and Support for Expecting Families

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Dear John,

We’re kicking off the new year with a major step forward for our NYC streets! As of 12 AM today, congestion pricing is officially in effect, and it’s set to transform the way we move around in NYC. Did you know that New Yorkers spend an average of 117 hours a year stuck in traffic? That’s about to change.

Congestion pricing is a proven solution to reduce traffic, cut emissions, improve air quality, and fund our essential transit systems. Under this program, vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan (local streets and avenues below 60th Street) will be tolled.

Here’s how it works:
* Passenger vehicles (sedans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and small vans) with a valid E-ZPass will be charged:
+ $9 during peak hours (weekdays from 5 AM to 9 PM, and weekends from 9 AM to 9 PM).
+ $2.25 during non-peak hours, when traffic is lighter.
* Taxis and for-hire vehicles licensed by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission will be subject to per-trip charge paid by the passenger for trips to, from, within, or through the Congestion Relief Zone.
+ For high-volume for-hire vehicles, the charge will be $1.50 during peak and overnight hours.
+ For taxis, green cabs, and black cars, the charge will be $0.75.

While the tolls associated with congestion pricing have understandably been a point of concern, it’s important to remember the significant benefits this program will bring to our city. The revenue generated will help fund long-overdue improvements to our subways and buses, including:
* Bus service enhancements
* Signal modernization for the A, C, B, D, F, and M lines
* Station accessibility upgrades

This program will help ensure our transit system remains a reliable lifeline for millions of New Yorkers.

To learn more about how the program works, including available discounts and exemptions for New Yorkers, visit the MTA’s Congestion Relief Zone website ([link removed]) . You can also attend an informative webinar ([link removed]) on Wednesday, 1/8, at 12 PM to get your questions answered.

Let’s make 2025 a year of cleaner, faster, and more efficient transportation in NYC!

Supporting NYC’s Expecting Families

As of January 1, 2025, New York State has taken a significant step forward by introducing a new statewide paid prenatal leave policy. ([link removed]) This policy ensures that privately-employed pregnant New Yorkers can access 20 additional hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care, on top of their existing sick leave. This means that expecting parents will be able to attend to their health and well-being without the fear of losing their jobs or income. It’s a critical step toward ensuring that every pregnant worker has the time and support they need.

To learn more about your rights as a pregnant employee or to find out how you can implement the policy in your workplace as an employer, visit this website ([link removed]) .

In another major move last month, the City Council launched New York’s first city-funded guaranteed income program for expecting mothers. With a groundbreaking $1.5 billion allocation ([link removed]) to The Bridge Project ([link removed]) , this initiative will provide regular, unconditional cash assistance to 161 pregnant women experiencing housing insecurity. This program is designed to alleviate the burden of financial stress during a critical time, helping families meet their basic needs while awaiting the arrival of their child. Applications ([link removed]) for this program are open on a rolling basis, and we strongly encourage all eligible individuals to apply and spread the word to those who might benefit.

This program will be a game-changer for many expecting families, especially those facing economic hardships. By offering unconditional financial support, this program not only helps reduce stress for low-income expecting mothers but also plays a key role in fighting child poverty in New York City.

I had the privilege of meeting with mothers involved in The Bridge Project’s Advocacy Fellowship last May. Our conversation left me with a profound sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to championing policies that provide the essential resources and care our parents and youngest New Yorkers deserve. The voices of those most directly impacted by these issues will always guide and inspire my work as we continue to push for a safer, more inclusive, and compassionate city.

Upcoming Events
* The Arrow Linen Rezoning Proposal for 441 & 467 Prospect Avenue ([link removed]) in Windsor Terrace is now under review by the City Council. The Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises will holda public hearing ([link removed]) on Thursday, January 9th at 11 AM in the City Hall Council Chambers. If you live, work, or are connected to the neighborhood, your voice matters. I strongly encourage you to share your feedback—whether in person, virtually, or by submitting written testimony to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

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* For months, community members in the Columbia Waterfront have endured chronic dust and poor air quality due to the SIMS Concrete Recycling Facility, which is operated by the NYC Department of Transportation. Despite repeated efforts from my office and co-elected officials, the DOT has refused to take immediate action to shut down the facility. Join us on Wednesday, January 15th at 10 AM for a picket in front of the facility, where we will demand better conditions for our neighborhoods and residents.


Community Bulletin
* 6th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic on Saturday, 1/11, from 7 AM to 5 PM. This closure is necessary for the installation of a new air handling unit on the hospital's roof, which will require a large crane lift. Flaggers will be on-site to redirect vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
* Applications for Brooklyn Community Boards ([link removed]) are now open! Help shape the future of your neighborhood by serving on a community board. Applications are open until 2/14.
* Do you have questions about court hearings, asylum, or ICE appointments? Starting on 1/15, meet with a volunteer at South Brooklyn Sanctuary on Wednesdays at the Fifth Avenue Committee (621 DeGraw Street) for free legal guidance and support.
* Applications ([link removed]) are now being accepted for the Arts Gowanus Fellowship! This fellowship is for low-income and upwardly mobile artists working in any medium, at any stage of their careers. Priority will be given to applicants from Gowanus Houses, Warren Houses, and Wyckoff Gardens.
* GrowNYC is hosting a free Food Access Technical Training via Zoom ([link removed]) for nonprofit organizations and community groups interested in operating a food box or farm stand in their neighborhoods on Thursday, 1/16, from 4 PM to 6 PM.

In Solidarity,

Council Member Shahana
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Our mailing address is:
New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif
197 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
USA
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