Brownsville News
HousingPolitics

New COVID Rental Assistance Program Comes With Only 2 Weeks To Apply

Jul 18, 2020

Governor Cuomo recently emergency rental assistance program that will help keep low-income families throughout New York in their homes. The program, which is designed to reach those individuals and families with the greatest need, will provide direct aid for tenants who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which is part of the CARES Act. The program is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal and access to program applications are available here.

“Since day one we made it clear that no New Yorkers should be thrown on the streets because of hardships caused by this pandemic,” Governor Cuomo said. “It’s critically important that people are able to stay safely in their homes as we progress through our data-driven, phased reopening, and the COVID Rent Relief Program reinforces that commitment with direct assistance to those in the greatest need.”

Under the new program, eligible households will benefit from a one-time rental subsidy paid directly to landlords and housing providers. Tenants are not required to repay this assistance.

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JULY 31

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements:

  • Must be a renter with a primary residence in New York State.
  • Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income (including unemployment benefits) must be below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. Applicants can find the Area Median Income for their county, based on household size, on HCR’s website here.
  • Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, the household must have been “rent burdened,” which is defined as paying more than 30 percent of gross monthly income towards rent.
  • Applicants must have lost income during any period between April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020.
  • The application period will be open for two weeks. Residents can apply any time during the two-week period.

HCR will prioritize households with greatest economic and social need, accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost and risk of homelessness. The rental assistance payment will cover the difference between the household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the increase in rent burden during the period the household is applying for assistance. Households can apply for up to four months in rental assistance for the months of April through July. The program is open to households that rent apartments, single-family homes, manufactured homes and manufactured home lots.

Households with at least one household member with U.S. Citizenship or eligible immigration status are qualified to receive the subsidy. Tenants currently receiving a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher for housing costs or who reside in public housing are not eligible for RRP assistance.

The COVID Rent Relief Program builds upon Governor Cuomo’s efforts to protect New York’s renters during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes a statewide moratorium on COVID-related residential or commercial evictions; banning late payments or fees for missed rent payments during the eviction moratorium; and allowing renters facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 to use their security deposit as payment and repay their security deposit over time.

More information about the COVID Rent Relief Program, including Frequently Asked Questions, is available here.

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HealthHousing

322 Apartment Mixed Income Complex and Dialysis Center Will Be Built On Lot Owned By One Brooklyn Health System

Jul 17, 2020

The latest winning proposal under the Vital Brooklyn initiative was recently announced. The winning bidder is Utica Crescent, which will construct 322 affordable and supportive apartments in Central Brooklyn. The $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn initiative targets and invests in eight integrated areas, from health care to housing, establishing a new standard for addressing chronic economic and racial disparities in Brooklyn’s high-need communities.

“The pandemic has further exposed the inequalities that exist in far too many of our communities and at the same time it’s shown how important it is for New Yorkers to have access to safe and affordable housing,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are facing unprecedented challenges, but we are in this together – and that’s why the State is continuing to step up and help those who need it most by moving forward with projects like Utica Crescent, which will increase affordable housing opportunities for hundreds of New Yorkers.”

The building will have a total of 322 apartments which will be made affordable to a range of household incomes. Thirty-four of the units will be reserved for formerly homeless individuals and families, and 96 of the units will be set aside for seniors. Utica Crescent is a joint venture by Monadnock Development LLC and CB-Emmanuel Realty LLC. Catholic Charities will provide on-site supportive services to residents as well as the broader community.

The development will be constructed on a parking lot currently owned by One Brooklyn Health System (OBHS) that is adjacent to Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. The winning proposal includes plans for a new dialysis center operated by OBHS to replace their current smaller dialysis center on the Kingsbrook Jewish campus. The building will also include a large full-service grocery store as the anchor commercial tenant, and smaller ground floor storefronts that will accommodate local businesses. In addition, an underground parking garage with 300 parking spaces will be provided for Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center employees that currently park at the development site.

On-site amenities for residents will include laundry rooms, exercise and activity rooms, bicycle storage, and multipurpose community rooms. Community Supported Agriculture services will be located on-site.

In addition, the development features a host of energy efficiency strategies that contribute to community and individual health, including green roofs, an Enterprise Green Communities Certification, and meeting the standards of the ENERGY STAR multifamily high-rise program to satisfy Climate Bond Initiative requirements. Residents and visitors will also be provided free Wi-Fi, which is a hallmark of the Vital Brooklyn initiative’s commitment to increasing internet access across Central Brooklyn.

