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

June 17th, 2020

Quotes of Day

	“This property has long been a nuisance for the village, and I am thrilled to be here today to help bring a welcome revitalization that not only will add foot traffic for local businesses, but also bring the kind of smart development that strengthens the community as a whole,” Hon. Alan Beach, Mayor of Lynbrook
	“We have long heard the community’s resounding call to ‘Tear Down the Capri Motel,’ and we are thrilled to have started knocking it down today to make way for luxury new apartment-style living that will become woven into the fabric of the village community.” - Anthony Bartone, Bartone & Terwilliger
	“After seeing the success of the Village of Farmingdale campaign, we’re hopeful about the positive effect Split The Bill NY will have on our local restaurants.” - Hon. Ed Fare, Mayor of Valley Stream Village
	“Local restaurants are struggling. Split The Bill NY is a way for locals to support these restaurants and their community, in a mutually beneficial way.”- Randi Sidgmore, Founder and Director of Sidgmore Family Foundation

A message from Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance...

Helping Main Street through the
Coronavirus Shutdown

Day 94 of Coronavirus Economic Shutdown –
Wednesday June 17th, 2020

The Coronavirus economic shutdown is on day 94.   SBA’s EIDL Loans have reopened and the new regulations around the SBA PPP program have been released.   Over $100 billion is still available in the SBA PPP program and the Federal government has relaxed many rules that were a barrier to some businesses.  Many small businesses still don’t know about this opportunity and the program will close out on June 30th. 

Here are some updates:

• We had a great call with the LI Main Street Alliance yesterday and kudos to Richie Kessel Chairman of the Nassau IDA and Jon Kaiman Deputy County Executive who both share their respective County initiatives to helping Main Streets. We had over 30 different downtowns represented on the call that are working on reopening safely.

One new resource was previewed from John Keating, Director of Economic Development at PSEG for a new grant program for local Main Streets. This grant will help local businesses build their outdoor venues for dining.

PSEG Long Island is providing grants of up to $5,000 to reimburse the purchase of materials including, but not limited to:

• outdoor seating, tables and lighting
• durable safety materials
• signage

Funding is limited and is available first come, first served. Eligible grantees include Chambers of Commerce and Business Improvement Districts and will consider grants of higher amounts on a case-by-case-basis.

• This is a great opportunity for local businesses to take advantage of and kudos to PSEG Long Island for helping local during this difficult time: https://www.psegliny.com/inthecommunity/revitalization/chambers

• The LI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the LI Main Street Alliance and others are holding a bilingual seminar on SBA PPP loans on June 22nd at 11am.   Deadline to apply for these loans is June 30th.  You can register here.

• Some good news that came over Monday - for all independent contractors, gig workers etc the SBA’s EIDL loan applications are back open and a small portion of the loan is a grant that does not have to be paid back. Check it out here.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, posted a revised, user-friendly Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020. In addition to revising the full forgiveness application, the SBA also published a new “EZ” version of the forgiveness application applying to borrowers who:

Are self-employed and have no employees; OR
Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR
Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19 and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25% 
Details regarding the applicability of these provisions are available in the instructions to the new EZ application form.  Both applications give borrowers the option of using the original 8-week covered period (if their loan was made before June 5, 2020) or an extended 24-week covered period.  These changes will result in a more efficient process and make it easier for businesses to realize full forgiveness of their PPP loan. 

Click here to view the EZ Forgiveness Application.
Click here to view the Full Forgiveness Application.

• US Senator Gillibrand is Calling for a $50 Billion Child Care Stabilization Fund to Support Providers Struggling to Stay Open With Limited Revenue Due to COVID-19 Crisis
Confronting shortages of essential child care caused by the outbreak of COVID-19, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing for the inclusion of the Child Care Is Essential Act in the next coronavirus relief package. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of all child care providers have had to shut their doors and the industry faces a potential loss of more than 4 million child care slots, which would leave millions of families without access to essential child care services when normal work and life schedules resume. The Child Care Is Essential Act would establish a $50 billion Child Care Stabilization Fund to provide grants to stabilize child care providers who are open during the pandemic and would help child care providers that were forced to close to safely reopen.

