State Senator Liz Krueger

State Senator Liz Krueger Standing Up And Speaking Out New York State Senate – 28th District Community Bulletin – February 2016 Table of Contents Message from Liz Policy Spotlight         Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act Community Update         Senator Krueger's Roundtable for Boomers & Seniors         Rezoning Plan to Prevent Overdevelopment in Sutton Place         First Avenue Estates Protected as Stahl Lawsuit is Dismissed         Workshop on How to Organize a Tenant Association         Pre-K Applications Being Accepted Through March 4th         Phone Scams Claiming to Be From Treasury Department or I.R.S.         New York Veteran Job Fair         Volunteers Needed for Upper East Side Oral History Project         The Radical Age Movement Forum on Sex Over 50         Upcoming Pet Adoption Events         Information on Zika Virus         Free Tax Preparation Assistance         Legal Advocacy Clinics From Lenox Hill Neighborhood House         Monthly Housing Clinics and Workshops         Affordable Housing Opportunities in Manhattan         Housing Court Assistance for Low Income Families         Metrocard Bus and Van Schedule         Heat Season Rules Message from Liz... Happy New Year to all of you celebrating the Year of the Monkey! Last month, Governor Cuomo issued his executive budget, and I was particularly disturbed that many of the Governor’s proposals shift costs from the state to New York City, or transfer policy authority from the city to the state. These proposals are unacceptable and I hope all my legislative colleagues will join me in opposing them. No equivalent cuts are proposed for any other local government, and the State budget is not being cut, so this appears unjustifiable. On the financial front, the state wants to effectively transfer $925 million in costs from the state to the city.  Among these proposals are: ● $485 million in funding for the City University of New York that is currently a state obligation would be transferred to the city; ● Transfer of $209 million in state obligated Medicaid costs; ● Reversing an agreement by the state to assume debt related to the 1970s fiscal crisis, and confiscating $200 million in city sales tax revenue to cover the costs of that debt, after already ending revenue sharing only to NYC at a cost of $330 million annually; ● Increasing the charter school contribution for the city by $30 million. Additionally, in his budget address the Governor highlighted increased state spending to address the homelessness crisis.  While this is a very worthy policy goal, what the Governor failed to mention is that the state would not actually be paying for it! Instead the funding would be taken out of the city’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) allocation.  These are federal funds that the city uses to address the needs of the poorest city residents, and it is truly disingenuous of the Governor to claim that he can address the homeless crisis by reducing the ability of the city to fund other programs targeting the same vulnerable people. In addition to cutting city funding, the Governor has also proposed taking away city authority over affordable housing construction. Currently the New York City Housing Development Corporation approves eligibility for the city’s share of federal tax exempt bonds for affordable housing projects.  The Governor’s budget would require all projects to also be approved by the Cuomo-appointed Chair of the Empire State Development Corporation, and the Public Authorities Control Board, made up of legislative and gubernatorial appointees, each with veto power over any given project.  This change would make financing affordable housing in the city much more difficult by making the approval process slow, unpredictable, and subject to the whims of Albany politics and lobbying.  It would also undermine Mayor de Blasio’s ability to meet his goal to build or preserve 200,000 units of affordable housing.  The Governor should be doing all he can to support the mayor in his difficult task of meeting that goal, rather than making it that much harder to accomplish. While the state must make careful fiscal decisions, there is no justification for using those as an excuse to transfer costs to New York City.  New York City already contributes more to the state through tax revenues than any other region.  A 2011 study by the Rockefeller Institute found that the city paid out $4.1 billion to $6.1 billion more in revenue to the state than it received back, and that number has only grown since then. The fact that the Governor has combined this fiscal hit on the city with policy changes that undermine local authority over affordable housing is even more disturbing. There has been much talk in the press about conflict between the Governor and the Mayor, and unfortunately the Governor’s budget proposals do nothing to dispel speculation that these policies are motivated more by that conflict than by concern for what is best for the people of our state. I will be working with my legislative colleagues to ensure these hits on the city do not survive in the final budget that we pass by April 1st.  