Utica Crescent will also provide approximately 30,000 square feet of open space that includes a large interior courtyard with resident gardens, timber bleachers, walking paths, and several outdoor activity areas. Space for both active and passive recreation such as games, walking, sitting and picnicking, will allow the diverse resident populations to enjoy the same space. Landscaping along the street level will include tree beds, seating, bicycle racks, and outdoor bicycle storage for grocery store customers.

Subscribe to BrooklynBuzz.com for more news on development, housing, health, education and politics in Brooklyn.

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EventsPolitics

Meet 2021 NYC Mayoral Candidate Joycelyn Taylor LIVE on VOICES of East New York with Nikki Lucas Sunday Jul 19

Jul 14, 2020

The list of 2021 New York City mayoral candidates include some names everyone knows, from Eric Adams to Scott Stringer, but most people might not know that there’s an African American woman running for the seat as well. Her name is Joycelyn Taylor, who grew up in East New York. New York City has never had an African American woman as mayor. Will 2021 be the year?

Joycelyn Taylor, quote from her campaign website, “I was born and raised in Brooklyn and I am damn proud of it. Growing up in NYCHA was different at that time.My family was one of the first African American families to move into NYCHA at Louis H. Pink Houses in East New York.

My mother was raised in the South where she adopted “Root Hog or Die” as a dogma, always working hard to barely survive. She grew up in poverty in South Carolina, and migrated to NYC as a teenager to seek a better life for herself.

You will have a chance to meet Taylor and ask her questions during the LiveStream of VOICES of East New York with Nikki Lucas, this Sunday July 19, 2020 @9am.  You can watch the show live on the homepage of EastNewYork.com, but if you want to ask questions and engage live during the broadcast, you can watch it on Facebook Live at this link.  Go to the link now and click “Get Reminder” and you will be reminded just before the show goes live.

In the meantime find out more about Taylor at Taylorfor2021.com

See More Segments of VOICES of East New York with Nikki Lucas

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FeaturesHealth

Death of Sha-Asia Washington Hits Close To Home for Brooklyn Hip Hop Producer KOTA The Friend Whose Lyrics Talk About Incompetent Doctors

Jul 12, 2020

Courtesy of TodaysHipHop.com

The Black Lives Matter movement has rightfully been at the forefront of society’s focus, as the police have continued to take Black lives at a disproportionate rate. Off the radar for many though, is an equally important and horrific disparity. Black women are eight times more likely to die during childbirth. Much like on the street, their voices are far too often ignored and not treated with proper urgency and care. This was the case for Sha-Asia Washington, a Brooklyn woman taken too soon while giving birth. For many, this sparked renewed outcry. For KOTA the Friend, who resides just a mile away from where Sha-Asia died at BK’s Wodhull Hospital, in Clinton Hill, this literally hit home.

Warning: Explicit lyrics

If you want to know how genuine someone’s intentions are regarding the plight of our people, check back on their actions when the media hype for Black Lives dies down. For KOTA, a switch up was never in question. Look no further than his lyrics on the Juneteenth installment of Lyrics to GO entitled ‘Kalief’. Sandwiched between bars about black financial empowerment and police brutality, he cautions us to “Only fuck with doulas cus fuck you these babies matter.” On 2019’s ‘For Colored Boys’ he issues a similar warning, stating “Do not have your kids in a hospital they don’t give a fuck, ‘specially bout black folk.” As evidenced by the untimely death of Ms Washington, these lines are hauntingly relevant.

Even the most casual fans of KOTA are aware of his son. The birth of his boy pushed him towards pursuing a rap career full-time, and remains a huge part of his music. A few years back, the complications of his son’s birth, and the disparity in treatment, put KOTA on a path towards advocating for doulas and home births for black women. The parallels between KOTA and men like Juwan Lopez, who was the partner of Sha-Asia are clear as day. Juwan, who planned to propose after the delivery, lost the mother of his child. And in a rap industry that has been largely hush about this element of Black Lives, KOTA is speaking up through his art.
The story of Sha-Asia Washington, and others like it is one that is no stranger to the borough of Brooklyn, home to the most severe maternal mortality rate in the city. As an artist who frequently speaks about the system, and a proud native of Brooklyn, KOTA wants to make it clear that his music, and his references on those aforementioned tracks are for Black women like Sha-Asia. Brooklyn lost another one at the hands of incompetent doctors, and with a heavy heart, the fight continues, and the music is dedicated to her.