•  The LIRR unveiled a new app for train times with new features.   You can check a demonstration out here….. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghX6B8JPWTs   The fully revamped app - which still contains all your original TrainTime features - is now available for a free download through the App Store

• Governor Cuomo announced that hospitals and group homes will be allowed to accept visitors at their discretion. Any facility that chooses to allow visitors must follow state guidelines, including time-limited visits and requiring visitors to wear PPE and be subject to symptom and temperature checks. 

• The MTA needs nearly $4 billion to continue its operation and federal aid is requested.   Vision is co-sponsoring an event with Senator Schumer on 7:30PM Thursday on this topic. Join us to hear @SenSchumer talk about the transit crisis and his plan to #RescueRiders!

• Governor Cuomo announced that gatherings of up to 25 people will be allowed in phase three of reopening. Full press release below.  Long Island is currently in phase two. To review information about phased reopening, please visit the NY Forward website: https://forward.ny.gov/

• This statement from NYS Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker announced that sleep away camps in NYS will remain closed this year. Statement can be found at this link: https://health.ny.gov/press/releases/2020/2020-06-12_overnight_camps_statement.htm

• Deadlines have been extended on Absentee Ballots
The deadline to submit absentee ballots has been extended to June 23rd. To be counted, primary ballots must be postmarked by June 23rd. A previously issued Executive Order allows all New Yorkers to vote absentee in the June 23rd primary elections and ensures every New Yorker registered to vote receives a postage-paid absentee ballot application in the mail. Click here for more information.

• Nassau IDA Chairman Richie Kessel, Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, Suffolk Sheriff Errol Toulon are among the guests for LI Business News show on Thursday June 18th at 12:30pm.

• Great to see some economic activity in downtown Riverhead with the advancement of a 4 story 36 unit apartment building proposed by Greg DeRosa. Lots of hard work from multiple levels of government and the private sector have gone into making Riverhead revitalize through the years and the Coronavirus shutdown was very damaging. Important to see this project stay on track.

• The Town of Huntington is holding hearings on additional restrictions they have for apartments above stores (C6 zoning, hearing #9) and for building in general (hearing #10).

• The Village of Lynbrook was out with Terwilliger and Bartone to begin the demolition of the old Capri motel to make way for an 80 unit apartment development with the support of the local community.

• There are now over 800 locations statewide where New Yorkers can get diagnostic testing, and in order to make sure more New Yorkers are getting tested, Governor Cuomo has further relaxed the criteria for who can get a test and created some helpful online resources. 
If you are concerned you might need a test, but you’re not sure if you meet the criteria, take the online self-assessment at https://covid19screening.health.ny.gov/ 
To locate a testing site near you, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you and enter your address to view a list and a map view of the nearest testing sites. The state has also partnered with Google Maps to display testing site results when you search "COVID testing near me" on Google Maps.
Please remember you must always schedule an appointment to get a COVID-19 diagnostic test by calling 1-888-364-3065 or your healthcare provider.

• For Town of Oyster Bay Residents: Supervisor Saladino and the Town Board announced a Drive-In Concert Series for town residents this summer. All concerts are free, open to residents only and begin at 8pm in the parking lot at TOBAY Beach. Concert goers will experience a wide variety of genres that range from country to rock, providing free family-fun entertainment for all music lovers. Residents are invited to bring a cooler and the entire family. For more information and the full schedule, visit http://oysterbaytown.com/town-announces-free-summer-drive-in-concert-series-at-tobay-beach/
Concerts not your thing? There are drive in movies for TOB residents too courtesy of the town! More info at http://oysterbaytown.com/drive-in-movies-to-return-to-town-of-oyster-bay-for-first-time-in-22-years/

• For TONH residents: Supervisor Bosworth and the Town Board are holding free drive in movie nights for town residents on weekends! Get more info and register at https://northhempsteadny.gov/drive-in

• NYS has allowed LI to enter Phase 2 or reopening which includes:

Restaurants can reopen for outdoor dining with restrictions:
- Servers and staff must wear masks at all times
- Patrons must wear masks when not seated at their table
- All other social distancing rules apply including maintaining 6 feet between tables

All office-based jobs can resume with restrictions:
- Office building will be limited to 50% of occupancy capacity
- Employees will need to undergo daily screenings with tools like temperature checks and questionnaires
- Masks, plexi-glass, or other barriers will be required if 6 feet distance can’t be maintained
- Signage and distance markers will be required in close quarters like bathrooms and breakrooms
- No congregation will be able to take place in small areas and in-person meetings will be limited
- No meetings can take place without social distancing
- No communal sharing of food or beverages.

