presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance

January 10th, 2021

Quote of the Week

	“First, we will continue to encourage and support free vaccinations, free testing and common-sense approaches to minimizing health risks and danger while recognizing the economic, social and mental health consequences must be considered when managing this pandemic.” - Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakemen
	"I look forward to working together to ensure that we continue to provide financial stability in this county," - Suffolk County Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey
	“I am excited to begin working and move North Hempstead forward and address the many challenges this town is faced with. As of today, party politics will no longer have a place in town hall. I promise to streamline the top-heavy town management, cut wasteful spending, and bring efficiency to a government known for dragging its feet on even simple matters.” - North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSana
	"These are great colleagues of mine on the town board and we work together and I think we work together for the betterment of all the residents. Today’s celebratory program help set a tone of strength and resiliency as we embark on the year 2022. As we begin a new term, I look forward to working together with my colleagues on the Town Board to continue taking on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, invest in our roadways and facilities, paving the way for our future and providing relief to taxpayers at a time when they need it the most.” - Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin
	“The new day in the Town of Oyster Bay is far from sunset… Our vision for the future includes great improvements and a continuation of investment in road repaving, more downtown revitalization, the ongoing protection and restoration of TOBAY Beach, the remediation of the Grumman Navy Plume and overall preservation of our roadways, expansion of our local parks and environmental facilities. We are so excited about our future and continuing the great service to our residents.” - Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino

New Officials Take Reins in Nassau County

Hundreds crowded into the lobby of the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City on Monday, January 3rd, to view the Oath of Office of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, County Comptroller Elaine Phillips and County Clerk Maureen O’Connell.

After his wife, Segal Magori, administered his oath of office, County Executive Blakeman launched his remarks with the following message, “Starting today, Nassau County is normal again. We have seen the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we can no longer be afraid. Yes, we still have challenges, but they are manageable.”

The new County Executive outlined steps his administration will take in its response to COVID-19:

•         “First, we will continue to encourage and support free vaccinations, free testing and common-sense approaches to minimizing health risks and danger while recognizing the economic, social and mental health consequences must be considered when managing this pandemic.”
•         “Government has an important role in giving people options to create a healthier environment but government should not act in a heavy-handed way by curtailing important constitutional rights, such as the right of a patient and their physicians to make important healthcare decisions.”

According to Mr. Blakeman, Nassau County is not in crisis, noting hospital admissions rising, but at a manageable and predictable rate and a low and stable death rate, compared to where the county was nine months ago. Citing reason and common sense. Mr. Blakeman proclaimed, “I will not enforce the state mandate in this county for the masks and I will lobby Albany to keep our kids in school and not force them to wear masks.”

Mr. Blakeman also stated economic development and job creation will be important staples of his administration. Discussing the prior administrations tax reassessment system, Mr. Blakeman stated, “There is no reason why millionaires should pay zero taxes, and then homes that are identical in the same community pay vastly different tax rates. It’s broken and we will fix it.”

Other priorities include keeping county taxes down, thereby making the county affordable for both its younger and older population, removing state government off resident’s backs, and going to Albany to demand the repeal of the state’s bail reform bill.

You can view the Nassau County 2022 Inauguration at the Cradle of Aviation Museum here.

Suffolk County Legislature Ceremonial Oaths 2022

On Monday, January 3rd, Republicans took control of the Suffolk County Legislature, reshuffling legislative leadership and staffing as officials expressed hope for bipartisanship. Legislator Kevin McCaffrey became Suffolk's first Republican presiding officer in 16 years after 10 Republicans, one Conservative and seven Democrats were sworn into office.

"I look forward to working together to ensure that we continue to provide financial stability in this county," Legislator McCaffrey stated.

Other changes included Legislator Steve Flotteron elected deputy presiding officer and Legislator Nicholas Caracappa, the legislature’s only Conservative Party member, was named majority leader of the GOP caucus.

Republicans awarded all legislative committee chair and vice chair positions to GOP or Conservative members, however, when Democrats controlled the legislature, Republicans led some legislative committees.

You can read Newsday’s article here.

