Paint, Taxes, and Yemeni Coffee
DISCRETIONARY FUNDING APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
Calling all non-profits! It’s that time again: the application for FY 26 Discretionary Expense Funding is now LIVE! You can apply here.
The application deadline is Wednesday, February 19. Please note that this is a hard deadline: to be fair to everyone, the Council does not accommodate any late applications, so please make sure you submit before February 19th.
THE TAXMAN COMETH:
My office, in partnership with Senator Gounardes and Urban Upbound, is once again offering free tax prep services for residents of Council District 47 or State Senate District 26 with a single or joint income of $93,000 or less. Services are available in English, Spanish, Cantonese and Arabic. The program will run from January 27 through April 14, and appointments can be made by calling 718-748-5200 or 718-238-6044. All appointments will take place at 8203 3rd Avenue (Bay Ridge office).
FIX THE PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM ALREADY!: Speaking of taxes, here I am again in print pleading with the state to fix our broken property tax system, which has been unfair and unequal for far too long. Give it a read.
BILQIS TO MY HEART:
Our large and growing Yemeni-American community in Bay Ridge has been opening up incredible coffee shops. Bilqis, a new and beautiful shop that just opened up (in the location of my old office!) was featured in this Brooklyn Paper story. Pay them a visit! Pro-tip: try the dates dipped in tahini, too.
FRIENDLY VISITORS: Would you like to give back to some of our local seniors? Heights and Hills Friendly Visiting program is a meaningful program for older adults and volunteers alike. It helps maintain the connection between older adults and their communities and reduces social isolation. Join their next training to find out more: February 18th, 6pm, via Zoom. Register Here
LADIES & GENTLEMEN, THE WEEKEND…
FOOD FOR FIDO: Kiso’s Pet Food Pantry is holding another distribution tomorrow, January 18th, for seniors who need access to pet food for their dogs and cats. Distribution begins at 12:30 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
SUBWAY SERVICE: Our local train lines are running (relatively) normally this weekend, finally! For full details, check out more info here.
Office of Councilmember Justin Brannan
8203 3rd Avenue Brooklyn NY 11209 | AskJB@council.nyc.gov | 718-748-5200