In-store retail shopping can resume with restrictions:
- Retail stores will be limited to 50% maximum occupancy
- Employees must wear face coverings when interacting with customers and coworkers
- Customers must wear face coverings, if medically able
- Stores must control foot traffic with designated signage and markers
- Stores should continue use of curbside/in-store pick-up where possible
- Shared amenities should be closed including self-serve sampling stations and bars
- Store owners can prohibit customers who don’t wear masks
- Malls are closed except stores that have external entrances. All mall retail may proceed with curbside pickup.

Barbershops and hair salons will reopen with limited services and restrictions:
- Salons and barbershops will be limited to 50% of maximum capacity
- Only hair services will be available. Massages, hair removal, beard trimmings, facials, and nail services will remain prohibited.
- Employees must wear face coverings and face shields while performing hair services at all times
- Customers must wear face coverings at all times
- Services will be available by appointment only
- Employees are strongly encouraged to get tested before reopening
- Customers are urged to inquire about employee testing status
- Employees interacting with customers must be tested at least once every two weeks
- Shops will be required to keep a log of customers to perform tracing in the event staff test positive

Real Estate Services like building and property management, leasing, rental, and sales may resume with restrictions, and motor vehicle leasing, rental, and sales may also resume with restrictions. 
For more details, and to read the complete safety guidance documents for all industries reopening in phase two, visit https://forward.ny.gov/phase-two-industries

• Nassau has partnered with the Nassau County IDA’s sister organization, LEAC and Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, to introduce the “Boost Nassau” initiative which launched two new programs specifically designed to support small businesses and non-profits during this challenging time:
- Small Business Recovery Loan Program for eligible small businesses, non-profits, and MWBEs.
- PPE Kit Giveaway for eligible small businesses and non-profits, fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Apply for both programs at: www.boostnassau.net

• Guidance for child care and day camps has been posted on the NY Forward website under "statewide guidance." Please share this information with anyone who may be interested. Day camps and child care facilities should read the guidelines, submit an affirmation, and complete and print the safety plan. The guidance can be found at this link: https://forward.ny.gov/statewide-guidelines​.

• Guidance for Phase 3 industries has been posted on the NY Forward website. Phase 3 includes restaurant/food service and personal care. As per the guidance, personal care includes "non-hair-related personal care  businesses and services including tattoo and piercing facilities, appearance enhancement practitioners, massage therapy, spas, cosmetology, nail specialty, UV and non-UV tanning, or waxing." Phase 3 guidance can be found at this link: https://forward.ny.gov/phase-three-industries​.
Ahead of Long Island entering Phase 3, businesses should go to the website, read the guidelines, submit an affirmation, and complete and print the safety plan.
Outdoor, low-risk recreational activities are permitted so long as social distancing and cleaning/disinfecting measures are in place:

- tennis;
- non-motorized boat use and rentals, such as row boats, kayaks, canoes; 
- golf and driving ranges, except miniature (mini) golf, with food and retail services subject to the restrictions that are currently in effect within the region;
- racket games, such as badminton, pickleball, racquetball;
- toss/bowl games, such horseshoes, bocce, bean bag toss, croquet;
- flying disc games, such as disc golf and frisbee;
- shuffleboard;
- aerial rope courses or zip lining;
- rope courses including aerial rope courses;
- batting cages;
- shooting ranges; and
- swim classes and swim instruction.​
Link to the essential business guidance: https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026

• The Governor also announced he would issue an Executive Order allowing commercial buildings to conduct temperature checks for anyone entering the building as office workers begin to return to the workplace. That executive order can be found here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20238-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency

• If you’re a small business owner who offers paid family leave and medical leave to your employees, and you have an employee unable to work due to the coronavirus, you may be entitled to receive a credit in the full amount of the required sick leave and family leave. Learn more at go.usa.gov/xVwTS

• The President has signed a bill into law that will give PPP recipients more latitude in how they spend funds received through the program. The new law extends the amount of time borrowers have to use PPP funds from 8 weeks to 24. It also extends the deadline to rehire laid-off and furloughed employees and still qualify for loan forgiveness from June 30 to December 31. Additionally, it reduces the amount of PPP money that must be spent on payroll and expenses for the loan to be forgiven completely, from 75% to 60%. And finally, it gives borrowers five years to repay the loan instead of 2.

