108th Assembly District Environmental Justice Update
The 108th Assembly District has a myriad of environmental justice zones and issues. With the Ezra Prentice community in the South End in Albany, the former Albany Answers Plan in Sheridan Hollow, the Dunn Landfill in Rensselaer and Norlite in Cohoes all within the district, there are no shortage of issues that impact the environment and more importantly the residents living in those communities.
Join Assemblymember McDonald TOMORROW, Tuesday, May 19th from 7-8pm for an update on each neighborhood and to share your concerns!
Meeting ID: 918 5047 7144
Or check out our Facebook event here:https://www.facebook.com/events/185967089236889/
Take a few moments to read thisTimes Union article by Cayla Harrisabout the Capital Region reaching 6/7 metrics for re-opening from. This is a team effort and I thank those leaders on the control team and all who made this happen. It is good to see the region being able to enter phase one and begin to ease safely into our new normal.
Remember you can continue to check the metrics for each region on theNY Forward website here.
Businesses can also read re-opening guidelines specific to theirindustry here.
New South End Night Market
AVillage…, Inc. and the Radix Ecological Sustainability Center, in partnership with the Capital District Farmers Market Association, announce the opening of the South End Night Market, providing healthy foods from local farms and an online platform for local vendors. The market will operateevery Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Radix Center,a one-acre “farm in the city” located on the corner of Grand Street and Warren Street.
During the current pandemic the market will abide by NYS restrictions. Vendors are limited to farmers and prepared produce vendors, and social distancing rules will be enforced. Patrons will be asked to take their food home rather than remain on the premises.
However, there will be an online platform for people to buy non-essential goods from local businesses in the South End. Theon-line platformis now.
COVID-19 Testing Sites
There are over 700 locations where New Yorkers can get diagnostic testing. New Yorkers can visit a new website —coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you— and enter their address to view a list and a map view of the nearest testing sites.
Mental Health Hotline
If you need emotional support, call the New York State Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 to schedule a free appointment with a mental health professional.
Local Restaurants
Remember to support local restaurants and order delivery or take-out from your favorite local spot!
For a comprehensive list of businesses located in the 108th Assembly District who are currently still offering take out or delivery options see below:
City of Albany:
Also, continue to check out theRensselaer County Chamber Facebook Pageand theRensselaer County Tourism Facebook Pagefor daily updates!
Helpful Reminders
Unemployment Insurance - The one-week waiting period for Unemployment Insurance claims for workers directly affected by COVID-19 has been eliminated. The Department has also announced that they are changing the unemployment insurance job search requirement that is currently in place. No work search activities will be required during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information check out the DOL page here: https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm
Those in need can call 2-1-1 from any phone for a free, confidential referral to resources providing food, shelter, rent assistance, childcare options and other essential services. The helpline is also able to answer questions and provide referrals for COVID-19 related concerns. Simply dial 2-1-1 or visit 211neny.org
If you believe your business is an essential service but has not been included on ESD’s list, you can apply for ‘essential service status’ at this link: https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/Request%20for%20Designation%20Form_0.pdf
OAG will halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State of New York and referred to the OAG for collection from March 17, 2020 through April 16, 2020. After this 30-day period, the OAG will reassess the needs of state residents for a possible extension.
Charter will be providing free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription (where service is available), at any service level up to 100 Mbps, as well as opening up Charter WiFi Hotspots across our footprint for public use. For more information or to enroll in the program please contact 1-844-488-8395
The Capital District YMCA will provide childcare for emergency personnel who do not have the option to work from home, as defined by The New York State Education Department. For more information visit: https://cdymca.org/emergencychildcare/