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

March 19th, 2021

Quote of the Week

“The idea is to create a new center of energy which will continue to feed and make Post Avenue healthy and keep it healthy and thereby keep the community healthy. And that’s what the idea of the whole project is.” - Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro on Post Ave Streetscape Project

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Village of Westbury Announces Beginning of Post Ave Streetscape Project

The Village of Westbury has announced that the long-awaited and planned DRI-funded Post Avenue Streetscape project is about to get underway with a projected start date of Monday, April 5th.  The project, which is being funded by the Village’s $10 million DRI grant it received years ago, will transform the entire streetscape in the core downtown.

The project will take many months to complete and will be broken down into segments that are designed to help limit the impacts from construction.  Work is generally scheduled to take place Mondays through Fridays between 7:30 am and 3:30pm.  No businesses will be closed or inaccessible, and Post Avenue and affected side streets will always remain open. 

“I believe that, even though this project isn’t the biggest dollar project that we’re working on with the DRI process, it’s the most important as far as the future of the village. And it is truly the most potentially transformative of the projects that we have identified,” said Westbury Village Mayor Peter Cavallaro at a previous meeting laying out rezoning that made this project possible. “The idea is to create a new center of energy which will continue to feed and make Post Avenue healthy and keep it healthy and thereby keep the community healthy. And that’s what the idea of the whole project is.”

Streetscape improvement work will include:

• Redesign of the Post/Union intersection to add a pedestrian plaza
• Installation of all new curbs, sidewalks and additional crosswalks
• Upgraded street lighting (LED)
• Installation of pay stations and elimination of the old parking meters
• Upgrades to the Piazza
• Enhanced pedestrian safety (crosswalks, signage, etc.)
• Traffic calming measures
• Addition of park benches, bike racks, trees and other aesthetic elements, and much more.

Westbury has pledged to closely monitor the contractor so as to make sure that any inconvenience is minimized and mitigated.  This important project will have a major impact on the downtown and local community though, so the Village is asking for the understanding and cooperation of local residents during the project.

Residents can call Bill Mello, Superintendent of Buildings at 516-334-1700 ext. 122 with any questions or concerns.

Pink Tie Delivers Homeless Assistance to Hempstead and Amityville

The Pink Tie Delivers team was out the last couple of weeks focused on the needs of homeless folks in our local communities.   

Our first stop was to our friends at the Hempstead Chamber of Commerce and their team of volunteers that provide support to the street homeless living in the downtown business district.  The Pink Tie team brought boxes and bags of personal care items and a financial contribution.  Chamber President Clariona Griffith was on hand and she shared with us what the experiences are for those in need in her district.

Our next stop was to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless at their community service center in Amityville.  The team brought food, personal care items and a financial contribution for the Coalition’s pantry which provides needed items for folks directly in need and organizations that serve them as well.  Longtime Executive Director Greta Guarton explained how Coronavirus has been impacting the homeless population and the street level services her group provides.

With each visit to communities in need and the services in place to help we get a new and deeper understanding of how the Coronavirus shutdowns have accelerated some very severe problems facing working people.

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 in Greenport and weekly 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

Curfew for Gyms, Casinos, Other Businesses Lifted, Resyeraunts & Bars must still Comply

The mandatory 11 PM curfew for select businesses in New York will end April 5th, Governor Andrew Cuomo reported on March 17th.

Casinos, pool halls, movie theaters, bowling alleys, gyms, billiard halls and fitness centers will no longer be required to close at 11 PM. This curfew will, however, remain in place for bars and restaurants. Catered events such as weddings and other celebrations will also still be required to end at midnight.

“It seems the chaos in Albany is slowly loosening things up for our local small business community. As we begin to get back to normal. The thought that businesses and working people can earn a living again is heartening,” notes Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance.

Governor Cuomo has recently said the state is reviewing the curfew for bars, restaurants and celebrations and he plans to have another announcement on the topic in April.

You find more information here.

NYS Legislature Increases Transit Funding

The New York State Legislature has increased transit funding in its respective One-House Budgets released on March 15th.

“Transit cuts always represent a step backward, be it on the Federal, State or County levels,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “Investments in transportation are critical to not only protect economic stability, but to also grow the economy. This is even more important today in light of the economic harm caused by COVID-19. The restoration of vital transportation funding, if included in the final budget, will help move New York, including Long Island, forward in a post COVID-19 recovery. Kudos to the Legislature for its understanding and commitment to this need.”

