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

August 19th, 2020

Quotes of Day

	“We have the best downtown area on Long Island, or even in the entire state. In order to tie everything together we needed a hotel in downtown Huntington. The compliment of having a hotel where people from far and near could spend a few nights and invest back into the community is very important.” - Hon. Chad Lupinacci, Huntington Town Supervisor
	“We wanted to create a vibrant village, a middle class district, a transportation oriented district where people would get out of their cars, shop locally, take the train into the city for their commute, and create a community that is beautiful, environmentally sensitive and one that’s commercially viable. This will be a model for other communities. Let’s get it built.” - Hon. Bruce Blakeman, Hempstead Town Councilman
	“Long Island needs a diversity of housing. What we are seeing here today is one in great demand. The need is great if the project is good.” - Neal Lewis, Sustainability Institute of Molloy College

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The 2020 Long Island Smart Growth Awards will be held virtually on September 3rd at noon. Vision has begun delivering the awards to projects and individuals on site. We will be spotlighting each honoree in our upcoming newsletters.

The next three are summarized here:

Hampton Inn Huntington, George Tsunis - Strengthening Communities

Monday, August 10th, found Vision Long Island in beautiful downtown Huntington, more specifically the old Huntington Town Hall, which is now the future home of Hampton Inn & Suites, to present the 2020 Vision Long Island Smart Growth Award for Strengthening Communities to hometown hotel developer George Tsunis.

The old Town Hall, dating back to 1910, is one of several civic center pieces in Huntington which has fallen into disrepair. Throughout the years, the question of what should be done with this property has lingered. The answer came in the form of a 24 million dollar, 80 room hotel project which is expected to yield at least 100 construction jobs and 14 permanent jobs for Long Islanders.

According to Vision Long Island’s Director, Eric Alexander, “This property will get transformed into a destination, into really a need. With 70 restaurants, theaters, all kinds of activities and retail, there is not a hotel here, well now there will be and we are excited about that today.”

Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce president, Vita Scaturro, was present during the award ceremony to speak to the significance of this project. “Along with creating economic development, this project will create jobs, improve our downtown and make our town even more beautiful than it already is,” Ms. Scaturro stated.

Noting that every successful project not only needs strong resident and chamber support, but also strong municipal local leadership, Mr. Alexander introduced Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci to discuss the project. “We have the best downtown area on Long Island, or even in the entire state. In order to tie everything together we needed a hotel in downtown Huntington,” Supervisor Lupinacci stated. Noting all the wonderful elements in Huntington, from the Paramount, to Heckscher Park, he concluded, “The compliment of having a hotel where people from far and near could spend a few nights and invest back into the community is very important.”

Both Ms. Scaturro and Supervisor Lupinacci congratulated and thanked Mr. Tsunis, and the team he put together, for their commitment to redeveloping this property, while promising to preserve its rich history.

Describing Mr. Tsunis, Mr. Alexander said not only is he the type of builder who is going to build the right product, he is also the type of developer who not only has a vision for downtown, but for all of Long Island. “There is that sense of philanthropy, that sense of caring for community and sticking with a project,” Mr. Alexander explained.

Accepting the award, Mr. Tsunis said, “It was once said it takes a village and there is no village on Long Island like Huntington.” Calling himself a Huntingtonian, Mr. Tsunis stated that the Village has gotten the balance between intelligent development, conservation, and vibrancy right. Discussing the hotel project, he labelled it the most adept, historic, re-adaptation in all of Huntington. The building will have new life. Mr. Tsunis thanked the Huntington Town Board, especially Supervisor Lupinacci for giving his team the opportunity to give this property new adaptive reuse. Noting that the town was uncompromising on the point that the project must be stunningly beautiful, Mr. Tsunis thanked the Town for holding his feet to the fire to see that the project be done the right way.  

“We are going to have what I think will be the most beautiful hotel in all of Long Island,” Mr. Tsunis concluded. Construction will start shortly and it is hoped that the hotel will open sometime next year.

