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NYC Prescription Discount Program
NYC Prescription Discount Card
All New York City residents and visitors are invited to take advantage of the city’s discount prescription program. No paperwork required. All are automatically qualified. Simply visit the Big Apple Rx website, call 311 or call 1-800-697-6974 to receive your new card start saving on your prescriptions.
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Free Community Tax Assistance
Tax Aid Schedule
Saturdays 10am- 2pm
Free Tax Return Preparation.
No Appointments. Walk-Ins Only.
February 11, 18, 25
March 3, 10, 24, 31
April 7 & 14
Wollman Rink Parking Lot Closed
Prospect Park’s Wollman Rink parking lot is currently closed while construction is underway on Lakeside. To help you plan your trip to the Park and enjoy your visit, here is some useful information:
• Visit our Directions page for information on public transportation serving the Park and driving information.
• Find designated picnic and barbecue areas at the Park, and read rules for picnicking and barbecuing.
• Find barbecue areas in other New York City parks.
• Visit primospot.com* to find the location of parking garages and other parking options near the Park (after the new web page opens, it may be necessary to refresh the page to see a complete list of local parking garages ).
• Find a safe bike route to and from Prospect Park via the Ride the City interactive map tool.
Start Your Own Business! Apply for a NYC Green Cart Permit
Would you like to start your own business? There are over 200 NYC Green Cart permits available in Brooklyn! Green Carts are mobile food stands that exclusively sell fresh fruits and vegetables in the areas that need them most. Tell everyone you know, including your clients, customers, and friends that a new Green Cart permit application waiting list will open in April! The NYC Green Carts staff is available to speak to your staff or organization about how to apply for a Green Cart permit and answer all your questions.
What’s the first step? Apply for a mobile food vending license. All the information you need is also on our website at www.nyc.gov/greencarts. If you have questions, email Peggy Leggat, the Green Carts Outreach Coordinator- mleggat@health.nyc.gov.
The NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene will be attending the Board’s upcoming Human Services Committee meeting on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 7 PM to discuss this topic in further detail.
State Senator Eric Adams Commends CB14 for Exemplary Service
At a breakfast earlier this morning, State Senator Eric Adams, representing the 20th Senate District, presented CB14 Chairman Alvin M. Berk and District Manager Doris Ortíz with a proclamation commending CB14 for its exemplary service to the community. CB14 is deeply honored by this recognition.
New Truck Delivery Windows To Help Alleviate Congestion on Church Avenue
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) announced plans to implement a new truck delivery “window” along Brooklyn’s Church Avenue from East 16th to East 21st streets to ease congestion along the busy commercial corridor, improve parking opportunities for all motorists and enhance deliveries for the many businesses in the area.
After working with CB14 and the Church Avenue Business Improvement District, DOT designed the plan to address the local community’s concerns about chronic traffic congestion on Church Avenue.
The new parking regulations, set to begin on January 18, 2011, designate 40 metered spaces for weekday truck deliveries from 7 a.m. – noon, freeing up the one-hour metered parking spaces in the afternoons for other motorists. Metered parking for passenger vehicles will continue to be available all day at 90 meters on Church Avenue and on side streets. By consolidating freight deliveries to morning hours, the initiative optimizes the use of curb space by encouraging deliveries to be made earlier in the day, reduces double parking and curb idling and supports the city’s economy by making it easier for business patrons to park. For businesses that need later deliveries, truck loading and unloading will be available until 3 p.m. on weekdays on Church Avenue between East 18th and 19th streets.
Read more about the changes that will take effect starting January 18, 2011.
Update on Projects in Flatbush Avenue/Nostrand Avenue Junction
At the Board’s last Executive Committee meeting on Monday, November 29th, representatives from Brooklyn College and Lisa Solomon, Executive Director, from the Flatbush/Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District (BID) gave presentations on the new performing arts center at Brooklyn College and the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s streetscape designs for the Junction.
View the presentations here:
Wall Street Journal: Eating Spots Perk Up Cortelyou Road
The Wall Street Journal’s Kavita Mokha recently wrote a glowing piece on the growing number of restaurants and cafés on Cortelyou Road. Congratulations to all the merchants on Cortelyou Road!
Ditmas Park’s leafy environs, ornate Victorian homes and designation as a historic district already make the area a draw for nest seekers. Now, the emergence of a string of new restaurants along the neighborhood’s main drag, Cortelyou Road, is spicing up the neighborhood and solidifying its status as a foodie destination.
