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

July 29th, 2020

Quotes of Day

	“Huntington prides itself on being a step ahead of other communities in business, our relationship with law enforcement, education, creativity, culture and inclusiveness – Huntington really is a slice of everything America is and should be. Make no mistake about it, hate has no place in Huntington and we are grateful for the generosity of Vision Long Island, our youth volunteers and generous contributors who love their Town and are helping us spread this message of inclusiveness and unity. Participants will help remind Huntingtonians and anyone willing to listen that we cannot survive as a divided community, state or nation.”  - Hon. Chad Lupinacci, Huntington Town Supervisor
	“We have been working very hard to help our small businesses any way we can. This pandemic has been very tough on them and we continue to remind everyone to shop locally whenever possible." - Valley Stream Village Trustee John Tufarelli
	“Our projected shortfall grows to $11 billion through 2021 if state and local governments are forced to reduce their subsidies by an additional $600 million in the absence of federal support. This operating shortfall is compounded by the loss of $1 billion annually beginning in 2021 in congestion pricing revenues due to federal inaction bringing the total $12 billion. Without federal relief, the MTA will have no other choice but to make drastic service reductions, pandemic-related fare and toll increases, job cuts, or gut our historic capital plan. None of this can be allowed to happen – we can’t afford to turn the clock back to the bad old days of the 1970s. If the federal government fails to act, this pandemic will end up on the backs of riders and stymie not just New York’s economic rebound, but the nation’s as well. Washington: don’t let it happen.” - MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye
	“Vision commends the Town of Riverhead for purchasing the land for a public square for people rather than storage for cars.  This will help to strengthen the connection between Main Street and the riverfront which is one of the downtown’s biggest assets.” - Vision Long Island Sustainability Director Elissa Kyle

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Valley Stream

Reopening our Main Streets we have a number of successful examples across Long Island.   Today we focus in on the good work in the Village of Valley Stream where they have been active opening their Rockaway Ave business district, pools, farmers markets and movies.  Here is a summary and most importantly head down there, shop local.

In an effort to help local restaurants survive the economic fallout from COVID-19, on June 19th the incorporated Village of Valley Stream introduced the On-Street Dining and Pedestrian Concourse on Rockaway Avenue initiative. “We have been working very hard to help our small businesses any way we can. This pandemic has been very tough on them and we continue to remind everyone to shop locally whenever possible," Village Trustee John Tufarelli told the LI Herald last month.

Rockaway Avenue, between Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road, is closed to traffic each Friday and Saturday evening, from 4pm to 11pm throughout the summer months, to allow for outdoor dining. Feedback has been positive. As patron Peggy Wharton Goroly put it, referring to on-street dining, “This is terrific!!! Dining safely at its best.”

Nassau County, in an effort to help businesses recover from the extended shutdown, fast tracked and waived fees for outdoor dining permits. "We’re providing that additional space, an additional canvas for these businesses to strategically find ways to operate," explained Sean Sallie, Nassau County Deputy Commissioner.

In another effort to help struggling restaurants in Valley Stream, the Sidgmore Family Foundation brought its Split The Bill NY charitable initiative to the Village on June 11th. The program reimbursed customers for 50 percent of their meal up to $30 at participating restaurants. It was roundly successful.

The Village, along with its successful outdoor dining initiative, offers among other activities, Friday Night Drive-In Movies, Wednesday Night Movies by the Pool, and a Farmers Market on Thursdays.

Restaurants that offer outdoor dining in Valley Stream include:

Big Guys Burger & Grill
1682 Central Ct, Valley Stream, (516) 887-1839

Charlie Meaney's
52 Central Ct, Valley Stream, (516) 596-2337

Chicken Coop
159 Rockaway Ave

Inatome Japanese Steak + Sushi
6 5th St, Valley Stream, (516) 872-0419

John Anthony’s Pizzeria
1056 Franklin Ave, Valley Stream, (516) 256-3300

Mia's
31 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, (516) 825-2117

Mitchell's Restaurant
191 Rockaway Ave

Pomodorino Rosso
47 Franklin Ave, Valley Stream, (516) 812-6171

RoRo 's Gyro Place
32 Roosevelt Ave, Valley Stream, (516) 341-0585

Sam's Steak & Grill
58 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, (516) 837-0007

San Antonio Restaurant
174 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, 516-568-0075

TRUFFLE Restaurant & Bar
410 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, (516) 887-3373

We are happy to see our local shops open safely and thank you for supporting Valley Stream and other Long Island Main Streets.

