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

June 25th, 2020

Quotes of Day

	“It is our mission to bring communities together, to the benefit of the entire community. This crisis has given all of us an opportunity to commit to that mission.” - Hon. Laura Curran Nassau County Executive speaking at the Long Island Complete Streets Virtual Summit
	“It is critical to have partnership with communities. The process needs to be a community involved street design. We should embrace safe streets and we now have an opportunity to sustain changes. Keep it going.” - Dr. Keshia Pollack Porter, Associate Dean for Faculty at Johns Hopkins University
	"During the shutdown many people began going for walks and bike rides to get out of the house while safely distancing themselves.  Some of our roads easily accommodated this, but others left much to be desired. Now that businesses are opening back up, it may harder to stay as active, but we can rethink our streets to make it easier to work that activity into our daily lives." - Elissa Kyle, Sustainability Director, Vision Long Island

Complete Streets Virtual Summit Day 2 to be Held on June 26th

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

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 Vanderburgh from the Village of Greenport BID, Clariona Griffith from the Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, and Jacob Dixon from Choice for All.

Registration for this event is open here.

You can view a pdf version of this flyer here.

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

Helping Main Street through the
Coronavirus Shutdown

Day 102 of Coronavirus Economic Shutdown –
Thursday June 25th, 2020

The Coronavirus economic shutdown is on day 102.  Phase 3 reopenings on Wednesday allowed limited indoor dining, tattoo parlors, nail salons and other businesses to finally open and build back from the economic losses.  The “Split the Bill” program came to Westbury on Wednesday the 24th with local restaurants bustling.  Billions are 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 in 5 days on June 30th. 

Here are some updates:
• Vision Board, staff and members of the LI Main Street Alliance were out yesterday with our community partners to celebrate the sequential reopening of our communities as per NY's Phase III guidelines
Phase III includes:
Restaurants will open for indoor dining (with new social distancing guidelines in place).
Personal care businesses, such as spas, massage therapy, nail salons, and cosmetology will be able to reopen in accordance with new distancing requirements.
Tattoo and piercing shops will be allowed to resume business.
Information on how each business in Phase III operates can be found here. https://forward.ny.gov/phase-three-industries
Fox 5's Jodi Goldberg did a collaborative story featuring downtown businesses in Westbury and Bethpage. Vision was also quoted.

• Phase 4 guidance has been posted in the NY Forward website: https://forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries. Phase 4 includes:
Higher education: including but not limited to community and junior colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, medical schools, and technical schools. ​
Low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment​: outdoor zoos, botanical gardens, nature parks, grounds of historic sites and cultural institutions, outdoor museums, outdoor agritourism, local agricultural demonstrations and exhibitions; and other similar institutions/activities. ​
Low-risk indoor arts and entertainment: indoor museums, historical sites, aquariums, and other related institutions or activities​.
Media production: “media production activities” encompass all activities undertaken in motion picture, music, television, and streaming productions on set, on location, or at any production or recording site. ​
While Long Island just entered Phase 3 yesterday, businesses in Phase 4 are encouraged to read the guidelines, submit an affirmation, and complete and print the safety plan in order to begin preparing for the next phase.

• Just another reminder for folks to check out the 8th Annual LI Complete Streets Summit tomorrow - now held virtually. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran joined us for the first session.
You can register HERE
You can see the full program here
Check out the preliminary article in LI Business News.

• Vision was out in the Village of Westbury today for reopening our Main Streets into Phase 3. We were working with local business owners, the Village and members of the Sidgmore Foundation who are helping with the "Split the Bill" program.

It was a great opportunity tonight to dine out and receive half off your bill (up to $30) A number of restaurants are did takeout and had outdoor and a limited amount of indoor dining.

Erin Colton from News 12 stopped down and profiled the program and one of the restaurants. Check it out.

• Vision held a session on the SBA’s PPP loans with the LI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce featuring a presentation from Asset Enhancement Solutions.   The deadline to file is in 5 days – June 30th.  There are still billions available in the program.
https://www.newsday.com/business/spanish-speaking-language-loan-webinar-1.46080116
https://longisland.news12.com/story/42280747/deadline-looms-for-payroll-protection-program-applicants

• 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

• As you may already be aware, gatherings are currently limited to 10 people or less.  Governor Cuomo announced that when the Long Island region enters Phase 3 tomorrow, the gathering limit will increase to up to 25 people.  Currently, houses of worship can open with 25% capacity with strict social distancing measures in place.   Phase 3 is anticipated to begin on Wednesday, June 24th.   