You can watch the video of the award ceremony here.

Lawrence / Inwood TOD Zoning, Hon. Bruce Blakeman & Cameron Engineering- Transit Oriented Development

Thursday, August 11th, Vision Long Island made its fifth stop on its 2020 Smart Growth Award presentation tour, making its way to Inwood to present the Transit Oriented Development Award to the Honorable Bruce Blackman and Cameron Engineering & Associates, LLP for the Inwood/Lawrence TOD Zoning initiative.

In May of 2019, the Town of Hempstead, by unanimous vote, established three distinct zoning districts in the communities of Lawrence and Inwood. The zones allow for dense transit-oriented-development by the train station where current industrial use exists, while also creating a mixed-use district and a residential townhouse zone closer to the single-family homes.

Eric Alexander, Vision Long Island’s Director, began the presentation by acknowledging the work of Hempstead Councilman Blakeman who led the charge to mobilize local participation and Cameron Engineering for shaping and drafting the plan utilizing community input.

Neal Lewis, director of the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College and Vision Long Island board member was on hand to give testament to this significant project. Mr. Lewis enthusiastically stated, “Good things are happening across Long Island and it’s these kinds of projects we want to lift up.” Plans like this, he noted, enhance quality of life on Long Island.

Representing Cameron Engineering was planner Dave Tepper, who has been with the firm for eight years. “We have worked on several rezoning initiatives and this project really stood out, going above and beyond a lot of the projects we have worked on,” Mr. Tepper stated. Referring to this plan as transformational, he stressed the fact that this project creates meaningful affordable units. He highlighted that built into the code is a preference for locals, first responders and veterans. Additionally, a streetscape initiative will be part of the zoning code, which embraces widening and beautification of the corridors.

Mr. Alexander stressed the importance of political leadership when it comes to leading the way on good projects. “For years Councilman Blakeman took this project on his back and took this plan out to the community,” Mr. Alexander explained. “The Councilman worked collaboratively with the community and that’s when change occurs.”

Reaffirming it was a collaborative effort, Councilman Blakeman thanked Vision LI and Neil Lewis for their support and leadership when it comes to this project, Cameron Engineering for being great partners and the entire Hempstead Town Board and Town Staff. The Councilman also thanked community stakeholders, including the Inwood Civic Association, the local fire departments, the Lawrence Village Board, the Cedarhurst Village Board, the MTA, NICE Bus, Nassau County Police Department, NYS and NYC Departments of Transportation. “I accept the award on behalf of all of them.”

About the plan, the Councilman stated, “We wanted to create a vibrant village, a middle class district, a transportation oriented district where people would get out of their cars, shop locally, take the train into the city for their commute, and create a community that is beautiful, environmentally sensitive and one that’s commercially viable.” He added, “This will be a model for other communities. Let’s get it built.”

Vision applauds the Honorable Bruce Blakeman and Cameron Engineering for their work on this transformative project.

You can watch a video of the award ceremony here.

Village Green Levittown, D&F Development & Town of Hempstead - Housing Choices

Tuesday, August 11th, found Vision Long Island in Levittown for stop number 6 of the 2020 Vision Long Island Smart Growth Award tour to present the Housing Choices Award to D&F Development and the Town of Hempstead in recognition of the new assisted living facility, Village Green Senior Living.  

The location, 100 Schoolhouse Road, is the site of the former North Levittown Lanes bowling alley. This new community will not only afford traditional assisted living to its residents, but also a memory care neighborhood. The property, owned by D&F Development Group, hopes to open the facility this November. There will be 103 beds, with approximately sixty or so people employed, with plans to hire more workers after a few years of operation.

The Village Green will offer activities for residents and provide transportation when needed. There will be restaurant-style dining, which fosters independence, a library, computer lab and a workout room. There will also be a focus on physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Eric Alexander, Vision Long Island’s Director, discussing this project stated, “What is exciting about this project is that it is transforming a former derelict property; the developers worked with the public in creating the plan; and it is designed in a way that adds character to the local community while providing housing options so people can stay in the community.”

