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

August 7th, 2020

Quotes of Day

	"All school districts in the state can open, everywhere in the state, which is just great news," said Governor Cuomo on a phone briefing with journalists. "You look at our infection rate, we are probably in the best situation in the country." - NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo
	“Our goal, always, is to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. Crews will work to restore critical facilities first, followed by outages affecting the largest number of customers, and then address outages affecting small numbers of individual customers." - PSEG Official Statement

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

Helping Main Street through the
Coronavirus Shutdown

Day 145 of the Coronavirus Economic Shutdown –
Friday August 7th, 2020

The Coronavirus economic shutdown is on day 145.

The Tropical Storm and resulting record damage and power outages not seen since Sandy is dominating most communities attention right now.  Over 3000 crews are out repairing record damage but small businesses have lost inventory and many residents are suffering without power.

The good news is that NYS is allowing schools to reopen but the challenge is in the details district by district where the inequities and inefficiencies of remote learning are turning the world of working parents upside down.

Thankfully the SBA’s PPP program was extended to August 8th with over $100 billion still available more outreach is needed to get businesses into the program.   Read the Action alert below on the efforts underway to reach minority and women owned businesses who may not have utilized the program to date as much as others.   There is 1 more day until the program closes.

Pink Tie Delivers is making their 47th and 48th food delivery this week in Smithtown and Long Beach.   Stay tuned for further updates and if you want to assist contact pinktie.org.

Folks are still urged to be safe and wear masks and socially distance wherever possible in our communities with our families and friends.  No one wants this virus to spread and deal with economic and socially crippling shutdowns. 

Here are some updates:

• NYS Gives Go-Ahead for Schools to Reopen

All schools in New York State can reopen in the fall, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday, citing the current low infection rate around the state.

But, he said, districts have to ensure that parents, teachers and other members of the community have more information about the reopening plans. 

"All school districts in the state can open, everywhere in the state, which is just great news," he said on a phone briefing with journalists. "You look at our infection rate, we are probably in the best situation in the country." He emphasized the ability for every region on the state to reopen schools."

https://huntingtonnow.com/cuomo-gives-go-ahead-for-all-ny-schools-to-reopen-in-fall/

• PSEG has also started a Critical Care Program to help with residents who need power for life-saving equipment.  You can call and register at 1-800-490-0025 and we suggest you do so in advance of any upcoming storm in the future.  For more information, go to their website here: https://www.psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/customerassistanceprograms/criticalcareprogram

• I know that most without power or working on recovery are consumed with the storm but there are two business days left to apply for the SBA PPP program.

As of June 31st the SBA reported that there was still $128 Billion left in the program.

APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!!!

Here are the links to the new regulations on Loan Forgiveness.

• NYS extends eviction moratorium until September.

• The Coronavirus shutdown may force 40 million Americans to lose their homes.

• NYC is imposing Coronavirus checkpoints to enforce mandatory quarantines.

• Black business ownership declines due to the Coronavirus shutdowns.

• Below is Governor Cuomo's updates. Travel advisory links below, as well.

COVID-19 Travel Advisory Webpage (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory)

Interim Guidance on Travel Advisory
(https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/06/interimguidance_traveladvisory.pdf)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Advisory
(https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/07/nys-covid-travel-advisory-faq_0.pdf

• North Hempstead Town is allowing local business groups to apply for a free permit to close streets, launching a “Lift Up Local” measure to make room for restaurants and stores to expand their capacity outdoors and boost business. The permits can be used for multiple days from 10am to 11pm, but it is only available to a chamber of commerce, a business improvement district, or a majority of merchants on a street wishing to participate in a road closure for outdoor dining or shopping.  

