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

July 31st, 2020

Quotes of Day

	“We are working on protocols that will make sure that when they do reopen, and they will reopen, that the environment is sterile, that the virus does not have the opportunity to spread because of the activity.” - Hon. Kathy Hochul, NYS Lt. Governor
	“This grant and loan program from the agency is intended to reach those small businesses that have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 public health emergency. We’re targeting those businesses that had to close due to the pandemic, and that remained closed through Phase 1 and beyond.  Small businesses are the backbone of our Main Streets and our town, and are the product of lifelong dreams, resolve and tenacity. The Town of Islip is committed to doing its part to help our businesses succeed in the aftermath of this pandemic.” - Hon. Angie Carpenter, Islip Town Supervisor
	“We encourage those small businesses that truly need this financial assistance to visit our website, www.islipida.com, and make an application to the agency.” - William Mannix, executive director of the Town of Islip Industrial Development Agency.
	"I am very supportive of our local restaurant owners reopening in a way that will be safe and encourage people to enjoy our Downtown restaurants," - Hon. Tim Tenke, Glen Cove Mayor

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Greenport

This past May, the Greenport Village Business Improvement District proposed a plan to Village officials to allow for expansion of outdoor dining in order to meet the needs of business, residents and visitors in Greenport amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Village performed a trial run of a two-lane closure on July Fourth weekend, Village officials ultimately agreed to leave one-way traffic open westbound, detouring eastbound vehicles at First Street. The added lane has created additional space for pedestrians and diners alike.

The goal was to create greater outdoor opportunities. A group of engaged citizens and leaders, along with award winning architects, worked on the issue of outdoor space. According to Rich Vanderburgh, co-founder of the Greenport Harbor Brewery and president of the Greenport Business Improvement District, “That conversation immediately moved to the parklet design.”

A concept map was created. The plan to eliminate downtown parking was at first a heavy lift. The group went on to drill down on what they had to work with, and then they drew up several different concept plans, finally landing on having businesses set up in the parklet areas and keeping pedestrians on the street. The plan was accepted by the community. Thereafter, materials were solicited, local contractors offered time, and safe and attractive parklets were created. With the Village on board, test demonstrations successful, the parklets will remain part of the downtown landscape until October 12th. This expansive effort has brought renewed optimism and vibrancy to the Village.

Mr. Vandenburg explains that the installation of these parklets throughout the Village has been both super valuable and well-received, even inspiring other municipalities to reach out for help in recreating the idea in their downtown areas.

Here are some restaurants offering outdoor dining in Greenport:

Agave Grill & Cantina
110 Front St
631-333-2323

American Beech
300 Main St.
631- 477-5939

Andy’s Restaurant
36 Front St.
631-333-2525

Andys
34 Front St.
631-333-2525

Brix & Rye
308 Main St.
631-477-6984

Bruce & Son
208 Main St.
631-477-0023

Claudio’s Waterfront
111 Main St.
631-477-0627

Crazy Beans
2 Front St.
631-333-2436

Ellen’s On Front
38 Front St.
631-333-2743

First & South
100 South St.
631-333-2020

Frisky Oyster
7 Front St.
631-477-4275

Front Street Station
212 Front St.
631-333-2050

Green Hill Kitchen
48 Front St.
631-477-4900

Greenport Creamery
142 Main St,
631-333-2818

Lucharitos
119 Main St.
631-477-6666

Olive Branch & Café
120 Front St.
631-333-2444

Ralph’s Famous Italian Ice
37 Front St.
631-592-8391

Tikal
110 Front St
631-333-2018

Glen Cove

The City of Glen Cove and Glen Cove’s Downtown Business Improvement District worked together the weeks leading up to New York State’s Phase II opening in an effort to help local businesses struggling with the fallout of COVID-19.

Glen Cove Mayor Tim Tenke was receptive to the idea of outdoor dining. "I am very supportive of our local restaurant owners reopening in a way that will be safe and encourage people to enjoy our Downtown restaurants," Mayor Tenke stated.