• Nassau County began accepting applications from small businesses for free face masks, hand sanitizer and other personal protection equipment. Owners of businesses that have been open at least one year, have 20 or fewer employees and gross revenue of less than $3 million are eligible for the free "PPE starter kits" from the county. Each kit comes with a no-contact digital forehead thermometer, five face shields, 400 face masks, 100 pairs of gloves, 1,800 sanitary wipes and two gallons of hand sanitizer. The one-page application may be found at boostnassau.net.

• We would like to make you all aware of the Suffolk County Small Business COVID -19 Supply Request Information. You can find the form here.

Submission of this form is an agreement with Suffolk County that this business will use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by Suffolk County only for the purpose of addressing the threat to the public health posed by Covid-19 in compliance with State Executive Orders and guidance for reopening businesses. PPE provided will consist of two reusable cloth face coverings per employee and one gallon of hand sanitizer per business/organization.

• Outdoor movies are happening around LI as the movie industry has to change its operations.

• The New York State Liquor Authority has posted new guidance on outdoor expansion of licensed premises. This is following the Governor's early announcement that outdoor dining is permitted in phase two of reopening.​ SLA guidance can be found at this link.

• The Town of Babylon sets aside a $2.5 million fund for its local small businesses.

• The $1.5 billion budget deficit created by the Coronavirus economic shutdown was alarming to Suffolk County officials.  The push to maintain services will include the call for bailout from the Federal government.

• At least a third of society are identified as clinically depressed, which is not a surprise

• Summer day camps can open statewide on June 29th, and folks are expecting that specific rules and guidance will be released soon, potentially as early as this Wednesday. A decision on sleep-away camps has not yet been made, but will be announced in the coming weeks. 

• The Nassau Inter-County Express, or NICE Bus, announced that it was suspending all service to Queens each day while the New York City curfew remains in effect. The agency had announced last Monday the temporary closure of its busiest hub, the Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center.

•Please see the below update from the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles about the department's reopening plan. DMV will resume limited remote services starting June 1st. The release also includes additional opening information, such as: "As regions enter phase 3 of reopening, DMV will offer limited in-person transactions in state-run DMV offices by reservation only, prioritizing critical services, and will resume road tests for all drivers at that time."
If you cannot see the release below, you can access it at this link: https://dmv.ny.gov/press-release/press-release-05-30-2020.

• Please find attached the flyer that can be shared on the New York Forward Loan Fund. The NYFLF is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords as they reopen after the COVID19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE. 
The application for NYFLF is available at this link: nyloanfund.com
Additional resources, such as PowerPoint presentation and FAQ can be found at: https://esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans-info

• Phase 2 guidance has been posted on the NY Forward website here. Phase 2 includes all office-based jobs, real-estate services, retail in-store shopping, vehicle sales, and limited barbershop and hair salon services.

• The Governor has signed a new executive order that will allow business owners to refuse entry to customers not wearing a mask or face covering.

• In a surprise to no one LI’s unemployment has soared in April to 16% with 16.4% in Suffolk and 15.6% in Nassau.  This is higher than NYC, Westchester and higher than any time during the 1989-92 recession which were the highest in recent decades.  For those saying this shutdown is an inconvenience maybe speak with someone out of work.

• Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.32 which extends the period for paying property taxes​ 21 days, without interest or penalty, for the certain municipalities. This EO includes Suffolk County. The order is attached and can also be found here.

• The Governor signed an Executive Order allowing businesses to deny entry to customers without masks.