Policy Spotlight Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act Last month the Assembly passed the Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act (S6013/A8135). The CCCA, co-sponsored by Assembly Member Kevin Cahill, Senator John Bonacic, and Senator Krueger, provides insurance coverage for FDA-approved contraception, improves access to emergency contraceptives, allows for a 12 month supply of birth control, and covers sterilization for men and women.  This legislation was developed by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to address complaints that insurance companies were putting restrictions on contraceptive coverage. The CCCA would codify the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that contraception be made available to New Yorkers cost-free, and would enhance relevant provisions of the Affordable Care Act in several important ways: First, the bill would statutorily require state-governed health insurance policies to cover all FDA-approved methods of birth control, including emergency contraception. Second, the legislation would prohibit insurance companies from “medical management” review restrictions that can limit or delay contraceptive coverage. Third, the CCCA would cover men’s contraceptive methods and bring their insurance coverage in line with the benefits enjoyed by women, a protection that is not included in the ACA’s coverage requirements. Finally, the bill would allow for the provision of a year’s worth of a contraceptive at a time, which is not included in the provisions of the ACA. Despite legal reforms enacted in New York State and Congress, both women and men in New York continue to face barriers in accessing contraceptive care. Ensuring that all New Yorkers, regardless of income, have access to contraceptive options is good for our families and a vital step toward women's equality. Lack of coverage and high co-pays prevent many women and men from being able to make their own decisions about starting a family. Contraceptive equity reduces unintended pregnancies, and leads to families that are planned, safe and healthy. This legislation has bi-partisan support in the Senate, and I hope it will be brought to a vote soon.   Community Spotlight Senator Krueger's Roundtable for Boomers & Seniors: This 5-part program provides an opportunity for neighbors to come together to explore life issues that are relevant across the age span. At each session you will hear from and engage with professionals who are knowledgeable on topics that are of concern to the growing population of older adults in New York City. This year we will be looking at "Financial & Economic Issues" from various viewpoints. Sessions will be held on: Retirement Planning in the Modern Economy, Workplace Realities, Government's Impact on Finances, Defending Assets, and New Solutions for Workers & Families. The program meets one Thursday morning per month in November, December, March, April, and May. Sessions are from 8:30am to 10:30am at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, 331 East 70th St. Session 3: Government Responses to the Economic Needs of Aging Adults will meet on Thursday, March 3. It will feature presentations by Carolyn Silver of Lenox Hill Neighborhood House and Deborah Gross, LMSW, a Social Worker in Geriatric Care. Please RSVP by contacting my office at 212-490-9535, or via email at liz@lizkrueger.com. Rezoning Plan to Prevent Overdevelopment in the East 50s: I have joined with Council Members Ben Kallos and Dan Garodnick, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and the East River 50s Alliance (ERFA) in submitting a rezoning application to the NYC Department of City Planning to address overdevelopment concerns in the East 50s.  The application would create a new contextual zoning district covering roughly East 52nd  Street to 59th Street east of First Avenue, in which building heights would be capped at no more than 260 feet -- approximately 25 floors.  The proposal would also encourage developers to include affordable housing in all new buildings. This area is one of only two residential neighborhoods in New York that are still subject to an outdated, 1960’s-era R10 zoning designation, which has no  height limits on residential buildings.  Additional details about the proposal and next steps are available on ERFA’s website at http://erfa.nyc/. At least one developer is currently planning a 1,000-foot-tall tower on East 58th Street.  