The plan that was eventually implemented includes closing off School Street and Glen Street to cars in the downtown area Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 6 pm to 10 pm, thus allowing extra capacity of sidewalk and street seating which makes an important difference in the survival of restaurants and businesses in the downtown area. These closures allow restaurants to set up more tables and chairs in the street and allow customers to social distance. Outdoor seating permit costs have been waived.

Patricia Holman, executive director of the local business improvement district, called the outdoor dining plan a great way to support downtown restaurants. "Other communities across the U.S. are already doing this successfully," she said. "We are lucky to have the option to do this in Glen Cove and a community that is supportive."

Members of the business improvement district board continue to work with restaurants and local businesses to help secure what is needed. Great job done by all.

Please find below a list of restaurants that are participating in outdoor dining;

Andros Grill

Dominik Pizza

El Tazumal

Glen Cove Deli

Henry’s Luncheonette and Confectionery

La Bussola

La Famiglia

Machu Picchu

Chef Moris Valle

Meritage Wine Bar and Restaurant

Panera Bread

The American Café

The Downtown Café

Jalisco Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar

Noble Savage Brewing Company

Simpliciti Café

NYS Guidelines for Gyms May be Coming Soon

NYS Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul recently commented that New York Gyms may be able to open sooner rather than later.

Originally slated to reopen under Phase 4 guidelines before being removed from a list of approved businesses, gyms remain closed.  The state has claimed that this is due to the need to plan how gyms can safely reopen and prevent spread of COVID-19.

“We are working on protocols that will make sure that when they do reopen, and they will reopen, that the environment is sterile, that the virus does not have the opportunity to spread because of the activity,” said Lt. Governor Hochul.

The Lieutenant Governor noted that gyms are much more challenging to create guidelines for due to the nature of activity.  The state has been in touch with medical experts in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester as they try and figure out the best and smartest ways to re-open them.  She also noted that the goal is to ensure that all small businesses can re-open sooner rather than later, but only so long as it is safe to do so.

You can read more and watch an interview with Lieutenant Governor on gym reopenings at WETM 18.

Islip IDA Launches Loan and Grant Program for Local Businesses Affected by COVID-19

The Town of Islip IDA has announced that it will launch a financial assistance program that will provide grants or loans to local businesses that have been hurt by economic shutdown.

This new form of assistance will go to local businesses that can demonstrate a financial need that resulted from the COVID-19 economic shutdown.  The IDA has made plans to make a total of $250,000 available to eligible businesses in the area.

“This grant and loan program from the agency is intended to reach those small businesses that have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter.  “We’re targeting those businesses that had to close due to the pandemic, and that remained closed through Phase 1 and beyond.  Small businesses are the backbone of our Main Streets and our town, and are the product of lifelong dreams, resolve and tenacity. The Town of Islip is committed to doing its part to help our businesses succeed in the aftermath of this pandemic.”

Only businesses located within the Town of Islip will be eligible for the financing provided by this program.  Applicants will also be required to make a commitment to job retention and must demonstrate how use of the loans will benefit the community.  Only businesses that have been open for two years prior to the economic shutdown and can demonstrate viability will be considered.  They will also need to be able to show that they can offer repayment of the loan within a 12-month period.  The maximum dollar amount for any loan will be $25,000 with a zero percent interest rate.

Priority will be given to businesses that were deemed non-essential when the shutdown started.  Priority will also be given to businesses located in distressed communities, are certified minority or women-owned businesses, or are owned by veterans. 

“We encourage those small businesses that truly need this financial assistance to visit our website, www.islipida.com, and make an application to the agency,” said William Mannix, executive director of the Town of Islip Industrial Development Agency.

You can read more about this new program at Long Island Business News.

You can also find information about requirements and applications at the Town of Islip Economic Development website..

8 Days left in SBA Payroll Protection Program

Now 8 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 Back in Hempstead Tonight

Split The Bill NY is returning to Hempstead 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.

The Hempstead Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Hempstead have endorsed the program which is funded by the Sidgmore Foundation with support from Vision Long Island & the LI Main Street Alliance.

