presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance
February 11th, 2021
Quote of the Week
“I have said over and over how proud I have been of our downtown businesses – how they have helped one another and transformed how they conducted business overnight, and how proud I am to be part of a community that supported our businesses.” – Patricia Holman, Glen Cove Downtown BID
“The last year has been challenging. But as we continue to build in Lindenhurst, we see how resilient this community is. New stores and restaurants are opening even in the pandemic.” – Chris Kelly, Vice President of Marketing at TRITEC
“We find ourselves in a situation that’s very unfortunate, not just for North Park, but for the City of Long Beach as we have always been there to serve the community. This is the longest in the organization’s history we have not been able to do programs in the building.” – MLK Board Chairman James Hodge
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TRITEC Offers Virtual Tour of The Wel in Lindenhurst
TRITEC’s new 260-unit apartment complex in Lindenhurst, known as The Wel, is now available for virtual tours online.
The complex, which broke ground in October of 2019, is expected to open this summer. Located at Hoffman and Pennsylvania avenues in Lindenhurst, the new development will encompass a 7-acre property that was previously the location of Lakeville Pace Mechanical.
“The last year has been challenging,” said TRITEC’s Chris Kelly. “But as we continue to build in Lindenhurst, we see how resilient this community is. New stores and restaurants are opening even in the pandemic.”
GreaterBabylon recently received a live tour of the complex and posted numerous pictures on their site of the new development, which you can view here. You can also take a virtual tour of the new buildings at The Wel’s site here.
Pink Tie Delivers Across Long Island
The Pink Tie Delivers team was out to local food pantries the past couple of weeks to help with distribution of food and financial donations. Communities we dropped to included North Amityville/Copaigue, Glen Cove, Westbury/New Cassel, and Wyandanch.
Our first stop was to the Bethel AME church, which covers Copaigue and North Amityville. Pastor Keith Hayward and coordinator Ed Sims were there to continue their food distribution effort and deliveries to local seniors.
Next stop took us to the “Porch Pantry” in Glen Cove that has moved up from a porch to a garage. They were in the middle of getting food out to hundreds of families over the weekend. City of Glen Cove Councilwoman Danielle Fugazy recommended this initiative that is run by volunteers Kim Velentzas, Kit Raper Zias and Kirsten Kenney.
We also had the opportunity to get snacks from the Frito Lay distributor on LI to the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wyandanch and the Salvation Army Westbury with Jean and Stephanie Sainteme.
Cold weather, snow, ongoing tough economic conditions and long hours don’t stop these community volunteers from these amazing pantries and churches from getting food and resources directly to their neighbors in need.
The Delivers Team from these drops included: Pink Tie Co-Founders Rich and Mike Cave, Mike Passantino from Trinity Solar, 1st Equity Title’s Ray Thomas, Paxton Provitora, Asia Lee and Vision Long Island.
Special thanks also to the Thompson Family at Shop Rite Uniondale, Deer Park and Riverhead and Frito Lay who helped us with snacks for the pantries as well.
As you look at how you can spend your time and money on local charitable endeavors please consider joining this Pink Tie initiative. Our next stop will be this Friday, as well as weekly stops for the foreseeable future.
For more info on how you can take part in the doorstep donation program or join the Delivers Team, check out pinktie.org or please email us at contact@pinktie.org
MLK Community Center in Long Beach Struggles with City over Lease Agreement
The Long Beach Martin Luther King Center is currently in negotiations with the City of Long Beach over control of the community center that it has operated out of since 1981.
The City is requesting that the organization allow two other non-profits use of the facility. Meanwhile, MLK Inc, which has previously run programs at the center, is requesting expanded services so it can use two other facilities in the city, specifically the Magnolia Recreation Center and the West End Community Center.
Closed for over a year now due to the pandemic, the MLK Center is seeking to reopen but has been unable to come to a lease agreement with Long Beach. Initially, the kitchen in the center was in use after the shutdown, but the City was forced to change the locks after a faulty fire alarm was discovered. Once that occurred, MLK Inc was not allowed to reenter without a lease agreement. The organization will also need to come up with a COVID-19 safety plan.
“We find ourselves in a situation that’s very unfortunate, not just for North Park, but for the City of Long Beach as we have always been there to serve the community,” MLK board chairman James Hodge said. “This is the longest in the organization’s history we have not been able to do programs in the building.”
The MLK Center has been operating out of its current building since it was constructed for that purpose in 1981. Since then, it has been a place for community and to help bring relief to families in need. They have not had a lease since 1995, when the facility went to a month-to-month format for payment.
Vision Long Island hopes that the current negotiations work out in the favor for the Center and, of course, the residents that the MLK Center serves. The MLK Community Center was a winner of a LI Smart Growth Award in 2020 and we have been happy to work with them through the Coronavirus crisis.
