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

April 2nd, 2021

Quote of the Week

	“The Town of Riverhead is entering a period of unprecedented economic renaissance. We have not seen this level of positive interest from the private sector, the community, as well as support from all levels of government in at least 20 years. In closing, I want to thank the entire Town Board for working cooperatively towards our mutual goal of seeing a fully revitalized downtown.  I am confident that if we continue to work as a team, Riverhead’s economic resurgence will be quicker and stronger than ever.” - Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Aguiar
	“Our intent is to make Westbury’s downtown the most attractive downtown in all of Long Island.” - Village of Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro
	"Small business owners have it hard enough, so when it comes to state regulations, we should do everything we can to help small business owners to know the rules and help them to stay in compliance. By requiring state agencies to put regulatory information in one place, and making it easy to navigate, we can help small business owners to get the resources they need without wasting time or money." - NYS Senator Anna Kaplan

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Town of Riverhead Releases RFP for Transit Oriented Development

Vision and LI Main Street Alliance members were out last Friday in downtown Riverhead by the train station announcing a RFP for redevelopment around the station area.  This request offers a great opportunity to add to the revitalization efforts underway as we head towards recovery from Coronavirus regulations.

Supervisor Yvette Aguiar said the revitalization of downtown Riverhead is taking another significant step forward with the promotion of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to foster the development of a Transportation Oriented Development (TOD) project.

“The creation of a Transportation Oriented Development at the Riverhead Railroad station will vastly increase public transportation options to live, work and play in downtown Riverhead and beyond,” Supervisor Aguiar said.

Riverhead was awarded New York State grant funding several years ago to create the plan, adopt new zoning and issue an RFQ for a developer for the project. “The plan, in part, involves the Town leveraging the train station surface parking lot for a new mixed use TOD development that we are confident will transform this long blighted area,” Community Development Director Dawn Thomas said.

Aguiar praised the entire Town Board for once again advancing downtown revitalization forward despite the 2020 pandemic. Combined with the Town Square, the TOD will transform the downtown business district into a thriving regional hub, according to the Supervisor.  She also expressed her appreciation to New York State and Suffolk County for being enthusiastic financial supporters of the revitalization of Downtown Riverhead.

“The Town of Riverhead is entering a period of unprecedented economic renaissance,” she said. “We have not seen this level of positive interest from the private sector, the community, as well as support from all levels of government in at least 20 years. In closing, I want to thank the entire Town Board for working cooperatively towards our mutual goal of seeing a fully revitalized downtown.  I am confident that if we continue to work as a team, Riverhead’s economic resurgence will be quicker and stronger than ever.”

Attendees and speakers at the Friday press event included: Mark Woolley, District Director for Congressman Lee Zeldin; NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo; NYS Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio; Suffok County Legislator Al Krupski; Kevin Law, Long Island Association (LIA) President; Eric Alexander, Vision Long Island Director & Founder LI Main Street Alliance; Steven Shauger, BIDMA President / Hyatt Place Long Island, General Manager; Bob Kern, Riverhead Chamber of Commerce President; Bryan DeLuca, Long Island Aquarium Executive Director; Cailin Kaller, Long Island Science Museum Director; Councilman Frank Beyrodt; Councilman Tim Hubbard; Councilwoman Catherine Kent; Councilman Ken Rothwell; NYS Empire State Development—Brian Scripture and Jenna DiMarco; Diane Burke, East End Arts Council Executive Director

Westbury TOD Zoning Attracts Terwilliger & Bartone Properties

Terwilliger & Bartone Properties will soon be submitting an application to the Village of Westbury to transform the industrial parcel at 461 Railroad Avenue to build a four-story, 72-unit rental building to be called Cornerstone at Westbury.

