New E-Mail Address to Report Problems

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today announced that his Citizen Action Center has changed its name to Community Action Center .

"I want to make it clear that everyone is part of the community of New York ," Comptroller Thompson said. "Despite the name change, the Community Action Center will continue to adhere to its mission to serve as an integral information resource to all New Yorkers."

The Community Action Center (CAC) serves as the constituent arm of the Comptroller's Office. Established in 1990, the CAC is the principal liaison between the public, governmental agencies, and other bureaus within the Comptroller's office. During the first two years of Thompson's administration, the CAC handled nearly 5,400 cases as the result of telephone calls, e-mails, walk-ins, community events, and 311 referrals.

Over the past 14 years, the CAC has assisted New Yorkers reaching out about a range of concerns and issues, from questions about late pension checks for retirees to worries about heat problems in apartment buildings. Many of the CAC's efforts have resulted in action and averted claims against the City.

"I am proud of the service that the Community Action Center has offered to New Yorkers," Thompson said. "Often, people have a simple question about city services or a problem that can be quickly resolved. All they need is a person on the other end of the line to answer that question, and that's why the Center is so vitally important."

Additionally, the CAC has provided information and assistance to taxpayers concerned about real estate taxes and water and sewer bills. The CAC's intervention has prevented overpayments, reducing the need for agencies to process refunds, and has helped address cases quickly to avoid extra penalties or fines from being assessed.

Despite the name change, the Community Action Center phone numbers remain the same: (212) 669-3916 for those in New York City and the toll-free number for those residing outside of NYC is still (800) 800-6385. The TTY number is (212) 669-3450. Those who call the CAC can be provided with assistance in both English and Spanish. There is a new e-mail address to reach the CAC: action@comptroller.nyc.gov. For anyone wishing to drop in, the Center is located in Room 835 in the Municipal Building at One Centre Street , Manhattan .