GPTA Newsletter 6

Posted on by Honey Berk

Dear Neighbors,

We hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy.  

Before we go into our updates, we want to address concerns voiced by some tenants that they have not heard from us. There are two (2) ways we distribute information.  First, you would have received this newsletter by email because you had provided us with your email address at some point. If you know of any neighbors not receiving our newsletter, please forward this to them or have them email us at gatewayplazata@gmail.com to get on the distribution list. And second, you can always come here to our website. We update the website as helpful information comes in.  It is important that residents regularly check the website for the most up to date information. 

RENT STABILIZATION UPDATE
As most of you know the current Rent Stabilization Agreement expires tomorrow, Tuesday, June 30th.   We know this is very distressing especially in these uncertain times.  We have been working diligently to push towards an agreement.  As we have mentioned in previous notes, the negotiations are between BPCA and Marina Towers, the Gateway landlord, and they are protected by a Non-Disclosure Agreement.   However, as a result of our engagement with BPCA and the  elected officials, we can provide this information:

  • We are in regular communication with BPCA as to the importance of reaching an agreement ASAP.  During our last meeting on Friday, we were once again informed that BPCA and Marina Towers are in active negotiations for an extension of the agreement.  
  • BPCA issued a public statement on June 11th (which we conveyed to our email lists and posted on our website) that states both sides are committed to negotiating an extension and if the extension agreement is completed after June 30th, it will be retroactive.  Retroactivity is an important element that GPTA has strongly urged be included since many rent stabilized tenants have had to sign leases without their former protections.  (see gpta.org for more information regarding leases that expire after July 31st and August 31st)
  • GPTA has reached out to Governor Cuomo to urge his office to press for the conclusion of the rent stabilization extension.
  • GPTA continues to work closely with our elected officials- Congressman Nadler, City Comptroller Stringer, Manhattan Borough President Brewer, State Senator Kavanagh, NYS Assembly Member Niou and NYC Council Member Chin. Most recently they have sent a joint letter to Marina Towers and BPCA to push for a conclusion to the agreement.  
  • GPTA has been informed that BPCA as well as the elected officials have been in contact with the Governor’s office. 

While we remain hopeful that an agreement between BPCA and Marina Towers will be reached, it is quite possible that it will occur after the expiration of the existing agreement.  We encourage our members to continue (indeed redouble) their emails to our elected officials including Governor Cuomo of the importance of signing off on an agreement. You will find the elected officials addresses at the end of this newsletter.

COMMUNITY BOARD ONE
GPTA congratulates Gateway resident, Tammy Meltzer, on her election as Chair of Community Board 1. Tammy served on the GPTA Board in the past and we have no doubt that she will continue to be a great advocate for our community.

WEAR YOUR MASK
Whenever we leave our apartments to go to the lobby, laundry room or outside we must wear a mask.  Please understand that wearing a mask protects you and saves others.  If you need a mask or if you know of anyone who needs one Email gatewayplazata@gmail.GPTA recently passed out surgical masks that were provided by the Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer, for our residents. We have some left so reach out to us if you need one. 

STAY INFORMED…STAY IN TOUCH
We invite all residents to join GPTA ($25 per household per calendar year) and follow us on our social media to stay informed.  Our website will be updated with useful information for our residents. Our email is below to stay in touch. 

Website: gpta.org
Facebook: Gateway Plaza Tenants Association
To post on our FB page:

  • Like our page (not simply a post or a picture on the page.)
  • Click on “Post”. The “Post” option appears on the same row and to the right of “Home” and “About”.

Twitter: @GPTA_BPC
Email: gatewayplazata@gmail.com

LINKS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST
New York Coronavirus Hotline
New York State has established a helpline for employees to report their employer if they believe they are not following proper PPE, hygiene, and social distancing guidelines. Employees can call (888) 364-3065.

Testing Sites in NYC
All New Yorkers are now eligible for free COVID testing, regardless of whether or not you have symptoms or are at an increased risk. Click here for more information and to find a testing center.

The New York State Department of Health has created a map where individuals can find all of the State run testing sites. To find a New York City Health + Hospitals testing site, click here.