Patchogue

Al fresco dining has taken hold in Patchogue Village and both eateries and patrons alike are enjoying the experience.

Main Street in downtown Patchogue has been turned into a giant open-air dining space each Sunday afternoon since phase two reopening was initiated by New York State in early June. The Village’s outdoor dining event, aptly called Sundays on the Street, runs from 11am to 8pm every Sunday, and closes Main Street to vehicles on East Main Street from Maple Avenue to Ocean Avenue, and on West Main Street from Ocean Avenue to West Avenue. Village and Greater Patchogue Village Chamber of Commerce officials hoped the move would help downtown restaurants recover after being restricted since March to only takeout and deliveries as a result of COVID-19. The initiative has been successful.

According to Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri, “We’ll evaluate it from Sunday to Sunday and If it works, we’ll continue to do it.” According to NYS rules, restaurants are required to locate tables at least six feet apart. Employees must wear masks, along with customers when not seated at their table

Organized by the Greater Patchogue Village Chamber, in an effort to help limit large gatherings, the Chamber asks all diners to make reservations in advance, with the first reservation being accepted at 12pm and the last reservation at 7pm.

Main Street restaurants have welcomed the al fresco dining style. Gallo, specializing in Colombian authentic cuisine, expressed on Facebook how extremely happy they are to have the opportunity to serve the community once again. RHUM, an eatery featuring Caribbean fare, explained, “We are so excited to be opening for outdoor dining on both our Rooftop Terrace and sidewalk. We are thrilled to be here for you.”

Promoting Sundays on the Street, NYS Senator Monica Martinez states, “Make it a perfect night by visiting your favorite spot, keeping social distance, and enjoying a delicious meal while helping bring life back into our community.”

Here is list of Sundays on the Street participating eateries:

Arooga’s

Bobbique

Brickhouse Brewery

Buttermilks Kitchen

Daisy’s Nashville Lounge

Del Fuego

Fulton’s Gate Irish Pub

Gallo

Hoshi

Local Burger

Locale

Perabell Food Bar

Rhum

That Meetball Place

The Cuban

The Tap Room

Toast Coffeehouse

Village Idiot Pub

Town of Huntington Announces Anti-bias Project to Promote Unity

Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, members of the Town Board, and Town officials were be joined by the Town’s Anti-Bias Task Force, Vision Long Island, the Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct, representatives from local business, and volunteers from the community to announce the Town’s new project to promote unity and highlight the inclusive nature of the Huntington community, entitled “Hate Has No Place in Huntington,” on Friday, July 24 at Heckscher Park in Huntington. 

Those representing the Town at the ceremony included Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Councilman Ed Smyth, Receive of Taxes Jillian Guthman, Superintendent of Highways Kevin S. Orelli, Department of Humans Services Director Carmen Kasper, Division of Minority Affair Director Kevin Thorbourne, Anti-Bias Task Force Chairperson Helen Boxwill and members Dr. Eve Krief, Dr. Richard Koubek, Denise Han, and Susan Dewey-Hammer. Also in attendance were Inspector William Scrima and Officer Claudia Delgado of the Suffolk County Police Department, 2nd Precinct, Dr. Richard Koubek also represented Vision Long Island, Randy Paul and Sandra Jimenez of the Leaders of the New School, and Ellen O’Brien of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce. 

Vision Long Island helped by producing a collection of signage for Town of Huntington businesses to display, spreading the message of tolerance and inclusiveness with the headline, “Hate Has No Business in Huntington” and “All Are Welcome Here” in multiple languages. 

Kudos to the Town of Huntington and their Anti-Bias Task Force for getting a message out that hate has no place in Huntington. Volunteers are reaching out to all local businesses to place posters opposing hate in all local shops in the Town. Great to see folks out spreading the word. In a time of massive division mostly generated nationally or regionally through large scale media - positive messages delivered on the local level are one positive action folks can take.

