🌱 Bike Buses + Summer Rising Applications Open + Brooklyn Bridge Work

Hello, everybody! Today’s National Laundry Day; did you know that the first patent for an electric washing machine was registered in 1910? I'm back, filling in this spring morning with your new edition of the New York City Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. Today you'll find these stories and more...

• 🚲 Bike buses gain in popularity.
• 🐶 Harlem dog owners don’t pick up.
• ⬅️ Brooklyn’s SAFE Disposal Event

🌧️ But first, today's weather:

Showers around in the p.m.. High: 66 Low: 56.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in New York City who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Across New York City

• Mobil at 228-20 Merrick Blvd. in Laurelton, $3.33
• BP at 14-431 Farmers Blvd. in Jamaica, $3.39
• Gulf at 899 3rd Ave. in Brooklyn, $3.45

📰 Here are the top stories in New York City today:

1. Have you seen the so-called bike buses in Brooklyn? The group-bike-riding to school program started in October and consisted of pre-planned routes with drop-in points and a schedule. It’s now growing in popularity, and the best example is the “five-mile Bergen Bike Bus route (that) starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 7:55 a.m.” Participants have 10 agreed-upon spots between Rockaway Avenue and Court Street where kids can join. (amNY)
2. Harlem dog owners are behaving badly. Reportedly, they’re not picking up where their dogs leave off. Patch checked the 311 complaints and found that over the first three months, folks called in the most about ZIP code 10031. The log notes “26 complaints made in the area from West 133rd to West 153rd streets in West Harlem” about doggie poop on sidewalks. (Patch)
3. On Sunday, Brooklyn neighbors can participate in the SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables and Electronics) Disposal event. Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it's at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and requires proof of residency. Options include a driver license or a utility bill. Remember not to mix products! (City of New York)
4. Work on the Brooklyn Bridge will begin Monday and continue until April 28. Crews will be on-site from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. The work requires “closures of the Pearl St ramps to the Brooklyn Bridge and Northbound FDR.” The Department of Transportation (DOT) offers a workaround via Dover Street to South Street to Montgomery Street, where you’d enter the FDR North. (NYC DOT)
5. If your kids look forward to Summer Rising, remember that applications open on Monday. The free summer program is for kids from kindergarten to eighth grade. “The program will again have 110,000 spots and will be open to any child in New York City, including children who are home-schooled or attend charter or private schools.” This year, you get to rank participation sites based on convenience. (Chalkbeat)

📆 Today in New York City:

• No Dogs Left Behind will attend the LIU Post Adoption Event at the Pratt Recreation Center Lot! (12 PM)
• Participate in the Spotted Lanternfly Egg Hunt at the Freshwater Wildflower Meadow (1 PM)
• Head to the NYC Tartan Day Parade on Sixth Avenue between 44th St. & 55th St. (2 PM)
• Candle Making Workshop with Scentfully Bold at Moxy Chelsea (2:30 PM)
• Bargemusic meets at Fulton Ferry Landing for “Look Bach, Listening Forward” with Aaron Larget-Caplan (6 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "We’re heartbroken to announce the passing of Matthew Capogrosso, our director of football systems. Please join us in sending our love to the Capogrosso family 💚" (New York Jets via Instagram)
• "Bloom alert! 6,000 tulips are now in bloom on the west side of the Park at 72nd Street—and they look gorgeous! 🌷 We’re so grateful for the volunteers like Mae who helped us plant these tulips and bring joy to all New Yorkers." (Central Park via Instagram)
• "13 paramedics joined the elite Rescue Medic Unit after completing the FDNY Rescue Medic Training Program. Rescue Medics are highly specialized and are trained to bring advanced life-saving care to those in the most precarious and dangerous of situations." (New York City Fire Department (FDNY) via Facebook)
• "FDNY Fire Marshals have determined that yesterday’s 4-alarm fire at 909 Paterson Avenue, Staten Island was caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials. More than 180 #FDNY members responded to the fire, which spread to five connected townhouses." (New York City Fire Department (FDNY) via Facebook)
• "🎓 Commencement and graduation season is around the corner. Here are six things to know that will help you make the most of this celebratory time of year, including how to share your photos, how ticketing works, and tips on what to bring." (Columbia University via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! Your regular writer will take over from here.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing full-time since 2005. She loves dogs, cats, books, plays Bee Swarm Simulator (don't judge), embraces social justice, and tries to live out Micah 6:8.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming New York City Patch newsletter? Contact me at patchnyc@patch.com