Referring to D&F, Mr. Alexander stated, “These developers have found a way to get affordable housing projects built with a level of excellence that communities really rally around.”

Neal Lewis, executive director of the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College and Vision Long Island board member was on hand to recognize this great project. “Long Island needs a diversity of housing,” Mr. Lewis acknowledged. “What we are seeing here today is one in great demand,” he stated, but was quick to add, “The need is great if the project is good. I am very supportive of today’s event.”

Elissa Kyle, Vision Long Island’s Sustainability Director, noted that it is not only important to have different housing at different price points in a community, but also different types of housing for different stages of life, whether people are just out of college, starting a family, or as they get older, a place to downsize.   

Partners in D&F Development, Peter Florey and Leonard D'Amico, spoke about their project. Mr. D'Amico reminded those gathered this plan had been seven years in the making. He stated when he and Peter saw the ability to reuse an existing facility to again meet the needs of the community, they thought it was a fabulous opportunity.  

Partner Peter Florey stated, in designing the community, they spent a lot of time getting their neighbors’ input. “It was valuable time spent because they offered us insight on how this project would best be put together.” He noted there was concern about height, so they ended up building a two-story building, with a three-story courtyard. The community input worked out very well Mr. Florey concluded.

You can watch a video of the award ceremony here.

Gyms get Green Light to Reopen with Restrictions

After being made to wait longer than almost any other business shut down by the coronavirus pandemic, New York gyms finally will be allowed to reopen.

Gyms will only be allowed to open at 33% capacity and will require face coverings at all times.  Ventilation will also be needed to ensure they meet state-mandated health guidelines.  Local governments will be responsible for inspecting local gyms to ensure that they meet the guidelines.

The move comes as the state shows just a .7 infection rate among residents.  That is the lowest it’s been since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Congratulations to New Yorkers,” said Governor Cuomo.  “New Yorkers did what everyone said couldn’t be done. Going forward we must protect the progress by keeping the infection rate down."

Businesses staying open will be based on that number going forward.  At this time it is important for everyone to continue to practice good health habits and social distancing to help ensure that businesses can stay open.

You can read more at the Long Island Herald.

Pedestrian Safety Enhancements Completed on Long Island

Governor Cuomo announced the completion of a pair of projects that enhance pedestrian safety and improved accessibility at crosswalks and intersections across Long Island.

The completed projects include the first phase of the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, which upgraded 225 uncontrolled crosswalk locations, created nearly two-dozen additional crosswalks, and added new traffic signals and signs at various locations in Nassau and Suffolk counties. A second safety project installed 292 wheelchair accessible ramps for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, added new crosswalks at 10 additional intersections, and installed new crosswalk buttons and pedestrian signals at another 39 sites.
"These enhancements, which are part of the first phase of our Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, are helping to create safer, more walkable communities across Long Island," said NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo. "By making these significant investments we are supporting the growth of eco-friendly transit, increasing safety and accessibility, and improving quality of life for Long Islanders."

The $6.1 million first phase of the PSAP initiative for Long Island included 60 audible pedestrian signals added along Hempstead Turnpike (Route 24) in Nassau County and signal upgrades at six locations along Montauk Highway (Route 27) in the community of Bridgehampton.

Near Amityville High School on Merrick Road (Route 27A), a new traffic signal was also installed and an existing crosswalk at Riverside Avenue, just west of the high school, was enhanced with signs and high visibility pavement markings.  Additionally, two pedestrian-actuated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons were installed at existing crosswalks near the Fairfield Elementary School on Hicksville Road (Route 107) in Massapequa to assist crossing guards.