The Assembly One-House Budget proposal will invest $11.3 billion in the state’s transportation network, including a $504 million increase in funding for the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) two-year capital plan and restore $137 million in operating aid for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

The Assembly budget proposal not only includes funding for the MTA, but also other downstate and upstate transit systems. More specifically, the Assembly restores tax revenues dedicated to transit systems which would provide:

• $137 million for the MTA;
• $16.7 million to non-MTA downstate transit systems, to provide total funding to non-MTA downstate transit of $346.5 million; and
• $9.7 million to upstate transit systems to provide total funding to upstate transit systems of $223.6 million.

The Assembly budget proposal also provides funding to maintain the state’s roads, bridges and highways, while making a critical investment in our economy and job creation. These investments include:

• $503.1 million for the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs), which includes $65 million for extreme weather recovery;
• $45 million for passenger rail projects, an increase of $35 million above the executive proposal, including funding to update previous high-speed passenger rail studies in anticipation of potential new federal funding for Amtrak;
• $37.5 million for freight rail funding, a $20 million increase above the executive proposal;
• $200 million for Bridge NY, a $100 million increase above the executive proposal;
• $200 million for Pave NY, a $100 million increase above the executive proposal;
• $208.5 million in non-MTA transit capital funding, which reflects a $84 million increase above the executive proposal;
• $39.7 million for the Marchiselli Program, which provides a local match to federal funds for local highway and bridge capital projects; and
• $100 million for State Route NY, a new grant program to reimburse cities, towns and villages for the cost of local capital projects on N.Y. or U.S. signed State Touring Routes that run through them.

The Senate Majority One-House Budget proposal includes:

• Restoring $568 million in Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance cuts and providing $385 million in additional Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance.
• Providing $150 million to be added to the base amount for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), for a total of $588 million in CHIPS funding.
• Restoring $65 million for Extreme Winter Recovery and increases this critical funding by an additional $35 million for a total of $100 million.
• Providing $100 million for an Urban Road Revitalization initiative to prioritize road repair in urbanized areas of the State.

The New York Public Transit Association NYPTA released the following statement, “We thank the members of the New York State Legislature for increasing funding for transit in the respective one house budgets so we can continue helping communities navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and build back better… We urge the Governor, Senate and Assembly to make increased funding for transit a priority in the final budget by including a 10 percent increase in transit operating assistance (STOA) and increased capital funding. Accelerating investment in transit will accelerate these benefits."

To review the full Senate Majority One-house State Budget Resolution, please visit: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/resolutions/2021/r504

To review the full Assembly One-house State Budget Resolution, please visit: https://nyassembly.gov/2021budget/?sec=assembly

FAA Releases LaGuardia AirTrain Final Environmental Impact Statement

On March 15, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the LaGuardia Airport Access Improvement Project, the proposed rail mass transit link to the new LaGuardia Airport.

This project, which draws support from a diverse group of community members, business organizations and stakeholders, stands to be a driving force for economic activity for New York City and the tri-state area as a whole, including Long Island. Equally important, the effect on the area environment will be impactful. More than 90% of LaGuardia travelers get to and from the airport by taxi or private vehicle. The AirTrain LGA is projected to serve up to 10 million riders per year. This translates to moving 28,000 cars off the road and onto public transit every single week.

The AirTrain involves construction of an approximately two-mile-long elevated rail system with three stations: two on airport and one off airport. The stations connect with the New York City Transit Subway 7 Line and the Long Island Rail Road Port Washington Branch at Mets-Willets Point. There will also be passenger walkways connecting to the LGA Central Hall, which provides access to Terminal B and C, parking garages, public transportation, and ground transportation facilities.

The FAA held virtual online workshops and hearings on the Draft EIS during September 2020, with the public comment period ending October 5, 2020. The meetings had a combined viewership of over 18,000 people and the public provided over 4,200 comments.  The FEIS contains responses to the comments received. Additionally, eighteen different federal, state and local agencies provided input throughout the EIS process based on their expertise and authorities.

The FAA looked at 47 alternatives, more than half of which were identified by the public during scoping for the EIS. The alternatives were evaluated to see if they met the purpose and need of the proposed action and if they would be reasonable to construct and operate.

In the FEIS, the FAA reaffirmed its endorsement of the Port Authority’s proposed alignment as its preferred alternative based on the FAA’s independent and comprehensive review of the project and all alternatives.

