New Wash Heights Resolution Urges Stores To Prioritize At-Risk

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez and Community Board 12 members are set to hold a news conference Thursday about a new resolution urging the community to prioritize seniors and people with disabilities entering local businesses.

In September, Community Board 12, which serves Upper Manhattan, unanimously voted to pass the resolution.

The idea was introduced by Community Board 12 member Mary Anderson, who was looking to help seniors and people with disabilities in the community.

The resolution urges local Inwood and Washington Heights businesses to prioritize the entry of the two groups, so they don't have to wait in long lines and increase their exposure to the coronavirus.

"Northern Manhattan has some of the highest rates of COVID-19 cases in the City," Rodriguez said in a news release. "During this time the community must come together and do their part to ensure the most vulnerable New Yorkers are protected."

The news conference will kick off at noon on Thursday at West 175th Street and Broadway Avenue Plaza. Speakers will include local elected official Rodriguez, Mary Anderson, the Chairperson of Community Board 12's Aging Committee, and Community Board Chairman Eliezer Bueno.

Other community board members and additional community leaders will also speak.