North Hempstead Officials Sworn In at 2022 Inauguration Ceremony

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena was sworn in for her first term as Supervisor during an inaugural ceremony at Clinton G. Martin Park on January 2nd, along with Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava and Council Members Robert Troiano, Jr., and Dennis Walsh.

Supervisor DeSena was administered the oath of office at the ceremony by Nassau County Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello, and sworn in for her first two-year term.

“I am excited to begin working and move North Hempstead forward and address the many challenges this town is faced with,” Supervisor DeSena stated. “As of today, party politics will no longer have a place in town hall. I promise to streamline the top-heavy town management, cut wasteful spending, and bring efficiency to a government known for dragging its feet on even simple matters.”

According to Ms. DeSena, hallmarks of her administration will include safe guarding residents’ quality of life, proactively fostering economic growth, and operating in an open, honest and transparent manner.

To see highlights from the ceremony, visit www.myNHTV.com or watch North Hempstead TV (NHTV) on Channel 18/63 on Cablevision or Channel 46 on Verizon FiOS.

Town of Hempstead Officials Sworn In at 2022 Inaugural

On January 4th, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Council Members Anthony D’Esposito and Dennis Dunne, and Town Clerk Kate Murray were inducted to their positions during an outdoor ceremony at Senior Councilwoman Dorothy L. Goosby Plaza, in front of Hempstead Town Hall. Scores of elected officials, including state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and Attorney General Letitia James, were present.

"These are great colleagues of mine on the town board and we work together and I think we work together for the betterment of all the residents," Supervisor Clavin stated. “Today’s celebratory program help set a tone of strength and resiliency as we embark on the year 2022. As we begin a new term, I look forward to working together with my colleagues on the Town Board to continue taking on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, invest in our roadways and facilities, paving the way for our future and providing relief to taxpayers at a time when they need it the most.”

Administering the Oath of Office to Councilwoman Goosby, first elected in 1999, Attorney General James stated, "She is someone who has broken glass ceilings and someone who has made it possible for me to stand here as attorney general. I am humbled.”

You can view Newsday’s coverage here.

Town of Oyster Bay Officials Sworn In at 2022 Inauguration Ceremony

The Town of Oyster Bay hosted its 2022 Induction Ceremony, held at Plainedge High School on January 4th, with the swearing-in of Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Councilman Lou Imbroto, Councilman Tom Hand and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca.

Speaking at the event was newly elected Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who stated, “Let me say this about Joe Saladino, he is the hardest working person in government I’ve ever met. His work ethic is beyond normal. He has so much energy, he is out there all the time.”

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli confirmed, “Joe Saladino loves people and that’s why he is so incredibly successful at the job he does as the Oyster Bay Town Supervisor.”

During his remarks after being sworn in, Supervisor Saladino stated, “The new day in the Town of Oyster Bay is far from sunset… Our vision for the future includes great improvements and a continuation of investment in road repaving, more downtown revitalization, the ongoing protection and restoration of TOBAY Beach, the remediation of the Grumman Navy Plume and overall preservation of our roadways, expansion of our local parks and environmental facilities. We are so excited about our future and continuing the great service to our residents.”

You can view the entire Induction Ceremony here.

Affordable Housing Faces Challenges in 2022

Creating affordably built and priced housing has faced many challenges throughout the years. Adding to these challenges is the damaging and distinct effects of the COVID 19 pandemic. From shut-downs and worker shortages, the advancement of housing choices, including affordability, has become even more difficult to realize. Supply chain issues have led to prohibitive cost of building materials, especially lumber. Heading into 2022, these challenges look to continue to stymie housing development.

A resurgence in the price of lumber is driving up construction costs on Long Island and throwing a wrench into builders’ budgets for upcoming projects. The spike and instability of lumber prices have made it very problematic for contractors to estimate the price of projects.

Mitchell Pally, CEO of the Long Island Builders Institute in Hauppauge, recently discussed the high and unstable prices of construction materials.  “That may not be significant if the house is worth $4 million or $5 million,” Mr. Pally explained, “but it’s very significant if you’re trying to build affordable housing on Long Island in the $300,000-to-$400,000 range.”

