Consumer Costs

Neighborhood Notes: Free Mammogram Screenings, Free English Classes, Public Safety Meeting & More!

By SÍLE MOLONEY
NYC Department of Buildings After Hours Do you have questions about a building project? Drop by NYC Department of Buildings After Hours event to chat one-on-one with DOB experts for solutions and guidance on your project every Tuesday night! When you need straight answers to your buildings-related questions, sometimes it is better to talk with the experts face to face. That’s why DOB introduced “Buildings After Hours,” a weekly event offering in-person advice and services to New Yorkers every Tuesday at each of its borough offices. Learn more at https://on.nyc.gov/3tm0BAB. A Kingsbridge Armory Visioning Workshop will be held on Nov.


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Torres’ Highest Priority for Small Business: Access to Capital

By JULIAN ROBERTS-GRMELA
Ahead of Election Day, Nov. 8, and in a bid perhaps to win over his future constituents in New York’s redrawn 15th Congressional District, Rep. Ritchie Torres has said one of his highest priorities is to provide small businesses with access to capital. The Democratic congressman was speaking at a virtual forum held on Thursday, Oct. 13, hosted by Biz2Credit, an NYC-based lending company for small businesses. Torres appeared as a guest alongside Long Island Republican, Rep. Andrew Garbarino.   “One of my strongest priorities is to ensure that we are doing everything we can in Congress to support the


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the City Council’s New Law Expanding Childcare Access

By DAVID GREENE
This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the City Council’s new law to expand access to childcare services, and if the new law will allow them to return to work or potentially change to a better job.   “Oh yeah, that’s a good idea! That could get people to work, but are you sure the daycare is safe? Of course, daycare is important. We are struggling more in The Bronx than people in the City. A lot of people don’t have anyone to take care of their kids like a grandmother or someone related to a single mom. Yes, it’s


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UPDATE Neighborhood Notes: DV Awareness Month, High School Admissions Test, Heat Season & More!

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  GoFundMe Page for Bedford Congregational Church Residents are being kindly asked to donate to support the upgrading of the heating system at Bedford Congregational Church, located at 309 East 201st Street in Bedford Park. Founded in 1889 and a designated landmark since 2000, the church is a 501c3 charity and provides space for local support groups battling addictions, as well as other congregations. A replacement oil tank is needed before the water pipes freeze and burst. To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/warm-hearts-cold-church.   Alternate Side Parking Alternate Side Parking regulations will be suspended Monday-Tuesday, October 17-18 in observance of  Shemini Atzereth and Simchas Torah.


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August Primaries See Ghostly Polls, Some Voters Still Frustrated with Poll Site Changes

By SÍLE MOLONEY, EMILY SAWAKED, JOSÉ GIRALT & MIRIAM QUIÑONES
  This is an extended and different story to the one which appears in our latest print edition.   As the NYC Board of Elections (BOE) continues to tally the final numbers following the Aug. 23 primaries, we take a look at the known voter breakdown to date, and share some of the feedback and insights gathered from voters on Election Day.   As reported, the BOE released the initial, unofficial primary election results on Election Night, based on the majority of voting returned machines which took into account both early votes and Election Day votes. Absentee and military ballots


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

By DAVID GREENE
  This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 which supporters say will help reduce inflation and invest in clean energy.   “I doubt it will be a good thing, because they’re picking and choosing who they want to help with lowering prescription drugs; they want to only help the people on Medicaid or Medicare. What about the people who don’t have Medicaid? If they have no benefits, no health insurance, no nothing, what about them? Yes, absolutely, it will help the seniors. I’m not really into all the politics; it’s like they


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Inspector General Publishes Investigative Report & Makes Public Letters Sent to Govt. Agencies & Officials

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Offices of the NYS Inspector General published its latest investigative report on Friday, Aug. 19, as well as 21 previously non-public letters arising from investigations undertaken by the office. The letters, which were sent to public officials and agencies regarding allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing, provide information on the ultimate investigative findings by the inspector general.   According to the office, the published documents constitute the remainder of such investigative letters issued in 2013, and continues what was described by the offices as the inspector general’s commitment to providing all such historical letters on a year-by-year basis.   “Today’s


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UPDATE Neighborhood Notes: Polio Vaccine Updates, Free Legal Advice on DV, Overdose Prevention & More!

By SÍLE MOLONEY
August 23 Primary Election As reported, the NY Supreme Court postponed the congressional and State senate primary elections to Aug. 23, amid the latest court decisions around congressional and State redistricting which followed the 2020 census. A court-appointed special master approved new congressional and State senate districts in New York State on May 20. These replaced the maps previously approved by the State legislature in February 2022.   The CUNY Graduate Center has made available online comparative maps at the following link https://newyork.redistrictingandyou.org/ to enable voters to determine their current congressional and State legislative districts and to see how the latest redistricting


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UPDATE Neighborhood Notes: Monkeypox Vax Updates, Free Yankees Tickets, August Primaries & More!

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Beat the Heat  Amid the current heatwave, which has now been extended to July 24 at 8 p.m., for tips on how to beat the heat, click here. For more information on public pools, click here. It’s going to be a hot week in NYC. Take steps to stay safe & #beattheheat: ✅Keep cool and hydrated.✅Find your nearest cooling center: call @nyc311 or visit https://t.co/9PRlDTeUgY ✅Be a buddy and check on your neighbors.✅Stay informed and sign up for @NotifyNYC alerts. pic.twitter.com/9MUQVnU3m9 — NYC Emergency Management Commissioner (@NYCEMCommish) July 19, 2022 Con Edison Discounts  According to Bronx Community Board 7, this summer,


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