• Faith-based organizations are finding new and creative ways to engage congregants during the pandemic, and there are resources available to help through companies like Google. Check out this Webinar on Church Marketing and Congregant Engagement from PosterMyWall with tips and resources for faith organizations to learn more about what’s available and what’s helping bring faith communities together: https://youtu.be/Sdq8iEFAapc 

• New study: preschoolers across the U.S. have lost key learning opportunities during the pandemic

Only about 10 percent of 3- to 5-year olds received a "robust replacement" for in-person preschool attendance last spring, according to a new study released last week by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University. "Preschools should either re-open or prepare a much stronger response to remote support for young children's learning and development," says NIEER's Senior Co-Director, Steve Barnett.

One of the study's most concerning findings: preschool shutdowns appear to have increased inequities in education. "Home learning environments are more unequal than preschools, and public preschool programs provide their greatest benefit to the most disadvantaged children," says a NIEER press release. "Also, most young children with disabilities experienced a loss of the services required by their Individualized Education Plans."

More than 1,000 parents were surveyed for the study, across the U.S.  Findings included:

Nearly three-quarters (74%) of children's preschools overall closed as a result of the pandemic--and 90% of public program classrooms closed.

Forty-eight percent of children whose programs closed were receiving some "support for learning and development" at the time of the survey in late May and early June. More than half reported that children had--at some point--been provided with worksheets, paper-based supports or digital support.

A small number of 5 year olds in the survey were in Kindergarten. But it's interesting to note that of these 96% received supports for remote learning, including teacher feedback.

In an article about the study on education news site The 74, Deputy Chief of Early Childhood for Chicago Public Schools noted that "the goal for incoming Kindergarteners will be really focusing on foundational skills because of the disruption in their Pre-K experience."

Click here for the NIEER report.

• So as many know the NYS Liquor Authority has been actively sweeping through various bars and restaurants across the state and issuing fines for establishments that are in violation of the NYS Executive Orders.

So most folks saw the news about the drive in concert event in Southampton which ended up with a couple of hundred people in a VIP area not social distancing towards the end of the show. Cleary the press and the social media impact that was generated had alot of folks who do events talking about how to manage them safely and without incident.

Here is a thoughtful non sensationalized interview with Town of Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman on the event, what happened and all the varying investigations.

Note that the Town Supervisor along with most local elected leaders have been managing their communities ably through the Coronavirus shutdowns with ongoing safety precautions.

He has also won multiple Smart Growth Awards for his work on Sunday bus service expansion and affordable housing.

Check it out.

• The good news is that by and large bars and restaurants in Long Island communities have been successfully following safety guidelines.

While social media shaming has dominated this topic here is the actual data posted on the NYS Liquor Authority website:

Long Island restaurants and bars account for roughly 9% of all violations and they are limited as roughly 50 establishments in 17 communities received violations (11 of the communities have downtowns).

By way of comparison Long Island is over 14% of NYS's population and there are nearly 100 business districts that have bars/restaurants.

The fact also is that local chambers, Mayor's, bar and restaurant owners have all been working together dilligently to make our downtown areas safe through distancing, sanitary measures, pubic education, signage and crowd control.

This all comes at great economic cost while most of these small businesses have been devastated by the shutdown and associated regulations.

So again no reason to let up on the safety efforts but very happy to see local communities do the right thing here for the public!

• Here is a story we don’t hear much about but no surprise: the big companies got richer but independent small businesses were forced to shut and have severe restrictions placed on them.

It seems our national media is busy feeding us the health fears from the Coronavirus or the fear of violence tied to what are mostly peaceful protests.

Not judging the merit of either of those items but that seems to be what dominates.

This extreme inequity between the largest businesses and our local small businesses somehow is missing from much coverage. Why is that?

Hopefully large companies that have been profiting during this period are ramping up local philanthropic efforts. We aren’t seeing that yet.

• A coalition of chambers, community leaders, economic development staff and small businesses are making a final push to reach out on the SBA’s PPP Loans.

• This 3 strikes and you are closed regulation directed at NYC restaurants and bars came out from the state. The cover story on the front page makes it appear like this is primarily a Long Island problem.

There will always be outliers, violators, bad actors and plainly clueless people in business just like in any other institution. We can choose to focus on them or lift up the more normative and responsible examples of small business behavior.