"There’s always a push to do more attainable rental housing, but with taxes, land costs and commodity costs, it keeps compounding and makes it more difficult for these units to be attainable for our workforce," noted Anthony Bartone, managing partner at Terwilliger and Bartone Properties and Vision Long Island Board member. “Unpredictable prices have made it harder to complete projects that often have an 18-month timeline and the higher price of softwood lumber will affect costs beyond framing, including finished woodwork, such as molding and cabinets.”

Looking towards the future, economist that track commodity prices predict that the next few years will probably see an overall drop in costs, but that the market will continue to remain volatile with short term jumps and collapses.

You can read the entire Newsday article here.

The Future of Rail Freight on Long Island Looks Bright

Freight locomotives on Long Island are delivering more tons of cargo than in past decades and the once-shrinking freight industry is experiencing a significant resurgence.

“Rail freight is critical to Long Island,” Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance, confirms. “It reduces emissions and traffic by taking long-haul trucks off our roads. It is great to see the resurgent freight industry on the Island and much credit goes to New York Atlantic Railway, which has been running this service and thereby taking trucks off the road since May 1997.”

Local carrier New York & Atlantic Railway handles nearly 32,000 carloads annually, about 1,750,000 tons of freight, which in turn cuts approximately 128,000 truck trips from major highways on Long Island per year.  Scrap iron, steel and construction debris are the major items hauled off the Island, while flour, tomato paste and rice, along with crushed stone and construction material, are among the top commodities coming in by rail.

James Bonner, president of New York & Atlantic Railway and Vision Long Island Board member, spoke at Vision Long Island’s recent Smart Growth Summit and remarked, “Our success is measured by how infrequently you hear about us.”  The company’s goal is to move freight in and out of Long Island without intervening with passenger rails.

Obstacles for Long Island freight train growth, however, still persist.

Despite New York & Atlantic’s success, most goods continue to be shipped via truck with rail only handling 4% of all cargo in the state. The rail’s biggest impediment may be finding adequate infrastructure in the dense regions to support continued growth.

The need for rail growth has taken hold on Long Island and has advocates. Matthew Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, noted that "In addition to the economic benefit, freight trains get trucks off the road, reducing emissions and the stress on our road network, and have the potential to alleviate supply chain challenges. It's a win-win. It's going to wind up spurring job creation, enhancing our region's economic competitiveness - in a more efficient, more environmentally friendly and a more cost-effective manner for Long Island.”

You can read Newsday’s complete article here, and view the complete Regional Transportation Panel from Vision Long Island’s 2021 Smart Growth Summit here.

East Northport’s Matinecock Court Development Moves Forward

Forty-three years in the making, the Matinecock Court affordable housing project in East Northport met with approval by the Huntington Town Board on December 14, 2021. This newly transformed limited equity cooperative community, located on 14.5-acres at Pulaski and Elwood roads, will include 70 units of rental housing and 76 condominium units.

Prior opposition to this development had included complaints about traffic, overcrowding of schools, effect on nearby homes, environmental issues, and who potential residents might include, with race and income having factored into the debate. However, at the recent Board meeting, residents largely urged the board to approve the plan.
“This is a major milestone," stated Peter Florey, Matinecock Court’s developer - targeting the summer of 2022 for shovels in the ground for this $75 million project. Next steps include getting the federal court to sign off on the new limited equity cooperative community agreement.

Vision Long Island Board and staff were present at the Town Board meeting, speaking in support of the project. “Compliments to Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci and Councilmembers Gene Cook, Joan Cergol and Mark Cuthbertson for voting in support,” Eric Alexander notes. “Great work from Roger Weaving and the Huntington Township Housing Coalition for pulling out community members in overwhelming support. Folks have supported this project for decades and it’s good to see final approval.”

You can read the Huntington Now article here and the Newsday article here.

Kings Park Sewers Closer to Reality

Big victory in Kings Park before the holidays, with the overwhelming passage on a referendum to create a sewer district in the downtown area. The vote was nearly unanimous, with only one person voting in opposition.