The Village of Westbury successfully passed sweeping changes to its zoning code in December of 2019, allowing for more transit-oriented development for approximately 50 acres of land next to the Westbury LIRR station. The Village was the first community on Long Island to receive a $10 million New York State Downtown Revitalization grant. The Terwilliger & Bartone $25 million transit-oriented apartment complex is the first redevelopment project emerging utilizing Westbury’s new downtown zoning.

“We’re likely going to be the first application under the new zoning,” Terwilliger & Bartone principal Anthony Bartone tells LIBN. The proposed Cornerstone at Westbury will bring a mix of mostly studio- and one-bedroom apartments and a handful of two-bedroom units. There will also be four micro-units of about 450 square feet.

The project, to be built about 1,000 feet from the Westbury LIRR station, is being designed by Glen Cherveny of Islandia-based GRCH Architecture. Matt Aylward of R&M Engineering in Huntington will serve as site and civil engineer and Andrew Saggese of Ronkonkoma-based Emtec Consulting Engineers will handle the mechanical engineering, LIBN reports.

Down the block from the proposed Terwilliger & Bartone site, the MTA is in the process of reviewing proposals for a 99-year ground lease to build mixed-use multifamily residential and public open space with retail or commercial elements on 1.6 acres of underutilized property which it owns on the south side of the train station. This undertaking hopes to generate revenue for the Village by creating jobs and expanding the tax base, while also being lucrative to the MTA.

“Our intent is to make Westbury’s downtown the most attractive downtown in all of Long Island,” Village of Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro has stated.

Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance adds, “One of the reasons these TOD projects will fare well is because of the hyperlocal focus and local groups that came out to support the zoning code, including: the Westbury Arts Council, Westbury BID, and local religious institutions such as the Islamic Center of LI and many local residents and business.”

You can read more about this in Long Island Business News.

Pink Tie Delivers to Greenport

The Pink Tie Delivers team headed out to the Village of Greenport for a delivery to CAST (Community Action in Southold Town) food pantry today.

Looking at the awesome downtown in Greenport as the tourist destination it is even during an off season you can’t help contrast that with the lines that were already forming for food when we arrived at the organizations pantry.

As you look at how you can spend your time and money on local charitable endeavors please consider joining this Pink Tie initiative.  

We will be delivering to Westbury/New Cassel today and weekly to pantries across LI 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

Small Business Regulatory Assistance Bill Passes NY State Senate

The New York State Senate recently passed legislation, introduced by Senator Anna M. Kaplan (D-Great Neck) that will help small businesses to stay compliant with regulations and allow small business owners to provide feedback to agencies about the potential impact of such regulations on their business.

This bill will create an interactive online portal to help small business owners comply with regulations and provide feedback to agencies.

According to the National Small Business Association, more than half of small businesses report spending over $2,000 annually dealing with state and local regulations, and 30% of small business owners spend 40 or more hours each year dealing with state and local regulations. The bill seeks to reduce the time and expense that New York's small business owners currently spend on regulatory compliance.

Senator Anna Kaplan said, "Small business owners have it hard enough, so when it comes to state regulations, we should do everything we can to help small business owners to know the rules and help them to stay in compliance. By requiring state agencies to put regulatory information in one place, and making it easy to navigate, we can help small business owners to get the resources they need without wasting time or money."

The bill, S.28, will require state agencies with a substantial regulatory impact on small businesses to establish and maintain a section on its website to be designated the "small business regulatory nexus" of the agency. The nexus shall include the following information (or direct links to such information):

• The rules of the agency, identifying the applicability of any such rules to specific categories of small businesses or local governments.
• Any regulation guides posted by the agency.
• All guidance documents posted on the agency website that apply to small businesses and local governments.
• Each current proposed, revised or emergency rule for which an RFA (regulatory flexibility analysis) has been issued or is being prepared.
• The most recent regulatory agenda published by the agency (if any), identifying rules under development or currently under review that relate to small businesses or local governments.
• A plain language summary of the agency's adjudicatory proceedings applicable to small businesses or local governments, and any streamlined optional adjudicatory proceedings for small businesses adopted by the agency.
• A description of any compliance assistance program offered by the agency to small businesses or local governments, and of any such programs that are known by the agency to be offered by other state, local or Federal agencies to categories of small businesses or local governments impacted by the regulations of the agency.
• Any other information that the agency deems useful to small businesses or local government.