Would be good to see publicity on the vast majority of businesses who are working hard to make their customers and the public feel safe.

Through our work with dozens of local chambers and the LI Main Street Alliance we have seen virtually or in some cases in person the strong efforts made to transform floor plans, sanitize, distance customers and retrain staff all at tremendous expense to simply keep the lights on.

Let me be very clear customers and staff should wear masks, wash their hands, stay distant as much as possible but we need our local businesses that are operating safely to stay open.

We also shouldn’t judge Long Island businesses unfairly based on what’s happening in NYC.

• Executive Order 202.52 has been posted and includes the updated SLA regulations that the Governor announced. 

The Governor announced that all restaurants and bars statewide will be subject to new requirements that they must only serve alcohol to people who are ordering and eating food and that all service at bar tops must only be for seated patrons who are socially distanced by six feet or separated by physical barriers. Under current NYS law, only establishments that serve food are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. The purpose of the requirement that food be sold with alcohol is to restrict congregating and mingling that arise in a bar service/drinking only environment. ​Citizens who see violations or are concerned can report complaints, including photos, to the State Liquor Authority at www.sla.ny.gov.

There is additional information and guidance posted on the SLA website to share with constituents and licensees: https://sla.ny.gov/guidance-requirement-licensees-premises-service-privileges-serve-food-alcoholic-beverages.

• Food service guidance for bars and restaurants can be found on the NY forward website under phase 3.

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 this website

• NYS Comptroller Tom Dinapoli has put out this op-ed that speaks to the need to address food insecurity due to the rising demand at food pantries and the increased enrollment in SNAP and other feeding programs.

• The Nassau County Health Department has released guidelines on getting a test for COVID-19 or getting retested if you have been tested before.  Testing is opened to anyone who wants a test, but there needs to be a reason.  For example, you have had contact with a known case, have symptoms, or think you’ve been exposed to the virus.  Front line workers and first responders have priority for all testing.  Constituents are urged to discuss testing with their health care providers or call the Department of Health’s Coronavirus call center at (516) 227-9500, with any questions.

• New York State has extended the deadline for the Home Energy Assistance Program (known as HEAP) to August 31st. The HEAP program assists income eligible households pay for heat-related energy bills, even beyond the heating season, with a grant that clients do not have to pay back. HEAP cooling assistance is also available, and clients may qualify for a free air conditioner or fan based on income and medical need. PSEG Long Island's Household Assistance Program provides a discount on every electric bill for households that qualify.

To apply for heating and cooling assistance, or for more information, click here. 

• More information about the COVID19 Travel Advisory and included states can be found here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory#restricted-states​.

• Lots of folks are out of work due to the shutdown but it is good to know that there are some jobs available. NYS has a website with 12,500 listings.

This may not immediately address the up to 375,000 projected to be out of work but it is a start and for friends, family members or colleagues that are looking they should check out this site.

• It is also important for people to also understand the impact to local governments and services that folks rely on.

Here is a report from NYS Comptroller Tom Dinapoli on the fiscal challenges facing our local municipalities.

• So after three months most have received their stimulus check. We hear mixed things about the timing for others but mostly not a quick process.

Some are questioning the timing on a second stimulus check here is a timeline that could be anyone's best guess.

• In a surprise to no one the combination of a public health crisis, the crippling economic crisis brought on by the shutdown for the vast majority of americans who are middle class, working class or poor, the adjoining social crisis of mental health, domestic abuse, drug, alcohol use, isolation, fears and add the racial divisions that have centuries old roots have brought us to a place where we are not only divided but intensely angry.

With all that said folks can't speak about anything on any side in public for fear of reprisal so it all gets repressed. Privately you even have to be careful who you talk to and what about due to the broadening cancel culture.

This article has some good tips which includes unplugging yourself from national and social media and other sources of division for at least parts of your day. I would suggest in this climate that you incorporate anger management in your daily life just like you spend time eating healthy, working out etc it is just as important if not more.