Special thanks to Vision Board member Dick Koubek for his help in this campaign.

The Anti-Bias Task Force has also collected donations from the community, payable to the Huntington Human Services Institute, Inc., for the production of lawn signs, available to residents free of charge, displaying the message, “Hate Has No Home in the Town of Huntington,” which residents can display with pride. 

Anti-Bias Task Force member Dr. Eve Krief coordinated 40 youth volunteers from several of the Town’s school districts with a diverse group of representatives from the New School, St. Hugh of Lincoln Church, Masjid Noor, Huntington Jewish Center, Huntington Congregational Church, Old First Church, Gathering of Light, and other concerned Huntington youth who love their Town. 

“Huntington prides itself on being a step ahead of other communities in business, our relationship with law enforcement, education, creativity, culture and inclusiveness – Huntington really is a slice of everything America is and should be. Make no mistake about it, hate has no place in Huntington and we are grateful for the generosity of Vision Long Island, our youth volunteers and generous contributors who love their Town and are helping us spread this message of inclusiveness and unity,” stated Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci. “Participants will help remind Huntingtonians and anyone willing to listen that we cannot survive as a divided community, state or nation.” 

“Folks of all races, cultures, backgrounds and classes need to unite against hatred, bias and the forces that continue to divide us. Kudos to the Huntington Anti Bias task force for working with residents and business owners to amplify this critical message. Honored to live and have an office in a Town that stands strongly against racism in all forms,” Eric Alexander, Director, Vision Long Island. 

Those wishing to donate for the production of lawn signs may write a check, payable to the Huntington Human Services Institute, Inc., with “Lawn Signs” in the memo area, and mail it to Town of Huntington, Department of Human Services, Huntington, NY 11743. The Huntington Human Services Institute, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Corporation and the charitable arm of the Town’s Department of Human Services.
 
The youth volunteers are helping to distribute the business signage and lawn signs, which can be requested by calling the Town’s Department of Human Services at (631) 351-3304 or emailing humanservices@huntingtonny.gov.
 
You can watch video of the event here.

Riverhead’s Town Square Proposal Receives Good Reviews

The Town Square Project in downtown Riverhead was unveiled to the public, which seemed generally supportive of the idea. 

The plan for the project is to purchase three buildings in downtown Riverhead to create a new mixed-used development.  A $5.5 million price tag for Town square will include demolition of two of the buildings, located at 117 and 121 East Main Street in Riverhead, while the other one will remain.

“We’re here to discuss a very exciting project,” said Dawn Thomas, Riverhead’s community development director. “The creation of a town square in downtown Riverhead, which will require the purchase of several properties located on the south side of East Main Street.”

The Town of Riverhead has gone through a decade plus of revitalization which includes theatres, hotels, an aquarium, farmers markets, arts events, new downtown housing, office space a community garden and upgrades to roads and wastewater infrastructure investments.  This project is the latest effort as Riverhead continues to move towards a more vibrant and versatile downtown.

“Vision commends the Town of Riverhead,” said Vision Long Island Sustainability Director Elissa Kyle, “for purchasing the land for a public square for people rather than storage for cars.  This will help to strengthen the connection between Main Street and the riverfront which is one of the downtown’s biggest assets.”

However, thought Riverhead residents did seem mostly in favor of the plans, residents from the hamlet of Manorville did raise concerns at the Town meeting.  Though that was not about the project so much as the prioritization of it over efforts to bring clean water to Manorville.

You can read more at the Riverhead News-Review.

Long Island Officials call for US Senate to Pass Heroes Act

US Representatives Kathleen Rice and others, along with Democratic Policy Communications Committee Co-Chair Representative Matt Cartwright hosted a press call this morning to demand the Senate pass bipartisan legislation that provides federal aid to municipalities dealing with budgetary shortfalls created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Members will also discuss the need to extend unemployment payments.

In May, the House passed the Heroes Act to provide $1 trillion in aid to local and state governments across the nation, including $87.5 billion for municipalities with more than 50,000 residents and $37.5 billion for municipalities with under 50,000 residents. The bill also extends emergency unemployment payments and other critical lifelines for workers and families amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But the Senate has refused to bring it up for a vote. 