You can read the bill text here.

$2.25 Trillion Infrastructure and Tax Proposed by Biden Administration

On March 31, President Biden outlined a massive $2.25 trillion infrastructure proposal, termed the American Jobs Plan. In a speech on Wednesday afternoon, President Biden described his plan as a transformative effort to overhaul the nation’s economy. “This is not a plan that tinkers around the edges. It is a once-in-a-generation investment in America, unlike anything we’ve done since we built the Interstate Highway System and the Space Race,” President Biden said.

This eight-year initiative is a sweeping plan aimed at pumping money into transportation, renewable energy, manufacturing and efforts to combat climate change. The White House plans to pay for this package by raising the corporate tax rate to 28% from 21%, and increasing the global minimum tax on U.S. corporations to 21% from 13%.

The plan dedicates $620 billion for transportation; $650 billion for initiatives tied to improving quality of life at home, like clean water and high-speed broadband; $580 billion for strengthening American manufacturing; and $400 billion to address improved care for the elderly and people with disabilities.

As reported by Bloomberg, here are some key elements in the plan:

Transportation: $620 billion for transportation, includes $115 billion to improve bridges, highways, roads; $20 billion for road safety; $85 billion to modernize public transportation systems; $80 billion for Amtrak; $25 billion for airports; $17 billion for ports, inland waterways and ferries; and $20 billion for transportation projects for disadvantaged communities.

Electric Vehicles: $174 billion to electric vehicles, including sale rebates and tax incentives for consumers to buy American-made cars; provides grants to state and local governments and the private sector for 500,000 charging stations by 2030; and funds to electrify school buses and federal vehicles such as Postal Service trucks.

Research and Development: $180 billion to upgrade the country’s research infrastructure and labs at universities and federal agencies. The funding would also be directed toward climate-science research and addressing gender and racial inequalities in the science, math and technology fields.

Manufacturing Boost: $300 billion initiative to boost American manufacturing; $50 billion in semiconductor manufacturing and research; $50 billion for the National Science Foundation to create a technology directorate; and $50 billion to create a new office at the Department of Commerce dedicated to monitoring domestic industrial capacity and funding investments to support production of critical goods.

Workforce Development: $100 billion for workforce-development programs, including training for those who have lost their jobs, as well as apprenticeship initiatives.

Electric Grid: $100 billion to build a more resilient electric grid, including a 10-year extension and phase-down of an expanded, refundable investment tax credit and production tax credit for renewable energy generation and storage; high labor standards and allowing workers on the projects to join unions and bargain collectively. The goal is to move toward 100% carbon-pollution free power by 2035. The plan also directs $16 billion to clean up abandoned mines and gas wells.

Carbon Capture: The plan would create 10 carbon-capture facilities retrofitted in large steel, cement and chemical production facilities; expand the bipartisan Section 45Q tax credit for carbon capture, making it refundable and easier to claim; and $10 billion would be spent on a Civilian Climate Corps.

Clean Water: $45 billion to eliminate lead pipes nationwide; $56 billion in grants and low-cost loans to states, tribes, territories and disadvantaged communities to improve water systems; and $10 billion to bolster rural-well and waste-water systems.

Broadband Internet: $100 billion to bring high-speed broadband internet to all Americans. The plan also includes measures to make pricing more transparent and competitive and includes short-term subsidies for low-income households.

Housing: $213 billion to build and renovate more than two million affordable homes and includes tax credits to build housing for low-income families and $40 billion for public housing.