• The state has launched the New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF), a $100 million fund to provide flexible and affordable loans to help our small businesses, especially MWBEs (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) that did not receive federal Covid-19 assistance. The program will take a smart, targeted approach for distributing these loans, focusing on truly small businesses, with 20 or fewer employees and less than $3 million in gross revenues. If you’re a small business who didn’t get federal assistance, check out esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans for more information and to pre-apply

• The Nassau County BAR Association is accepting emails for COVID-19 related legal inquiries. Emails should be sent to Covidhelp@nassaubar.org.  Member volunteers are helping residents with a variety of issues, especially landlord/tenant and employment.  They can also help answer questions about Federal Small Business Administration loans. 

• There is an enormous amount of confusion out there. There is no comprehensive reopening as there are first steps taken to reopen. NYS will allow Long Island communities to have select categories of businesses reopen in addition to the industries already allowed to work if they are an "essential" businesses.

Industries that are eligible for Phase 1 reopening include:
- Construction
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
- Retail - (Limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off)
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale Trade
All businesses eligible to operate in Phase 1 should read the guidelines for their industry and submit an affirmation. In addition, they should print and complete the safety plan and display in their business.

Phase Two
- Professional Services
- Retail
- Administrative Support
- Real Estate / Rental & Leasing

Phase Three
- Restaurants / Food Services

Phase Four
- Arts / Entertainment / Recreation
- Education
Read https://forward.ny.gov/ to review the regulations and affirm their industries safety guidelines.
Check out this initial article in Huntington Now. Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci is quoted along with the Huntington Chamber and Vision.

• A new bill led by Rep. Carolyn Maloney would create a federally backed business interruption insurance fund to cover losses from a pandemic.

• Lots of folks were talking about this Washington Post article about NYC residents contemplating moving. 

• The NYS Legislature returned to Albany to debate a number of Coronavirus related bills with looming $13 billion deficit as a backdrop

• As we begin to slowly reopen our communities, its important that no New Yorker feel unsafe at work or be put into harms way unnecessarily. If your employer doesn’t make appropriate accommodations for your safety, for the safety of the public, or fails to provide you with PPE to do your job safely, you’re urged to call the state coronavirus hotline at 888-364-3065

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In Memoriam

Mark Jay Epstein

Mark Jay Epstein, a prominent Melville attorney, has passed away from a heart attack at the age of 55.

For years Mr. Epstein helped LI commuters as the head of the LIRR Commuters Council along with many other charitable endeavors.

In the advocacy world he was a class act, honest, straightforward and cared less about publicity and more about making improvements to the LIRR on behalf of the people he served.   His strategy and successful approach to his work earned him the respect of leaders in all levels of government, communities and the private sector.

For years he was the go to guy for information and policy regarding needed improvements for the LIRR.  He was a resource for us as we had him speak many times on transportation issues and worked with him on numerous policy initiatives. 

His passing is a terrible loss for Long Islanders and of course we all have honor and respect for the work he has achieved.  

Prayers and condolences to his family and friends.

Split the Bill NY comes to Valley Stream

This last week saw Valley Stream become the second village to host the "Split the Bill" program, which is becoming a great philanthropic effort to help downtown restaurants during these tough times.

Lines were out the door on the night that the program debuted, with on average triple business for a Thursday night.

Comments from business owners and staff noted the following:
“This program really helps us a lot”
“We are having a great night”
“Phone has been ringing all night”
“We are thrilled - thank you”
“We have been slammed with business”

Customers were happy to not only save money but to help the local businesses.  Kudos to the Sidgemore Foundation for funding the program and Valley Stream Mayor Ed Fare and his team for implementing it.

Split The Bill NY is an initiative created by the Sidgmore Family Foundation that aims to support local restaurants, their hardworking employees, and the community during this time of economic hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The program reimburses 50% of your restaurant receipt or up to $30 per order when you order takeout, delivery, drive-through or dine-in (at restaurants that are now offering outdoor seating) at any partner restaurants in the Village of Valley Stream.

Split The Bill NY is keeping local officials optimistic about the future of our downtowns. “After seeing the success of the Village of Farmingdale campaign, we’re hopeful about the positive effect Split The Bill NY will have on our local restaurants,” said Valley Stream Village Mayor Edwin Fare.

The pilot phase of Split The Bill NY took place in the Village of Farmingdale in May, and it successfully drove over $40,000 in spending to local restaurants in just two days.  Now, Split The Bill NY is taking place in the Village of Valley Stream and there are plans to expand the program to even more towns.