You can read more at Newsday.
Glen Cove Downtown B.I.D. to Honor Four Business Advocates at Annual Meeting
The past year has been hard on local businesses in the downtown area, but the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District has continued to promote support of the local economy and found ways to bring people safely downtown throughout the pandemic. The BID will hold a Virtual Annual Meeting on Monday, Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m. over Zoom, and invites the community to join in for an opportunity to learn more about what it did for the community in 2020, and what its plans are for the coming year.
The meeting will include guest speakers U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi, Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Glen Cove Mayor Timothy Tenke, and the BID Executive Director Patricia Holman will provide a review of the Downtown BID’s special events, capital improvements, economic developments, marketing and financial summary of 2020.
Naturally, last year looked quite different from a typical year.
“We had to put more emphasis on advocating for our businesses during the pandemic,” Holman said. “This included finding a resource for funding, initiating street closures to extend outdoor dining for our restaurants, making sure the businesses had information about funding and the pandemic immediately and simply, but almost most importantly, letting them know that the BID is there for them.”
In addition to the annual report, several people will be honored during the meeting for their dedication over the course of the pandemic. The BID will honor Fred Guarino, owner of Tiki Recording Studio; Matt Nartowicz of American Community Bank; Councilwoman Danielle Fugazy-Scagliola, who owns a business downtown; and John Zozzaro, owner of The Downtown Café.
“I have said over and over how proud I have been of our downtown businesses – how they have helped one another and transformed how they conducted business overnight, and how proud I am to be part of a community that supported our businesses,” Holman said, “but there are a few people that have stood out in helping our businesses, and we feel it is only fitting to celebrate these people.”
Holman said that the Downtown Sounds Committee did not want the downtown to go without music over the summer, so they discussed making it virtual. Fred Guarino made this a realization, and the BID brought live music – via livestreaming and television monitors – to the streets of downtown in July.
Matt Nartowicz of American Community Bank “came to the rescue of many of our downtown businesses,” according to Holman, to help them receive the Paycheck Protection Program funding. “It was clear early on that many of our small businesses were going to be left out of the PPP funding,” Holman said. “Not only did Matt help with these applications, but helped these businesses within days, and for some businesses, within hours.”
Holman said that, from day one, Danielle Fugazy-Scagliola voiced her concern over what was happening to the downtown businesses and was willing and ready to help where she was able. “As she was dedicating time at the Glen Cove Food Bank, she was on call for the BID whenever we needed something for our downtown businesses,” Holman said, noting that she helped with the BID’s proposal of closing the streets for the downtown restaurants, lighting up School Street with string lighting, bringing Santa to the annual Holiday Festival, and parking regulations for the Brewster Street garage, among other things.
“For Danielle, it’s not about a photo-op. She is here for our community,” Holman said. “I am impressed by how she is able to immerse herself in this community the way that she does, while managing her own business and family.”
Holman said that John Zozzaro was also very helpful with the street closures to allow for outdoor seating and getting the string lights for School Street. He found ways to not only help his own restaurant survive, but provided support for others.
“During the pandemic, John evaluated the situation and thought outside the box to ensure that his restaurant survived,” Holman said. “Each and every time John did something for his restaurant, he shared his knowledge with neighboring restaurants. It was through John’s insightfulness that he and I met with Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton regarding the exorbitant fees that third party delivery services charge to restaurants that are struggling during the pandemic. John has always proven to be available and lend a hand for the betterment for our downtown.”
To attend this BID event via zoom please go to http://www.glencovedowntown.org and RSVP to the invitation. For further information, contact the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District at (516) 759-6970 or info@glencovedowntown.org.
Kilwins Chocolates Honors Genesis Church for Their Charitable Work
Last year when COVID started folks rolled out these, “Spread the Love”, gift boxes. These gift boxes were the perfect way to show appreciation to our essential workers who are risking their health daily, just to protect us and keep us safe. They’re also just as yummy to share with friends and family to show some love.
Right now seems like the perfect time to offer these again. Right now, for so many reasons, we need to spread love, spread happiness and spread compassion.
So we offer our congratulations to the winners of our #SpreadTheLove campaign today. Genesis Church and Island Harvest received two gift bags full of Kilwins chocolate.
Kilwins will also be accepting nominations for the rest of the week for local charities who will receive a free gift bag each day.
You can register in their store, located in Patchogue at 74 E Main Street.
Curbside Pickup Station Opens in Huntington Village
In an effort to better facilitate curbside pickup in Huntington Village, several restaurants are trying a new method of designating a special area for customers to pick up food.
The new special area will be set up in front of The Paramount, who is generously donating the space, on New York Avenue. Customers will be able to order food from a number of local restaurants and then ark their car in the designated spot for pickup.