In the past year alone, half a dozen new eateries have opened up within a seven-block radius on Cortelyou Road, between East 17th Street and Coney Island Avenue. The three most recent to open within steps of each other are: Café Madeline, Catskill Bagel Co. and Qathra Café.
Qathra, which opened its doors in September, has had a brisk reception since opening day.
“Never before has a café I helped launch picked up business this fast,” said manager Collin Crockett, who has experience with opening more than a dozen coffee shops around the country in recent years. “We had an opening party Sept. 14 and the next day it was packed.” (more…)
The Bug Stops Here!
Beginning December 3rd, 2010, the New York City Department of Sanitation will require all City residents to fully encase within a sealed plastic bag all mattresses or box springs being discarded for Sanitation collection. This new rule will help prevent an increase in bed bug activity, with bed bugs being found in homes and apartments. Bed bugs are generally nocturnal and tend to live in bedding, such as mattresses and box springs, hiding in their crevices until they are ready to feed.
Under the new rule, failure to place a mattress or box spring out in a proper bag can result in a $100 fine. The Department will delay enforcing the new set-out rule for 30 days, followed by full enforcement beginning January 3rd, 2011.
Plastic bags to contain the bedding are available at department stores, home improvement centers, at other home supply businesses, and online, at a modest cost. Bedding stores also provide removal options with purchases.
CB14’s Getting Greener! Fall 2010 Street Tree Planting List Released
CB14 just received the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation Fall 2010 Street Tree Planting schedule, including the locations where new street trees will be planted in Community District 14. For your convenience, we have produced the map below to help you see if a location near you has been selected for this fall. Parks has also informed us that there will be even more trees planted in the Spring of 2011.
PS 193 Schoolyard To Playground Project Completed
CB14 has learned that, as part of the PlaNYC Schoolyards to Playgrounds initiative, the PS 193 schoolyard has opened to the public.
PS 193
2515 Avenue L
Brooklyn, NY 11210
The community-designed playground helps achieve Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC Open Space goal of bringing all New Yorkers within a 10-minute walk of a park. 164 of these playgrounds have opened to date out of 257 that will open by 2013.
Please help keep the new playground safe by respecting its rules and hours. The schoolyard is open to the public from the end of the school day until dusk on weekdays and from 8 a.m. until dusk during the weekends, holidays, and summer. The PS 193 custodial staff will be in charge of maintaining the new space. Please encourage your children and neighbors to help us keep the playground clean by picking up litter and by reviewing the rules with them. If you see any inappropriate behavior inside the playground, we ask that you call your local police precinct or 311. Violators of the rules are subject to summons and or arrest by the NYPD.
This playground is a fantastic addition to our community for learning and play. Let’s work together to keep it clean and safe for all to enjoy for many years to come.
The partners of the PlaNYC Schoolyards to Playgrounds initiative are proud to announce that PS 193 schoolyard has opened to the public.
PS 193
2515 Avenue L
Brooklyn, NY 11210
The community-designed playground helps achieve Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC Open Space goal of bringing all New Yorkers within a 10-minute walk of a park. 164 of these playgrounds have opened to date out of 257 that will open by 2013.
Please help keep the new playground safe by respecting its rules and hours. The schoolyard is open to the public from
The partners of the PlaNYC Schoolyards to Playgrounds initiative are proud to announce that PS 193 schoolyard has opened to the public.
PS 193
2515 Avenue L
Brooklyn, NY 11210
The community-designed playground helps achieve Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC Open Space goal of bringing all New Yorkers within a 10-minute walk of a park. 164 of these playgrounds have opened to date out of 257 that will open by 2013.
Please help keep the new playground safe by respecting its rules and hours. The schoolyard is open to the public from the end of the school day until dusk on weekdays and from 8 a.m. until dusk during the weekends, holidays, and summer. The PS 193 custodial staff will be in charge of maintaining the new space. Please encourage your children and neighbors to help us keep the playground clean by picking up litter and by reviewing the rules with them. If you see any inappropriate behavior inside the playground, we ask that you call your local police precinct or 311. Violators of the rules are subject to summons and or arrest by the NYPD.
This playground is a fantastic addition to our community for learning and play. Let’s work together to keep it clean and safe for all to enjoy for many years to come.
the end of the school day until dusk on weekdays and from 8 a.m. until dusk during the weekends, holidays, and summer. The PS 193 custodial staff will be in charge of maintaining the new space. Please encourage your children and neighbors to help us keep the playground clean by picking up litter and by reviewing the rules with them. If you see any inappropriate behavior inside the playground, we ask that you call your local police precinct or 311. Violators of the rules are subject to summons and or arrest by the NYPD.