• For months through the Coronavirus shutdown everyone has talked about short and long term strategies including stay at home orders, all sorts of distancing, masks, quarantines, varying medical treatments and pending vaccines. No one has been talking about herd immunity which may be very important if there is a second wave. Check out the article in the NY Times.

• Eleven Town Supervisors have sent letters and/or held press conferences requesting NYS to allow gyms, movie theatres put back into Phase 4 openings. The gyms and movie theatres can be managed regarding occupancy restrictions and hopefully can open soon.

• Thanks to the Senate and the House working in a bipartisan manner and the President signing the extension the SBA's Payroll Protection Program is back up and running until August 8th.

There is still over $130 billion in the program so rumors that this round is out of money are unfounded.

There are new rules which changed and are more flexible to accommodate local businesses regarding the expenditures of the funds from 8 weeks to 24 weeks.

The other rumor is if your bank didn't process you earlier (like many banks and you were not alone) is that you are not eligible or can't apply. That is also unfounded and there are banks and other services that are processing now.

There are now materials in spanish which was another barrier for many local businesses.

As we know outreach and clear information on this program has been an ongoing problem.

Vision and the LI Main Street Alliance have had a number of webinars on this program and done other direct outreach and have been amazed that as many as 1/3 of the local businesses knew nothing about it.

Here is a Q and A that is helpful for folks who are not familiar with the program or the new rules.

If folks are having problems accessing the program please reach out and we can put you in touch with folks who can help.

• In a measure that would help downtown restaurants it seems the majority of NY'ers want to see the temporary law allowing takeout of alchoholic beverages made permanent. Check out the poll.

•We had a great call with the LI Main Street Alliance where we had over 30 different communities represented on the call that are working on reopening safely and looking for resources to help their downtown areas.  Kudos to Ms. Huey-Min Chuang Senior Director of Business and Economic Development of Empire State Development for presenting the New York Forward loan fund.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• One 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

PSEG-LI also launched a Small Business First program to provide upwards of $2,500 in rebates to upgrade to more efficient lighting, which can help lower electric bills.  Learn more about the program and how to apply at the PSEGLI Website

 • 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.

• Some good news - 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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. 

• As we begin to slowly reopen our communities, it’s 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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Over 100,000 Long Islanders Remain Without Power in wake of Tropical Storm Isaias

Long Island continues to feel the effects of Tropical Storm Isaias as high winds brought down trees and power lines all across the region.

PSEG has stated that they currently have 2,000 crews working 16-hour shifts to restore power to customers.  They also pledged to have 85% of customers back online by the end of the day today.

"Our goal, always, is to restore power safely and as quickly as possible," PSEG said in a statement. "Crews will work to restore critical facilities first, followed by outages affecting the largest number of customers, and then address outages affecting small numbers of individual customers."

However, customers who are still in the dark aren’t pleased with those statements.  Customers in Glen Cove have been especially hard hit, with about half estimated to still be without power.  Meanwhile, residents in Dix Hills remain trapped in their homes because of downed power lines and trees.  They claim to have yet to hear from PSEG on when power will be restored and worry about what would happen should an emergency occur and first responders can’t enter the neighborhood.

Nassau County has announced that they will hold a hearing next week that will question PSEG officials on how they handled the outages, specifically preparedness and communication.  This came as customers complained that they could not reach PSEG to report outages in the immediate aftermath of the storm. 

PSEG has responded to this by noting that Isaias is one of the strongest storms to hit the region in years.  Though the rain and flooding weren’t the same as Superstorm Sandy, the last major storm, the wind had a comparable effect. 

"We continue to make progress," PSEG Long Island President Daniel Eichhorn said on a Zoom press conference. "If you're still out, (that) really doesn't mean that much."

Local DPW’s are also working to try and clear debris from roads in an effort to help people travel.  Nassau County claims to have cleared all county roads, but some lights at intersections remain without power.  Drivers are urged to treat such intersections as 4-way stops.

You can read more at ABC 7.