Owners are hoping that this new specialized spot will help to support local businesses by encouraging contactless pickup during the winter months. Its location along one of the major thoroughfares should also facilitate a quick and easy trip through the downtown to pick up the food.
The new curbside service will be available from 4 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and noon to 10 pm on weekends. Restaurants currently participating in the program include Spotlight, Ella’s, TOA, Meehan’s, Oaxaca, Mission Taco, Soul Brew, Portofino, Parea and Honu.
Suffolk County Accepts Draft EIS of Propsed OTB Site in Medford
After years of attempted sales, Suffolk Regional Off-Track Betting has yet again revived plans for a video lottery casino in Medford.
The Suffolk Off Track Betting Corporation has accepted a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed Suffolk Off Track Betting (OTB), Medford. The action involves the construction and operation of an Indoor Amusement Establishment, with pari-mutuel off track betting and video lottery terminals (VLTs).
The property is 30.08 acres, including 22.96 acres that are zoned Commercial Recreation that will be developed and 7.124 acres that are zoned Residential A-1, which will not be developed as part of this project. The 22.96 acre project site was previously cleared and paved and contained a twelve-screen multiplex movie theater which has since been removed. The project is located at 440 Expressway Drive South in Medford, New York.
A virtual public hearing on the Draft EIS will be held on March 3, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Details for the meeting are available at:
• https://www.suffolkotb.com/pages/board_minutes.html.
• The Draft EIS is available from the Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 East Main Street, Patchogue, NY or Suffolk Regional OTB 425 Oser Avenue, Suite 2, Hauppauge, NY
• Or online at: https://www.suffolkotb.com/pages/board_minutes.html
The 160,516 square foot building, with 31,816 square foot mezzanine (192,332 square foot gross floor area total), will contain:
• 123,790 square foot of gaming area; 25,210 square foot of amenity space
• 25,000 square foot of office space
• 18,332 square foot of miscellaneous space including cashier, vault, sally port, loading area, and mechanical space
• An on-site Sewage Treatment Plant will serve the site
• Three levels of subsurface parking containing 1,384 spaces will be provided beneath the building and an additional 963 outdoor/surface spaces will be provided around the building for a total of 2,347 spaces
Access to the site is proposed from the Long Island Expressway’s (LIE) south service road (Expressway Drive South). An emergency access (only) will be provided from Long Island Avenue.
For questions, contact Anthony Pancella, III, Suffolk Regional Off Track Betting, 425 Oser Avenue, Suite 2 Hauppauge, NY 11788, Phone: (631) 853-1017, E-mail: pancellaa@suffolkotb.com.
Main Street Alliance Hosts Regional NYS Budget Presentation (Expanded)
On February 4th, Long Island Main Street Alliance undertook its yearly New York State Budget briefing, with a special NYS budget presentation by NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez.
On the zoom call there were over 200 attendees, with over twenty-five communities represented through the Long Island Main Street Alliance. Organizational sponsors included and thanks extended to the Long Island Hispanic Chamber, Long Island African American Chamber, NY South Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Pink Tie Foundation, the Nassau Council of Chambers, and Vision Long Island. Also in attendance were Port Jefferson Village Mayor Margot Garant, Village of Amityville Mayor Dennis Siry, City of Long Beach trustee Liz Treston, Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter, NY State Senator Phil Boyle, NYS Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, along with many Vision Long Island Board members.
Guest speaker Marie Therese Dominguez was unanimously confirmed as New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Transportation Commissioner in 2019. Commissioner Dominguez has worked in the transportation, water, energy infrastructure, safety and logistics sectors for over 25 years. Additionally, she has experience with the development and enforcement of safety regulations and safety operations for the nation’s interstate gas and liquid pipelines, as well as all hazardous materials shipments by rail, highway, sea and air. Commissioner Dominguez has a wide breath of knowledge in the area of transportation and infrastructure.
Commissioner Dominguez’ presentation focused on key issues addressed by Governor Cuomo in his recent State of the State address. In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, New York State’s 2022 Executive Budget focuses on the theme – Reimagine, Rebuild and Renew New York.
According to Commissioner Dominguez, New York state is going to lead with a bold 7-point action plan:
• Defeat COVID-19
• Vaccinate 70-90% of New Yorkers
• Deal with short term economic crisis
• Plan for our long-term economic future
• Shift our economy towards green energy
• Capitalize on the coming changes on our society and economy from COVID-19
• Address systematic injustices revealed during COVID-19
With respect to the State’s vaccination goals, the Commissioner stated this is the largest governmental effort that we will engage with since WWII in terms of operationalizing a nationwide capacity. Vaccinations are “the weapon that we’re going to use in the war against this virus,” Commissioner Dominguez remarked. In New York, the Commissioner noted, this is an all-hands-on deck effort, adding that Long Island has state run mass vaccination sites at Stony Brook University and Jones Beach. The Commissioner explained that the Governor has called for the establishment of a Public Health Corps which would include hiring 1,000 fellows to assist with the vaccination effort. New York also proposes to launch a free online citizen public health training program in conjunction with Cornell and SUNY.