This playground is a fantastic addition to our community for learning and play. Let’s work together to keep it clean and safe for all to enjoy for many years to come.
70th Precinct’s Det. Dominick Scotto Named Chief Brennan Cop of the Year
On Tuesday, October 26th, 2010, NYPD Patrol Borough Brooklyn South’s Assistant Chief Joseph Fox awarded the 70th Precinct’s Det. Dominick Scotto, Community Affairs, with the Chief Patrick D. Brennan Cop of the Year Award. Community Board 14 congratulates Det. Scotto on this much-earned and well-deserved honor!
Daytime Street Closure Notice for Brighton Line Rehabilitation Project
Granite Construction has informed CB14 about the following street closure and work in conjunction with the Brighton Line Rehabilitation Project:
Please be advised that Elm Avenue between East 15 Street and Avenue M will be closed to vehicular traffic for crane operation at Elm Avenue between the hours of 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturdays, and 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Sundays from September 9th to November 9th.
Congratulations to Vanderveer Place, the Greenest Block in Brooklyn
Community Board 14 is honored and proud to announce that Vanderveer Place between Flatbush Avenue and East 23rd Street has been chosen as the Greenest Block in Brooklyn!
The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and the Brooklyn Community Foundation, along with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, presented the Vanderveer Block Association President Olivia Avery with the award earlier this morning.
“It’s a little piece of heaven in the concrete jungle,” said Yvonne Murray, Vice President of the Block Association, beaming with pride at her verdant oasis.
National Grid Gas Main Installation & Service Replacements
CB14 has received information that National Grid will be working starting on Monday, August 2, 2010 on Farragut Road between Flatbush Avenue and East 23rd Street for gas main installation and service replacements to accommodate increasing demand of gas in the area. The full notice is here:
Dear Valued Customer:
Please be advised that National Grid will be working on your block to install a new gas main/service in the next week or two. We would like to inform you about the nature of our work in case you have any questions. We are working on Farragut Rd between Flatbush Ave and E 23rd Street.
National Grid’s scheduled gas main installation and gas service replacements are necessary to accommodate the increased demand of gas in the area. We are up-sizing the pipe diameter to boost pressures in the region and add to the reliability of service to our customers. The main installation may be followed with service work to your building. This timeframe between the two operations may take several weeks. The anticipated duration of all of our work will be approximately ninety (90) business days.
Street Paving
Street paving will be repaved to insure a smooth surface. Paving is done in two steps:
Base paving – This first step restores the paving to two inches below street level and will remain so for 21 working days or up to a month.
Topping – In this final step, high-grade asphalt is applied so that the restored areas are even with the surrounding roadway.
Concrete Restoration
Sidewalks that are affected by our work will be filled with a temporary asphalt pavement.
Concrete openings should be restored within 21 days, with the exception of work done during mid-winter. Some delays in final restoration may occur because concrete can not be poured in inclement or cold weather.
Please note that National Grid may require access to your gas meter and service valve to perform the necessary work. If the gas meter and valve is not accessible (i.e. behind sheetrock or obstructed) then you will need to provide clear access so that National Grid or its contractors (Hallen Construction) can complete the work safely. Neither National Grid nor its contractors will be involved in the clearing or rebuilding of any obstructions. You will be notified by either National Grid or Hallen Construction when access to your home is required.
We apologize for any inconvenience to you and your family. If you have any questions please call our contractor Hallen Construction at (718) 533-9400, Monday through Friday 7a.m – 3 p.m., or our Community Investments Department, Renee McClure at (718) 403-2663.
Reminder:
As always, in the event of an emergency, call our emergency number at (718) 643-4050 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
National Grid
Great New Complaint System With SeeClickFix
Community Board 14 now using SeeClickFix, a tool which will make it easy for anyone to report issues and problems to us and make it easier for us and other city agencies to respond, and act. Complaints can be submitted quickly and easily on our website, directly on SeeClickFix or even from your mobile phone. Once you or anyone else reports a problem the entire world can see what it is, where it is and keep track of its resolution. A quick look at the map and you can see all the problems in your area, see if your issue is already being dealt with and offer your own input on other problems. We wish to make resolving problems easier, make the process more transparent and empower our residents to improve the community.