• Statewide guidelines have been released for the activities and businesses set forth below.  Additional guidelines can be found on the NY Forward website under "statewide guidelines" or, click on this link: https://forward.ny.gov/statewide-guidelines. 

Child Care and Day Camps (day camps can reopen on June 26th) 
Lakes and ocean beaches 
Religious and Funeral Services 
Racing activities 
Dentistry (which includes orthodontics) 
Auto Racing 
Professional Sports Training Facilities 
Public Transportation 

• The Department of Motor Vehicles has resumed limited in-person services for transactions that cannot be done online or by mail or drop box. These services will be by reservation online to help the DMV to maintain social distancing while providing the services you need. You can make a reservation, or learn more about mail-in and drop box services, at dmv.ny.gov/reservation  
To learn more about what transactions may be completed online, visit https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/all-online-transactions

• As the Moratorium on evictions ends in NYS many tenants are fearful.

• Vision’s Director will join Newsday's Joye Brown and James Madore as a panelist in their next discussion on the next phases of reopening businesses in our local communities. The program is Thursday at 7:30pm and the link is in the attachment to register.

Newsday's Associate Editor Joye Brown and Economics Writer James Madore will moderate an informative discussion and interactive Q&A on what businesses are doing to protect their employees and customers, plus how you can be safe while going out around town and more. Join Dr. Uzma Syed,Infectious Disease Specialist, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, Eric Alexander, Director Vision LI/Founder, LI Main Street Alliance, and Kristen Jarnagin, President and CEO of Discover Long Island, for this crossover discussion on health and business safety.
Have your voice be heard. Submit your questions and suggestions in advance using the question box below.

• La Fuerza Unida Community Development Corp. provides economic growth opportunities to low-income, minority and women owned enterprises. It serves Nassau and Suffolk counties. For information about SBA disaster relief, visit https://lafuerzacdc.org/ or call or text 516-666-5071, or email Covid19@Lafuerzacdc.org

• The Main Street Lending Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is intended to enhance support for small and mid-sized businesses by offering 4-year loans to companies employing up to 10,000 workers or with revenues of less than $2.5 billion. For more information, visit http://www.uschamber.com/report/guide-the-main-street-lending-program
Through funding from the federal Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) program, the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. is offering financial assistance to eligible individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding originates from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Financial hardships/need include mortgage assistance, rental assistance, help with utility bills, food costs, transportation, funeral costs, medical expenses, etc. Applicants’ household income must not exceed 200 percent of poverty guidelines. 
For information on how to apply, please contact: Halim Kaygisiz at hkaygisiz@eoc-suffolk.com or (631) 241-2119.

• Island Harvest has launched a free food package distribution program specifically to help out our seniors in need. Food packages include items like cereal, rice, pasta, beans, canned vegetables and fruits, canned proteins, cheese, shelf-stable milk, juice, peanut butter, and soup. To qualify, you must be 60 or over, a NY State resident (US & Non-US citizens are eligible) and verify your income. To see if you qualify, contact marilyn@islandharvest.org or call 631-873-4775

• There is a website that provides training materials for Certified Nursing Assistants, and one of the skills that CNAs must demonstrate properly before being certified is handwashing.

It is a good idea to put together a handwashing guide page on our website using material from CNA training resources to help better educate the public on the proper steps for handwashing to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

• Safely accessing public transportation is critical in getting back to work and back to normal.   Here is a guide from the NY Public Transit Association on the safety measures they are undergoing.   Important for public to know what they are doing to help make riders have a safe experience.   https://nytransit.org/images/19853_NYPTA_COVID19_Recovery_and_Resoration_Report_R6_1_.pdf

• Great news that allows support in the form of grants and loans for truly small businesses with under 50 employees. Kudos to Nassau IDA's Richie Kessel, other IDA's and the many folks who supported this change in policy. Vision and the LI Main Street Alliance provided letters of support on this. Chalk this up as a victory for the little guy!