According to a Port Authority spokesperson, “Based on the final EIS, more than 75 percent of all the comments filed supported the project moving forward and, of those who expressed an opinion in support of or opposed to the project during the FAA’s public comment process, more than 90 percent supported the project.”

The final step comes in the spring of 2021 with the FAA’s release of its Record of Decision. If the FAA approves the project, construction of the AirTrain is expected to begin in June 2021 and be completed in December 2025.

Kudos to all involved in pushing this valuable project forward.

The FEIS can be viewed here.

Report Card for National Infrastructure Released

Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) prepares a ‘Report Card’ for America’s Infrastructure, depicting the condition and performance of American infrastructure in the familiar form of a school report card—assigning letter grades based on the physical condition and needed investments for improvement.

In 2021, America's infrastructure scores a C minus.

Founded in 1852, ASCE is the nation’s oldest engineering society, representing more than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries. ASCE provides technical and professional conferences and continuing education, publishes civil engineering content, and is a source for codes and standards in the field of civil engineering.

The 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure reveals, according to ASCE, the country has made some incremental progress toward restoring our nation’s infrastructure. For the first time in 20 years, America’s infrastructure is out of the D range.

The 2021 grades range from a B in rail to a D minus in transit. Five category grades — aviation, drinking water, energy, inland waterways, and ports — went up, while just one category — bridges — went down. Stormwater infrastructure received its first grade: a disappointing D. Overall, eleven category grades were stuck in the D range.

The 17 categories graded include: Aviation D+; Bridges C; Broadband (no grade); Dams D; Drinking Water C-; Energy C-; Hazardous Waste D+; Inland Waterways D+; Levees D; Public Parks D+; Ports B-; Rail B; Roads D; Schools D+; Solid Waste C+; Stormwater D; Transit D-; Wastewater D+.

According to ASCE, three trends are noteworthy:

• Maintenance backlogs continue to be an issue, but asset management helps prioritize limited funding. Sectors like transit and wastewater have staggering maintenance deficits, but developing a clear picture of where the available funding is most needed improves overall system performance and public safety. The drinking water sector, for example, has embraced asset management and new technology to pinpoint leaks and target repairs.
• State and local governments have made progress. Federal investment, when available, has also positively impacted certain categories. Thirty-seven states have raised their gas tax to fund critical transportation investments since 2010. Ninety-eight percent of local infrastructure ballot initiatives passed in November 2020. At least 25 major cities and states now have chief resilience officers. These improvements were made by elected officials from both sides of the aisle and with strong voter support. Meanwhile, categories like ports, drinking water, and inland waterways have been the beneficiaries of increased federal funding.
• There are still infrastructure sectors where data is scarce or unreliable. Sectors like school facilities, levees, and stormwater still suffer from a lack of robust condition information or inventory of assets. To target investments and allocate funding, routine, reliable data should be the standard.

ASCE reports, while the nation’s infrastructure earned a C- in the 2021 Infrastructure Report Card, New York faces infrastructure challenges of its own. For example, driving on roads in need of repair in New York costs each driver $625 per year, and 9.9% of bridges are rated structurally deficient. Drinking water needs in New York are an estimated $22.8 billion. 424 dams are considered to be high-hazard potential. The state’s schools have an estimated capital expenditure gap of $2.91 billion.

ASCE concludes, “This deteriorating infrastructure impedes New York’s ability to compete in an increasingly global marketplace. Success in a 21st-century economy requires serious, sustained leadership on infrastructure investment at all levels of government. Delaying these investments only escalates the cost and risks of an aging infrastructure system, an option that the country, New York, and families can no longer afford.”

ASCE urges bold leadership and action, sustained investment, and a focus on resilience to raise the national infrastructure grade over the next four years, so that every American family, community, and business can thrive.

You can access the entire report here.

Southwest Pushing for One Million Acts of Kindness

In Southwest Airlines’ 50th year, it is coming together with its employees from across the country to inspire one million Acts of Kindness.

Southwest is inviting customers, communities, partners, and friends to join in the call to put our collective Heart in Action to inspire, champion, and share kindness and compassion around the world.

Some ways to put Heart in Action is to organize a day of service (virtual or in person) with your membership; encourage members to sign Southwest’s Kindness Pledge; incorporate an Acts of Kindness element into your annual programming or events; share resources by donating Rapid Rewards points to charities in Southwest’s Points for a Purpose Program; or by making a donation to Southwest’s 50th Anniversary beneficiaries.