The second, $3.3 million pedestrian safety project installed wheelchair accessible ramps and other enhancements at 39 locations, including various segments of:

• Route 27 (Sunrise Highway) in Towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay;
• Route 25 (Jericho Turnpike) in Towns of Oyster Bay and Smithtown;
• Route 25A (Main Street/Fort Salonga Road) in the Town of Huntington;
• Route 24 (Hempstead Turnpike/Conklin Street/Flanders Road) in the Towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, and Southampton; and
• Sunrise Highway North and South Service Roads in the Town of Islip

The PSAP enhancements were funded through the Governor's five-year $110 million New York State Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, which calls for a systemic approach to proactively address safety issues and minimize the potential for crashes through the "three E's" - engineering, enforcement and education. The plan targets improvements in communities outside of New York City. The city has an established pedestrian safety program that receives federal funding from NYSDOT.

According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, statewide pedestrian fatalities fell from 316 in 2015 to 281 in 2019.  On Long Island, fatalities during this time period fell from 89 to 60.

“The completion of these important safety and accessibility enhancements will make a significant difference for residents who rely on public transportation, and those with disabilities,” said Nassau County Exectuive Laura Curran.  “I thank Governor Cuomo for his commitment to pedestrian safety and accessibility, which has made Long Island safer, and an even better place to live, work, and play."

"These enhancements are critical in densely populated regions like Long Island where pedestrian-friendly streets are key to the growth of our vibrant and walkable downtowns.” Said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.  “I want to thank Governor Cuomo for recognizing the continued need to invest in Long Island's infrastructure as we work to build a 21st century transportation network across Suffolk County."

You can read the Governor’s full statement on the projects here.

Nassau County Comptroller's Office Releases Mid-Year Financial Report

The Nassau County Comptroller's Office has released the Mid-Year Financial Report, a report that outlines specific risks and opportunities amid the unprecedented impact of COVID-19.

The report highlight opportunities that have the potential to improve the 2020 deficit projection of $340.4 million to as low as $216 million.  Risks are also shown that could increase that deficit projection to as high as $526.8 million.  These projections underscore just how critical federal aid is to support the County during this crisis, and the Comptroller's Office echoes the call that the federal government must take action.

The report notes that former such economic disasters have been met with strong action from the federal government to counteract such downturns.  An austerity approach and the premature removal of such economic-boosting plans could lead to a financial disaster in most states and local governments.  Nassau County is no different.

“Our report and analysis show the daunting COVID-reality of the County’s fiscal position in 2020. When we released our financial impact analysis of COVID-19 on County revenues back in May, we saw that the County had a strong start to 2020 and was building upon the current administration's progress since 2018. However, the numbers illustrate what we have all been witnessing: the pandemic has been an unprecedented gut punch to our local economy and County finances,” said Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman. “As we look ahead to the second half of 2020, the looming questions we must ask are: How can we improve the trajectory, how bad can it get, and what if there's another shutdown?" The answers to those questions will drive how large the deficit is at the end of the year."

The Comptroller’s report also looked at the potential impacts of a second wave scenario where the virus begins to spread rapidly in New York once again.  Such a turn of events could lead to an even greater loss of sales tax that could have severe implications after December 2020.

Other projected financial risks and opportunities identified in the report’s projections include positive "Opportunity" drivers such as fringe savings and federal aid; "Risk" drivers include sales tax, especially a potential second wave shutdown scenario.

The full report can be found online, here.

NYS Lawmakers Propose Law to Relieve Taxes of Property Owners who Renegotiate Leases

State lawmakers are proposing a new law that will give commercial property owners long-term tax breaks if they agree to renegotiate leases with small-business tenants.

The new proposal will allow for what is being dubbed “recovery leases” that will number at least 10 years with limited annual rent increases.  Landlords who negotiate these leases will be eligible for a property-tax abatement.  These recovery leases will be available for commercial tenants restructuring current leases or those entering into a new lease for space left vacant for reasons other than eviction.

“It is long overdue that we put into place relief measures to protect our small businesses that are at risk of closing or laying off employees,” said Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou of Manhattan. “If we do not put this legislation in place, more of our small businesses, which are mostly immigrant-owned, run the risk of closing and leaving our neighborhoods without the resources and vibrancy we need.”