Schools, Child Care: $100 billion to improve public school buildings, with $50 billion in direct grants and an additional $50 billion leveraged through bonds; $12 billion for community-college facilities and technology; and $25 billion to upgrade child-care facilities and provide incentives for employers to offer on-site child care.
Elder Care, VA Hospitals: $400 billion for housing and care for the elderly and people with disabilities; and $18 billion for the modernization of Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics.

Corporate Tax Hikes: Raise the corporate tax levy to 28% from 21%; and institute a 15% minimum tax on a corporation’s profits for financial-reporting purposes, preventing companies from racking up tax breaks to whittle down their tax bill to nothing.

International Taxes: Impose a minimum tax on the profits U.S. corporations earn overseas, increasing the rate to 21% from the roughly 13%. It also includes several measures that would penalize companies that move assets and jobs offshore and eliminates current preferences to book profits overseas.

Eliminate Oil, Gas Tax Breaks: Eliminate all tax preferences for the oil and gas industry and require companies that pollute to pay into the Superfund Trust Fund to cover the cost of fuel-related cleanup.

IRS Audits: Provide additional funding for the Internal Revenue Service to increase audits on corporations.

You can read the Bloomberg article here.  Find White House’s The American Jobs Plan Fact Sheet here.

SBA to Increase Lending Limit for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.

“More than 3.7 million businesses employing more than 20 million people have found financial relief through SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which provide low-interest emergency working capital to help save their businesses. However, the pandemic has lasted longer than expected, and they need larger loans. Many have called on SBA to remove the $150,000 cap. We are here to help our small businesses and that is why I’m proud to more than triple the amount of funding they can access,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.

Businesses that receive a loan subject to the current limits do not need to submit a request for an increase at this time.  SBA will reach out directly via email and provide more details about how businesses can request an increase closer to the April 6 implementation date.  Any new loan applications and any loans in process when the new loan limits are implemented will automatically be considered for loans covering 24 months of economic injury up to a maximum of $500,000.

This new relief builds on SBA’s previous March 12, 2021 announcement that the agency would extend deferment periods for all disaster loans, including COVID-19 EIDLs, until 2022 to offer more time for businesses to build back. In order to shift all EIDL payments to 2022, SBA will extend the first payment due date for disaster loans made in 2020 to 24-months from the date of the note and to 18-months from the date of the note for all loans made in the calendar year 2021.

Questions about SBA COVID-19 EIDL and disaster loan payments can be emailed toDisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or directed to SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing).

The Asphalt Art Initiative

Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative responds to the growing number of cities around the world embracing art as an effective and relatively low-cost strategy to activate their streets.

While cities incorporate art into public spaces in a variety of ways, the focus of this initiative is what we’re calling asphalt art: visual interventions on roadways (intersections and crosswalks), pedestrian spaces (plazas and sidewalks), and vertical infrastructure (utility boxes, traffic barriers and underpasses).

The Asphalt Art Initiative grant program is designed to fund visual art interventions on roadways, pedestrian spaces, and public infrastructure in U.S. cities with the goal of:

• Improving street and pedestrian safety
• Revitalizing and activating underutilized public space
• Promoting collaboration and civic engagement in local communities

Bloomberg Philanthropies will be hosting a virtual information session on applying to the Initiative on Tuesday, April 6th at 4pm ET. Our program staff will talk through the guidelines and application form and will be available to answer questions. Application open through April 30, 2021.

All U.S. cities are welcome to apply. Only one application per city will be accepted.

Project Teams may include various members (e.g., city agencies, nonprofit community or arts organizations, and/or individual artists or consultants), but must include:

• Lead City Agency: Primary government agency with oversight of the project (e.g., Department of Transportation, Cultural Affairs, or other appropriate agency). Note: If the Lead City Agency is not the government agency with jurisdiction over city streets (e.g., Department of Transportation, Public Works, etc.), then that agency must be a part of the Project Team.
• Fiscal Agent: An organization with 501(c)3 nonprofit status that can receive the grant funds and be responsible for managing the distribution and procurement required.

