Author Archives

emil mella

Leadership development training series for Community Board members (public welcome!).

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Our annual leadership development classes for Community Board members– and the public–will be held online this year, naturally. The trainings are designed to hone the expertise of Community Board members and the public at large on important local government functions. (Last updated: 6/17/20).

NYC Land use and zoning 101:

Tuesday, June 23 | 6 – 8 pm This training will provide an overview of the history of land use and… Read more

How to vote in the June 23 primaries.

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Primary Day is just three short weeks away, on June 23, encompassing primaries for President, Congress, and state and local races. The ballot will be two-sided. On page one, Presidential candidates and then all the delegates will be listed (with the candidate that they are pledged to, at the right of their name). Voters can choose up to any seven of the delegates, regardless of which Presidential candidate they are… Read more

New $100 million New York Forward Loan Fund.

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The State’s New York Forward Loan Fund will make under-$100,000 working capital loans to NYS small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords of under 20 employees and gross revenues of under $3 million. Applicants are ineligible if they received SBA funding through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).  Loan amounts will be the lesser of (a) $100,000 or (b) up to 100% of average monthly … Read more

Current list of COVID-19 testing sites in Manhattan.

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The following is a list of testing sites for both swab testing (for those who suspect they are infected) and antibody testing (for those who believe they have already recovered from the virus) in Manhattan. All sites are swab testing sites and available by appointment only, unless otherwise noted. Last updated: 6/11/2020 The Testing Project, a public health advocacy group, has created a list of all the free testing sites … Read more

Current list of open streets in Manhattan.

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Here’s a list of all the open streets in Manhattan as of May 14th:
  • Hudson Blvd. East & West, from 35th – 36th Street.
  • 17th Street, from 10th Ave. – 8th Ave.
  • West End Avenue, from 87th – 96th Street.
  • 75th Street, from Broadway – Riverside Drive.
  • 114th Street, from Manhattan Ave. – Frederick Douglass Blvd.
  • Edgecombe Avenue, from St. Nicholas Place – 145th Street.
  • Margaret Corbin Drive, from Fort
… Read more

Who’s Helping New York Reopen?

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Who’s Helping New York Reopen? The Mayor and Governor are announcing many advisory boards of stakeholders and experts working to determine best practices as we adapt to a “new normal.” Here are the boards that I know of… Blue-Ribbon Commission Appointed by Governor Cuomo on May 25, the Blue-Ribbon Commission will advise on improving telehealth and broadband access using new, innovative technologies. Source: governor.ny.gov.
  • Chair: Eric Schmidt, former CEO
… Read more

Help Available for Freelancers

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Here’s a list of active grant programs available to freelancers:

Freelancers Relief Fund:

Launched by Freelancers Union, this program offers financial assistance of up to $1,000 per freelance household to cover lost income and essential expenses not covered by government relief programs. This includes: food/food supplies, utility payments, cash assistance to cover income loss. Eligibility:
  • Primarily reside in the US
  • Must have performed freelance work as their primary source of
… Read more

Everything I’ve Heard About: ARTS & CULTURE

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These are difficult times, and we’re doing our best to keep Manhattan informed – which is why we’ve been putting out our daily COVID-19 newsletter (sign up here!). As we all self-isolate, New Yorkers are leaning more than ever on books, movies, music and other great works of art – but just as we find support in the arts, times like these remind us how essential it is that… Read more

Everything I’ve Heard About: FOOD

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These are difficult times, and we’re doing our best to keep Manhattan informed – which is why we’ve been putting out our daily COVID-19 newsletter (sign up here!). This crisis has placed how we feed ourselves and our families front and center in all of our minds. This post compiles information from our newsletter to help keep you posted on the resources and information available to you, what we’re… Read more