The people of this community don’t want unbridled and inappropriate development that overwhelms our infrastructure and drastically alters the character of our neighborhoods. In fact, most New Yorkers agree the explosion of new super towers filled with empty apartments only billionaires can afford is harming our city's future. This zoning plan is truly a grassroots effort in community-based planning. It lays a foundation for rational growth and allows the affordable housing we desperately need. Now that ERFA’s proposal has been formally submitted to the Department of City Planning, it enters a phase called “pre-ULURP,” which takes approximately 7-15 months, followed by the full ULURP process. ULURP is the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), a standardized procedure whereby applications affecting City land use are publicly reviewed. This procedure is intended to solicit public input from the broadest possible range of people and includes review and public hearings by the local community board, the Borough President, the City Planning Commission, the City Council, and the Mayor.  I look forward to working with my colleagues and community leaders in protecting this residential neighborhood from overdevelopment. First Avenue Estates Protected as Stahl Lawsuit is Dismissed: I am happy to report that a State Supreme court judge has dismissed a court challenge by Stahl York Avenue LLC to the landmark status of First Avenue Estates.  Earlier this year, I joined other East Side elected officials, Borough President Gale Brewer, and many preservation groups to file an amicus brief in support of the New York City Landmarks Commission in this case. This decision is the latest development in an effort that began in 1990 to landmark two buildings on the Upper East Side, 429 E 64th St. and 430 E 65th St. The buildings were landmarked in 2006, but the owners, Stahl Real Estate, filed numerous challenges to the decision in state and federal court. In 2012, Stahl filed a hardship application with the LPC to demolish the buildings, claiming that they could not receive a reasonable return from the landmarked properties.  At the time, I submitted testimony opposing the claim.  After being denied the hardship application, Stahl filed federal and state appeals of the LPC decision claiming that the LPC acted "arbitrarily and capriciously" and engaged in an "unconstitutional taking".  The Federal court ruled against Stahl in May of last year.  In January, a State Supreme Court judge similarly ruled against Stahl on all counts.  Stahl is appealing this decision, but I am optimistic that the decision will be upheld at the appellate level. I have been fighting for over a decade to ensure that these two buildings become and remain landmarked. This decision is a critical victory for the dozens of rent regulated tenants who remain in the buildings, and all tenants living in landmarked buildings across the city whose homes could have been jeopardized had the case been decided in Stahl's favor. This is also a huge win for the historic preservation community as a whole and the Upper East Side in particular. I thank the Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts for their leadership role in this decades-long fight. Workshop on How to Organize a Tenant Association: Tenants & Neighbors is offering a workshop on Organizing a Tenant Association on Wednesday, February 10th at 6 pm.  The workshop is open to all tenants in New York City who have an interest in starting or strengthening a tenant association in their building. The workshop will be led by Tenants & Neighbors' Subsidized Housing Lead Organizer, Jen Berkley. It will take place at the Tenants & Neighbors office at 255 West 36th Street, Suite 505. Please RSVP to Jen Berkley at Tenants & Neighbors at jberkley@tandn.org or 212-608-4320 ext. 311. Pre-K Applications Being Accepted Through March 4th: If your child was born in 2012 and you live in New York City, you can submit an application through March 4, 2016. All applications received by the March 4 deadline are treated the same—the application process is not first-come, first-served. You can update your application until the March 4 deadline if you have already submitted it. Families can apply in one of three ways: - Online at https://prod.semsnycdoe.com/parentsite/. - Over the phone, by calling 718-935-2067. Phone applications are accepted until Friday, March 4, 2016 at 6:00pm. - In person at one of the DOE’s Family Welcome Centers. The family welcome center for District 2 Schools is located at 333 Seventh Avenue, Room 121, New York, NY 10001. Family Welcome Center Hours are 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Applications are accepted until Friday, March 4, 2016 at 3:00pm. The Pre-K Finder has the most current information about pre-K program options. Use it to research pre-K programs and find new choices before completing your application.  It is online athttp://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/PreK/Resources/default.htm.  You can also pick up a copy at the Family Welcome Centers and local libraries. PHONE SCAMS Claiming to Be From Treasury Department or I.R.S.: Constituents continue to report phone scams, where someone calls repeatedly claiming to be from the Department of the Treasury or the I.R.S. and saying that the call recipient owes money to the U.S. Government.  The call is a scam – no federal agency will ever contact you by phone regarding monies owed. If you receive such a call, you can email OIGCounsel@oig.treas.gov or call 1-800-366-4484 to report it.  