• Vision was a co-sponsor of a transit chat with US Senator Chuck Schumer who committed to securing $4billion from the federal government to assist the MTA and spoke of his efforts to combat fare hikes and support all forms of transit and walkability in general.  Check out the video of the session.

• We had a great call with the LI Main Street Alliance Tuesday 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

• This illuminating cover story in LI Business News speaks to the challenges businesses face sorting out what language to use in very polarizing times.

• The New York State Department of Financial Services has reached an agreement with New York's credit reporting industry to help New York consumers facing hardship caused by COVID-19 to avoid unjustified negative impacts on consumers' credit reports. DFS also urges New York State-regulated financial institutions to furnish credit information in ways that minimizes negative impacts on consumers.
As part of this agreement, credit reporting agencies will:
Provide one free credit report each month through November 2020;
Inform financial institutions of procedures that allow institutions to report missed or delinquent payments in ways that minimize the impact on consumers' credit histories and credit scores; 
Apprise financial institutions of their credit reporting obligations under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides relief for consumers; and
Communicate with financial institutions about credit reporting that may not comply with the requirements of the CARES Act.

• The Governor also announced yesterday that the State will issue guidance to colleges and universities to allow some in person instruction and on campus housing for the fall semester. Campuses must develop a plan, which attests to meeting the guidance, and file the plans with the state

• Information about statewide guidelines can be found on the NY Forward website under "statewide guidelines": https://forward.ny.gov/statewide-guidelines. This link includes guidelines, affirmations, and safety plans for the following:
Child Care and Day Camps (day camps can reopen on June 26th)
Lake and Ocean Beaches
Religious and Funeral Services
Racing Activities
Dentistry (which includes orthodontics)
Auto Racing
Professional Sports Training Facilities
Public Transportation

• Sports and recreation guidance has been posted on the NY Forward website under "Statewide Guidance." It can be found at this link towards the bottom: https://forward.ny.gov/statewide-guidelines. This guidance is effective on July 6th in regions that have reached or surpassed Phase 3 of the State’s reopening.​​ Organizations must read and affirm guidance, as well as complete and print the safety plan.
These guidelines apply to non-professional and non-collegiate sports and recreation activities (e.g. youth sports), inclusive of indoor and outdoor sports and recreation, as well as organized and non-organized sports and recreation.
These guidelines also apply to outdoor sports and recreational activities conducted by gyms, fitness centers, training facilities, and other related facilities. However, gyms, fitness centers, and other such facilities are limited to no more participants than is allowed under the non-essential gathering restriction that is in effect for their region. Gyms, fitness centers, and other facilities are prohibited from conducting indoor activities at this time. Additional guidance on gyms and fitness centers is forthcoming to supplement these guidelines.​

• 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. 

• 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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 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. 

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

• As we begin to slowly reopen our communities, its important that no New Yorker feel unsafe at work or be put into harm’s 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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Westbury Split the Bill Program sees Success

Split the Bill NY, a charitable initiative created by the Sidgmore Family Foundation, held another successful event on Long Island this week, this time in the Village of Westbury.

Split The Bill NY encourages locals to order takeout, delivery, drive-through or dine-in (at the restaurants that are now offering outdoor seating) at any of the Participating Restaurants listed on the Split The Bill NY website. After customers have enjoyed their meal, they can then submit a Reimbursement Form confirming purchase of their meal, and within 3-7 days they will receive a reimbursement for 50% of their restaurant receipt, up to $30.

This program has been making great strides in providing extra business for Main Street restaurants that have been suffering under the restrictions created in response to the coronavirus epidemic.  Past Split The Bill NY campaigns have driven over $66,000 in total retail spend to participating restaurants in the Village of Farmingdale and Village of Valley Stream

The Split the Bill event yesterday was a huge success, both for our food establishments/restaurants, as well as our residents and others who patronized our businesses yesterday,” said Village Mayor Peter Cavallaro. “We cannot thank the Sidgmore Family Foundation enough for bringing the program to Westbury to assist our downtown businesses.  And, many families were able to take advantage of the savings.”

Split The Bill NY is hoping to expand their initiative to areas all over the country with the help of corporate or private foundations who are willing to fund a campaign in their town or city. If you are interested in funding a Split The Bill NY campaign in your area (can be outside of New York), send an email to contact@splitthebillny.com. In your email, please include some details about your foundation or organization.