• Bipartisan groups of local elected officials across New York and Long Island have repeatedly urged Senator Mitch McConnell to pass COVID-19 relief legislation, as municipalities and schools continue to face budgetary shortfalls.
• If Senate Republicans allow the emergency unemployment program to expire, 30 million American workers will lose $600 in weekly income – as more and more Americans file for unemployment each week.
• Economists estimate that allowing emergency unemployment income to expire could drop U.S. GDP by 2.5%, harming the already struggling economy, delaying the recovery, and causing even more Americans to lose their jobs.

 “Our projected shortfall grows to $11 billion through 2021 if state and local governments are forced to reduce their subsidies by an additional $600 million in the absence of federal support,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye. “This operating shortfall is compounded by the loss of $1 billion annually beginning in 2021 in congestion pricing revenues due to federal inaction bringing the total $12 billion. Without federal relief, the MTA will have no other choice but to make drastic service reductions, pandemic-related fare and toll increases, job cuts, or gut our historic capital plan. None of this can be allowed to happen – we can’t afford to turn the clock back to the bad old days of the 1970s. If the federal government fails to act, this pandemic will end up on the backs of riders and stymie not just New York’s economic rebound, but the nation’s as well. Washington: don’t let it happen.”

In addition to state and local aid and extending emergency unemployment insurance, the Heroes Act will protect the paychecks of frontline workers, provide direct payments of up to $6,000 for struggling families, support small businesses, and invest in the testing needed to reopen our economy safely. A summary of the Heroes Act is available HERE.

Pink Tie Delivers to Medford and Baldwin

Vision was out with the Pink Tie Delivers team on Friday for two stops in Medford and Baldwin both of which included food and financial donations. 

The first stop was Genesis Church Drive thru pantry in Medford.  We met up with members of their team that were restocking from a distribution that included over 400 meals.  Needless to say they were out of some items and needed to restock.

Next stop was St. Christopher’s Parish Outreach in Baldwin.   Their pantry is holding steady only because many of their more senior members are still not traveling out much.  We were happy to supply the many requested items.

The dedication of local pantries in communities across Long Island is remarkable.

With many businesses laying off staff due to revenues that have been slashed hard hit industries in hospitality, retail, transportation and travel have left those without work scrambling to put food on the table.

The Pink Tie Delivers team for these drops included 1st Equity Title, Late Night Chauffers, Trinity Solar, Vision LI and Keller Williams. 

In particular Keller Williams agents helped collect hundreds of pounds of food from Shope Rite locations for this weeks drops.

For more info on how you can take part in the doorstep donation program or join the Delivers Team  check out pinktie.org or please email us at contact@pinktie.org

10 Days left in SBA Payroll Protection Program

Now 10 days left to apply for the SBA's Payroll Protection Program. There are still over $100 billion in Federal funds left. Lets bring those resources into our Main Streets, independent and minority owned small businesses who have lower enrollment rates!

Here is coverage from Newsday’s James Madore that features a local minority owned business in Lindenhurst.

Here is some more coverage from last Tuesday's press event on increased outreach for the PPP Loan from David Winzelberg at LI Business News.

Folks should get the word out each day until the deadline which is August 8th!

Split the Bill is Coming Back to Hempstead Friday, July 31st

Split The Bill NY is returning to Tempstead for the another event!

The way it works is go to one of the participating restaurants and the good folks at the Sidgemore Foundation will reimburse you for half of the amount (up to $30 for your total bill of $60 or more)  You just have to take a picture of the receipt and your food and upload the photo to their website at splitthebillny.com.

Past Split The Bill NY campaigns have driven over $82,000 in total retail spend to participating restaurants in the Village of Farmingdale, Village of Valley Stream, and Village of Westbury. Several restaurants in the Village of Hempstead are participating in the upcoming program in the hope of driving more business to their establishments.