The Department of the Treasury is anxious to hear from people who have received these calls. New York Veteran Job Fair: On Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 11am to 3pm, RecruitMilitary is hosting the New York Veteran Job Fair at The New Yorker Hotel, 481 Eight Avenue at West 34th Street.  RecruitMilitary has held 18 events in New York, drawing 6,457 attendees and 820 exhibitors. For more information on how to register for the event please have them visit this link: https://events.recruitmilitary.com/events/new-york-all-veterans-job-fair-february-18-2016# registration Volunteers Needed for Upper East Side Oral History Project: The New York Public Library's Community Oral History Project is an initiative taking place at NYPL branches that aims to document, preserve, and celebrate the rich history of the city's unique neighborhoods by collecting the stories of people who have experienced it firsthand.  The 67th Street Library is currently recruiting volunteers for the Upper East Side Story: A Neighborhood Oral History Project.  Sign up for one interviewer training session and help collect neighborhood history from your neighbors, family and friends.  Training sessions will be held on Wednesday,  February 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 27th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the 67th Street Library, 328 East 67th Street. Sign up by contacting Alexandra Kelly at 212-621-0552 or AlexandraKelly@nypl.org. The Radical Age Movement Forum on Sex Over 50: On Wednesday, February 24, 2016, The Radical Age Movement & Senior Planet are co-hosting a presentation by Tosia McCormick, MS, LMHC, Project Director, JT&M Health on the topic of Sex over 50: Ageism and the Making of a Quiet Epidemic.  The event will take place from 6:30 p.m.– 8:00 p.m. at the NY Ethical Culture Society, 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West.  RSVP to confrontingageism@gmail.com. Suggested donation $5. Upcoming Pet Adoption Events: Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) is sponsoring several Pet Adoption events around my Senate district in December. Upcoming dates and locations are: Saturday, February 13, 12-4pm: Mobile Adoption Center at Petco Turtle Bay, 991 2nd Ave. Saturday, February 20, 11am-3pm: Dog Adoptions at Biscuits & Bath, Sutton Place, 1064 First Ave. Sunday, February 21, 12-4pm: ACC’s Mobile Adoption Center at Petco, Union Square, 860 Broadway. Saturday, February 27, 12-4pm: Mobile Adoption Center at New York Veterinary Hospital, 150 E. 74th St.           Upcoming events are also listed at http://nycacc.org/Events.htm. Information on Zika Virus: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Health Advisory on Zika Virus infections for returning travelers from Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. The CDC has also issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for those same areas. Three individuals with Zika virus have been identified in New York City, including one pregnant woman. All of the patients are adults who were infected while traveling in affected areas outside New York, and none are experiencing severe complications. Mosquitoes are not active during cold weather months. At this time, no risk of acquiring Zika virus exists in New York City. The mosquito responsible for transmission in impacted areas in Latin America is the Aedes aegypti, which is a mosquito species not found in New York City. The New York City Department of Health is working with the CDC to closely monitor the situation, and has a website with the latest updates available at http://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/zika-virus.page. Free Tax Preparation Assistance:  IRS-trained volunteers are available to provide free tax preparation assistance throughout New York City. I encourage you to take advantage of these services, which can save you money and ensure you avoid getting caught in “Refund Anticipation Loan” scams that many for-profit tax preparers engage in. AARP is sponsoring a number of locations on the East Side, and there are no age or income restrictions to receive this assistance. Here are some sites in the 28th Senate District where you can get free assistance with your taxes: 58th Street Library, 127 East 58th Street Telephone: 212-759-7358 Site Hours: Wednesday 11:00am to 3:00pm and Saturday, 10:00am-2:00pm  67th Street Library, 328 East 67th Street Telephone: 212-734-1717 Site Hours: Friday, 10:00am-2:00pm Community Church of New York, 40 East 35th Street Telephone: 212-683-4988 Site Hours: Thursday, 10:00am-2:00pm Epiphany Library, 228 East 23rd Street Telephone: 212-679-2645 Site Hours: Thursday, 10:00am-2:00pm Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, 331 East 70th Street Telephone: 212-744-5022 Site Hours: Wednesday, 10:00am-2:00pm Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL), 188 Madison Ave @ 34th Street Telephone: 917-275-6975 Site Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00am-2:00pm.  Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center, 415 East 93rd Street Telephone: 212-360-7620 Site Hours: Friday, 9:30am-2:00pm  Webster Branch Library, 1465 York Avenue Telephone: 212-288-5049 Site Hours: Monday, 11:00am-3:00pm except 2/15 A full list of free tax preparation sites is available at http://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/file-your-taxes.page. Legal Advocacy Clinics At Lenox Hill Neighborhood House: The Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Legal Advocacy Center Offers assistance on a number of different issues. Here is a list of their ongoing programs and clinics: ● SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) Clinics: Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, 331 East 70th Street. First come, first served. Bring proof of identity, income information, utility bill, proof of housing costs, information on any dependents and if you are 60 or over or on SSI/SSD, information on medical costs.  For more information, call 212-218-0431. ● SCRIE Clinics: call 212-218-0503 ext. 6 for assistance in applying or recertifying for the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program. The SCRIE clinic is open to tenants city-wide. Please note that due to the volume of calls, it sometimes takes up to two weeks for staff to respond to messages. ● Eviction Prevention: Walk-in clinic, every 2nd and 4th  Monday of the month, from 10am to 1pm at 331 East 70th Street, for tenants who live, work, or go to school on Manhattan’s East Side above 59th Street and on Roosevelt Island. ● End-of-Life Planning/Advance Directives: volunteer attorneys may be able to assist you with one-on-one counseling and individualized drafting of Advance Directives including Health Care Proxies, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, and simple, low-asset Wills. If you are interested in being screened for a possible appointment,  call the intake hotline at 212-218-0503 ext 4. ● Health Care Access/Medicare/Medicaid: call 212-218-0503 ext 3. Find out about Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid home care, Medicare Part D, Medicaid Spend-down, EPIC and if you are eligible for Medicaid. ● Health Insurance Enrollment: call 212-218-0432.  Assistance with finding and enrolling in an affordable health insurance plan. And, just across the Park on the Westside: Monthly Housing Clinics and Workshops: Council Member Helen Rosenthal, Goddard Riverside’s SRO Law Project, and the Urban Justice Center co-sponsor monthly housing clinics and workshops at the Goddard Riverside Community Center, 593 Columbus Avenue (between 88th and 89th Streets). On the first Wednesday of each month, from 6pm – 8pm, the clinic offers a presentation on a variety of topics, followed by a question and answer session. Each evening, at least one staff attorney will meet with individuals who are seeking specific legal advice. For questions, contact the Office of Council Member Rosenthal at (212) 873-0282 ext. 206 or Helen@helenrosenthal.com. Sign-up sheet starting at 6pm each evening. March 2, 2016: DHCR Overview, including MCIs and IAIs, Preferential Rent, Reduction in Services April 6, 2016: Housing Court 101 May 4, 2016: SCRIE and DRIE June 1, 2016: Succession Rights Housing Court Assistance for Low Income Families: Housing Conservation Coordinators is now offering Manhattan-wide eligibility for legal representation for families with children under 18 who have a housing court case and receive public assistance in the household (Food Stamps (SNAP) or cash assistance). If you qualify, visit their office at 777 10th Avenue (B/t 52nd and /53rd Streets). Hours are Mondays 4 pm - 6:30pm and Thursdays  10am - 12:30pm. Please bring all relevant documents including legal papers, leases, rent bills, receipts. You will also need proof of TOTAL household income and your Con Edison bill. If you receive Public Assistance (Food Stamps (SNAP), or cash assistance; or if you have a pending or sanctioned case) please bring current documentation of benefit status. For more information, call 212-541-5996. Affordable Housing Opportunities in Manhattan: WHGA Schomburg Place LP is now accepting applications for 9 affordable studio and 1- and 2-bedroom apartments newly constructed at 2049 Fifth Avenue in the East Harlem neighborhood in Manhattan. Rents for these apartments range from $802 to $2175 depending on unit size and income. To be eligible, applicants must have incomes between $28,869 and $112,190, depending on unit and family size. Preference will be given to Community Board 11 residents for 50% of units, mobility-impaired persons for 5% of units, visual- and/or hearing-impaired persons for 2% of units, and City of New York municipal employees for 5% of units. A full description of the building and application process is available at https://a806-housingconnect.nyc.gov/nyclottery/AdvertisementPdf/222.pdf. Households may elect to submit an application by one of two methods: EITHER online OR by mail. To submit your application online now, please visit NYC Housing Connect at www.nyc.gov/housingconnectand select “Apply for Housing.” To request an  application by mail, mail a self-addressed envelope to: Wavecrest Management Team, LTD., Attn: 2049 5th Avenue, 87-14 116th Street, Richmond Hill, NY  11418. Completed applications must be submitted online or returned by regular mail only to the post office box that will be listed on the application. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by February 16, 2016. Applicants who submit more than one application may be disqualified. THE RESIDENCES AT PS 186 is now accepting applications for 78 affordable studio and 1- and 2-bedroom apartments newly constructed at 526 West 146th Street in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood in Manhattan. Rents for these apartments range from $508 to $2,783 depending on income and unit size. To be eligible, applicants must have incomes between $18,789 and $142,400, depending on unit and family size. Preference will be given to Community Board 9 residents for 50% of units, mobility-impaired persons for 5% of units, visual- and/or hearing-impaired persons for 2% of units, and City of New York municipal employees for 5% of units. A full description of the building and application process is available at https://a806-housingconnect.nyc.gov/nyclottery/AdvertisementPdf/223.pdf. Households may elect to submit an application by one of two methods: EITHER online OR by mail. To submit your application online now, please visit NYC Housing Connect at www.nyc.gov/housingconnectand select “Apply for Housing.” To request an  application by mail, mail a self-addressed envelope to: Lemle & Wolff, Inc, 5925 Broadway, Bronx, NY 10463. Completed applications must be submitted online or returned by regular mail only to the post office box that will be listed on the application. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by April 8, 2016. Applicants who submit more than one application may be disqualified. Metrocard Bus and Van Schedule: The MTA offers MetroCard-related services throughout New York City through mobile buses and vans. Buses provide a full range of services, including applying for or refilling a Reduced-Fare MetroCard, buying or refilling a regular MetroCard, or getting answers to a MetroCard-related question. Vans sell Unlimited Ride MetroCards and Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards, and they refill MetroCards and Reduced-Fare MetroCards. Buses and vans will be in my district on the following dates and locations: February 9, 9 - 10:30 am, 92 Street & Lexington Avenue – Bus February 9, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm., 86 Street & Lexington Avenue – Bus February 9, 1:30 - 2:30 pm, 68 Street & Lexington Avenue – Bus February 17, 9 - 10:30 am, 79 Street & 3 Avenue – Bus February 17, 11 am - 1 pm, 79 Street & York Avenue – Bus February 17, 1:30 - 2:30 pm, 72 Street & York Avenue – Bus February 18, 8:30 - 10:30 am, 47 Street & 2 Avenue – Van February 18, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, 28 Street & 2 Avenue – Van February 23, 9 - 10:30 am, 92 Street & Lexington Avenue – Bus February 23, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm., 86 Street & Lexington Avenue – Bus February 23, 1:30 - 2:30 pm, 68 Street & Lexington Avenue – Bus March 2, 9 - 10:30 am, 79 Street & 3 Avenue – Bus March 2, 11 am - 1 pm, 79 Street & York Avenue – Bus March 2, 1:30 - 2:30 pm, 72 Street & York Avenue – Bus March 3, 7 – 9 am, 90 Street and York Avenue - Van March 3, 8:30 - 10:30 am, 47 Street & 2 Avenue – Van March 3, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, 28 Street & 2 Avenue – Van March 4, 9 - 10 am, 57 Street and 1 Avenue – Van March 4, 10:30 - 11:30 am, 57 Street and 3 Avenue – Van March 4, 12:30 - 2:30 pm, 68 Street and 1 Avenue – Van The full mobile MetroCard schedule is available at http://mta.info/metrocard/mms.htm. Please note that MetroCard buses and vans do not take credit cards. Heat Season Rules:  The City Housing Maintenance Code and State Multiple Dwelling Law require building owners to provide heat and hot water to all tenants. Building owners are required to provide hot water 365 days a year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  Between October 1st and May 31st, a period designated as “Heat Season,” building owners are also required to provide tenants with heat under the following conditions: ● Between the hours of 6AM and 10PM, if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit. ● Between the hours of 10PM and 6AM, if the temperature outside falls below 40 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Tenants who are cold in their apartments should first attempt to notify the building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored, the tenant should call the City’s Citizen Service Center at 311. For the hearing-impaired, the TTY number is (212) 504-4115. The Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Complaints can also be submitted online at http://www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/service/1813/heat-or-hot-water-complaint.