“This step secured $20 million in NYS funding Vision lobbied for and keeps Kings Park on schedule for sewer construction,” explains Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “New restaurants and redevelopment can now be realized, all part of a community-based plan.”

The drive for sewers in the Kings Park downtown has been a goal of the community for more than 10 years, but efforts accelerated in 2015 when the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce and Kings Park Civic Association collaborated on an inclusive community-based visioning process, coordinated by Vision Long Island, that resulted in the redevelopment plan for the area. Based on that effort, in January, 2017, then Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a $20 million grant for the project under the State’s Transformative Investment Program.

Sewers for Kings Park’s downtown are vital for a thriving local economy and a vibrant Kings Park downtown. Sewers will allow property owners in the business district to revive Main Street, increase property values for all homeowners in Kings Park, allow the Kings Wood Community to remove deteriorated cesspools & leaching fields and will improve the health of the Nissequogue River and the Long Island Sound.

“This has been a true bottom-up process, the way all significant changes in communities ought to be,” notes Linda Henninger, President of the Kings Park Civic Association.

“There was a time when the goal of obtaining sewers for Kings Park seemed to be an unattainable dream,” states Tony Tanzi, Kings Park Chamber of Commerce President, “But we are now poised to break ground on a project that everyone agrees will be an historic game changer for our community.”

“Complements to Tony Tanzi at the Kings Park Chamber, Linda Henninger from the Kings Park Civic, NYS Senator Mario Mattera, Town of Smithtown Supervisor and members of the Town Board, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Deputy County Executive Peter Scully, Town of Smithtown Planning and many others,” Mr. Alexander states, noting that Vision Long Island canvassed and made phone calls with local officials and community leaders to spread the word about the sewer referendum. 

If all moves smoothly, work will begin the summer of 2022 and finish by spring 2025.

Parking Restrictions Come To Streets Near UBS Arena

In an effort to ease the onerous effects caused by crowds of hockey fans and concertgoers obstructing local streets and trespassing on private property, the Town of Hempstead recently enacted parking restrictions around the Belmont Arena.

Scores of residents have complained to Hempstead officials and Nassau police about the overflow parking since the arena opened to the public on November 20th. “You can’t even get in and out of your own driveways," said Bob Barker, 67, of Elmont, president of the Locustwod/Gotham Civic Association.

The Hempstead town board voted unanimously to approve new parking limits. The restrictions affect roads off Hempstead Turnpike, such as Locustwood Boulevard, Heathcote, Huntley Sussex, Warwick and Wellington roads; 106th and 109th Avenues, and Fieldmere and Pine Streets. Signs were added last week that read: "No parking anytime, except with permit." Residents are allowed free parking permits for each registered vehicle and four additional guest passes.

Moreover, the town has filed a home rule law request with the State to expand parking restrictions to other communities, such as in Bellerose Terrace and South Floral Park, where residents have said they too face arena-related parking problems. The incomplete parking garage, not projected to open until spring, is also exacerbating the issue.

Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance states, “During the public hearing process, which was not managed by the Town, these issues were raised, along with many others, as the project was opposed by the vast majority of neighboring communities. Very few public benefits and mitigation of traffic, parking and economic impacts were put in place tied to the approval by NYS. The community of Elmont is right to raise these issues that they predicted would occur and it is good to see the Town take some action.”

You can read Newsday’s full article here.

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.

We were happy to have NYS Assemblyman Doug Smith in the studio for an edition of LI Main Street News. 

Assemblyman Smith spoke about the train station area revitalization in Ronkonkoma, helping small businesses through Coronavirus and the assistance his staff provided with NYS unemployment benefits.   He also  provided an Albany update.  

Check it out here.

We had our friend Tom Grech from the Queens Chamber of Commerce recently join us for a LI Main Street News interview.

Mr. Grech shared with us the expansive work of Queens Chamber, the importance of key infrastructure projects and the work they have been doing to help small businesses in their County.   Great to see our neighbors to the West active and aiding the recovery from the Coronavirus regulations.  