“Local restaurants are struggling,” explained Randi Sidgmore, Founder and Director of Sidgmore Family Foundation, the private family foundation behind the creation of Split The Bill NY. “Split The Bill NY is a way for locals to support these restaurants and their community, in a mutually beneficial way.”

Motel Demolition in the Village of Lynbrook Begins Progress on New Rentals

This past Monday saw the demolition of the Capri Motel in the Village of Lynbrook, which paves the way for a new 80-unit rental complex in the village.

Officials gathered at the sight of the blighted motel to celebrate the development.  Local residents have worked for years to have the building removed, which was considered a hot bed of criminal activity, and replace it with something more respectable. 

“This property has long been a nuisance for the village, and I am thrilled to be here today to help bring a welcome revitalization that not only will add foot traffic for local businesses, but also bring the kind of smart development that strengthens the community as a whole,” said Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach.

The new development planned on the site, located at 5 Freer St, will feature 28 studio apartments, 44 on-bedroom apartments, and 8 two-bedroom apartments as well a number of amenities and on-site parking for residents.

This all comes after a year-long process by Farmingdale-based developers Bartone & Terwilliger, who have worked for years to bring this project to fruition.  The company originally proposed a 400-unit transit oriented development near the Lynbrook train station, but that project was rejected by local residents. 

Learning from that ordeal, Bartone & Terwilliger launched a community-based outreach campaign to find a project more in line with the wants of the community.  That led them to current project, which is seeing a lot of support from village residents.

“We have long heard the community’s resounding call to ‘Tear Down the Capri Motel,’ and we are thrilled to have started knocking it down today to make way for luxury new apartment-style living that will become woven into the fabric of the village community,” said Anthony Bartone.

Leasing for the new project is expected to commence next summer, with an opening planned for Fall of 2021.
You can read more at Long Island Business News.

Town of Huntington Hosts Virtual Meeting on Proposed C6 Zoning Changes

Vision spoke in opposition to some of the proposed changes to the C6 zoning code for downtown Huntington yesterday afternoon.

The town board resumed public hearings that had been postponed due to the Coronavirus shutdown for the past several months and held a hearing to make changes to the previous code. This initial changes to the zoning code that were proposed last October had several positive changes included the elimination of parking in front of stores and design review for substantial additions to buildings downtown which can help to improve walkability and community character. It also required traffic and sewage studies and maximum bulk requirements which may be appropriate for larger developments on larger sites downtown, but excessive for the many small lots that make up the majority of downtown sites.

The current changes make the maximum bulk requirements even more restrictive and increase the minimum parking requirement from one per unit to 1.5 per unit with an increase for additional bedrooms. Allowing upper floors combined to be only 150% of the size of the ground floor makes most sites economically unfeasible to build and would likely eliminate future incremental development within downtown Huntington.

Vision hopes the town will reconsider these changes and will modify them based on current parking and market data.

Nassau Coliseum Closes Temporarily After Financial Losses from Pandemic

Nassau Coliseum owners Onexim Sports and Entertainment have announced that they will close the venue after suffering devastating losses thanks to the ongoing pandemic.

The group has taken revenue losses due to canceled games by the New York Islanders as well as planned concerts and events.  The company had been forced to refund ticket sales from these losses and had continued to pay employees as well as making restitution to those who booked events.  As of now, all Coliseum employees will be laid off.  Onexim is also work with lenders and potential investors to try and pay off its remaining debt.

“While we still believe in the enormous long-term economic value of the Coliseum and the development of the surrounding land, NEC recognizes that such value will be best realized by other parties,” said a statement from Onexim. “We cannot predict or control the actions of other interested stakeholders. However, we remain confident that the Coliseum and the proposed development project represent valuable investment opportunities."

The closing comes as a surprise to no one given the devastating impact the Coronavirus has had on anything associated with mass gatherings.  The development of another arena by another level of government in Belmont also created the conditions for this closure.

"Realistically, this day was inevitable when the state decided to build a new arena at Belmont; the pandemic simply made the end arrive sooner than expected," said Richard Nicolello, Presiding Officer of the Nassau Legislature. "Long Island would never have been able to support two arenas within 15 miles of each other. “

The lone silver lining here is that the development of the surrounding 72 acres still appears to be on track according to local officials.  While this is cold comfort for those who have lost their livelihood, the hope of future development still remains alive for the area.