Learn How to Bike Smart
CB14 has received the NYC Department of Transportation’s Bike Smart Guide: The Official Guide to Cycling in New York City, loaded with helpful tips to make bicycling safe and useful for everyone. To get your copy, download it here.
Traffic Light To Be Installed At Avenue L And East 23rd Street
CB14 has learned that the NYC Department of Transportation has approved our request for the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Avenue L and East 23rd Street. The installation is scheduled to be completed by November 30th.
Exciting New Changes to CB14Brooklyn.com!
We have upgraded our email system. Please make note that we have a new email address: info@cb14brooklyn.com. All emails should now be sent to this address. Our old email address will no longer be used.
We are now on on Facebook and Twitter! You can follow us to receive all of our news and updates as soon as they are online!
Community Recommendations for the New York City Fiscal Year 2012 Capital and Expense Budgets
Dear Community Resident:
Each year, in accordance with the New York City Charter, the City’s fifty-nine Community Boards are required to submit priorities and recommendations for the City’s Capital and Expense budgets for the following fiscal year. This year, the boards must submit their recommendations for Fiscal Year 2012 by October 29, 2010.
As in previous years, Community Board 14 is soliciting the participation of Flatbush and Midwood residents. This offers an opportunity for neighborhood groups and individuals to make their needs known to the Community Board. It further assures consideration of local suggestions and opinions during the development of budget requests and recommendations for the City resources and services. Please complete the simple budget recommendation form on the reverse side.
Your recommendations must be submitted to the Community Board 14 office at the above address no later than Friday, September 10, 2010. This early date is necessary to meet the City’s mandated deadlines, and to assure that the board’s recommendations have maximum impact on City agency budget requests.
For your information, Community Board 14 will hold two (2) public hearings concerning budget recommendations tentatively scheduled as follows:
PUBLIC HEARING ON COMMUNITY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FY2012
Monday, September 13, 2010, 7:15 PM
Edward R. Murrow High School
1600 Avenue L, Brooklyn, New York
PUBLIC HEARING ON COMMUNITY BOARD 14 PRIORITIES FOR FY2012
Monday, October 18, 2010, 7:15 PM
P.S. 249 (Caton Ave & Marlborough Rd), Brooklyn, New York
Notices of these hearings will be forwarded prior to the scheduled dates. Community Board 14’s regular monthly meeting will commence immediately following each of the above public hearings. If you have any questions regarding the above or need assistance with the recommendations form, please do not hesitate to the District Office at 718-859-6357.
Sincerely,
Doris Ortíz
District Manager
FILL OUT THE RECOMMENDATION FORM ONLINE BELOW:
Community Board Membership
Now is the time of year to apply for community board membership. Community boards are not self-appointing bodies. Our 50 Board Members are appointed by the Borough President, half of them at the recommen-dation of a local City Council Member. They serve voluntary 2-year staggered terms. Becoming a member is a serious responsibility that requires a commitment of time and interest. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved in the community you can start today! Then consider escalating your level of commitment as your interest piques and personal circumstance will allow. When you’re ready to apply you can call the Borough President’s Office at (718) 802-3700, visit their website, or contact your local Council Member. Deadline for 2010 applications is February 22.
Street Tree Pruning Schedule
As a result of the many inquiries to our office about tree pruning schedules, we have asked the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation for a schedule of street tree prunings in our district. The frequency for regular street tree pruning has been decreased from every 7 years to every 10 years. Click the map below to see when your block is scheduled for its next pruning.
Street Activity Permit Process Update
Beginning in 2010, the Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management System (CECM) has provided block party applicants another option for filing permit applications for street closures.
These new regulations will permit residents to file an application for a block party online. However, CB14’s rules and regulations governing the procedure for applying for street activity permits will remain the same. CB14’s approval on all applications is still necessary, whether submitted on paper or online. Therefore, residents should continue initiating the application process for a street closure with our office. This will permit us to evaluate applications prior to fee payment and submission, and help sponsors avoid hassles and complications.
Additionally, a letter will be sent to those groups who applied for a permit last year informing them of this new option.
For further information, please feel free to call the CB14 District office.
Citywide Campaign on Dangers of Illegal Conversions
As of November 16th, the Department of Buildings has teamed up with the FDNY to launch a citywide campaign educating New Yorkers about the dangers of illegal conversions and how to stay safe. Inspectors and volunteers are distributing more than 60,000 flyers in all five boroughs. This link will allow you to access the literature, currently available in 11 languages.
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