Check it out here.

Great to have Suffolk County’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Retha Fernandez join us for an edition of LI Main Street News.  

Ms. Fernandez shared with us her goals to make Suffolk County’s workforce more reflective of the changing demographics of the County.   She also covered the various trainings she provides for various departments to make the existing workplace culture welcoming for all backgrounds.  

Check it out here.

Great to have our good friend NYS Senator Mario Mattera in for an edition of LI Main Street News.   The Senator covered the importance of sewers, solid waste, preserving local zoning and community engagement.

As a representative for Plumbers Union Local 200 he has been a longtime supporter of development and infrastructure.  Good to see him represent local communities in Albany.  

Check it out here.

Great to have Town of Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman out for an edition of LI Main Street News.  

Supervisor Schneiderman covered how he is managing the influx of NYC residents during Coronavirus, the challenges of affordable housing, transportation and human needs as well.  The Supervisor has decades in public service serving multiple roles so his wisdom and perspective is always great to hear.

Check it out here.

Great to have Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Aguiar in the studio for an edition of LI Main Street News. 

She was joined by Riverhead CDA Director Dawn Thomas as well.   They both gave an update on their efforts at downtown revitalization that include new affordable and market rate housing, office space, restaurants, events, and the new Town Square project that connects the riverfront to the downtown.   

Fresh off a re-election it will be good that the Supervisor and Councilmembers will have an opportunity to continue the progress on Main Street.

Check it out here.

Great to have Jamir Couch from Knowles Hall Consulting and the NYS AARP Board in for a LI Main Street News interview.  

Ms. Couch covered a range of topics including her work helping businesses access resources and policy issues related to social inequities through the pandemic.   Wide ranging and illuminating conversation that could have gone longer.  

Check it out here.

Great to have our friends from Monroe's restaurant, Danyella Vitucci and Joe Fahmy, on Post Avenue in downtown Westbury on LI Main Street News.  

This new restaurant shows that new investment on food and beverage establishments complements the housing developments, arts and events that are revitalizing Westbury's business district.   On a personal note I have dined there and the food is fantastic.  

Check it out here.

Great to have our long time friend Jack Martins join us for an edition of LI Main Street News. 

He is currently a partner at Harris Beach and former NYS Senator and Mayor of Mineola.   Mr. Martins shared with us his experience getting downtown and infrastructure projects advanced while building consensus with the public.

Always great to hear his insight and this interview covers a lot of ground.  

Check it out here.

Happy to have Rob Dinoto from Questus Capital in for a LI Main Street News interview. 

Mr. Dinoto shared with us info on downtown mixed use projects in Huntington, Hicksville and Floral Park among others planned.  We also had a dialogue about the importance of community involvement in the development process.  

Check it out here.

Suffolk County Office for the Aging Processing Applications for HEAP

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps eligible low-income individuals meet the high costs of home heating.

As outlined in Huntington Now, depending on the primary heating source, qualifying homeowners can receive a basic HEAP benefit of between $350 and $751 for oil, propane, kerosene, natural gas or electricity.  Renters can receive a benefit of $45 or $50.  Each year, thousands of Suffolk County households receive assistance through HEAP.  Assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while available.

Households that received a benefit in last year’s program should have already received their applications.  Individuals who have not previously received the benefit and wish to submit a new application to the Office for the Aging must meet one of the following conditions:
• Age 60 or older, or
• Under 60 and receiving Social Security Disability, or
• Under 60 and receiving Supplemental Security Income Code A

To request an application, call the Office for the Aging HEAP Hotline at (631) 853-8326.

Applicants who do not meet the Office for the Aging guidelines may still qualify based on HEAP Tier Income Guidelines for income and household size. A family’s gross monthly household income must be at or below the poverty standards set by New York State for HEAP. For more information or maximum monthly income levels for larger households, call the Department of Social Services HEAP Unit at (631) 853-8820. For heating and utility emergencies after business hours and on weekends, call the Department of Social Services at (631) 854-9100.

You can read the article at Huntington Now here, and visit Suffolk County Office for the Aging here.