You can read more at the Long Island Herald.

First Class Housing for All Demographics is a Foundation for Success

The following thoughts were sent to us by Michael Swan from Sahn Ward Coschignano Law:

All of us look forward to beginning the big task of getting back to work and rethinking our society.  This will take time.  There is no magic formula.  We need to think in new ways and revisit old ideas and concepts. We need to consider how we want our communities to be, not how they were.  What is certain is that we all must work together.

The foundation for success is to build and create first class housing for all demographic groups - workforce housing, affordable house, multi-family housing, mixed use housing, senior housing, housing for the next generation, transit oriented housing and, yes, our traditional single family housing that has been the bedrock foundation of so many communities. If Long Island has great housing opportunities, we can attract a diverse population with a wide variety of skills and backgrounds to fuel the growth of new business opportunities. 

The indications are that many people are looking to move to Long Island from the City.  We can attract people from the City with housing to meet everyone's needs.  When people want and like to live in Long Island communities, job and business opportunities will follow. So, in my view, let's focus on housing to jump start and recreate Long Island.

Calendar of Events

LIBNOW to host Special on June 18th: "Re-opening Long Island: What Now?"

Businesses across Long Island are poised to head back to work, as the region initiates reopening procedures despite an uncertain future in the wake of COVID-19. How will Long Islanders make the step into a “New Normal” a successful one?

LIBN|NOW will explore that question with some of the region's top newsmakers in a live, interactive webinar on June 18 at 12:30 p.m.

The event will feature a panel with Hon. Paul Pontieri, Mayor of the Village of Patchogue, Errol D. Toulton Jr, Suffolk County Sheriff, Chgristine M. Rirdan, President of Adelhpi University, and Richard Kessel, Nassau County IDA. The discussion will be moderated by LIBN Editor & Associate Publisher Joe Dowd.

You can register for the event here.

"Riders Talk the Transit Crisis" Webinar with US Senator Charles Schumer on June 18th

Vision Long Island is a co-sponsor to a conversation with US Senator Chuck Schumer on Thursday, June 18th, at 7:30 pm, titled "Rider Talk the Transit Crisis."

Whether it be LIRR transit service, NICE Bus, Suffolk Transit, Huntington HART, Long Beach Transit, Glen Cove or East End Ferris, needed safe walking paths, or biking/resurfaced road improvements, federal transportation investments are critical to our communities.

Let's bring a Long Island voice to this conversation.

Registration is required in advance. Please click here to sign up, and you'll receive a link to the Zoom webinar, which you can join by phone or computer. 

Senator Schumer was key to ensuring the MTA got the funding it needed in the CARES Act, but we need at least another $3.9 billion to #RescueRiders. Hearing the latest from him will be particularly important as we fight to ensure that funding for public transit is non-negotiable in the next Senate relief package.

LI Hispanic Chamber to Host Bilingual Webinar on PPP on June 22nd

We are very pleased to offer a free, Bilingual language webinar about the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) on Monday, June 22nd, at 11am. Our friends at Asset Enhancement Solutions LLC will be presenting valuable information about this government loan program. The time to apply for this PPP Loan ends on June 30th.

You can Register Here.

There is no cost to you and no obligation.

Salvation Army to host Virtual Benefit Concert on June 22nd

This pandemic has impacted us all, yet the Salvation Army continues to do what it has always done: serve those most in need.

The Salvation Army has served 2.5 million meals since March, but the need is truly staggering and growing, and so the Army’s cupboards are nearly depleted. Nearly thirty percent of all meals served by The Salvation Army  in the Greater New York Region have been to our neighbors here on Long Island.

Now, they need your help again.

Please text ‘CHEERFUL’ to 91999 to make a donation that will allow them to continue their important work, and they’re having a virtual party and concert to celebrate!

Join the “Share Your Love: Virtual Benefit Concert to Support The Salvation Army’s COVID-19 Relief Efforts on Long Island.”