'Zoom' to New Heights with Project Independence

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the Project Independence and You radio show wanted to continue to provide timely and important information to the senior residents of North Hempstead, caretakers and service professionals. Previous guests and topics included Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Congressman Tom Suozzi, Latest Tips on Frauds & Scams, Financial Concerns surrounding COVID-19 Pandemic, NY State Attorney General Scam Awareness and From Crisis to Calm Coping in an Ever Changing Normal. After listening to an informative guest, be sure to listen to the Talk of the Town to find out about updates, programs and what’s going on around Town!

The radio show uses the Zoom platform to organize and coordinate the shows, which is then broadcasted during the normally scheduled time. Project Independence and You airs on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tune in on WCWP 88.1 FM or wcwp.org or download the app! Past episodes are available at northhempsteadny.gov/pi-home.

Upcoming Schedule:

•July 31 - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran to discuss Nassau County Updates in dealing with COVID-19 Pandemic and Moving Forward

Don’t forget to listen to Talk of the Town where they discuss everything that is happening in the Town and in the World. Learn about new programs, events and exciting initiatives.

Click here to learn more.

2021 Long Island Arts Grant Workshop Schedule Released

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Decentralization Grants help to support:

·     Individual artists in the creation of new work
·     Teaching artists with in depth opportunities for students and life long learners to create
and experience the arts
·     Arts and cultural organizations with community based arts & cultural projects

Attendance to one of the following workshops is mandatory in order to apply for a 2021 NYSCA Decentralization grant.

The dates, locations and times for the workshops are listed below. Virtual workshops will be presented through ZOOM. Additional information and the login link will be provided after you register for a specific day and time.

The dates, locations* and times for the workshops are listed below:
·     Thursday, 7/30 Virtual Workshop, 2PM
·     Tuesday, 8/4 Virtual Workshop, 6 PM
·     Thursday, 8/6 Virtual Workshop, 6PM

You can register for these workshops here.

Long Island Arts Council at Freeport Hosting Live, Free Concerts

The Long Island Arts Council at Freeport will be hosting live, free summer concerts at the Esplanade on the Nautical Mile.  Events will take place Thursday nights from 7pm to 8:30pm

COVID-19 requirements that must be followed

•             Attendees need to bring their own chairs
•             You must set up your chairs six feet apart from other attendees
•             You must wear a mask - The Arts Council will have customized face masks for sale with all proceeds going to our programs and services

Here's the line-up of performers. Please check our website for updates, possible changes, and rain date location.

July 30
TBA

Aug 6
Turnpike Joe and the Traffic Jam

Aug 13
Sparkle on Stage

Aug 20
Robert Bruey

Aug 27
East End Trio

September 3
TBA

September 10
TBA

Calendar Briefs and Webinars

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!

• There are only a few more days left to apply for the SBA's Payroll Protection Program.   One key resource is from our friends over at Asset Enhancement Solutions who are hosting free webinars on the program two times each weekday, until August 6th.

There are two sessions each day - one an information session and then secondly an application walkthrough workshop. Anyone is welcome to join to learn more about the PPP program and eligibility in the morning (10am daily) and/or attend a session to go step-by-step through the application process (2pm daily).

The links to RSVP for the sessions are below:

RSVP for a PPP Loan Information Session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yqYZcJyPTymUSjMiclQ7VQ

RSVP for a PPP Loan Application Walkthrough
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AnNnyITCRLW7EmRqaIml-Q/

Check them out and spread the word.

Reminder also that the LI African American Chamber of Commerce has seminars with the SBA over the next two weeks on Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30pm and you can sign up for those here: 
https://liaacc.org/events-calendar/

The LI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, LI Main Street Alliance, the Nassau Council of Chambers and the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers have been reaching out to their members as well.

Spread the word to bring federal resources to our local small businesses!

Full Time HMIS Data Quality Specialist in Amityville, NY

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless is seeking applicants for a Full-Time Homeless Management Information System HMIS) Data Quality Specialist for our main office in Amityville.  This position will be responsible for working closely with shelter and housing providers on LI to ensure the completeness and accuracy of data in our regional client database and the maintenance of the regional client By Name Lists for Housing Prioritization.
Other Keys points:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Supports/assists HMIS Support Specialist and Supervisor in maintenance of HMIS data for LI HMIS
• Conducts extensive analysis of LI HMIS data in MS Excel
• Reviews/monitors HMIS data entry, ensures completeness and accuracy of data
• Heavy focus on work with housing providers to ensure completeness of HMIS data and highest data quality
• Manages/distributes data quality reports for HMIS users/agencies

Maintains regional By Name Lists for housing referrals. Works with Associate Director and CES Manager to regularly update lists based upon changes in inflow and outflow of clients in the homeless system, changes in prioritization criteria and other relevant factors

Must have a commitment to organization’s mission and goals. Must be self-motivated; must be able to work effectively with diverse people and personalities and as a member of a team.