According to Commissioner Dominguez, the vaccination rollout will ensure there is social and racial justice to overcome barriers for Black, Latino, Asian and Native American communities where the infection rate and hospitalization rates are higher. “We need to provide access for all,” the Commissioner stated.
Through this budget, the Governor plans to enact the Medical Supply Act which will prioritize buying American PPE and medical supplies to promote domestic manufacturing. Commissioner Dominguez pointed out that the state is working with several Long Island based companies, including D’Addario & Co., Clear-Vu Medical, Empire Bio Diagnostics and Islandaire, to produce PPE and other medical supplies.
Pivoting to a discussion on New York’s short term economic crisis, Commissioner Dominguez remarked that NYS has incurred a $15 billion deficit in its efforts to combat COVID-19. The Governor has offered two budget proposals, each contingent on different aid packages from the federal government. The first budget, labeled the “worst case scenario,” projects $6 billion in aid from Washington, while the second budget, called the “fair funding scenario,” projects $15 billion. The former would leave NYS to find $9 billion dollars through tax increases, dramatic cuts to schools, healthcare, social services and more. The latter would support New York’s 2021 agenda, including healthcare, affordable housing, education, child care and more. On a bright note, Commissioner Dominguez cited recent communications between the state and federal government and hopes the $15 billion dollars in assistance will be provided to New York by the new administration.
The Commissioner discussed the SALT cap, advising that the Governor is calling for its repeal, noting it has cost New Yorkers over $30 billion dollars over the last three years. The average cost of SALT cap to New York households is $2,600 per home, amounting to the “first double taxation in history.”
Commissioner Dominguez noted the Governor’s proposed legalization of adult-use recreational cannabis would create more than 60,000 new jobs and generate around $350 million dollars annually. Another measure to address the short-term economic crisis in New York is to allow state sponsored mobile sports betting, which is estimated to raise $500 million dollars per year.
In furtherance of the effort to reopen the economy quickly and safely, the Commissioner discussed the use of rapid testing sites in city centers and in office buildings. As part of an effort to get back some forms of entertainment, Commissioner Dominguez spoke about a developing plan to allow for “pop up” performances. This endeavor is part of an effort titled Creatives Rebuild, which will aid arts, music and tourism. Another effort to aid the economy includes a $306 billion dollar investment in infrastructure, with $51 billion dollars going to the MTA for its capital plan. More locally, the third track expansion to Hicksville will see $2.6 billion dollars. Commissioner Dominguez discussed areas of environmental concerns, including the Northrop Grumman settlement and the Bay Park water quality project.
The Commissioner noted there will be investment in biotech and green energy, making Long Island a leader in biotech research. Some areas discussed:
• Largest Offshore Wind Program in the Nation
• Construct New York’s Green Energy Transmission Superhighway
• Public-Private Partnership to Build Nearly 100 Renewable Energy Projects
• Energy Storage Projects
• Train the Green Energy Workforce
Commissioner Dominguez advised that under this budget, New York will ban penalties and late fees for missed residential payments and expand the moratorium on residential evictions to include commercial properties. Furthermore, New York will eliminate monthly health care premiums for over 400,000 New Yorkers; invest in access to child care; create crisis stabilization centers for homeless individuals with severe mental illness; Nourish NY will receive an additional $25 million dollars to provide families in need with food; abusers would be required to pay victim’s housing, moving and other costs related to domestic violence; close the gun-purchasing loophole that allows abusers to buy a weapon; local governments must enact a plan to modernizing policing strategies by April 1st; continue to support the Liberty Defense Fund; strengthen digital privacy; and reform NYS elections. All these actions to be taken in order to address systematic injustices.
The meeting concluded with a Q&A session that included questions on mental health funding, bus funding, congestion pricing, future vaccination locations, aid to local governments, affordable internet services and affordable childcare.
Thank you to Commissioner Dominguez for this thorough presentation; the sponsors of this event and all those who attended.
Some important links:
MSA: NYS DOT Budget Presentation: https://vimeo.com/508574779
The Governor’s presentation and the PowerPoint can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJVGZ2IY_u4&t=123s&ab_channel=GovernorAndrewM.Cuomo.
The budget briefing book is here: https://www.budget.ny.gov/pubs/archive/fy22/ex/book/briefingbook.pdf
The budget press release can be found here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-outlines-fy-2022-budget-reimagine-rebuild-renew
Covid-19 Updates: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
Long Island Main Street News, Under Production, makes Extended Interviews with Local Leaders Available
Vision Long Island has been in the process of interviewing some of our community partners: local civics, small business/chamber friends, municipal officials and local food pantry and religious leaders.