Site: Each application must have a site identified for the proposed asphalt art project (or sites, if multiple are feasible within the budget).

Duration: Proposed projects may be temporary (e.g., a single artwork application with plans to eventually remove faded paint) or they may be longer term with plans for repair/reapplication or a planned/proposed capital construction.

Goals & Metrics: A critical component of the Asphalt Art Initiative is to identify priority goals for each project and to make a plan for collecting metrics to determine how successful the project is at meeting those goals. Goals and metrics may differ from project to project.

Budget: Each application must include a proposed budget outlining how the grant will be expended.

You can find more details and to register for the information seminar 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.

This LI Main Street News interview saw us speaking with our friend Diane Burke from East End Arts.

Ms. Burke shared the multiple programs and impact that East End Arts plays for artists, young people and downtown redevelopment in Riverhead.   She spoke about how their programs went virtual as well and the work of the organization did not stop. 

Her work is inspiring and annual programs like their Street Painting Festival and many others are emblematic of how important this organization is to the East End. 

Check it out here.

The next edition of LI Main Street News brings us to the work of the Freeport Salvation Army center with director Giovanny Guerrero.

Mr. Guerrero shared the work of the center for seniors, families, food delivery, helping homeless and youth services.  He spoke about the increased demand through the Coronavirus regulations and some of the work accomplished to keep all the services running.

Mr. Guerrero also spoke of the way in which his life changed in answering the call to service through the Salvation Army after 9/11.   Through the Pink Tie Delivers team we have been blessed to get to know him this past year. 

Like most of the folks on the front lines serving our community his story is heartwarming and inspiring.  

Check it out here.

This interview brought us information from Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Vicki Walsh.

Councilwoman Walsh shared her journey connecting with local businesses and residents community by community around the Town as a freshman elected official.   She spoke about the work of code enforcement, Coronavirus relief and charitable endeavors from organizations in the Town.    She also covered the importance of Hicksville's train station area revitalization and voted in support of the new zoning code for the district.

Speaking with the Councilwoman you are glad to see her act as a liaison for many residents and businesses to see the public engaged with local services. 

Check it out here.

Our most recent edition of LI Main Street News brings us to Dan Flanzig from the New York Bicycle Coalition.

Mr. Flanzig shared with us the advocacy work he has done over the last few years in coalition with other groups and his project work in the Village of Sea Cliff. His passion and expertise fighting for safe walkable and bikeable roadways make him an asset to the movement.  

heck 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. Our upcoming schedule includes:

Monday, April 5th
James Bonner, NY Atlantic Railways

Tuesday, April 6th
Dr. Gail Lamberta, St. Joseph’s College

Wednesday, April 7th
Hon. Ed Werheim, Supervisor, Town of Smithtown

Thursday, April 8th
Vanessa Lockel, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Friday, April 9th
Don Monti, Renaissance Downtowns USA

Blank Slate Media Presents: Saving Our Downtowns on April 15th

Join this virtual discussion on Thursday, April 15, 2021, from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM, where informed speakers will focus on how our downtowns can continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speakers include: Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Main Street Alliance; Anthony Bartone, Managing Partner of Terwilliger & Bartone Properties; Village of Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand; Dennis Grossman, President and CEO of DMI Business Consulting Group since 198; Richard Kessel, chairman of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the Nassau County Local Economic Assistance Corporation (LEAC)

You can register and find more information for this event 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.

Long Island Coalition for the Homeless Job Opening

Project Hope Crisis Counselor - Street Outreach Worker, Amityville

This position will begin as a full time Crisis Counselor position working under a Project Hope contract, and may or may not include direct street outreach. It will convert to a full time Street Outreach work upon completion of the Project Hope contract around mid-June.