The law will also allow for local cities and governments to add additional incentives or restrictions as needed. 

Small businesses continue to feel the worst of the economic losses from the pandemic and this law will go a long way in providing some relief for them and their landlords.  Continued restrictions on capacity and indoor dining have been particularly hard on restaurant and bar businesses, with a number being unable to pay their full July rent.

You can read more at Crain’s New York.

PSEG Offers to Reimburse for Food and Medication Spoiled due to Loss of Power

Anyone who lost power for at least 72 hours can be reimbursed for spoiled food, medication or perishable commercial supplies.

PSEG Long Island will reimburse residential customers up to $250 for food spoilage and commercial customers up to $5,000 if their service was interrupted for 72 hours or more because of Tropical Storm Isaias.

Food spoilage claims of $150 or less must include an itemized list. Food spoilage over $150 must include an itemized list and proof of loss (such as cash register tapes, store or credit card receipts, canceled checks, or photographs of spoiled items).

Customers will be reimbursed for losses, of up to a maximum of $300, for prescription medications that are spoiled due to lack of refrigeration. Customers must provide an itemized list of the medications and proof of loss (for example pharmacy prescription label or pharmacy receipt identifying the medicine).

Commercial customers applying for reimbursement must supply an itemized list of spoiled food and proofs of loss (invoices, inventory lists, bank statements).

The reimbursement claims cannot be processed over the phone.

Contact Info & Site:
PSEGLongIslandClaims@pseg.com
Nassau/Rockaways Customers: 1-516-949-8668
Suffolk Customers: 1-516-949-8669

You can file a claim here.

LI Main Street Alliance Heads to Hicksville and East Meadow

Vision and members of the LI Main Street Alliance were out in downtown Hicksville this weekend for the raising of the flag to celebrate Indian Independence. 

The flag was raised at the Hicksville Community Center with a ceremony led by the South Asian Chamber of Commerce’s Harry Malhotra and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino.  Nassau Legislators Rose Walker, Laura Schaefer, NYS Senator Kevin Thomas and Town of Hempstead Councilman Dennis Dunne were all present as well. 

A number of community leaders received awards for their service over the past year.  It was great to see this event for the second year in a row and a car parade to follow.  While divisions continue on a national level folks can and do work together locally regardless of race, religion and cultural background.  Rose Walker drove this message home in her remarks rather poignantly.

Vision was also out this week with members of the LI Main Street Alliance for the East Meadow outdoor movie night complete with music and local vendors.

We were happy to see the team at the East Meadow Chamber at this socially distaned event, including Michael Levy, Richie Krug, Joe Parisi, and Edward Rosenthal.  Frank Camarano from the Nassau Council for Chambers joined along with NYS Senator Kevin Thomas, Assemblyman John Mikulin, Nassau Legislator Tom McKevitt and Town of a Hempstead Councilman Dennis Dunne.

It was good to see efforts made to bring the community together to support local businesses.

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.

Live music events include:

Wed. 8/19 at 6pm – Lydia Von Hof (Winner of Audition Night!) facebook.com/LydiavonHofMusic/
Thr. 8/20 at 6pm – Paul Cuthbert cuthbertlive.com/
Fri. 8/21 at 6pm – Brian Ripps brianripps.com
Sat. 8/22 at 6pm – MJT mjttheband.com/
Sun. 8/23 at 3pm – Chelsea Takami chelseatakami.com/
Mon. 8/24 at 4pm – Industry Night *25% off for Industry Workers*
Tues. 8/25 at 6pm – AUDITION NIGHT II spotlightny.com/audition-night-at-spotlight/
Tues. 8/25 at 4pm – Essential Workers Night *25% off for Essential Workers*
Wed. 8/26 at 6pm – Kieran Black
Thr. 8/27 at 6pm – Kavi itskavi.com/
Fri. 8/28 at 6pm – Doug Pfeifer www.facebook.com/steelrib/
Sun. 8/30 at 3pm – Chelsea Takami chelseatakami.com/
Mon. 8/31 at 4pm – Industry Night *25% off for Industry Workers*
Tues. 9/1 at 6pm – Trivia Night II Hosted by DJ Orland from 94.3 The Shar