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. They will reimburse 50% of your restaurant receipt, up to $30 per order, when you order takeout, delivery, drive-through or dine-in (at the restaurants that are now offering outdoor seating) at any of their partner restaurants in the Village of Westbury.

You can find out more information about the program and keep informed at their website here.

2020 Complete Streets Virtual Summit Hosts First Day of Speakers on "Healthy Citizens, Healthy Main Streets"

Vision Long Island, the Long Island Complete Streets Coalition and Long Island Main Street Alliance came together virtually to hold part one of its 8th Annual Complete Streets Summit earlier today.  Despite the inability to meet in person, close to 100 participants joined to discuss this years’ topic, “Healthy Citizens, Healthy Main Streets.”
 
“People are walking and biking. This is the best of times for people we care about,” said Vision Long Island Executive Director Eric Alexander, who greeted the group before quickly zeroing in on the state of Long Island during this remarkable time.  Mr. Alexander also outlined as the theme for the day, with credit to Dennis Carter from GPI, “Keep It Going.”  

Mr. Alexander identified 3 Calls to Action: Everybody individually getting out there and continuing to walk and bike; Make towns, villages, county and state roadways as pedestrian/bicycle safe as possible; Make sure federal, state, county and local funds continue to stream to pedestrian and bike amenities.

“We need to continue to be a public voice for walking and biking as a coalition,” Alexander stated.

Starting off the conference, Vision’s Sustainability Director Elissa Kyle explained that several community members expressed their experiences of walking and biking on Long Island.  These were shared with the attendees and dubbed Silver Linings.

Sara Hill of Baldwin provided the following account: “A young white man pushing his baby in a stroller. Two middle aged South Asian women in saris walking around the school field. An elderly white woman in scrubs talking on the phone. A black man riding his bike with his son. Some type of multicultural suburban utopia? Hardly. It’s North Baldwin on a weekday between 4-5 pm during the pandemic. It’s not that I didn’t know my neighborhood was diverse. In fact, that’s why we moved here, and have been residents for over twenty years. What’s remarkable is that the pandemic has made it much more visible. It’s a silver lining, and a reminder of what we have to offer. For all the current racial tension, Baldwin provides a glimmer of hope as the spotlight glares on the lack of diversity and inequity in other towns, villages, and hamlets on Long Island.  This lack of diversity has been structurally created because of years of systemic racism -- where zip codes determine the quality of your school system – for example.”

Opening remarks were made by Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, who discussed some recent changes in downtowns as a result of the pandemic.   With these changes, such as al fresco dining, community members are beginning to appreciate what downtowns have to offer - a sense of community and coming together.  County Executive Curran stated that she hopes some of these changes can be permanent.

She also briefly discussed some helpful initiatives the County has been involved with when it comes to helping local businesses during these unusual times. The County, partnering with the IDA and Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, are providing free PPE packages to downtown businesses to help them reopen. A recent study revealed that the biggest concern businesses have during this reopening stage is the lack of consumer confidence. The County is also partnering with the IDA to help businesses who were passed over for PPP from the federal government and are offering loans to small businesses that need it. (www.boostnassau.net)

County Executive Curran stated, “It is our mission to bring communities together, to the benefit of the entire community. This crisis has given all of us an opportunity to commit to that mission.”

While discussing keeping walking and biking habits flourishing, she expressed the need to move away from Long Island’s car culture.  The more residents do it, the more elected officials will begin to take it seriously.  On top of that, Ms. Curran acknowledged the need for funding to achieve these goals, especially infrastructure money. Advocacy work needs to continue to help with this local recovery.
 
Bernard Macias from AARP discussed the organization’s present efforts, which includes working with Congress to get more COVID 19 testing and PPE to staff and residents in nursing homes and advocating for virtual visits between families and residents. AARP is also working to keep SNAP assistance flowing to the people who desperately need it, and is looking to address the racial disparity that has become even more apparent in the past months.

 Jonathan Keyes, Executive Director/CEO of the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation, discussed the tremendous progress in moving the Suffolk County Hike and Bike Trail from a dream to reality. This past March saw the completion of the Hike and Bike Master Plan, a comprehensive plan created with tremendous public participation. The goal of the plan is to create 1,200 miles of walk, hike and bike facilities, with 84% of residents within ½ mile of these facilities.