Visit southwest50.com/actsofkindness to find ways you can help inspire and spread kindness around the world and to take the Southwest Kindness Pledge:

I pledge to spark acts of kindness—one at a time, sprinkling compassion around the world.
I will practice hospitality, making people feel welcomed, cared for, and appreciated.
I will treat others with courtesy, politeness, and respect.
I will do little things, because little things make a big difference.
I commit to putting my Heart in Action, sharing a smile and a little bit of love to make someone’s day a little brighter.

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 connected with some of our friends in the Village of Farmingdale for the latest Long Island Main Street News interview with Joseph Garcia from the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce and Dave Saul from Marketing Masters.

The theme of the show was marketing local downtowns and Mr. Garcia opened up with how he pitches the community as both the Chamber's President and a realtor.  Mr. Saul shared how he promotes Village of Farmingdale events and other strategies.  They both walked us through how they managed to help local businesses with promotion through the Coronavirus and spoke about upcoming goals for the balance of the year.

These are two fantastic leaders helping the Village manage through the regulations and shutdowns and both care deeply about their community.  

Check it out here.

The next edition of the Long Island Main Street Alliance interviews featured Andrew Zucaro from Zucaro Construction. 

Mr. Zucaro shared his experience of building commercial, retail, multifamily and mixed use development through the years.  Many of Mr. Zucaro's projects have won Smart Growth Awards including his most recent project with Landtek in the Village of Amityville Village by the Bay.

We also had a robust conversation about the land use development process working with local Towns and Villages as well.  

Check it out here.

Our next edition of Long Island Main Street News featured Sean Cronin from Cronin and Cronin, who are attorneys who specialize in taxes, real estate and financial guidance.

Mr. Cronin shared information on the tax assessment challenges in Nassau County, how IDA's work and the varying economic viability of different sectors of the real estate market.  What was pretty astounding was Mr. Cronin's ability to make issues as complicated mundane as our tax assessment system understandable for over 30 minutes. 

Great interview.

Check it out here.

This edition of Long Island Main Street News connected us with Dylan Skolnik from Cinema Arts in Huntington.

Mr. Skolnik shared info on his beloved theatre that has been a staple for independent cinema for decades.  He also spoke to the challenges and adaptation that his theatre and all movie houses are experiencing through the Coronavirus.

Great to have Mr. Skolnik join us and please continue to support his work through their fantastic virtual programs or in person once they re-open.  You can get information on their status at https://cinemaartscentre.org..

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, March 22nd
Julie Lyon, Westbury Arts

Tuesday, March 23rd
Diane Burke, East End Arts, Riverhead

Wednesday, March 24th
Hon. Vicki Walsh, Councilwoman, Town of Oyster Bay

Thursday, March 25th
Dan Flanzig, New York Bicycling Coalition

Friday, March 26th
Giovanny Guerrero, Salvation Army Freeport

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.

The federal government has increased the weekly supply, but New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. Starting next week, local health departments will also receive vaccine allocations for these individuals. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:

• Doctor's letter, or
• Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
• Signed certification

A reminder: Appointments are based on vaccine supply. Supply is currently limited.

Eligibility update, March 1st 2021: Vaccine eligibility has been expanded to public facing hotel worker, food banks and pantries, and home-delivered meal programs.

New York is currently vaccinating what they are referring to as Phase 1a and Phase 1b groups. Please head to the state's website here to confirm if you are eligible for vaccination.

YouOffice to Host Small Business Pop-Up on March 20th

Small business owners in Glen Cove have a variety of options when considering where to keep their office. One unique opportunity is found at YouOffice of Glen Cove. YouOffice, which sits in the heart of the Glen Cove business community, surrounded by shops and restaurants, offers boutique office suites and coworking space which cater to small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups.

On Saturday, March 20th, from 2 PM to 5 PM at 50 Glen Street, YouOffice is hosting a Small Business Pop-Up, featuring a diverse selection of small businesses found on Long Island. There will be businesses specializing in fashion, art, vintage, wellness, beauty, home decor, jewelry, artisanal foods, crafts, local services and more.

YouOffice is also hosting a giveaway for vendors. Each vendor will have an opportunity to win a suite in the building for 6 months free of charge. 

For more information visit hello@youoffice.com.