Here is an update from PSEG Long Island as of this afternoon at 12:45 pm:

• As of 12:30 p.m., 75% of the more than 420,000 customers affected by the storm have been restored.
• PSEG Long Island reports fewer than 105,000 storm-affected customers are without power as of 12:30 p.m.
• PSEG Long Island estimates 85% of storm-affected customers will be restored by the end of today.
• While we expect the vast majority of customers to be restored by end of day Saturday, we are finding that each job is requiring more work than anticipated due to the extent of the storm’s damage. This may unfortunately push some restorations past end of day Saturday.
• Over 3,500 lineworkers, tree trimmers and other personnel are now working around the clock, in 16-hour shifts, until every customer is restored.
• New outages not directly related to the storm continue to be reported and assessed, as on any non-storm day. They will be restored as safely and quickly as possible.
• Due to the large number of crews from other utilities brought into our service area before Tropical Storm Isaias, power restoration is progressing faster than can be displayed on the outage map. The map will fluctuate as we refine the data.
• While we have experienced issues with our communications systems, at no time did these challenges impact restoration efforts.
• PSEG Long Island is assisted by workers from New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, Alabama, Kansas and Missouri. Many arrived before the storm began and were immediately available to start restoration work yesterday afternoon.
• Crews will work to restore critical facilities first, followed by outages affecting the largest numbers of customers, and then address outages affecting small numbers or individual customers.
• In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have adapted our storm and safety procedures to follow public health guidelines and industry best practices. We thank our customers for their patience as we operate under these unusual circumstances to safely restore power as quickly as possible.
• Our goal, always, is to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. We ask our customers for a fair amount of patience and to know we will be there just as soon as it is safe.
• Because of the extent of the outages, PSEG Long Island has opened six customer outreach centers today. These centers are open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. (or while supplies last), providing people with free water and ice. To ensure we maintain the physical distancing necessary for the safety of our employees and customers, these centers will offer drive-thru service.

• The locations for Aug. 7 are:
• Patchogue - 460 E Main St
• Brentwood - 1650 Islip Ave
• Greenlawn -  288 Pulaski Rd
• Roslyn - 250 Willis Ave
• Woodmere - Five Towns Shopping Center- 253-01 Rockaway Blvd
• Babylon - Babylon Town Hall - 200 E Sunrise Hwy

For more information:

• VIDEO: Aug. 6 update with PSEG Long Island President & COO Daniel Eichhorn
• Flickr image gallery

Customer Safety:

• Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and immediately call 911 to report downed wires.

• Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Don't drive over – and don't stand near – downed power lines.

• Downed lines will be hard to see in the rain and can potentially be hidden in standing water. If you encounter large pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.

• The safety of PSEG Long Island’s customers and employees is the company’s top priority. We ask that customers remain in their homes while crews are working nearby. If customers must speak with our crews, we ask that they practice responsible physical distancing and remain at least 6 feet away to ensure the health of everyone involved. 

Other important safety notes:

• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline-powered generators in a garage or any other enclosed space.

NYS Schools Given Clearance to Open Carefully

NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that schools can reopen in the fall with health and safety restrictions as infection rates remain relatively low.

"All school districts in the state can open, everywhere in the state, which is just great news," said Governor Cuomo on a phone briefing with journalists. "You look at our infection rate, we are probably in the best situation in the country."

The decision paves the way for schools to open in the fall with students in classrooms, though there will most likely be a blend of remote-learning for most districts.  This comes as New York remains below a previously established threshold for a safe return.  Decisions on how exactly to enforce health guidelines will be left up to individual districts.

There is a risk involved as schools have been considered “super spreaders” when it comes to infection rates.  Cuomo had previously stated that schools could reopen in areas where the infection rate was below 5%, a number that the entire state has remained below for all of summer.

Still, school districts will face a large number of hurdles as they look to allow students back for in-building learning, but it is considered necessary to help local economies get back online.  This is due to the negative effect of having parents remain home with children who cannot go to school.