As part of these efforts, we have reached over half of the communities we work in and are starting now to connect to some of our friends not rooted in any one community from development, design and infrastructure professionals and environmental leaders as well. These interviews will be pieced together into a future show titled “Long Island Main Street News,” but, in the meantime, you can view an extended version of these interviews here.
Special thanks to our guests for sharing their experiences, to our friends at Pink Tie for providing access to their studio, and to Rob Comforto from Videomasters for the filming and production.
This interview had us hearing from our good friend Hon. Jorge Martinez, who is a trustee with the Village of Freeport, Deputy Commissioner for the Nassau County Office of the Aging, and also runs a local business.
Trustee Martinez shared what he has been working on in the Village of Freeport through the Coronavirus. He also spoke of the many needs local seniors have during the pandemic as well.
One of the biggest takeaways was the positive approach he presented about community involvement “Put down the remote and get involved”.
Check it out here.
Our next interview focused on projections on the real estate market with David Winzelberg from LI Business News.
Dave covered the residential, office, retail and hospitality real estate markets and his take on the trajectory of present and future developments. His insight, wisdom and good humor makes this interview a must watch.
Check it out here.
This interview featured Neil Seiden from Asset Enhancement Solutions speaking about how to help local businesses navigate the pandemic.
Neal covered the work underway through the SBA’s PPP 2 process and the role he played in helping hundreds of businesses get loans.
Now is a time where small businesses need all the help they can get and his group is a resource.
Check it out here.
We were back with another LI Main Street News interview focused on our Albany representatives. NYS Assemblymember Ed Ra came into the studio to share what he is hearing from his district.
Assemblyman Ra covered the major issues of job loss, small business needs, challenges to keeping schools open for working families and other needs related to the Coronavirus. He also spoke to the importance of keeping zoning local through home rule and not having NYS get involved in zoning decisions.
The Assemblyman has a district that stretches through many diverse communities in Nassau County and his approach to governance is also very balanced and responsive to his constituents. It was a pleasure to have him join us.
Check it out here.
Keep an eye on Vision Long Island’s Facebook page here, where we’ll be premiering a new Main Street News Interview daily! Simply follow us if you have not already and you should get alerts before a new video debuts.
Here is our upcoming schedule of interviews for next week, so be sure and tune in for any that you are interested in:
Monday, February 15th
Nassau County Legislator Debra Mule
Tuesday, February 16th
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron
Wednesday, February 17th
Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey
Thursday, February 18th
Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman
Friday, February 19th
Michele Schimel, State of New York Mortgage Agency
NYS Vaccination Guide Now Available
The State of New York has prepared a guide to help eligible New Yorkers schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at a state-operated distribution site.
· Appointments are REQUIRED. To make an appointment, you can call the hotline or go the New York State eligibility website using the links below;
· New York State Vaccination Hotline: 1-8333-NYS-4-VAX (833-697-4829). The Hotline is open 7 days a week from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM;
· Check your eligibility at this site: https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ You can also locate the site by googling “New York am I eligible.” If eligible, you will be able to move forward and search for an appointment near you at a state-operate distribution location;
· For further information, the New York State website is a great resource: www.ny.gov/vaccine.
A reminder: Appointments are based on vaccine supply. Supply is currently limited.
LIA and SCRI Asking for Small Business Feedback
Working in partnership with the Long Island Association (LIA), the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI) is asking you and other Long Island business leaders to take an online survey in which you assess current and future economic conditions and share how today’s economy is affecting your business.
Of course, your participation is voluntary and SCRI will protect your anonymity. Your participation will inform you and other business leaders as well as policy makers as to the reality of doing business on Long Island.
We will share the results in aggregate form on our website, through the LIA and at virtual events for business leaders across Long Island this spring.
Please go to this link to take the survey.
SBA New York Hosting PPP2 Webinars
The SBA New York office is holding webinars on the SBA PPP 2 program many days next week. Important to take advantage of this program and get your paperwork in order to apply.
Check them out:
Fri, Feb. 12, 2021 at 11:00AM East Time (Italy America Chamber of Commerce)
PPP Forgiveness All New Forms: 3508, 3508S ($150,000), 3508EZ released on 1/19.
Registration information will be announced when it is available
Thurs, Feb. 18, 2021 at 1:00PM East Time (Specialty Food Association)
PPP Forgiveness All New Forms: 3508, 3508S ($150,000), 3508EZ released on 1/19.