The INN’s Curbside Food Drive Returns on March 20th

The INN was founded in 1983 as a single soup kitchen run by a small group of concerned volunteers. Working at a church in Hempstead, the volunteers discovered that not only were there large numbers of hungry people on Long Island, but that individuals working together could make a difference in their lives.

What began as a tiny seed quickly grew as other communities discovered that hungry people existed in their community, too. As word spread of the success of the Hempstead soup kitchen, The INN became a magnet for individuals who wanted to help those who were hungry in their own communities. Soon after the Hempstead soup kitchen began operations, others opened up Long Island wide.

From this simple start and through the vision and determination of a small group of dedicated volunteers, The INN has grown to become the largest private social service agency of its kind on Long Island.

The INN’s goal is to transform lives by addressing hunger, homelessness and profound poverty through awareness, action and generosity.

Here’s one way we all can help.

The INN, at 100 Madison Avenue, Hempstead, is holding its next no-contact food drive, to collect the most needed items for guests of the Mary Brennan INN soup kitchen, on March 20th, from 10 AM to 12 PM.

Most needed items include: Canned meats, Canned tuna, Canned soup, Canned stews, Canned vegetables and fruit, Dry soup, Peanut butter, Jelly (no glass), Travel-size toiletries, Hot and cold cereals, Rice, Powdered milk, Pasta, Canned beans, Baby food & cereal (glass jars accepted), Baby formula.

All donations are appreciated!

Call 516.732.6009 with question. You can find more information here.

15th Annual Latina Hat Luncheon - Wednesday, June 9th, 2021

Founded in 1988, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was established to serve the needs of the Long Island minority owned small business community. Through an array of networking events, members have an opportunity to make contacts necessary to help their businesses thrive. One such event, the Latina Hat Luncheon, is one of its best attended events, where attendees can be honored based on their work for the community and professional achievements.

Last year, the LIHCC, along with other non-profit organizations, were forced to cancel all in-person events due to COVID-19. This caused many individuals, business, and nonprofit organizations, including the LIHCC, to suffer deep financial losses.

The LIHCC has continued to fulfill its mission to service the minority business community by offering informational webinars related to COVID-19 updates, such as PPP loan information and where to get personal protective equipment (PPE). The Chamber is also continuing its yearly toy drive to benefit the victims of the 2020 Hurricanes in Honduras.

With the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and restrictions being eased, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is moving ahead with planning the Latina Hat Luncheon. The Chamber is optimistic that by June 2021, it will be able to host this luncheon with limited in person capacity.

The LIHCC's biggest priority is the safety and well-being of its members, sponsors, and staff. The event will follow the guidelines provided by the CDC, federal, and local authorities.

The 15th Annual Latina Hat Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 9th, 2021. Contact their office at (516) 333-0105 or email at admin@lihcc.org for tickets and sponsorship packages.

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.

PPP Webinars & Workshops Offered by Asset Enhancement Solutions

To assist members of Associations, Chambers of Commerce, etc., Asset Enhancement Solutions is offering a complimentary 2 session webinar on how to apply for a PPP Loan.

Session #1   
Everything you want to know about a PPP Loan, but are afraid to ask. Participants are educated about PPP Loans and advised on the exact information and documentation they need to collect in order to apply online during the 2nd webinar, which is an Application Workshop.

Session #2 
Workshop on Zoom where applicants will be assisted in completing a PPP Loan application online, as applicants watch professionals complete the same application. Applicants will be able to obtain assistance during the application workshop.

Many are still unaware they may be eligible for a PPP Loan, which may be up to 100% forgiven.

For more information, contact Neil Seiden at (516) 767-0100 or neil.seiden@assetenhancement.com
www.assetenhancement.com

Deadline to access loan is March 31, 2021.

National Grid Offers New Energy-Smart Programs

Businesses know the importance of being energy-smart. Lower energy costs, reduced maintenance, increased productivity and contributing to a healthier environment are just some of the benefits of energy efficiency.

National Grid’s Energy Efficiency team has been creating programs and designing enhanced incentives to help its commercial and industrial customers implement and attain latest best practices in energy efficiency for all types of projects in order to offer cost-effective energy efficiency measures, incentive levels, and turnkey pricing for lighting and other projects.

Programs include:

• High-Efficiency Natural Gas Heating Equipment Rebates
• No-Cost Water Saving Products
• Engineering Studies and Custom Projects
• One-Pipe Steam System Retrofitting Program
• Rebates on Commercial Kitchen Energy-Efficient Equipment

National Grid offers a sundry of industrial tips and savings content to identify smart, low-cost ways for businesses to take advantage of cost-effective energy efficiency measures.