Empire State Development Announces $150M of Capital Grant Funding Available

The Capital grant funding is available for capital-based economic development projects intended to create or retain jobs; prevent, reduce or eliminate unemployment and underemployment; and/or increase business or economic activity in a community or region.

The funding will be allocated among the ten regions, each represented by a Regional Council. Funding decisions will be based on each Regional Council’s development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan that sets out a comprehensive vision for economic development and specific strategies to implement that vision, coupled with New York State’s economic growth priorities. Funding will be allocated to projects, including priority projects identified by the Regional Councils, identified as significant, regionally supported and capable of stimulating economic investment. In addition, special consideration shall be given to projects supporting the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Strategic Community Investment, Improving Access to Child Care, and Environmental Justice.

Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, for-profit businesses, not-for-profit corporations, business improvement districts, local development corporations, public benefit corporations (including industrial development agencies), economic development organizations, research and academic institutions, incubators, technology parks, municipalities, counties, regional planning councils, tourist attractions and community facilities.

Assistance generally falls into three categories:
1. Strategic Community Development Investment;
2. Business Investment;
3. Economic Growth Investment.

Grant funds may be used for:
▪ Acquisition of land, buildings, machinery and/or equipment;
▪ Demolition and environmental remediation;
▪ New construction, renovation or leasehold improvements;
▪ Acquisition of furniture and fixtures;
▪ Soft costs of up to twenty-five percent (25%) of total project costs;
▪ Planning and feasibility studies related to a specific capital project or site.
The application is still open. The ESD regional office hosts virtual office hours every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM for those who have questions about capital grant funds. (email LIREDC@esd.ny.gov for zoom link)

You can find more information and apply here.

PSEG Long Island Adds $50,000 in Grants to Boost Local Economy

On September 13, 2021, in celebration of Small Business Week, PSEG Long Island announced an additional $50,000 has been allocated to its Main Street Chamber of Commerce program for the remainder of 2021 to help small businesses and Long Island’s local economy thrive.

“We have created programs to help businesses across Long Island and the Rockaways attract customers and keep them shopping locally,” states John Keating, manager of Economic and Community Development at PSEG Long Island. “These programs provide funding for the enhancements that might not otherwise be in the budget, putting businesses in a position to succeed in these unprecedented times and into the future.”

In 2020, the company began offering grants to local chambers of commerce and business improvement districts (BID) to help transform sidewalk areas and plazas with the seating, lighting, planters and protective barriers needed to keep customers safely dining and shopping locally amid new public health measures. The funding for this grant program was renewed for 2021 on a first come, first served basis. The program offers up to $5,000 to a chamber of commerce or BID. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2021. In honor of Small Business Week 2021, PSEG Long Island has added $50,000 in funding to this grant program.

In addition to its Chambers of Commerce program, PSEG Long Island offers a “Beautification” grant to local chambers of commerce for decorative items such as hanging planters, flowerbeds, murals and welcome signs. This program offers funding of up to $2,000 to a chamber of commerce or business improvement district. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2021.

To date, more than $2 million in grants and discounts have been provided to help thousands of local businesses and organizations continue to thrive and meet the ever-evolving challenges of COVID-19.

You can find more information about all the programs PSEG Long Island offers to support local businesses here.

Boost Nassau Main Street Recovery Grant Program

Nassau County’s Boost Nassau Main Street Recovery Grant Program supports small businesses located within the County that experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and that are in need of financial assistance to continue to operate or to be able to reopen as allowed by law during the crisis.

Grants of $10,000 per business will be awarded for eligible businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. Per Internal Revenue Service guidance, these grants are taxable.

The information below provides an overview of the Grant Program.

Definition of eligible business:
• Less than 50 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (40 hours = 1 FTE)
• All Business Sectors:
- For-Profit (Must certify that the business meets the definition of a small business in 13 C.F.R § 35.3)
- Non-Profit (501(c)3)
• Located in Nassau County
• Business must have less than $5 million in annual revenues
• Business must be currently open at some level
• Must certify and demonstrate/identify that they have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19

Reduction in revenues, increases in percent of expenses, costs related to COVID compliance, staffing difficulties, etc.