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

 Please see attached job description for more information. This position is for an employment opportunity in Suffolk County, NY. At this time, all work can be remote. While local applicants are preferred, those from outside of the local area will be considered due to the ability to conduct this work remotely (now, and likely, going forward). Hours of operation are 9AM – 5PM EST, and employees will be required to maintain such hours.

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

Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk Announces 2020 Veterans Build in Bellport

Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk is happy to announce that applications are now open for our 2020 Veterans Build in Bellport, NY.  This home is already under construction and should be ready for the new homeowner this fall.  

Too many of our brave men and women serving this country, are coming home from their tour of duty and still battling the rising cost of housing. In honor of their service, we are giving special preference towards eligible veterans and their families for this home.

Who is eligible? 

• Must be in need of housing
• Household must include a US Veteran with honorable discharge 
• Must receive regular, verifiable income within our family size guidelines
• Must be able to qualify for an affordable mortgage 
• Must have $1,500 minimum in savings to provide as a down payment

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED AND COMPLETE (with all required documents & credit check fee) NO LATER THAN August 15th.  If you are interested in applying, please do so ASAP.  Qualified applicants may be accepted and approved before 8/15 if application volume is high so don't delay!

You can download the Application form here.

NYS Launches Rent Relief Program

The COVID Rent Relief Program will provide eligible households with a one-time rental subsidy that will be sent directly to the household’s landlord. Applicants will not need to repay this assistance.

The Covid Rent Relief Program is not first come, first served. Applications will be accepted throughout the two-week application period. HCR will prioritize eligible households with “greatest economic and social need” accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost and risk of homelessness.

The rental assistance payment will cover the difference between the household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the increase in rent burden for the months the households is applying for assistance. Households can apply for up to four months in rental assistance.

Eligible households must meet the following criteria:

• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income must have been below 80% of the area median income, adjusted for household size. You can find your county’s area median income, based on your household size: www.hcr.ny.gov/eligible-income-limits-80-ami-county
• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, the household must have been paying more than 30% of gross monthly income towards rent.  Gross income includes wages as well as any cash grants, child support, social security, unemployment benefits, etc.)
• Applicants must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020.

HCR has created a dedicated call center to provide residents with help Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Call the COVID Rent Relief Program Call Center at 1-833-499-0318 or email at covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov

You can apply for assistance and check FAQ’s here.

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.

To view more details, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, click here:

If you need technical assistance through this process, please contact an Entrepreneurial Assistance Center near you and inform the counselor that you need help for the NY Forward Loan application.  You can find your closest contact center here.

Wear the Mask!

Look let’s be honest - no one wants to wear a mask.

With that said they are the reason many small businesses we care about can stay open, many social activities still function in some form or the reason you can see a friend or colleague. There would likely still be government mandated “stay at home” orders if we didn’t have the opportunity to wear these masks.

For the significant swath of people out there who don’t wear them given these conditions I sincerely ask “why”? Do you think you are immune, that you won’t really get sick, that government is making all of this up, or that mask wearing orders are just used as a scheme to control people? Even if any of the reasons are even slightly true hopefully we can recognize that we can’t go back to the old normal - which we all want - without dealing with obvious and simple things like wearing masks.

With all the radically serious things going on in the world, our nation, NYS, LI and our local communities that include health, economic and racial crisis and divisions we are going to complain about wearing masks?

We don’t have to wear these forever - but if we dont’t wear them now the implications for your friends, neighbors and colleagues as well as our local economy and our freedoms could be far worse.

Please wear the damn mask!

Here is a short public service announcement that hits on some of these themes.

Today's Sponsor

Cronin & Cronin Law Firm, PLLC

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