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EventsFeatures

LIVE STREAM Entrepreneur and Business Information Session With Owner of Fusion East on VOICES of East New York Sunday July 12

Jul 10, 2020

photo – Andrew Walcott, Owner of Fusion East Restaurant

COVID-19 has hit a lot of businesses hard, with many restaurants and retailers closing for good. However, Fusion East Caribbean Soul Restaurant in East New York is succeeding against the odds.  Fusion East owner, Andrew Walcott will be live on VOICES of East New York with Nikki Lucas this weekend, Sunday July 12 at 9am, talking about how he’s succeeding during this time. This segment is part of the Entrepreneurship and Business Information Session of VOICES of East New York.

Walcott has come up with some creative ways to succeed while still being able to assist the community with their food needs.

Talking about business and entrepreneurship is nothing new for Walcott. Over the past few years schools have been bringing their students to Fusion East to learn about entrepreneurship and running their own business. Students from the Achievement First Linden Middle School have learned first hand, the importance of business ownership and what it takes to become an entrepreneur, through the Greenfield Expedition Program, which visited Fusion East on multiple occasions. Read the Article Here

If you are an entrepreneur or looking to become a successful business owner then you should tune-in Sunday July 12, 2020 @9am to watch the livestream of this Entrepreneurship and Business Information Session. You can Watch the livestream on Facebook at this link or you can watch it on the homepage of EastNewYork.com. If you watch the show on Facebook you will be able to ask questions and engage in the discussion.

Click here to Watch past VOICES of East New York Shows (Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, DA Eric Gonzalez, Freelancers Union President Rafael Espinal, Attorney Ed King, Senator Julia Salazar, Senator Roxanne Persaud and more)

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EducationEvents

Summer Youth Employment Application Deadline Is July 15 for Summer Bridge 2020 Program

Jul 09, 2020

from Workforce Connect

What is SYEP Summer Bridge 2020?

As you may know in April, we had to suspend the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). We have spent this time creating an engaging virtual program that will offer opportunities to learn new skills, explore potential careers and earn money this summer and are happy to announce the launch of SYEP Summer Bridge 2020.

What Does the Program Offer?

SYEP Summer Bridge 2020 will give youth a unique opportunity to explore their interest and discover new ones through:

Career Exploration: Flex your research skills and discover new career possibilities.
Skill-Building Activities: Receive help with your resume, cover letters, and interview skills. Learn essential job readiness skills and workplace etiquette.

Connections to Professionals: Build your network through mentoring, career panels, social media workshops, and more
Community Building: Our democracy needs your voice. Learn valuable skills to become an active citizen at work and in your community.

Earn Money: Get paid to participate! Youth between the ages of 14-15 and 16 and above will receive stipend of $700 and $1,000 respectively for their participation.

Who is Eligible?

Young people age 14 to 21 may apply online

Youth aged 22-24 may qualify for specialized programming through SYEP Summer Bridge 2020. Please contact Youth Connect at 800.246.4646 for additional information.

Must be a resident of one of the five NYC boroughs
Legally allowed to work in the US

*** Internet access is required to participate in SYEP Summer Bridge. Please let your provider know if you do not have an internet connected device including a smart phone, iPad, or computer***

The deadline to submit applications is 7/15/2020.

If you have further questions about SYEP, contact NYC Youth Connect at (800) 246-4646.

ONLINE APPLICATION

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Health

VIDEO: 13 Foods Diabetics Should Be Eating

Jul 08, 2020

According to the American Diabetes Association, here in New York an estimated 2 million people, or 12.5% of the population now have diabetes. Of these, 517,000 of them have diabetes and simply do not know it. In addition, 5,412,000 people in New York or a staggering 36.2% of the population, have prediabetes. Every year an estimated 66,000 people in New York are diagnosed with diabetes.

Diabetics have worse outcomes if they contract COVID-19, making it more important than ever to try to live a healthy lifestyle in terms of watching what you eat.

Here’s a video that we thought would be a help to New Yorkers who have diabetes. The video introduces 13 foods that diabetics should be eating. Share this post with others.

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EducationHealth

NYC Dept of Health Vote To Open 3,000 Day Care Centers With Social Distancing Starting July 13

Jul 08, 2020

The New York City Department of Health voted to allow 3,000 Day Care Centers to reopen with strict safety guidelines in place.

New York City plans to reopen 3,000 child care centers as it proceeds through the third phase of reopening during COVID 19 pandemic..

