Community Alerts 2.12.26
Opportunities for Youth through DYCD
The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) oversees various employment initiatives for youth and communities, including the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and the Work, Learn, and Grow (WLG) program. Through these initiatives, young New Yorkers can explore their career interests, build workplace skills, and participate in enriching experiences that enhance their social, civic, and leadership capabilities. By supporting these programs, employers play a pivotal role in equipping New York City youth for careers ahead. Click here to learn more.
Traffic Alerts
Alternate Side Parking Rules are suspended on:
- Thursday, February 12, for Lincoln’s Birthday
- Monday, February 16, for President’s Day and Lunar New Year’s Eve
- Tuesday, February 17, for Lunar New Year
- Wednesday, February 18, for Ash Wednesday and Losar (Tibetan New Year)
- Tuesday, March 3, for Purim
View the 2026 Alternate Side Parking Suspension Calendar here.
DSNY Alert
The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that in observance of Presidents’ Day, there will be NO trash, curbside composting, or recycling collection on the holiday, Monday, February 16. Residents who normally receive Monday trash, curbside composting, or recycling collection may place their material at the curb Monday evening for collection beginning Tuesday, February 17. Residents should understand that collection delays may occur after holidays and winter storms.
NOTE: While Thursday, February 12, is recognized by the City as Lincoln’s Birthday and typically a collection holiday, due to the recent storm, this will NOT be a holiday, and there will be regular collection that day. Residents with Thursday collection should follow their normal set-out schedule.
For questions about Sanitation services and holiday schedules, contact 311 or visit nyc.gov/sanitation.
New Local Laws
Security Grilles – Visibility Requirements
Local Law 75 of 2009 requires that no later than Wednesday, July 1, 2026, all existing and new security grilles installed on buildings that are classified in Occupancy Groups B (Business) or M (Mercantile) must have visibility from the sidewalk of at least 70%. This does not apply to security grilles on buildings classified in Occupancy Group S (Storage) or a building designated as a landmark. Security grilles that have solid panels or have a visibility from the sidewalk of less than 70% are not allowed and are not in compliance with City laws. Security grilles that have a visibility from the sidewalk of at least 70% are allowed and are in compliance with City laws. Click here to learn more.
Sidewalk Shed Permits – Duration & Renewal
Under Local Laws 48 and 51 of 2025, all sidewalk shed permits issued or renewed on or after Monday, February 2, 2026, will have a maximum duration of 90 days and will not auto-renew. A $130 renewal fee will be required for each renewal. Permits issued before Monday, February 2, will expire according to their original schedule. Read more here.
Events from Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal
Homeowners’ Benefit Clinic
The Department of Finance will host a Homeowners’ Benefit Clinic on Tuesday, February 17, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at AM Rosenthal’s District Office, 230 West 72nd Street, Suite 2F (between West End Avenue and Broadway). Residents should RSVP by emailing rosenthall@nyassembly.gov or calling 212-873-6368. Click here for the flyer.
Unclaimed Funds Clinic
The Comptroller’s Office will hold an Unclaimed Funds Clinic on Thursday, February 19, from 11:00am to 12:30pm at the Marlene Meyerson JCC, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at W. 76th Street, 7th floor conference room. Residents can RSVP at tinyurl.com/unclaimed67. See the flyer here. Learn more about unclaimed funds and how you can find them here.
Mammogram Van
The Italian-American Cancer Foundation’s Mammogram Van will be available on Friday, February 20, from 9:00am to 2:00pm in front of AM Rosenthal’s District Office, 230 West 72nd Street, Suite 2F (between West End Avenue and Broadway). Residents should RSVP by emailing rosenthall@nyassembly.gov or calling 212-873-6368. View the flyer here.
Emergency Preparedness for Small Businesses
The NYC Department of Small Business Services is hosting a free webinar, “Build Business Resilience & Access Incentives,” on Friday, February 20, at 11:00am. To sign up, click here.
Proposed Amendments to Earned Safe and Sick Time Act
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is proposing amendments to the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA), following Local Law 145 of 2025, to allow employees to take safe/sick time for additional reasons, including:
- Providing care for a child or care recipient
- Attending legal proceedings or actions related to subsistence benefits or housing
- Responding to a public disaster
- Responding to workplace violence
DCWP will hold a public hearing on the proposed rules at 11:00am on Monday, March 2, accessible by phone or videoconference. Anyone may comment on the proposed rules by website, email, or speaking at the hearing. All comments must be submitted by March 2. Click here to read the proposed rules and learn how to participate in the hearing and submit comments.
New Date for Free Children’s Book Fair
Council Member Gale Brewer’s annual Free Children’s Book Fair has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 8, from 1:00pm–4:00pm, at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (334 Amsterdam Avenue between West 75th and 76th Street). The fair was originally planned for January 25 and was postponed due to the snowstorm. Kids can pick out free, gently used children’s books to start or grow their own collections.
West 59th Street Women’s Shelter
Construction is underway at 537 West 59th Street, the future site of the W59th Street Women’s Shelter, a Project Renewal initiative providing safe housing for women in need. In February 2026, work is expected to include finalizing MEP systems and utility connections, completing the sidewalk concrete pour, and delivering interior furniture. The shelter is anticipated to open in late February or March 2026. For more information, click here.
NYC Half Marathon
The United Airlines NYC Half Marathon returns on Sunday, March 15, at 7:00am. The 13.1-mile course starts in Brooklyn, crosses the Brooklyn Bridge, runs along the FDR Drive, and offers the rare opportunity to dash through Times Square before finishing in Central Park. Street closures, updated course maps, and directions will be made available on the NYC Half Marathon website closer to the race.
Advance Notification of NYC Annual Restaurant Health Inspections
All NYC restaurants will now receive two email alerts before annual inspections from the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene—one 1–5 months in advance and another 3–6 weeks before. Each email, sent from noreply@newsletters.nyc.gov, includes information to help restaurants prepare for inspection so they can achieve an A grade and avoid fines, including a self-inspection checklist; a fact sheet on the most common violations and how to avoid them; a link to order a personalized, free Inspection History Report; and information about Food Protection Certificate training.
Restaurants can also contact SBS’s NYC Business Express Service Team for free, one-on-one compliance support at any time, and especially before inspection. Just call the SBS hotline at 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692), available Monday–Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, and ask to be connected with NYC BEST.
Restaurants must have a current email address on file to ensure receipt of these advance notification emails. To change your business’s email address on file with the City, complete this form.
Community Board Applications Now Open
Applications for service on Manhattan’s Community Boards are now open. Serving on a Community Board is a meaningful way to represent your neighborhood, engage with local issues, and help shape the future of the borough. Applications are being accepted through Friday, February 27, and can be submitted here.