Denise Carter of Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. then piloted the presentations by Dr. Keshia Pollack Porter, Associate Dean for Faculty at Johns Hopkins University and Paula Flores, Transportation Planning Practice Leader at GPI.

Dr. Pollack Porter emphasized the idea that streets can promote public health, noting the benefits of being outdoors, physical activity, immunological health, social cohesion, mental health and access to goods & services. Complete Streets enable safe access for all users of all ages, abilities and modes by improving equity, safety, and public health. Incomplete streets are dangerous and can harm health, which disproportionately impacts low-income people, people of color, and people with disabilities.

Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. This requires removing obstacles to health such as poverty, racism, discrimination, and their consequences, including powerlessness and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and health care. Moreover, transportation systems & streets can help advance health equity.

Some approaches regarding complete streets Dr. Pollack Porter discussed was the need to put people first, before vehicles, engage in policy advocacy, center equity, help achieve health equity, embrace Safe Systems Approach (closing or limiting traffic on streets, change speed limits), and partner with communities.

Dr. Pollack Porter emphasized, “It is critical to have partnership with communities. The process needs to be a community involved street design.” She explained, “We should embrace safe streets and we now have an opportunity to sustain changes. Keep it going.”

Michele Gervat of the American Heart Association noted that it’s the Association’s mission to improve American’s cardio-vascular health by 20%. To do so, AHA is committed to safe parks, safe streets, safe schools and safe walkways. Health of all our communities cannot be addressed until social detriments of health are addressed.

“We are only as strong as our weakest link.” Ms. Gervat stated.

Paula Flores of GPI discussed the importance of Complete Streets and community health. Noting that residents in walkable communities are 2X more likely to achieve CDC endorsed daily exercise recommendations and that inactivity contributes to 1 in 10 premature deaths. Ms. Flores stressed “It is time to stop thinking, it is time to act.”

Discussing the lack of safe streets, Ms. Flores stated, “We have a crisis. The number of lives we are losing is unacceptable.” She also noted that we are not talking about statistics, but people.

 In discussing the need for change, Ms. Flores talked about the changes needed to reflect context sensitivity and how there must be citizen engagement. There must be democratic design and citizens must be listened to in order to achieve the right outcome.

Areas of attendee concerns included the need to connect public health dollars with transportation dollars; safety education; street traffic safety; and the need to keep communities and elected officials engaged and supportive.

Part 2 of the 2020 Complete Streets Summit will be held tomorrow, June 26th, starting at 9am. The second day’s panel includes Mayor Ralph Ekstrand of Farmingdale, Mayor Margot Garant of Port Jefferson, Rich Vanderburgh of the Greenport BID, Clariona Griffith of the Hempstead Chamber, Jacob Dixon of Choice for All, and Vision’s Elissa Kyle. It will focus on how Long Island’s downtowns are transforming Main Streets to support businesses and facilitate outdoor dining while maintaining social distancing.

We would also like to thank our sponsors AARP, GPI, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, VHB, Lift Tango and NICE Bus.  

Register HERE to attend this free virtual event to learn about shaping our streets for better health.

Long Island Downtowns Reopen under Phase 3 Protocols

Vision Board, staff and members of the LI Main Street Alliance were out with our community partners this week to celebrate the sequential reopening of our communities as per NY's Phase III guidelines

Phase III includes:

• Restaurants will open for indoor dining (with new social distancing guidelines in place).
• Personal care businesses, such as spas, massage therapy, nail salons, and cosmetology will be able to reopen in accordance with new distancing requirements.
• Tattoo and piercing shops will be allowed to resume business.

“Go to your retail shops that are open on these nice days,” said Vision Long Island / Main Street Alliance Director Eric Alexander. “Support Main Street businesses”

This new phase comes as a boon to retail store owners who have waited anxiously to start returning to a normal semblance of business.  While businesses aren’t seeing the numbers that they normally would during this time of year, there were a number of customers out this week to celebrate the reopening.  This comes as Long Island has improved its COVID-19 numbers by leaps and bounds, going from one of the hardest hit areas in the country to one of the fastest recovering regions.

“Since we began the opening process that was 28 days ago, we’ve seen an 85% decrease in COVID hospitalizations,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. 