“This decision is rooted in health as well as equity. Data show that white and wealthy parents are more likely to have job flexibility or to hire independent caregivers, while these options may not be the same for Black, Brown and low-income families,” stated Dr. Oxiris Barbot.”We don’t want any New Yorker to have to choose informal or illegal child care; every child deserves a safe place where they can learn and grow.”

Childcare centers are not mandated to open on July 13, but can open if they are ready.

“A lot of work has been done in the past few weeks to prepare,” de Blasio said. “It’s important to tell people that child care centers will open as soon as Monday because for a lot parents this will be very important to their plans.”

 

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DevelopmentHousing

Lottery is Open for Placement On Waiting List for Ensemble Affordable Housing Development on East New York Ave

Jul 07, 2020

DEADLINE is July 14, 2020

Ensemble is a residential building located at 824 East New York Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203. These buildings are open for placement on a waiting list through the Housing Connect lottery. 100 eligible randomly selected applications will be placed on a waiting list for future vacancies for studio, one-, and two-bedroom units. Individuals or households who meet the income and household size requirements listed in the table below may apply. Qualified applicants will be required to meet additional selection criteria.

You need to Register for the NYC Housing Lottery and then Apply for the apartment.

Download the Details Here – DEADLINE to Apply is July 14, 2020

PLEASE NOTE: We are only providing the information. The application process is done through the NYC Housing Connect program.

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Politics

2021 City Council Candidate Nikki Lucas Thanks East Brooklyn Residents for Participating in Democratic Process

Jul 07, 2020

Sponsored Content – Paid by Committee to Elect Nikki Lucas

Thank You for participating in the democratic process last Tuesday, June 23, 2020.  Our team members did extremely well this election, winning 11 of the 13 Judicial Delegate seats and 9 of the 11 Alternate Judicial Delegate seats that we supported. Judicial Delegates have an important role which allows them the ability to both nominate and vote for candidates wishing to become Supreme Court Judges. Congratulations to an amazing team of elected community residents!

This election is one of the most crucial in our lifetime. We face an uphill battle for affordable housing and we need systemic change to fight against gentrification, which could make our district completely unaffordable. I am running for City Council in the 42nd District.  My reasons for running include the lack of transparency surrounding the sale of NYCHA, the scarcity of opportunities that lead to home ownership, lack of access to technology, lack of quality affordable healthcare and lack of accountability for NYPD misconduct. I am also running because our seniors need to be protected, and our children including those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) deserve the same high quality education as their peers across the city.

By now you are probably aware that parts of NYCHA have been sold and other sections have been leased to private developers, which may lead to the gentrification of our community.  For the past 10 years, NYCHA and city officials have been working with developers to craft a plan to privatize NYCHA, while our residents were left in the dark.

My platform is wholly based on proactive solutions. When I am in the City Council I will work with all levels of government, including federal, state and local, to prevent non-transparent acts such as what occurred with the sale of NYCHA.  I will work to ensure that every resident in NYCHA, as well as residents of other Multi-Family dwellings are well informed about any changes that might impact their housing before there is a crisis.

I will also work to open the door to increased home ownership, whether it’s a co-op, condo or house. Our community can no longer continue to be reactive, after the ink has dried.

By working with community members like you, we can move our neighborhood forward with proper technology for seniors, students and parents. Everyone deserves to have the same access to  information.

During the COVID-19 pandemic our community has been exposed as being ill prepared. Our seniors were left with less than adequate ways to connect with their loved ones and too many of our students were without the proper digital devices and in-home internet connections.

With regard to holding the NYPD and individual officers accountable for misconduct and police brutality, as a start, we would like to invite you to be a part of the movement to replace the appointed Civilian Complaint Review Board with the Elected Civilian Review Board (ECRB). The ECRB will include residents from the community and the board will have the ability to enact appropriate levels of accountability when an officer’s misconduct is proven.

To volunteer please send an email to [email protected]. Stay tuned for the launch of our new campaign website. You will be invited to be a part of our launch event.

Please join me in our proactive movement, ‘Real Solutions for Change’. You can participate in the movement for change and transparency by sharing this information with others, becoming a volunteer or making a contribution to our campaign by clicking the link below. Every contribution is important to the movement, whether it’s $5, $10 or even $100.

Click this link to Donate!

https://www.nycvotes.org/campaigns/nikkilucas/contributions/new 

Thank you again for participating in the election process

Yours Committed in Service,

Nikki Lucas

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