Registration information will be announced when it is available
Fri, Feb. 19, 2021 at 12:00PM East Time (Manhattan Chamber of Commerce)
SBA Coronavirus Relief Five Programs : PPP 1st and 2nd Draw Loans, PPP Forgiveness, EIDL, https://app.livestorm.co/manhattan-chamber-of-commerce/sba-coronavirus-relief-five-programs-summaryhttps://app.livestorm.co/manhattan-chamber-of-commerce/sba-coronavirus-relief-five-programs-summary
American Heart Association Invites you to Undesign the Redline
As we work to address housing security, it’s important to understand the legacy practices that result in many of the health and housing issues our communities face. Please join us in learning more about that topic in “Undesign the Redline” — A Virtual Workshop on Understanding Redlining with our colleagues at Design the We.
We are pleased to provide access to this experience through the support of the Kresge Foundation.
Upcoming Events
• February 15 – House Calls: Real Docs, Real Talk – Maternal Health Focus
• February 18 – Connect with the CEO: Solving Women’s Top Health Threats
• February 22 – Research Goes Red LiveEmPOW
• February 25 – ERED Black Women and Well-being Roundtable – details below
EmPOWERED Black Women and Well-being Roundtable – Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 8:00 pm EST. Amy Dubois Barnett, VP of Digital for BET, will moderate a discussion on health equity, COVID-19, and the vaccine with the sorority Presidents from the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and The Links, Incorporated.
Great Neck Plaza Presents Zoom Meeting on Taking Care of Your Health in a Pandemic
The Plaza has established a VGNP Residents Group that will present programs addressing the issues and concerns of local residents. Resident Leslie Scheinfeld has volunteered to serve with Deputy Mayor Pam Marksheid and Mayor Ted Rosen on this committee.
On Thursday, February 11th at 8:00 P.M., the VGNP Residents group of Great Neck Plaza will present a second Free Zoom Video Meeting on Taking Care of Your Health in a Pandemic with three healthcare providers from ProHEALTH. This zoom meeting will be on health matters that are important to our Plaza residents.
With the assistance of Stacey Goldberg from ProHEALTH, we are happy to have the following speakers:
Marvin Resmovits MD, FAAP, Chief, Western Division of Pediatrics at ProHEALTH, and a board-certified pediatrician, will present on the topic of COVID-19 in children and the importance of childproofing for parents and grandparents.
Allison Marshall MS, RD, CDN, CDE, the Director of ProHEALTH’s Department of Nutrition and AADE accredited Diabetes Education Center and a practicing Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Education and Nutrition Faculty Member, will discuss general wellness and nutrition during COVID and staying healthy when we are less active.
Danica Vargo, DO, Chief, Behavioral Health at ProHEALTH and a board-certified psychiatrist for children, adults, and adolescents, will speak about dealing with the added stress that many are experiencing during the pandemic and how to tune out the negative and focus on the positive.
The Zoom sign-in information to join this important meeting is set forth below.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86867094535?pwd=dWpHdkVLYmRNS3JuOVZRM0psU05Ddz09
Meeting ID: 868 6709 4535
Passcode: 588823
Anna Kaplan to Host Event on Resources for Small Businesses
With so many new and evolving programs and resources for small businesses from the federal and state governments, it can be hard for a small business owner to keep up and know what’s out there.
Get updated about new programs, free resources, grants, and special loan programs that you may qualify for as a New York small business owner by joining this informative webinar.
Small Business Experts from the US Small Business Administration and NY’s Empire State Development will present on available programs and resources, and they’ll answer your questions during an extended Q&A portion.
Wondering if the new round of PPP or EIDL are a good fit for you? Looking to take your business online with Empire State Digital? Looking for a mentorship program to learn more and help grow your business? This is the event for you.
Tune in on Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 from 7pm – 8:30pm.
There is no cost to join, but you are encouraged to click the “Going” button on this page to RSVP.
Questions? Contact Senator Kaplan’s office at 516-746-5924 or email mailto:kaplan@nysenate.gov
JME University Offering Classes on Entering the Event Industry
JME University if offering a workshop series is geared towards entrepreneurs launching a business in the event industry, new business owners who want to get to the next level or empower their teams to help them grow.
Each workshop available in these workshops will include exercises, networking opportunities, resources and suggested reading lists that will help participants take action towards meeting their goals. During the last two workshops, participants will be introduced to business consultants who will share expert advice and experienced event industry professionals who can provide mentorship.
Workshop dates and titles will include:
Launching Your Event Business: 3/3/21, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Building Your Team: 3/10/21, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Getting Your First Clients: 3/17/21, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Preparing Contracts & Pricing: 3/24/21, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Event Management: 3/31/21, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Essential Business Skills: 4/7/21, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Running a Professional Business: 4/14/21, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Meet Your Event Pro Mentors: 4/21/21, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Workshops will cost $100 for each virtual session, with discounts depending on the number of classes registered.
You can view a full syllabus of the classes here, and can register by emailing Hello@josiemichelleevents.com
Applying for the Second Round of PPP Loans for Small Businesses
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been revived, with $280 billion available for a second round, for small businesses still struggling to make ends meet. Monday, January 11th, was the first day to apply for this new, potentially forgivable, federal loan.
