Council Member Steven Matteo Image Credit: City Council

Council looks to revamp the private street mapping process in hopes of addressing private streets in disrepair. On September 8, 2020, the City Council Committee on Transportation held a public hearing on the Department of Transportation’s response to COVID-19, the Open Streets Program, and two introductory bills. The bills would effectively establish permit requirements for the mapping of private streets and additionally provide for their maintenance. The bills are sponsored by Council Members Steven Matteo, Joseph C. Borrelli and Robert Holden at the request of Staten Island Borough President James Oddo.

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Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel, Chair of the Committee on Public Housing, speaks at the NYCHA oversight hearing on June 29, 2020. Image Credit: New York City Council

Residents voiced concerns about mold, ventilation and lack of signage. On June 29, 2020, the New York City Council’s Committee on Public Housing and the Committee on Housing and Buildings held a joint hearing to discuss the steps that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) are taking to protect residents from the spread of COVID-19. (more…)

Mayor Adams visits the Times Square vaccination site, which serves children under five. Image Credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office.

On June 17, 2022, NYC Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan announced a roll out for COVID-19 vaccines for babies and children, aged six-months to five years. Health Commissioner Dr. Vasan stated, “As the city’s doctor, and as a father of a three-year-old, I have confidence in this vaccine, and I can’t wait to get my child vaccinated. I encourage parents to call their child’s pediatrician today or call 877-VAX-4NYC to make an appointment at one of our city sites next week. We’re ready for shots for tots!” (more…)

Mayor Adams announces changes to the City’s COVID-19 protocols in Times Square. Image Credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office.

The announcements come after data supports that New York City is currently experiencing low level spread of COVID-19. On March 4, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced changes to the City’s COVID-19 protocols in response to the decline of COVID-19 cases citywide. The changes go into effect today, Monday, March 7th. (more…)

The “Find Your Zone” Map showing yellow, orange and red zones over several neighborhoods in Queens. Click to enlarge image. Image Credit: NYC Mayor’s Office/Office of Emergency Management

Indicated zones will undergo restrictions for a minimum of 14 days after the zone is identified. On October 7, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the launch of the ‘Find Your Zone’ map, the City’s newest tool to help New Yorkers stay informed about the spread of COVID-19. The map allows users to enter an address to identify if that location is in a COVID-19 hotspot and what restrictions may apply to that zone for local schools, businesses, houses of worship, and other gatherings. (more…)