Check it out and spread the news.   We will be out in Hempstead tomorrow spreading the word but need your help to make sure residents help their local independent shops the best way possible - by patronizing them!
Head down to one of the following local restaurants FRIDAY JULY 31st until midnight:

Antojitos Express
458 Peninsula Blvd, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
(516) 385-5603

Be-bop Bagel
35 Main St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
(516) 292-2326

El Nuevo Poloros
109 N Franklin St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
www.elnuevopolorosrstaurant.com
(516) 385-2886

El Rincon Dominicano Restaurant
283 Fulton Ave, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
(516) 280-9529

Eternal Deli
115 Main St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
www.eternaldeli.com
(516) 565-5505

Galilee Deli
235 South Franklin St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
galileedeli.com
(516) 481-0879

Halal G’s
173 Jackson St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
(917) 519-4107

Hondumex restaurant
58 Main St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
(516) 833-7505

Jalapeño Grill
114 North Franklin St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
(516) 292-8030

Juice Bar & Grill
294 Greenwich St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
(516) 279-4335

Long Island Soul Food
429 S Franklin St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
(516) 385-6007

Los Amigos Deli
158 Main St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
(516) 489-5950

Metro Deli
139 Jackson St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
(516) 489-8927

Spices Negril Restaurant and Lounge
1084 Grand Ave, South Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
SPICESNEGRIL.COM
(516) 279-6988

Spices Negril Takeout Restaurant
1082 Grand Ave, South Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
SPICESNEGRIL.COM
(516) 743-9982

Tres Sabores
77 Main St, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
(516) 538-0460

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:

·     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.

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.

Vision's Director was honored to have been part of Pastor Keith Hayward's radio program "Straight Talk" on Tuesday.  What a great host with a strong message for his congregation and well beyond.  We covered the SBA's programs and other revitalization efforts for small businesses and communities.

Here is a link.

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.

NYSERDA, Affordable Solar and Storage Predevelopment and Technical Assistance (Predevelopment Program)

The Predevelopment Program provides grants to address barriers to solar installations serving low-to-moderate income (LMI) households living in rental housing, multifamily buildings or other households not served by traditional on-site residential solar. Individual awards will not exceed $200,000. Funding to proposals through this solicitation will offset costs for predevelopment and technical assistance work needed to implement solar installations for multifamily affordable housing and/or shared solar (Community Distributed Generation) installations that benefit LMI households.

- Eligibility: Applications must be submitted by or include the documented participation of any of the following: owners, providers or managers of regulated multifamily affordable housing, community land trusts, land banks or portfolios of single-family affordable housing; local government agencies; Community Development Corporations (CDC), Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) or other community organizations providing services to LMI households and/or demonstrating an LMI constituency; and prior recipients of Predevelopment Program grants seeking to replicate and expand upon the success from a prior completed Predevelopment

Program project.

- Funding: Up to $10.65 million is available with individual awards not to exceed $200,000.
- Deadline: Continuous through December 31, 2024, or until depleted
- Contact:
Email: affordablesolar@nyserda.ny.gov
Website: www.nyserda.ny.gov/funding

NYSERDA, NY Green Bank, Paycheck Protection Program

NY Green Bank is a state-sponsored specialized financial entity working with the private sector to identify, address and alleviate market barriers preventing the widespread deployment of clean energy across New York State. As part of New York’s support for businesses during this challenging time, NY Green Bank, a division of NYSERDA, has been approved to offer loans to eligible applicants under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). To qualify for a PPP loan, the applicants must satisfy NY Green Bank’s mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York State and to sustain its momentum in meeting the climate and clean energy goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The loan proceeds must be used to cover payroll costs, and eligible mortgage interest, rent and utility costs over the 24-week period after the loan is made; and employee and compensation levels must be maintained. Completed applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis in the order they are received.

- Eligibility: At least 60% of the loan amount to be forgiven must have been used for payroll and payroll-related expenses. See the website and below for additional eligibility criteria.