What you need to know about PPP Loans:
PPP loans are forgivable loans, meaning the money doesn’t need to be repaid if it meets the criteria laid out by the Small Business Administration. They have an interest rate of one percent and the current batch will mature in five years. The loans require no collateral and come without fees. Borrowers must spend at least 60% of the loans on payroll, with the other 40% going to other eligible operating expenses. Forgiven PPP loans are not considered income for federal tax purposes.
Differences in Round 2:
Targeted funds are being made available for the most vulnerable businesses; restaurants can get bigger loans; the forgiveness process is simpler; the tax break for PPP loan recipients have gotten bigger; and there is an expanded use of funds.
Eligibility for PPP funding:
For round 2 of the PPP funding, both first-time and second-time qualified borrowers are eligible to apply. First-time borrowers can apply for loans up to $10 million.
PPP applicants who are seeking funding in addition to what they received earlier in the year (also known as Second Draw Loans) are eligible for loans up to $2 million provided they meet the following requirements:
– Employ fewer than 300 people (down from 500);
– Have used or will use the full loan amount granted to them in their first round of PPP funding;
– Can show a 25% gross revenue decline in any 2020 quarter compared with the same quarter in 2019 (if a business was out of operation for a portion of 2019, they can use different quarters to compare gross receipts.)
How and when to apply:
SBA reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw PPP Loans the week of January 11, 2021. SBA will began accepting applications for Second Draw PPP Loans on January 13, 2021.
To promote access for smaller lenders and their customers, SBA will initially only accept Second Draw PPP Loan applications from participating community financial institutions (CFIs), which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries. Paycheck Protection Program lending will reopen to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. At least $25 billion is being set aside for Second Draw PPP Loans to eligible borrowers with a maximum of 10 employees or for loans of $250,000 or less to eligible borrowers in low- or moderate-income neighborhoods.
Applications close on March 31, 2021.
How much can a business borrow?
Loans are capped at 2.5 times an applicant’s average monthly payroll costs in the one year prior to the loan being issued (3.5 times for restaurants and other eligible hospitality businesses).
Loans are limited to a maximum of $10 million for first time PPP borrowers and $2 million for second time borrowers.
What can the money be used for?
The loan proceeds can be used to cover a business’s payroll and certain other expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures.
What about loan forgiveness?
If a business uses at least 60% of the loan on payroll expenses and maintains its employment levels during the covered period of the loan, it can apply to have the loan forgiven. Otherwise, the loans carry a 1% interest rate and a maturity of five years.
For further information, and to apply, click here.
Nassau County Reopens Restaurant Recovery Grant Program
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran is pleased to reopen the portal below to accept more applications for the Restaurant Recovery Grant Program (RRGP).
The program is intended to support full-service restaurants – the industry hit hardest by the pandemic – during the winter months when outdoor dining is limited and as restaurants adjust to New York State’s COVID-19 safety restrictions and new mandates. Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) are encouraged to apply.
Nassau County is using funding made available through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to provide grants to restaurants. Grant funds are valued at either $5,000 or $10,000 depending on the number of employees.
If you have not already begun the application process and would like to APPLY, click here: https://zoomgrants.tools/zgf/nassaurestaurantrecovery
Eligible businesses that have been APPROVED to receive Restaurant Recovery Grant Program (RRGP) funding are shown in the list at this link. These businesses will receive a direct email from the Restaurant Recovery team this week, requesting confirmation of bank details so that the grant can be disbursed. Please watch for the email from nassaurestaurants@ndconline.org.
Restaurants that have applied to the RRGP but do NOT see their business on the list at the above link must get in touch with the Restaurant Recovery team immediately to complete their applications at nassaurestaurants@ndconline.org and 1-646-825-9617.
For any questions, please contact the Restaurant Recovery team at nassaurestaurants@ndconline.org and 1-646-825-9617.
Questions?
Please email any RRGP questions to the Restaurant Recovery team at mailto:nassaurestaurants@ndconline.org.
Check back to this webpage for any RRGP updates!
Program Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Businesses
• Full-Service Restaurants (NAICS code 722511) engaged in providing food services and meals prepared on-premises to patrons who traditionally order and are served while seated (i.e., waiter/waitress service)
• Restaurant Establishment must have a current and valid Nassau County Department of Health Food Service Permit
General Eligibility
• Located in Nassau County
• In operation on or before March 1, 2019
• Must have 50 or fewer Full-Time equivalent (FTE) employees
o Maximum $5,000 grant – 0 (sole proprietor)-10 employees
o Maximum $10,000 grant – 11-50 employees
• Must agree to create or retain at least one low/moderate-income job at full-time status
• Must certify and demonstrate that they have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19
Eligible Expenses
• Grant funds to cover working capital and operating expenses including:
o payroll, rent, utilities, purchase of PPE and sanitation supplies; lease or purchase of equipment like kitchen equipment or delivery vehicles; or COVID-19 related business improvements like patio heaters or contactless technology.
