Community Notice
Due to the abundance of State and City directives regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Manhattan Community Board 4 office will be closed and working remotely. We can be reached via email and phone. Phone messages will be retrieved and responded to in a timely manner.
We can be reached via email at:
- Jesse Bodine: jbodine@cb.nyc.gov
- Nelly Gonzalez: negonzalez@cb.nyc.gov
- Janine Pretente: jpretente@cb.nyc.gov
For the time being, all public meetings will be held via phone/video conference, as directed by NYS Executive Order No. 202.1. Links to the conferences will be posted in advance on our calendar page and will be going out via social media and e-blast.
MCB4 Shelter Issue Report
Due to COVID-19, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) moved a number of their clients sheltering in congregate care shelters to hotels throughout the City, including Community District 4. MCB4 has a long track record of welcoming such facilities into our neighborhoods, however, we recognize that there can be public safety and quality of life issues related to social service facilities. MCB4 meets with DHS and shelter providers to review community concerns and provider reports. MCB4 has a neighborhood reporting form which neighbors can fill out and will assist in resolving community concerns. MCB4 Shelter Issue Report
COVID-19
Vaccines
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized applications for emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen. The vaccines work by teaching the body to create an immune response for a virus that is not present in the body. In clinical trials, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were shown to have greater than 94% efficacy in preventing symptoms and decreasing severe COVID-19 infection among study volunteers. The Pfizer vaccine requires a second dose after 21-42 days and the Moderna vaccine requires a second dose after 28-42 days. The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine has been shown to have an 85% efficacy in preventing severe COVID-19 illness and does not require a second dose. Learn More.
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
COVID-19 Vaccine Finder
COVID-19 Vaccine Data
COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Providers
COVID-19 Vaccines FAQs
Resources:
- COVID-19 Hotline: (888) 727-4692
- Find your COVID-19 Hotspot Zone by Address
- NY Forward Website
- Information about Reopening NYC Businesses
Public Schools
As of Monday, December 7, NYC public schools have reopened for in-person learning for students in grades 3K – 5 except for those in designated Orange zones. Orange-zoned schools, grades 3K – 5 will reopen on Wednesday, December 9. Students in grade 6 – 12 will return to in-person learning on Thursday, February 25. High School students reopen Monday, March 22 for those who opted into in-person learning in the fall. Learn more at the NYC Department of Education website.
Open Streets Applications:
The 2021 Open Streets Application is now open. Both new and returning partners must apply to manage an Open Street in their community, for either temporary limited local access or as a temporary full closure. Visit DOT Open Streets Website for more information. | View Flyer
Open Culture Applications:
Open Culture is a new permit type available from the Mayor’s Street Activity Permit Office allowing for ticketed performances. Arts, cultural institutions, and entertainment venues will have the opportunity to secure a permit for socially distanced performances at over 100 street locations throughout all 5 boroughs. Applications will be considered first come-first serve basis. Applications open March 1 and the program will run through October 31, 2021. Apply for an Open Culture Event
NYC Movie Theaters:
Governor Cuomo announced that starting March 5, 2021, NYC movie theaters may reopen at 25% capacity, with no more than 50 people per screen, as well as adhere to other COVID-related guidance, including practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings, and more.
Open Restaurant Program:
NYC has announced that the Open Restaurants Program has been made permanent, and restaurants will be permitted to use heating and enclosures, and expand seating to adjacent properties with neighbors’ consent. As the program’s duration will now continue through the winter months, new safety enhancements are required for roadway seating areas to better withstand the stresses that winter may bring. Learn more about the Open Restaurant Program. View DSNY’s information on Winter Operations and Snow Alerts.
Outdoor Dining Checklist
Indoor Dining: Starting on Friday, March 19, the City’s restaurants can seat customers indoors at 50 percent maximum capacity.
Open Storefronts Program:
This Program assists existing ground-floor storefront businesses who want to use outdoor areas on a temporary basis. The program allows eligible businesses to conduct activity on sidewalks, roadways, or a combination of both. In addition, businesses engaged in retail trade repair stores, personal care services, and dry cleaning and laundry services are able to use outdoor spaces for seating, queuing, or display of dry goods. The Open Storefronts program has been extended through September 30, 2021. Learn more about the Open Storefronts Program.