You can read more about these programs here.

New York State Homes & Community Renewal Community Development Block Grants

The New York State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides financial assistance to cities, towns and villages with populations under 50,000 and counties with area populations under 200,000.

Communities may apply for grant funds to support quality affordable housing and economic opportunities. CDBG funding must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income New Yorkers through housing activities; projects that create job opportunities; prevent or eliminate blight; or address community development needs that pose a serious and imminent threat to the community’s health or welfare.

Grants are currently available to support housing projects and economic development and small business activities.

• Eligibility: Cities, towns and villages located in non-entitlement areas with a population under 50,000 and counties with an unincorporated population of under 200,000 are eligible to apply for CDBG funding. Eligible applicants must be in substantial compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations and executive orders that pertain to the CDBG program.
• Housing Grants: Housing grants are available for housing rehabilitation, down payment assistance and manufactured housing replacement.
• Funding: $10 million available, with a maximum of $500,000 for cities, towns and villages and a maximum of $1 million for counties.
• Deadline:  April 9, 2021
• Economic Development Grants: Economic development grants are available to support business expansion, must create or retain jobs.
• Funding: Limits vary based on proposed activity.
• Deadline:  Open application, rolling awards.
• Contact: OCRinfo@nyshcr.org

You can find more information here.

Salvation Army Hempstead Offering Assistance with Foreclosure Prevention Grants

The Salvation Army Hempstead Citadel Corps has been serving the Hempstead and surrounding communities for over 55 years. The Salvation Army is dedicated to “Doing the Most Good.” Efforts include everything from helping with food insecurity, to homelessness, child protection, disaster relief, anti-trafficking, rehabilitation, poverty relief and so much more.

In December of 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020. The Act placed a moratorium on residential evictions until May 1, 2021 for tenants who have endured COVID-related hardship.

The Salvation Army is now reaching out to all Nassau County residents advising that ESG-CV grants will be available, once the moratorium is lifted, for those who are faced with difficulty paying rent due to COVID-19. This grant, unlike other rental assistant grants, will also be available to undocumented immigrants.

According to The Salvation Army, “It is our desire to assist effectively and prepare well as we anticipate the moratorium to expire on May 1, 2021.”

Please call for more information: ESG-CV Case Manager, Mia L. Baines, at 516-485-4900, ext. 11.

Application period for the 2021 AARP Community Challenge Now Open

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Applications are accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more.

The program is open to the following types of programs:

• 501(C)(3), 501(C)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits
• Government entities
• Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis

The following projects are NOT eligible for funding:

• Partisan, political or election-related activities
• Planning activities and assessments and surveys of communities without tangible engagement
• Studies with no follow-up action
• Publication of books or reports
• Acquisition of land and/or buildings or a vehicle purchase
• Sponsorships of other organizations’ events or activities
• Research and development for a nonprofit endeavor
• Research and development for a for-profit endeavor
• The promotion of a for-profit entity and/or its products and services

AARP will prioritize projects that deliver inclusive solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations, as well as those that directly engage volunteers through permanent or temporary solutions that aim to achieve one or more of the following outcome areas:

• Create vibrant Public Places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.
• Deliver a range of Transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.
• Support a range of Housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices
• Increase Civic Engagement and demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion
• Support local recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic with an emphasis on economic development, improvements to public spaces and transportation services
• Ensure a focus on Diversity and Inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community
• Other community improvements. In addition to these areas of focus, AARP wants to hear about local needs and innovative ideas for addressing them

The following project types will be prioritized over those that support ongoing programming or events:

• Permanent physical improvements in the community
• Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change
• New, innovative programming or services

You can read more details on the grant at the AARP’s site here.  You can apply for the grant here.

Applications are due by 8pm ET on April 14th, 2021.

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.

Our Sponsor

H2M Architects + Engineers

H2M is a multi-disciplined professional consulting and design firm. With a long history of client service, they consistently meet tough architectural, engineering, and environmental challenges head on.  From treatment facilities to firehouses, from land surveying to road reconstruction, and from site assessment to remediation, the firm has helped design and build many communities.

At H2M they’re more than just the services they provide.  They are a team of over 400 professionals with the knowledge, ability, and desire to create something truly impressive.