Crisis Counselor: Responsible for providing crisis counseling to individuals, households and groups experiencing crisis as a result of COVID-19 and provide supports, including linkages to essential services, benefits, and more in-depth mental health counseling as necessary and appropriate. Crisis counselors will work with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless’ Coordinated Entry Team and support housing-focused case management for households experiencing long-term homelessness either living on the street or living in shelter. Outreach will be assigned and targeted based regional needs related to the areas which have been most impacted by COVID and having households that have the highest levels of vulnerability and most significant barriers to exiting homelessness on their own. Crisis Counselors must be highly mobile (personal vehicle w/ reimbursed mileage) and will be assigned households that are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in Suffolk counties. Community Crisis Counselors will be responsible for hotline monitoring, referrals and support, homelessness diversion and community outreach and education in addition to crisis counseling

Street Outreach: Responsible for providing housing-focused street outreach and case management targeted for single adults experiencing long-term homelessness either living on the street or living in shelter. Street Outreach Workers will engage in community canvassing, partnered outreach, and coordination with partners to identify and engage all persons experiencing homelessness that are residing unsheltered. Street Outreach Workers must be highly mobile and will have access to a Street Outreach van for transport of clients. Engagements focus around direct and person-centered support in obtaining necessary documentation/applying for various housing programs, as well as connecting households to other services that relate to housing placement and housing retention and health and safety, such as employment, entitlements/benefits, medical/clinical services, linkages to care coordination, budgeting and credit, legal, and other services for which they are eligible and interested in. Street Outreach Workers will work as a supervised/guided team of direct care workers, comprised of staff focused on street outreach and shelter inreach. This team collectively provides referrals for permanent housing programs (permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing), including programs funded through HUD, NYS Office of Mental Health, nursing home programs, housing choice voucher programs, and other housing that meets each household’s needs and preferences.

Essential Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

· Provide direct outreach and follow up to clients
· Document all client information and engagements in HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) database
· Ensure completion and submission of various housing applications as applicable
· Connect clients to all available services that directly assists with obtaining and remaining in permanent housing
· Provide transportation to clients as necessary to access housing and services
· Assist in the coordination of housing intakes, move-ins and transition support
· Completion of phone screenings and assessments
· Homeless diversion (problem solving)/service triage supports
· Weekly case conferencing/team meetings
· Weekly case review/supervision

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and two years’ experience (internships or volunteer work acceptable); or a related human services field or a minimum of three years’ related experience in human services arena preferred; strong organizational skills; possesses effective verbal and written communication skills; working knowledge of computer database applications (Foothold AWARDS - preferred, Access, Client or Customer databases of accounting database software) or ability to learn quickly. Must have a clean driver’s license and personal vehicle are required for this position.

Must have a commitment to organization’s mission and goals. Must be self-motivated; must be able to work effectively with diverse people and personalities and as a member of a team. Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred. Experience/knowledge in trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing a plus.
This position will require local travel as needed. A clean Driver’s License and private vehicle is required for this position.

Benefits after probationary period will be available. These include paid time off (vacation, holiday, sick, personal), medical insurance for the employee (premium paid by LICH), Dental and Vision insurance optional, Life Insurance for the employee and Simple IRA plan (with employer match).

Interested parties should submit a resume and salary requirements via email to mgiuffrida@addressthehomeless.org. Please do not call the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless regarding this position. Questions should be submitted via email only.

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.

NEW DEADLINE EXTENSION: SBA HAS ANNOUNCED THAT APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNITIL MAY 31st!

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

NEW DEADLINE EXTENSION: SBA HAS ANNOUNCED THAT APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNITIL MAY 31st!

Citi Foundation Small Business Technical Assistance Request for Proposals

The Citi Foundation aims to support nonprofit organizations providing direct technical assistance to small businesses owned by people of color that have been disproportionately impacted by the health, social and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Selected organizations will receive up to $500,000 in unrestricted funding through this grant.

