RSVP Now

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

Woodlawn Beautification Day

Saturday, November 4 - 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Join VCPA, Women of Woodlawn, and Woodlawn Taxpayers Association as we continue to beautify the area around Woodlawn Playground. Projects will include removing non-native invasive plants, planting native species, and general clean-up around the playground and in the wildflower patch.

RSVP Now

Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground.

Veterans Day Ceremony

Sunday, November 5 - 12:00 pm Sharp!

Honor the service of local veterans at this annual gathering hosted by Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Bronx Community Board 8 Veterans Affairs Committee. 

At Memorial Grove.

Put the Garden to Bed

Saturday, November 11 - from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

It’s time to prepare the garden for the winter season! Pull the last plants, fill the compost bins, and pack things away for winter. There might even be some garlic to plant or seeds to harvest!

RSVP Now

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

» Riverdale Main Streets Alliance — Bring back the 80's Party, November 4th

• The Riverdale Main Streets Alliance hosts an 80's themed party at Downey's Bar & Grill (5790 Mosholu Avenue) on Saturday, November 4, at 8:00 PM.

• Tickets are $25 per person, and ticket sales go towards our local beautification programs (planting, clean-up, maintenance, etc.).

• Ticket sales are online so that folks can contact us via email (rmsabx@gmail.com) or purchase at the door.

» Woodlawn Conservancy — Veterans Day Walking Tour, November 5th

• Saturday, November 5th at 3 PM

• Some 8,500 veterans are buried at Woodlawn. We thank each and every veteran that has proudly served our country. In the poignant words of General John J. Pershing–commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I–“Time will not dim the glory of their deeds.” In honor of Veterans Day, we invite you to join the award-winning author of “World War I New York: A Guide to the City’s Enduring Ties to the Great War” Kevin C. Fitzpatrick, for a walking tour of the gravesites and memorials of veterans of the Great War who served a century ago.

• You will meet soldiers in the trenches, daring aviators who risked their lives in biplanes, a member of the Harlem Hellfighters—the most storied Black combat unit of World War I—and poor immigrants who served their new country with honor. Kevin will have copies of his book, which includes a chapter on Woodlawn heroes, for sale.

• For tickets, please click here.

» NYC Parks — Veterans Day Memorial at Memorial Grove in Van Cortlandt Park, November 5th

• Sunday, November 5th, at 11:00AM

• Memorial Grove was initially established as a living tribute to honor the local service members who ultimately sacrificed while defending their country. In 1949, the Parks Department collaborated with the Peter G. Lehman Post No. 8646 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to design this grove, paying tribute to the courageous men who served in World War II. The grove was adorned with various oak trees, including northern red, scarlet, and pin oaks, creating a shaded and serene space for contemplation. The choice of the oak tree as a symbol was fitting, as it represents strength and endurance, qualities befitting the memory of these wartime heroes.

Bronze plaques were placed beneath each newly planted tree, dedicated to twenty-one soldiers. Additionally, plaques honoring President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the sons of the American Gold Star Mothers, Bronx Chapter, were installed. President Roosevelt was remembered here for his role as commander-in-chief, president, statesman, and humanitarian. The American Gold Star Mothers, an organization of mothers who lost a son or daughter in the service of the country, continues its important work to this day. The grove later received further plaques dedicated to local soldiers who served and lost their lives in the Korean War.

Today, an annual Veterans Day event at the grove brings together various veterans' groups from the area. In 2012, thanks to City Council funding, the grove underwent restoration and enhancement, including replacement memorial plaques, new greenery, and a boundary fence. In 2018, an extra marker was included in the grove to honor community members who served in the Vietnam War.

» KRVC — GALLERY 505 Presents "Visual Fields," A Solo Exhibit By Janice Demarino, October 12th - December 29th

• Art Exhibit located at Gallery 505 (505 W 236th St, Bronx, NY).

• Gallery Hours are Friday from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM, viewings by appointment

• For more information, contact LindaKRVC@gmail.com or visit KRVC

» E-ZPass NY — 24/7 E-ZPass NY Account Access!

• Preparing for a trip or already on the road? Forget to add that new license plate before your vacation? Want to check your balance? Is your account balance low? No worries! Use our Tolls NY Mobile App.

• Real-time payments and account updates are made without speaking to a representative.

• Scan the QR code or click the link below to easily download the app from the App Store or Google Play today!

Please visit our YouTube channel to learn more by clicking here.

» NYC Department of Environmental Protection - Change in Water Supply

• DEP is preparing for a multi-month shutdown of the Delaware Aqueduct later this year

• DEP has slowly started introducing water from the Croton system into the city's supply of tap water

• Residents may detect a slightly different taste in water sourced from different reservoirs due to different mineral contents

• All water used in New York's tap water system is highly tested (2,000 times per day)

• Any concerns about tap water quality should be reported to 311 so DEP can investigate

• For more information about the city's tap water and sources, visit: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/water/current-water-distribution.page

• For more information about the Delaware Aqueduct repairs, visit here: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/news/21-006/600-feet-below-hudson-river-final-concrete-lining-completed-1-billion-water-tunnel#/0

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

3107 Kingsbridge Avenue

Bronx, New York 10463

Phone: 718-796-5345 | E-Mail: dinowitzj@nyassembly.gov