Meanwhile, teachers remain concerned as high-risk individuals who would have to go back to school.  While teachers are prohibited from striking in New York State, they do have the option of opting out due to medical reasons or simply refuse to work.  Because of this, many teachers are calling for clear health protocols before the new school year begins.  Governor Cuomo has stated that he does not want to get into a legal battle with teachers, stating that he can’t simply order them back into the classroom.

Parents also remain concerned about sending children back to school in spite of health and safety protocols, and many are weighing the option of opting out of in-person learning in favor of online instruction.

Schools are currently required to submit plans to the NYS Department of Health on how they will handle having children in buildings.  These reopening plans will be reviewed and must be approved before a school district will be permitted to reopen.  As of now, around 50 districts across the state still have incomplete plans or remain deficient.

You can read more at AP News.

NYS Gyms Remain Closed Indefinitely as Officials try to Determine Safe Reopening Protocols

As local businesses continue to struggle with the ongoing economic crisis caused by the coronavirus, gym owners, along with certain other types of businesses, are still uncertain about the future of their industry.

Governor Cuomo has declared working out within an enclosed space a “dangerous activity” that could lead to spreading of COVID-19.  Because of this, they remain one of the few types of businesses that have not been cleared to reopen since Phase 4 was declared.  Though Governor Cuomo has expressed sympathy for gym owners, he also has yet to release a timetable for reopening, citing issues that other states have had.

NYS budget director Robert Mujica Jr. recently noted that New York is actively considering proposals that have been submitted by gyms from across the state.  This is cold comfort to most owners who have been waiting patiently since reopenings began back in May.  This is especially true for businesses that were originally part of Phase 4, including gyms, movie theaters and bowling alleys, only to be removed before it went into effect.

The continued closures are not sitting well with gyms owners across the state, who have threatened a number of actions to remedy the situation.  Some are suing the Governor to try and get the order overturned while others have threatened to reopen in defiance of the order.  Lawsuits involving the order are set to go to court later this month.

Gyms are open with restrictions in 43 other states.

New York State’s COVID-19 numbers have been doing really well when compared to other parts of the country.  However, there are portions of the Northeast that have begun to see a rise in number after weeks of low infection rates.  Governor Cuomo has pointed to these as reasons to keep high-risk businesses closed in the hopes of avoiding a “ricochet effect” in New York.

You can read more at Syracuse.com.

First Commercial PACE Property Completed in Commack

The Long Island Clean Energy Leadership Task Force's number one priority policy goal, C-PACE is now a reality.

On December 16, 2019, the Nassau County Legislature approved, by unanimous vote, the passage of the Open Commercial-PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing for large clean energy projects. This paved the way for C-PACE financing to be available to all businesses across Long Island (if a company owns a building), and the first project at a mixed use industrial office in Commack has recently been completed. Congratulations to all elected officials in both counties for implementing this new game-changing financing tool for clean energy projects.

Commercial PACE allows business or non-profit property owners to finance the cost of investments in renewables, or energy efficiency upgrades to their buildings, with a loan that is tied to the property, not the business, with no out-of-pocket expenses, and with payments that are less than the ongoing savings on energy bills.

This policy initiative promotes multiple benefits, including saving building owners money, creating green jobs in the building and energy fields, and reducing global warming greenhouse gases. As an indication of the value of this financing tool, the first solar roof funded under the new program constitutes a half-million-dollar investment in the local economy. That is just one project.

We hope to see this new tool make many more clean energy investments happen on Long Island. 

1 Days left in SBA Payroll Protection Program

There are just 2 days left before the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program closes out on August 8th. 

Folks should read James Madore from Newsday's cover story on an overview of the program based on SBA data.  Interesting to see but not surprised that lawyers, doctors and other business services have the highest enrollment while small business eateries have much lower rates. 