Still, restaurants and retail spaces that have opened are being encouraged to practice health and safety protocols.  Masks are required to enter spaces and restaurants can’t sit people closer than 6 feet.  Indoor dining is still at a restricted capacity as well. 

“Thermometers for staff when they walk in, the bathrooms cleaned every 20 minutes,” said John Coumatos, owner of BK Sweeney Parkside Tavern. “The future for us is do people want to come inside or are they still scared?”

People are hoping that observing this will move the region into Phase 4 quickly and allow Main streets to start returning to a normal life.

You can read more at FOX 5 News.

New York State has released a list of eligible businesses and restrictions that you can view online here.

Calendar of Events

Complete Streets Virtual Summit Day 2 to be Held on June 26th

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

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 Vanderburgh from the Village of Greenport BID, Clariona Griffith from the Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, and Jacob Dixon 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?

Newsday to host Panel on Reopening on June 25th

Vision's Director Eric Alexander is happy to join Newsday's Joye Brown and James Madore as a panelist in their next discussion on the next phases of reopening businesses in our local communities. The program is Thursday at 7:30pm. Join us for this special free virtual event to gain more insight during the coronavirus pandemic and get expert answers to your questions.

Newsday's Associate Editor Joye Brown and Economics Writer James Madore will moderate an informative discussion and interactive Q&A on what businesses are doing to protect their employees and customers, plus how you can be safe while going out around town and more. Join Dr. Uzma Syed,Infectious Disease Specialist, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, Eric Alexander, Director Vision LI/Founder, LI Main Street Alliance, and Kristen Jarnagin, President and CEO of Discover Long Island, for this crossover discussion on health and business safety.

You can register to join in on this event here.

The INN Organization will Hold Second Curbside Food Drive on June 27th

The INN organization will hold its second curbside food drive this coming Saturday, June 27th from 10 am to noon at the Mary Brennan INN soup kitchen, 100 Madison Avenue in Hempstead.  This will be a safe, no-contact drive where donors will place donations on a table with a masked volunteer standing at a safe distance.  The volunteer will then retrieve the donation after the donor leaves.

If you’re interested in donating you can view a full list of items they are accepting here.  For any questions, please call 516-732-6009.

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!

• Employee Retention Credit: An Alternative to PPP Loans

The CARES Act created the Payroll Protection Program Loan Program, which afforded relief for many companies. However, not all companies are eligible for PPP loans. Fortunately, for some, the Employee Retention Credit may be an option. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) allows a refundable payroll tax credit of up to $5,000 per employee. Tax and business professionals will learn who is eligible and how credits are computed.

This course will provide an understanding of the Employee Retention Credit program’s history and purpose, explain which companies are eligible for the credit, describe how to calculate the credit, and discuss how to apply for the credit

The event will take place on July 8th at 1:15 pm. You can register for the event here.

• In these times of uncertainty, cancer patients and their families need our help. Critical research has been put on hold, treatment plans have been disrupted, and surprise medical billing has financially crippled families who have loved ones fighting for their lives. All of this creates serious risk to the current and future state of cancer cures.

Survivorship is one curve I don’t want to see flatten. It needs to continue to increase. LLS stands out to me because it is an unapologetically patients first organization and one example of this is the LLS COVID-19 Patient Financial Aid Program. This program delivers financial relief to blood cancer patients who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of their disease and circumstances related to the pandemic. As of June 10, 2020 LLS has given $4,526,000 to over 18,104 patients since April 1, 2020. And long before COVID19 – for over 70 years - LLS works each day to create a world free of blood cancers through research, advocacy and ongoing patient support.

So the reason as to why I chose to support this cause despite it being even more difficult because of the state of the world is simple…cancer hasn’t stopped because of the pandemic so we need to ensure cures don’t either.

You can help by being MY GUEST @ LLS’s Light The Night Virtual Business Community Kickoff on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 8am-9am Eastern via the Zoom Platform.

At this event, you’ll get to experience an hour of hope and inspiration, which I know we all can use right now. You can register for this event here.