Plans for Pets
As a reminder, the Animal Care Centers of New York is encouraging pet owners to have a plan in place for your pet in case you need to go to the hospital. If you are in need of assistance, you can all call the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline seven days a week, from 8:00 AM-8:00 PM at (877) 204-8821.

For emergency preparedness advice during COVID-19, please refer to NYC Office of Emergency Management’s website.

For Seniors and At-risk Neighbors
PSS COVID-19 Resource Guide
PSS, an organization dedicated to strengthening the capacity of older New Yorkers, has created a Resource Guide. This guide contains legal assistance, resources for caregivers, and more. Additionally, they are hosting a number of virtual events on topics ranging from chair yoga, support groups, managing bills, and more. For more information and to register, click here.

PSS also has a caregiver support program, entitled Circle of Care. Through this program, PSS will provide free personalized support through a Care Consultant.

VNSNY CHOICE
VNSNY CHOICE, part of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, is launching a series of online classes and workshops. They have partnered with community groups, including local community centers, senior advocacy groups and health and wellness experts to deliver these programs. The first event is an online exercise class on Tuesday, June 23rd from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM. For more VSNY Choice events, click here.

SAGE
SAGE, a DFTA-funded senior center dedicated to LGBTQ+ seniors is holding virtual programming for seniors throughout the month of June. Programming includes classes, social hours, discussion groups, workshops, art therapy, and physical activity. The calendar for virtual events can be found here.

Senior Strong NYC
The Grey Panthers and the Florence Belsky Charitable Foundation, through their program, Senior Strong NYC, have created a list of resources for seniors during this pandemic. Individuals can find information relating to how to cope with anxiety, avoiding scams, and how to access food and supplies.

LiveOn NY
LiveOn NY is an Authorized Enroller for the GetFoodNYC program and able to register New Yorkers for home delivered meals. For those in need of home delivered meals, please reach out to their Benefits Outreach program number by calling (212) 398-5045.

Free Financial Counseling
NYC Financial Empowerment Center is providing free one-on-one financial counseling. Counselors can help individuals develop a strategy to minimize debt, access federal, state, and local resources, receive student loan debt tips, and more.

The Met Council is continuing to offer services throughout this pandemic. By calling (929) 292-9261, individuals can access free tax filings, emergency home repairs for seniors, food access, and more. Additionally, if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, the Met Council’s hotline is open and available to provide confidential help. You can reach the hotline by calling (212) 453-9618.

Meal Hubs
The NYC Department of Education (DOE)  is committed to making free meals available daily for any New Yorker. Any New Yorker who wants one, can get free meals at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city. Vegetarian, Halal and Kosher options are available. For more information and to find a location near you, please click here. In Battery Park City, free meals are available at PS276, 55 Battery Place.

Through the GetFood NYC website, individuals and families can find information regarding free food locations, recipes for cooking at home, food delivery programs, how to report an issue with a delivery, and more.

DOE Updates
As the school year comes to a close, the Department of Education (DOE) has launched an anonymous survey to help them understand what is important to families as preparations begin to reopen in the fall. Parents and guardians may complete the Return to 2020 Survey here. Similarly, Students may complete the Return to 2020 Survey here.

Click here to read the full letter from Chancellor Carranza, plus a FAQ section on what a return to school would look like.

FOR TENANTS
Eviction Free NYC!
Despite the eviction moratorium in place in NYS due to COVID-19, Eviction Free NYC! Is still available to assist tenants in responding to an eviction notice and connecting them with available resources. Click here for more information.

Met Council on Housing
The Met Council on Housing’s hotline for Tenant’s Rights is still available for tenants. This hotline is free and open to any tenant living in New York City. For assistance, call (212) 979-0611 at the day and times below:

  • Monday, 1:30 PM-8:00 PM
  • Tuesday, 5:30 PM-8:00 PM
  • Wednesday, 1:30 PM-8:00 PM
  • Friday, 1:30 PM-5:00 PM

Click here for additional information, including an FAQ section.

LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES’ CONTACT INFORMATION

We wish you good health and strength during this challenging time.

GPTA

Rosalie, Robin, Jeff, Bruce, Karlene, Honey, Sarah, Pat, Howard, Audrey, Larry, Steve, Denise