So let’s review, if you haven't applied yet here are some resources to access:

SBA Payroll Protection Program

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program#section-header-0

Please contact the financial institution that your business utilizes to see if they are participating in this program

If your current financial institution does NOT participate, you can click the following link for a list of lenders participating in the Paycheck Protection Program by state.

https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/PPP_Lender_List_200625.pdf

So APPLY APPLY APPLY!!!

https://www.newsday.com/business/coronavirus/ppp-loan-database-sba-1.47567876

Movie Night on North Middle Neck Road, August 13th

Great Neck Plaza BID is proud to present Movie Night on North Middle Neck Road, when they will be showing the movie “Yesterday.”  The event will take place on August 13th and will be located between Grace Avenue and Maple Drive on North Middle Neck Road.

The event will begin at 6:30 when outdoor dining will be available.  The movie itself will begin at sundown, estimated around 8:30 pm.  Seating will be limited to 60 seats and social distancing will be enforced.

Spotlight at The Paramount is All New this Summer

Enjoy delectable burgers, salads, live local music performed streetside plus food and drink specials every day at the Paramount’s Spotlight concerts this summer.

Make your indoor / outdoor table reservations through OpenTable OR call 631-637-1225. Food delivery available via UberEats & GrubHub.

Also, be sure to check out the newest art exhibit - Quarantine Art - on display all Summer long at Spotlight @ The Paramount! For more info, and the latest lineup of live music, visit spotlightny.com.

Upcoming events include:

Saturday, 8/1/20
Brian Ripps @ 6pm
Doors: 1pm

Islanders Game @ 4pm
Mets Game / Yankee Game

Sunday, 8/2/20
Chelsea Takami @ 3pm
Doors: 1pm

Mets Game / Yankee Game

Monday, 8/3/20
Industry Night
*25% Off for Industry Workers*
Doors: 4pm

Rangers Game
Mets Game

Tuesday, 8/4/20
Essential Workers Night
*25% Off for Essential Workers*
Doors: 4pm

Islanders @ 12pm / Rangers Game @ 8pm
Mets Game

Wednesday, 8/5/20
Evvan @ 6pm
Doors: 4pm

Islanders Game @ 12pm
Mets Game / Yankee Game

Thursday, 8/6/20
Luke Buck @ 6pm
Doors: 4pm

Rangers Game
Yankee Game

Friday, 8/7/20
Dudley Music @ 6pm
Doors: 4pm

Islander Game
Mets Game / Yankee Game

Saturday, 8/8/20
Rocco of the Snow @ 6pm
Doors: 4pm

Rangers Game
Mets Game / Yankee Game

Glen Cove Downtown Sounds Free Concerts

As a way to bring people into the downtown, the Glen Cove Downtown B.I.D. in 1997 created its first free concert series Jazz in The Square. It was a hit. During the following years, the concert series evolved to accommodate a variety of musical styles that broadened its appeal to residents and visitors alike. Today, the event – now known as Downtown Sounds – is jointly produced through a partnership between BID and the City of Glen Cove.

The Downtown Sounds Concert Series will be different this summer, but for six Friday nights in July & August, virtual concerts will be livestreamed through Facebook Live, and all are invited to enjoy the concerts on large screen TVs while dining outdoors at downtown restaurants. Please note, you must be dining at a restaurant to view the concerts on the TVs - no lawn chairs will be permitted, as no large gatherings are allowed under the current executive order by New York State Gov. Cuomo.

The Downtown Sounds lineup for 2020 will include:

Aug. 7: La Sonora 495

Aug. 14:  TBD

Aug. 21: The Doobie Others

Aug. 28: TBD

You can read more on this event and the acts 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 13
Sparkle on Stage

Aug 20
Robert Bruey

Aug 27
East End Trio

September 3
TBA

September 10
TBA

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

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.

Today's Sponsor

The Gitto Group

As a full service real estate development company, The Gitto Group focuses on multifamily, office and retail properties. The company’s senior and principal management have a combined development experience of more than fifty years in the NY metropolitan area and beyond. Our founding member is a multifamily and commercial developer who has developed, leased and managed more than one hundred and twenty supermarkets and several million square feet of multifamily and commercial real estate.

Their company’s integrated team offers a large range of services in an excellent package that promotes profitability, but also economic efficiency for investors, partners and owners.