Type of assistance: Grant
Grant amount: $10,000

General ineligibility:
• 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
- eg., EO 202.74 effective Friday, November 13 at 10 PM
- SLA FAQ: https://sla.ny.gov/Guidance-COVID-Related-Closing-Times
• Businesses in bankruptcy proceedings or having filled bankruptcy in the last 12 months.
• Businesses with defaults and/or losses caused to the federal government or state of New York (due to federal laws).
• Businesses with a conflict of interest including Nassau County employees or elected officials

Only one (1) application per Tax-ID, regardless of how many sites applicant has in Nassau County. You can apply here.

SBA Announces Enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan

Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), recently announced major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from the pandemic, especially hard-hit sectors such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels. The SBA is ready to receive new applications immediately from small businesses looking to take advantage of these new policy changes.

“The SBA’s COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program offers a lifeline to millions of small businesses who are still being impacted by the pandemic,” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “We’ve retooled this critical program – increasing the borrowing limit to $2 million, offering 24 months of deferment, and expanding flexibility to allow borrowers to pay down higher-interest business debt. We have also ramped up our outreach efforts to ensure we’re connecting with our smallest businesses as well as those from low-income communities who may also be eligible for the companion COVID EIDL Targeted Advance and Supplemental Advance grants totaling up to $15,000.”

Key changes being announced by the SBA include:
· Increasing the COVID EIDL Cap. The SBA will lift the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying debt.
· Implementation of a Deferred Payment Period.  The SBA will ensure small business owners will not have to begin COVID EIDL repayment until two years after loan origination so that they can get through the pandemic without having to worry about making ends meet.
· Establishment of a 30-Day Exclusivity Window. To ensure Main Street businesses have additional time to access these funds, the SBA will implement a 30-day exclusivity window of approving and disbursing funds for loans of $500,000 or less. Approval and disbursement of loans over $500,000 will begin after the 30-day period.
· Expansion of Eligible Use of Funds. COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.
· Simplification of affiliation requirements. To ease the COVID EIDL application process for small businesses, the SBA has established more simplified affiliation requirements to model those of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
· The enhancements to the COVID EIDL program will allow more businesses greater and more flexible support from the over $150 billion in available COVID EIDL funds. Additionally, these changes will help entrepreneurs access capital at a time when, according to a recent Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses survey, 44 percent of small business owners report having less than three months of cash reserves, and only 31 percent reporting confidence in gaining access to funding.

How to apply:

Eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories can apply. Visit www.sba.gov/eidl to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021. All applicants should file their applications as soon as possible.

For additional information on COVID EIDL and other recovery programs please visit www.sba.gov/relief. Small business owners may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing) or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for additional assistance. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Multilingual representatives are available.

The NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Open

The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides economic relief to help low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing rental arrears, temporary rental assistance and utility arrears assistance.

Seven communities that received funding for emergency rental assistance directly from the federal government opted to administer their own programs. Residents of the Towns of Hempstead, Islip and Oyster Bay must apply with their local programs for emergency rental assistance and are ineligible for assistance from the state-administered Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

Town of Hempstead: https://www.lihp.org/herapintake.html
Town of Islip: https://islipny.gov/town-news/covid-19/1111-town-of-islip-emergency-rental-assistance-program
Town of Oyster Bay: https://oysterbaytown.com/rentalassistance/
All other NY residents: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/#overview

Eligibility: New York residents are eligible for ERAP if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Household gross income is at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). These income limits differ by county and household size. A household may qualify based on current income or calendar year 2020 income that is at or below 80 percent AMI.
• On or after March 13, 2020, a member of the household received unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship, directly or indirectly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The applicant is obligated to pay rent at their primary residence and has rental arrears (rent overdue) at their current residence for rent owed on or after March 13, 2020.
• The household must be at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which can be demonstrated by having rental arrears owed on or after March 13, 2020.

There are no immigration status requirements to qualify for the program. Households eligible for rental arrears may also be eligible for help paying utility arrears at the same rental unit.