The following entities affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) may be eligible:

- Any small business concern that meets SBA’s size standards (either the industry based size standard or the alternative size standard), sole proprietors, independent contractors and selfemployed persons;

- Any business with a NAICS Code that begins with 72 (Accommodations and Food Services) that has more than one physical location and employs less than 500 per location; and

- Any business, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, 501(c)(19) veterans organization or Tribal business concern (sec. 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act) with the less than 500 employees or that meets the SBA industry size standard if more than 500.

- Funding: Eligible payroll costs are capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee.

- Deadline: August 6, 2020

- Contacts: Trond Rokholt
(Designated Contact 2) at 203-550-4006; or (iii) Lindsay Drogin (Designated Contact 3)  at 212-971-5342, ext. 4111.
Email: sba.loan@greenbank.ny.gov
Website: https://portal.greenbank.ny.gov/CORE_Solicitation_Detail_Page?SolicitationId=a0rt000000uU2EhAAK

Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program (NLG-L)

This program supports projects that enhance the quality of library and archive services by advancing theory and practice. Successful proposals will generate results such as new tools, research findings, models, services, practices or collaborative approaches that can be widely used, adapted, scaled or replicated. All applications must designate one of the following project categories: Lifelong Learning, Community Catalysts or National Digital Infrastructures and Initiatives.

- Eligibility: Either a unit of state or local government or a private, nonprofit organization that has nonprofit status and be located in one of the 50 States of the United States of America, the District of Columbia or U.S. territories. Additional criteria is listed in the website.

- Funding: 40 awards for up to three years will be made with amounts varying by category: Planning Grants up to $100,000; National Forum Grants up to $150,000; Project Grants up to $1,000,000 and Research in Service to Practice Grants up to $750,000.

- Deadline: October 2, 2020

- Contacts: Jill Connors-Joyner
Email: jconnors-joyner@imls.gov;
Sarah Fuller
Email: sfuller@imls.gov;
James Neal
Email: jneal@imls.gov;
Ashley Sands, PhD
Email: asands@imls.gov
General email: imls-librarygrants@imls.gov
Website: https://www.imls.gov/grants/available/national-leadership-grants-libraries

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize (the Prize) elevates the compelling stories of places where residents are working together to transform education, jobs, transportation, housing and more so better health flourishes for all. A Culture of Health recognizes that where we live—such as our access to affordable homes, quality schools, good jobs and reliable transportation—affects how long and how well we live.

Through the RWJF Culture of Health Prize application process, a community comes together to tell its inspiring stories of collaboration, action and results. Communities should understand they are applying for a prize and not a grant. The Prize recognizes work that has already been accomplished, so there is no required workplan or budget.

- Eligibility: A community must be a geographically defined jurisdiction in the U.S. that falls into one of the following categories:

- County, parish, borough, city, town, village or other municipality with a publicly elected governing body;

- Federally recognized tribe or a state-designated Indian reservation;

- Native Hawaiian organization serving and representing the interests of Native Hawaiians in Hawaii; or

- Region defined as geographically contiguous municipalities, counties and/or reservations.

- Awards: Up to 10 winning communities receive $25,000 and a prize package of communications materials about their community, communications guidance and help in promoting their successes.

- Deadline: Oct. 15, 2020, 3pm ET

- Contact:
Phone: (608) 890-2045
Email: info@cohprize.wisc.edu
Website: www.rwjf.org/content/rwjf/en/library/funding-opportunities/2020/2021-culture-ofhealth-prize.html

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

D&F Development Group

The D & F Development Group, LLC (The D&F Group) provides the highest quality combination of experience and knowledge to make certain that project goals are attained. They offer an entire spectrum of real estate expertise from a single source – including project development, construction and property management.

The D&F Group is proud to be among New York’s premier developers of affordable family and senior housing, working closely with a wide array of for-profit and not-for-profit partners. Yet, their diversity and extensive background enable them to provide comprehensive services relating not only to affordable housing but to all segments of the real estate marketplace. Furthermore, their versatility means they can handle all aspects of a project from inception to finalization. Depending on the specific project, they can provide any one or more of the individual areas of real estate services they offer.

The D&F Group brings agility, efficiency and dedication to each project … committed to ensuring that all budgetary, scheduling, regulatory, aesthetic and other requirements are fulfilled.