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 20
Robert Bruey

Aug 27
East End Trio

September 3
Carlos Pavan

September 10
Columbus Circle

Upcoming SBA Webinars

Tues. Sept. 1st at 10:30am “PPP Forgiveness Application update”

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckcOmppzgjGNDNpviv3gzovrOdJGqGrbLH

Learn about PPP Flexibility Act Seven changes of PPP, SBA New Announcements on August 11th, the Most Common FAQs, the Revised PPP Forgiveness Application SBA Form 3508 and Instructions, and the new SBA Form 3508EZ and Instructions.

• Flexibility Act PPP’s Seven changes
• Covered Payroll Period and Alternative Covered Payroll Period;
• Cash Compensation for employee and owner-employee/Self-employee/General Partners;
• Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Calculation;
• FTE Reduction Safe Harbors 1 and 2;
• FTE Reduction Exception;
•   Eligible Payroll and Non-Payroll Costs;
• SBA Form 3508 Calculation, Schedule A, Worksheet and instructions; 
• SBA Form 3508EZ and instructions;
• Documents Must to be Submitted with the Forgiveness application Required for PPP Forgiveness;
• Documents Borrower Must Maintain.
• checklist for using SBA Form 3508EZ and Forgiveness Application Form 3508EZ and instructions.

Thurs. Sept. 10th at 9:30am “Expand Your Business to Global Market”

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpfumprT0oHNwGJZzKlGgIn7vuyU8xNgYC

95% of the consumers are outside of US. Join the webinar to learn Why, How, and Where, to sell to the Global Market. This presentation is intended to be a guide for a small business to help determine if exporting as business strategy make sense and whether the basic ingredients for export readiness are in place.

• Why to Export?
• Exporting Myths;
• Exporting Advantages;
• Federal Government Exporting Assistance;
• Are You Ready to Export;
• U.S. Free Trade Agreements;
• International Markets Resources;
• Legal Considerations
• How to Finance Your Sales
• 3 SBA International Trade Loan Guaranty Programs;
• Counseling & Assistance.

Minority Owned Womens Business "Brave Is" Scholarship

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is offering scholarship opportunities for women business owners of color, with preference given to women aged 45+. The two scholarship programs, proudly sponsored by AARP, will offer attendance to the NAWBO Virtual Women’s Business Conference or the opportunity to host a booth in the virtual exhibit hall for a month during the event.

These scholarship opportunities will provide a unique opportunity for recipients to engage with a large network of successful women business owners across the country and promote their businesses to a wider audience.

The two components:

Six (6) Booth Scholarships plus attendance to the WBC
Twelve (12) Attendee Scholarships for WBC

All recipients will receive:

• One-year NAWBO membership for non-members or Leadership Academy Registration for current members
• Closed roundtable discussions with recipients at conference *by invitation only
• Extended accountability groups six (6) months after WBC facilitated by NAWBO
Timeline for Both Scholarships:

Applications will be accepted Monday, August 17 - Tuesday, August 25.  The winners will be notified via email.

Criteria:
Must be a Woman-Owned Minority Business
Preference given to 45+ WBO’s

You can fill out a scholarship form to apply for this opportunity here.

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

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

1st Equity Title

1st Equity National Title and Closing Services was established under the laws of New York and commenced business in 2003. Located in Melville, NY with offices in NJ and PA. They are a national title agency, licensed to do business across the country. They are local experts in the New York market, offering CEMA and Coop Search services along with a full suite of title insurance and related products nationwide. The organization has grown year over year due to a loyal client base as well as strategic acquisitions within the market. 

Their goal is to be a highly respected, compliant and best in class, national Title and Closing Services Company, delivering exceptional service to their clients. Their culture is client centric with a focus on supporting the growth of their clients as well as the surrounding community. Their approach to clients is “We do business the way you do business”.