Ineligible Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Businesses with greater than 50 employees
• Businesses in violation of New York State Executive orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic or other State, County or local ordinances
o e.g., EO 202.74 effective Friday, November 13 at 10 PM
▪ SLA FAQ: https://sla.ny.gov/Guidance-COVID-Related-Closing-Times
Keep an eye on the restaurant recovery page on Nassau County’s website for more information and to apply once the grant program becomes available.
Small Businesses can Apply for Emergency Funding Through the Barstool Fund
Barstool Sports, a nationwide sports company, has created the Barstool Fund in support of the 30 Day Fund to help small businesses survive.
The nonprofit 30 Day Fund was launched by Virginia technology entrepreneur Pete Snyder and his wife, Burson. Working with other business leaders throughout the nation, the Fund’s goal is to help save as many jobs as possible.
The funds disbursed do not need to be repaid, but if businesses who receive the Fund’s assistance do, at a later date, wish to “pay it forward,” they may do so by directing those dollars back to the Fund, which will disburse them to another business in need. To date, the 30 Day Fund has raised more than $8 million and is on the way to funding more than 2,200 small businesses.
Businesses in need can apply here.
You can read more on businesses that have received funding and contribute to the fund yourself here.
La Fuerza CDC Offers P.O.W.E.R. Tech Loan
La Fuerza is a community development financial institution is currently offering loans to women entrepreneurs who need new technology, such as computers, for their businesses.
This tech loan program can provide zero-interest loans up to $3,000 and training for Women Entrepreneurs to help them get what they need for their small business.
For more information, please call 516-922-8700 or email Power@lafuerzacdc.org for more information.
Trellus Brings New Same-Day Local Delivery Option to Long Island Businesses
A new company on Long Island is providing a delivery service that could help hundreds of small businesses to drive down costs and provide expanded services to local customers.
Trellus is a new delivery service that was created by local business owners who were seeking to assist small retail and home-based businesses who are seeking to compete with national online delivery services. They offer fast, same-day delivery that is reliable and convenient.
The company is also offering an integrated delivery option for a website shopping carts and can fill the shoes of a courier service used for sending supplies, documents, garments, and much more locally.
This new company offers a new chance for companies adapting to the changing circumstances of our economy. The local aspect of it helps them to keep more jobs local while providing elevated service to customers who might instead rely on large, national companies that drain local resources.
If you are a local business owner, you can check their coverage area here and please consider signing up for a one-month free trial at Trellus here.
New York State Accepting Applications for NY Forward Loan Fund
New York State has opened pre-applications for the New York Forward Loan Fund. Loans from this fund are available to small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords in New York State. New York Forward loans must be fully repaid over a 5-year term with fixed annual interest rates of 3 percent for small businesses and landlords.
Small businesses may apply for the lesser of $100,000 or up to 100% of the average monthly revenues in any 3-month period from 2019 or the first quarter of 2020. This loan can be paid back over five years with first year being interest only. However, if small businesses have received either a PPP loan or an EIDL loan from SBA, they would not be eligible to apply. NYS has set a goal of 18% of total funds under this Program for Long Island
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as industries and regions reopen however, priority for New York Forward Loans will be given to industries and regions that have been reopened. Resources are available to assist in preparing applications for small businesses, landlords and nonprofits in industries and regions that have not yet reopened.
To view more details, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, click here:
If you need technical assistance through this process, please contact an Entrepreneurial Assistance Center near you and inform the counselor that you need help for the NY Forward Loan application. You can find your closest contact center here.
Today’s Sponsor
Forchelli Deegan Terrana
Founded in 1976, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP is one of Long Island’s largest and most distinguished law firms.
The Firm represents a broad range of clients, including national, regional and local businesses, public, private and family-owned companies, major real estate developers, property owners and operators, contractors, banks, municipalities, educational institutions, not-for-profits, foundations, and individuals. Personal attention and quality representation that is both practical and cost-effective are hallmarks of the Firm.
With over 60 attorneys, the Firm provides legal services in nearly 20 different practice areas, with the talent, skill and experience necessary to meet the legal needs of virtually any client. These attorneys are supported by a dedicated team of paralegals, law clerks, administrative and support staff, and cutting-edge office and communications technology.
Headquartered in Uniondale, NY, in one of Long Island’s premier office buildings, the Firm is conveniently located for clients in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as those in New York City.
Smart Talk
Contributors:
Eric Alexander, Director; Tawaun Weber, Assistant Director;
Christopher Kyle, Communications Director; Elissa Kyle, Placemaking Director; Linda Henninger, Outreach Coordinator
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