The event is Monday, June 22, 2020, and can be viewed on https://www.facebook.com/salvationarmyny/ The Concert will be hosted by Emmy Award winning News 12 veteran anchor Carol Silva. By each of us doing something, we can create something big for Long Islanders facing the challenge of their lives.

You can send a donation right now to:

The Salvation Army on Long Island
c/o The Hempstead Citadel Corps
65 Atlantic Avenue
Hempstead, New York 11590
Attn: Captain Charles F. Roberts
charles.roberts@use.salvationarmy.org

Complete Streets Virtual Summit to be Held on June 25th & 26th

Please join us for the 2020 Complete Streets Virtual Summit on June 25th & 26th from 9:00 to 10:30 AM each day. This event will feature two days of conversation on how to make our citizens and Main Streets healthier places to live.

Day 1 will feature conversations with Denise Carter and Paula Flores from Greenman Pedersen, Bernard Macias from AARP, and Keishia M. Pollack Porter from Johns Hopkins. Day 2 will feature Elissa Kyle from Vision Long Island, Hon.Ralph Ekstrand, Mayor of the Village of Farmingdale, Hon. Margot Garant, Mayor of the Village of Port Jefferson, Rich Vandenburgh from the Village of Greenport BID, Clariona Griffith from the Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, and Jacob Dixen from Choice for All.

Complete Streets can help to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. Since the onset of the Coronavirus, people have been using our streets for walking and biking more than ever. In addition, our Main Streets need to allow space for outdoor dining as well as room for shoppers to safely social distance. How can we ensure our streets can fulfill these roles and support public health?

The following is a list of upcoming and ongoing calendar events. Check back on each publication for updates:

• Virtual Walks: The Health Education Council will be holding Virtual Walks every Monday at 12:30 pm EST and Wednesday at 3 pm EST, with a Spanish language virtual walk each Friday at 3 pm EST.

If you're interested in taking a walk with friends while still practicing social distancing you can head to the the website here to sign up for a virtual walk. A Spanish speaking version is available here. You will then receive a zoom link and all you'll need is a smart phone and a good pair of shoes and you'll be in business!

• The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will hold a one-day, virtual joint monthly meeting of the MTA Board and the Board’s committees on Wednesday, June 24, at 10 a.m. 

Chairman Patrick J. Foye will convene a joint meeting of the MTA Board and the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, New York City Transit, MTA Bridges and Tunnels, Finance and Capital Program Oversight Committees. Materials for the monthly meeting of the Capital Program Oversight Committee will be posted online only. New Yorkers are encouraged to visit https://new.mta.info/transparency/board-and-committee-meetings/june-2020 to view the meeting online. 

Island Harvest Searching for Government Relations Liason and Social Media Specialist

Island Harvest is currently looking to fill two positions in-house at their organization, including a Government Relations Liaison and a Social Media Specialist.

The Government Relations Liaison will develop and coordinate all government relations activities, maintain all relationships with electeds and their staff, and leverage potential funding and legislative opportunities to enhance our hunger-relief work.

You can read the full duties and requirements for the Government Relations Liaison position here.

Meanwhile, the Social Media Specialist will support our communications, public relations/marketing program by assisting in the execution of Island Harvest’s brand voice across all channels, including digital ads, website, social media, electronic and print materials.

You can read the full duties and requirements for the Social Media Specialist position here.

New York State Launches NY Forward Loan Fund

Yesterday, New York State 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 that did not receive a loan from either the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for COVID-19 in 2020. 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.

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.

CDC Guidelines on Coronavirus Prevention

As concern about the ever-expanding impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) grows, we can minimize or prevent the spread of coronavirus by taking these steps:

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Our Daily Sponsor

Cameron Engineering

Cameron Engineering & Associates, LLP is a full service multi-disciplined consulting engineering and planning firm founded in 1985. The Firm is comprised of experienced and qualified engineers, landscape architects, planners, facility operators, and environmental scientists dedicated to providing professional, timely and responsive services to our clients.

A comprehensive knowledge of municipal codes, government regulations, and industry standards is incorporated into all of their work. This assures that they provide quality engineering and up-to-date solutions. The principals and senior level management are continuously involved in the planning, control, implementation, and quality review of each project. Their timely submissions and quality engineering are the primary reasons for their clients to request their services on a repeat basis.