Eligibility: Applicant organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Federal Employer Identification Number, as well as three years of audited financial statements. Organizations should have a mission to serve low- and moderate-income individuals and communities and provide direct technical assistance to small businesses owned by people of color that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including a current portfolio of small business technical assistance that falls within one or more of Citi Foundation’s target geographies. Targeted areas include the following counties: Bronx; Kings; Nassau; New York; Queens; Richmond; Rockland; Suffolk; Westchester.

Funding: Up to $500,000 per award in one-year, unrestricted grant support.

Deadline: April 12, 2021

“We are happy to see actual corporate philanthropy reach Long Island,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance, “and we’re happy to see these kinds of grants for small businesses that are most in need during these tough times. Kudos to Citi Foundation for its commitment to small business.”

Contact Email: citifoundationrfp@citi.com
Website: https://www.citigroup.com/citi/foundation/programs/smallbusiness.htm
Application link: https://citi.fluxx.io/apply/sbta

New Funding from PSEG Now Available for a Limited Time

John Keating, Manager of Economic Development for PSEG Long Island, announced during a Long Island Main Street Alliance virtual meeting on Tuesday, March 23rd, that PSEG is again initiating its very successful Chamber of Commerce and BID grant program.

“These are very unusual times, and PSEG is trying to come up with programs that benefit small business,” Mr. Keating stated. “Last year PSEG was able to offer up to $5,000 grants to about 26 different Chambers and BIDs. We felt it was very worthwhile and we were able to help small businesses in downtowns to set up shopping and restaurant areas outdoors, which we saw as the lifeline for small business.”

“Since it was such a successful program, PSEG has agreed to offer it again,” Mr. Keating announced. “Even if you participated and got a grant last year, you can apply this year. This is a new round, new funding. Last year we ended up funded up to $120,000 and we anticipate being in the same ballpark this year.”

As businesses begin or continue to develop outdoor commercial spaces, they may qualify for a PSEG Long Island grant of up to $5,000 to reimburse the purchase of materials including, but not limited to:

• Barricades and/or planter style barricades
• Clothing racks
• Durable safety materials
• Limited amount of signage in support of outdoor dining/commerce, specifically to support and encourage participation in business openings. Signage funding is limited to 20% of total grant up to $1,000.
• Outdoor seating, tables, patio heaters and lighting

Funding is limited and available first come, first served. Applications will be accepted until June 1, 2021. Eligible grantees include Chambers of Commerce and Business Improvement Districts. Pre-approval is required and purchases must be made by a Chamber of Commerce or Business Improvement District. Marketing and promotional expenses and rentals of any kind of equipment do not qualify under this program. There is talk about use enhancements of this grant, check the PSEG website for any changes.

“We are happy to see the impact of actual corporate philanthropy on Long Island," stated Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance, “and we are happy to see these kinds of programs for small businesses that are most in need during these tough times. Kudos to PSEG for its commitment to Long Island’s downtowns.”

Click here to access PSEG loan application and information: https://www.psegliny.com/inthecommunity/revitalization/chambers

SBA Launches Portal to Begin Accepting Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Applications

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

“Help is here for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA has worked diligently to build the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program from the ground up to assist and address the diverse eligibility requirements of each type of applicant and we will open for applications on April 8th.” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “This vital economic aid will provide a much-needed lifeline for live venues, museums, movie theatres and many more.”.

The SVOG program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, which appropriated $15 billion for it. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, appropriated an additional $1.25 billion, bringing the program funding to a total of $16.25 billion, with more than $16 billion allocated for grants.

To ensure eligible venues do not miss a window to receive assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program, the American Rescue Plan Act also amended the SVOG program so entities that apply for a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, can also apply for an SVOG, with the eligible entity’s SVOG to be reduced by the PPP loan amount. The PPP loan applications have been updated to reflect this.

For more information, click here for the dedicated SBA SVOG portal: https://www.svograntportal.sba.gov/s/

Click here to register for the March 30th informational webinar: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/svog-application-informational-webinar-registration-147041437899

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.

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