Priority Applications: For the first 30 days of the program, priority will be given to households in the following order:

1.Households with income at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) that also include a household member who:

• Is currently unemployed for at least 90 days; or
• Is a veteran; or
• Is currently experiencing domestic violence or is a survivor of human trafficking; or
• Has an eviction case related to their current residence pending in court; or
• Resides in a mobile home; or
• Lives in a community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 (Check your ZIP Code); or
• Lives in a dwelling of 20 or fewer units.

2. Households with income at or below 50 percent AMI

3. Households with income at or below 80 percent AMI that also include a household member who:

• Is currently unemployed for at least 90 days; or
• Is a veteran; or
• Is currently experiencing domestic violence or is a survivor of human trafficking; or
• Has an eviction case related to their current residence pending in court; or
• Resides in a mobile home; or
• Lives in a community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 (Check your ZIP Code); or
• Lives in a dwelling of 20 or fewer units.

4. Households with income at or below 80 percent AMI

After the first 30 days, applications for all eligible households will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funds remain available.

Benefits: Households approved for ERAP may receive:

• Up to 12 months of rental arrears payments for rents accrued on or after March 13, 2020.
• Up to 3 months of additional rental assistance if the household is expected to spend 30 percent or more of their gross monthly income to pay for rent.
• Up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears payments for arrears that have accrued on or after March 13, 2020.

Payments will be made directly to the landlord/property owner and utility company on behalf of the tenant. Tenant applicants will be notified of the amounts paid on their behalf. If a landlord is difficult to locate or does not otherwise provide information needed to complete the application, funds will be held for up to 180 days to allow sufficient time to locate the landlord and collect required information as well as to provide tenant protections and maximize landlord participation.

Please note: Once the application is started, all questions must be answered and the application signed and saved to submit the application. There currently is no way to save a partially completed application. Applicants are encouraged to gather all the information needed before starting an application including income of household members and rental amounts.

NYS Coronavirus Relief Grant Program for Small Businesses

The NYS Legislature has approved $800 million in grants for small businesses across New York.  Applications are now open for anyone who is eligible to apply.  The following is from New York State’s website:

The New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program was created to provide flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Grant awards will be calculated based on a business’s annual gross receipts for 2019 (see below for more information). Grant amounts and calculations are subject to change by Empire State Development.

Annual gross receipts: $25,000 – $49,999.99: Award is $5,000 / business
Annual gross receipts: $50,000 – $99,999.99: Award is $10,000 / business
Annual gross receipts: $100,000 – $500,000: Award is 10% of gross receipts (maximum grant is $50,000)

Eligible Businesses Include:

Small businesses, Micro-businesses, and For-profit independent arts and cultural organizations (collectively, “Eligible Applicants”) must be currently viable and have begun operation on or before March 1, 2019, and continue to be in operation as of the date of application (maybe shuttered due to COVID restrictions). See the FAQ section below for definitions of business categories above.

Eligible Applicants will be required to show loss of gross receipts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or compliance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols which resulted in business modifications, interruptions, or closures.

Small businesses and Micro-businesses must:

1. Have 2019 or 2020 Gross Receipts of between $25,000 and $500,000 per annum
2. Demonstrate positive net profit on 2019 Business Return ($1 or greater)
3. Demonstrate at least 25% loss in Annual Gross Receipts in a year-to-year gross receipt comparison as of December 31, 2020 to the same period in 2019.
4. Demonstrate that the total business expenses on the 2020 business income return are greater than the grant amounts.

More information on the grants as well as a guide on how to apply is available here.

Our Sponsor

Terwilliger & Bartone Properties

Long Island New York based developers, Terwilliger & Bartone focus on creating luxury rental communities for every lifestyle. They select the finest architects, designers, engineers, builders and craftspeople to produce amenity-rich apartment homes for local residents. With a team of experienced professionals carefully evaluating each project in order to adhere to both financial and time constraints, Terwilliger & Bartone has become widely recognized as a top Real Estate Development Firm by both our residents and investors.