Week of May 11th: Chasing Wasps, Sealing Buildings and Fixing Sidewalks

Hi All -

Welcome to the next Better Block update! As I mentioned last week, I plan to start sending weekly updates on the local problems this group is solving to inspire momentum, educate on how we can improve our city, and support each other. This week, we're welcoming 7 more people to this group, bringing our community of advocates fighting to improve New York to 28 overall. Individuals in this group are collectively working to solve 6 different problems across NYC, ranging from improving our sidewalks to repairing vacant buildings. I know each of these fights are an uphill battle, but together this group is starting to drive real change.

Where we made progress this week:

• 26 Jefferson: 26 Jefferson is a vacant property the T-Block association is looking to rehabilitate to keep the block safer (photo attached). This week, the City Council's office confirmed that the Dep. of Buildings is going to alert HPD to seal the building! HPD has the right to do this for buildings with severe violations, you can learn more here. We're hopeful that HPD will come through, as this will insure individuals stop trespassing on the property, and hopefully reduce the construction issues for the neighbor next door. Cross your fingers  If you want to help, email May at the City Council expressing your concern ([email protected]), the more of us that reach out the more likely this will get resolved.

• Removing the Wasp's Nest: Remi is fighting to get a Wasp's nest removed that is deterring customers at Le Doggie Cool in Williamsburg (photo attached). The City Council's office responded that they are following up on the issue, and the Park's Department is going to investigate as well. If you want to help, submit a 311 complaint here and share your complaint number in a reply. The city often completes enforcement based on 311 complaints, so the more the better.

Where we hit some walls:

• 1105 Fulton: 1105 Fulton is another vacant property we're looking to improve on the corner of Claver and Fulton. While some repairs were made, scaffolding still remains up which is causing individuals to congregate underneath. We heard back from the city that the scaffolding has to stay while repairs are still being made, but what's frustrating is no work has happened at the building for months  We've followed up with the city to see if can get to the source of truth on what's happening, to ensure the scaffolding comes down as soon as possible

• Property Tax Reform: We've heard back from both Phara Souffrant Forrest's and Stefanie Zinerman's office about discussing property tax reform, but unfortunately neither office has been able to schedule time after multiple follow ups. We're going to continue to follow up with both these officials and others who have not responded, so we can stay close as the proposals for property tax reform come together

Spotlighting other problems this group is working on:

• Repairing Sidewalks from Tree Roots: Cassey has been fighting to improve the block of Prospect Place in Crown Heights. This is a beautiful block where Shirley Chisholm used to live, but due to tree overgrowth, the sidewalk has fallen into disrepair making it unsafe for children and the elderly to walk. Cassey and her fellow block residents are fighting with the NYC Dep. of Transportation to get it repaired. Take some time to watch this incredible video and hear the testimonials from the residents on the issue. If you want to help, I can connect you with Cassey

• Resident Harassment in Williamsburg: A local resident in Williamsburg has been tossing bleach, eggs and cooking oil on people passing by, making it so residents don't even want to walk on that side of the street. The local news recently spotlighted this here and we're now looking to get to the bottom of the current state to see what's possible to prevent this from happening moving forward.

What's coming next: Save the date on your calendar for June 8th for our community BBQ at the Greene Garden in Fort Greene. We're working on getting evites together this week and will share more plans as this firms up. We want to use this time to bring this group together, have some good food and celebrate all the great work that individuals here have been doing.

How you can help:

1. If you think you can help on any of the problems above, let me know! I am happy to connect you with whoever is leading it to help solve these issues together

2. If you have another local problem you need help solving, please reply. We're happy to help work with you to push your issue to resolution

Lastly, if you know someone else that might find this update interesting, I want to meet them. We're looking to build this community and love to meet more energetic individuals looking to roll up their sleeves and solve problems in NYC.

Have a great week, and thanks for reading.

Best,

David