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 League of Conservation Voters is Hiring a Development Manager

The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) is one of the state’s leading environmental organizations. Together with their sister organization, the NYLCV Education Fund, they advance a bold agenda to combat climate change, protect public health from air and water pollution, and preserve our state’s open spaces and abundant natural resources. In recent years, NYLCV and NYLCV Education Fund have played a major role in securing passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, a $3 billion environmental  bond proposal for voter approval this November, congestion pricing in New York City, a statewide plastic bag ban, and more. They educate voters, elected officials, and the business community about our state’s most pressing environmental policy issues and convene forums that bring together stakeholders from all sectors.

And now they are hiring a Development Manager

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Development Manager will support a range of fundraising efforts for NYLCV and NYLCV Education Fund’s general operations and programs. This position will play a key role in the organization’s success by assisting with the following activities:

• Building organizational capacity by conducting prospect research on foundations, companies, and individuals.
• Helping the organization expand its portfolio of foundation supporters through grant writing, relationship building, and strategizing. 
• Managing existing grants and ensuring program deliverables are met and reports are submitted. 
• Supporting efforts to increase our mid and major gift programs.
• Helping to grow our Corporate Partners program through researching new companies and maintaining relationships with existing partners.

For further information on responsibilities and qualifications as well as how to apply, head on over to their website.

Long Island Housing Services seeks to Hire NYS Attorney

LIHS seeks to hire a licensed NYS Attorney. Successful recruit will work under direct supervision of the Foreclosure Prevention Program Manager/Supervising Attorney. The Staff Attorney will advocate and provide legal services for Nassau and Suffolk homeowners facing foreclosure on their primary residence. Collaborative spirit and positive attitude toward change is a must! Bi-lingual, fluent Spanish-English speaking/written skills are a plus. Foreclosure Prevention and Alternative Dispute Resolution experience preferred, not required – will train.

Sample Work Responsibilities:

• Intake/interview new clients and maintain/manage case files through close out
• Provide clients with advice and counsel on foreclosure process and foreclosure prevention options (reinstatement, repayment, forbearance, modification, sale, short sale, deed-in-lieu)
• Prepare and submit loan modification applications/proposals, escalations/appeals,
• Qualified Written Requests/Requests for Information/Notices of Error
• Assist clients with preparing/serving/filing pro se answer to summons and complaint
• Attend NYS mandatory settlement conferences in the Supreme Courts of Nassau and Suffolk
• Negotiate with bank attorneys and representatives on behalf of clients
• Advise clients on loan modification offers and denials
• Provide legal advice to clients on options if loan modification is not feasible
• Collaborate closely with colleagues including other attorneys/housing counselors
• Maintain and submit timely reports on case/client activity

Responsibilities may also include special projects and research, outreach, and education of community and industry groups. Staff assignments may include other duties as required, such as assistance to advocate for the continuation of funding.

Send resume by email (No calls or faxes):
Trina Kokalis, Foreclosure Prevention Program Manager/Supervising Attorney
Email to: Recruitment@LIFairHousing.org, subject line “Foreclosure Prevention Attorney”

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 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. 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.

CDC Guidelines on Protecting Yourself from COVID-19

Know how it spreads

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Everyone Should...

Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
• Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
  • Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are around others and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectantsexternal icon  will work.

Monitor Your Health

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
• Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
  • Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
• Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

Our Daily Sponsor

EmPower Solar

Since 2003, EmPower Solar has been the preferred solar provider of over 2,700 New Yorkers earning an industry leading customer satisfaction rating. In 2016, EmPower was chosen as a SunPower Master Dealer.  In joining forces with SunPower Corporation, one of the world’s most innovative and sustainable energy companies, EmPower leverages 30 years of industry experience and record-setting technology.

EmPower Solar was founded in 2003 with the intent of EmPowering communities to use clean and renewable energy to reduce energy costs and environmental impact, and to achieve energy independence.

Company operations began in earnest in 2006 after company principals played a leadership role in the US Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon Competition. The Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to build and operate off-grid solar homes on the National Mall in Washington DC for a two-week competition, and became a defining event for EmPower. For the competition, David and Greg engineered, installed and operated a solar hydrogen fuel cell and battery power plant.

The project was a major success.  The NYIT/USMMA team placed 5th out of 18 teams, which was exceptional considering that it was the only solar-hydrogen fuel cell system. It also provided a potent outreach and education platform for renewable energy both in New York and in Washington, D.C. For EmPower, the project helped to crystallize its business focus.