presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance August 27th, 2021
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Quote of the Week
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Long Beach Superblock Development Advances
The Superblock development in Long Beach is finally seeing signs of life after 40 years. It was a year ago that the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) gave final approval of tax breaks for the $369 million project, approving tax exemptions for mortgage recording tax, sales tax and tax breaks that will save $49 million on property taxes on the rental apartments over the next 25 years. In the latest step, last week the Nassau County IDA finally approved the sale of the property by iStar, a Manhattan-based company, to the Engel Burman Group of Uniondale. On 6-acres of waterfront property located between Long Beach Boulevard and Riverside Boulevard, this project includes 438 units of multifamily housing, with 238 rental apartments in a 10-story building and 200 condominium residences in two nine-story buildings. There will also be 6,500 square feet of boardwalk-level retail space, a restaurant and two levels of 1,100 parking spaces. Another key step in the process came this past April when the Long Beach City Council approved a settlement that dismissed a $105 million lawsuit that iStar had filed against the city, which was contingent on the sale of the property and Engel Burman’s collecting a $2.5 million credit that iStar had paid toward building permits. The lawsuit was filed in 2018 after the city revoked a building permit for iStar for not starting construction within the first year of the project, the LI Herald reports. Developers expect the project to generate $130 million in new taxes over the first 25 years, including $32 million to the City of Long Beach, $75 million to the Long Beach School District and $13 million to Nassau County, Newsday reports. Engel Burman anticipates breaking ground on the project next year and to be prepared for move-ins beginning in spring of 2023. “Vision is supportive of this present project, as it has seen much more input from local residents, especially in comparison to previous proposals. The project now addresses concerns of residents, with turnout at hearings trending more towards positive rather than negative,” explains Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. You can find the Newsday article here, and the Long Island Herald article here. |
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Governor Kathy Hochul Announces $11.3 Million in Pedestrian Safety Projects
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced this week that work has been completed on projects that will enhance safety for pedestrians along the 90-mile corridor of State Route 25 and portions of three other roads in Nassau and Suffolk counties. "If we are serious about securing a greener future for all New Yorkers, making our streets safer and more walkable needs to be at the top of our agenda," Governor Hochul said. "More and more people are taking to the roads again as our state continues coming back from the pandemic, and we must continue working to improve accessibility and make our streets and highways more accommodating to all modes of transportation." The projects, both completed on time and under budget, added more than 250 new curb ramps, more than 1,800 feet of new or upgraded sidewalks, and dozens of new traffic signals and signs that will improve travel conditions for both pedestrians and motorists on some of Long Island's busiest roadways. All enhancements were designed to meet modern safety standards. “We are heartened to see the commitment Governor Hochul is making to pedestrian safety in our Long Island communities,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “We look forward to working with the Governor and her staff to reach every local community to not only strengthen pedestrian and bicycle safety, but also bolster economic growth.” The $8.6 million project along State Route 25 added approximately 300 new pedestrian safety enhancement measures - both large and small - along the entire stretch of the road from the New York City border to Orient Point. The project cost was approximately $1 million less than the initial estimated costs. Enhancements include: · 131 new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps. Additionally, approximately 1,000 feet of new sidewalk were constructed along State Route 25 in the Town of Brookhaven, providing pedestrian accommodations in areas adjacent to the westbound lanes in Selden and Coram that had previously lacked them. Two new traffic signals at Adirondack Drive in Selden and North Howell Avenue in Centereach will also serve to calm traffic and accommodate foot traffic coming to and from area shopping centers and residential developments. The North Howell Avenue signal will also provide improved roadway access for the Centereach Fire Department. At Court Street in the Town of Riverhead, a new signalized pedestrian crossing will help motorists navigate the intersection while beautifying with colored traffic signal masts and fresh concrete around the northeast corner near the historic World War I memorial. A second $2.7 million project - about $600,000 less than expected - constructed 123 new ADA-compliant curb ramps on State Route 24 (Hempstead Turnpike) in the Town of Hempstead, State Route 25A (Main Street) in the Town of Huntington, and State Route 27 in the Town of Southampton. Nearly 800 feet of new sidewalks were constructed, over a dozen pedestrian crossing signals were modernized, and new pedestrian crossing signs were added at several locations throughout these thoroughfares. "Improving conditions on our roadways for motorists, while enhancing pedestrian safety, is an economic shot in the arm for many small businesses. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation for ensuring the on-time completion of this project," states Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone states, "Infrastructure and public safety remain a top priority, and these critical enhancements will help ensure pedestrian safety on some of our busiest roads. I want to thank Governor Hochul 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." New York State Announces 5th Round of Downtown Revitalization Initiative
On July 27th, New York State announced $200 million is available for the fifth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. DRI Round 5 will provide these funds to communities across the 10 Regional Economic Development Council regions to bring new life to their downtowns through a comprehensive strategic planning process, followed by the implementation of key projects. The fifth round is being launched as New York State rebuilds its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Marking the Downtown Revitalization Initiative's fifth year, former Governor Andrew Cuomo states, "The DRI is a cornerstone of New York's comprehensive economic development strategy to drive investment and job creation in downtowns across the state. Our investments will support new and existing businesses, drive new mixed-use developments and bolster the arts and cultural venues to help attract residents and visitors for years to come." As part of DRI Round 5, each REDC region may receive up to two awards for a total of $20 million awarded per region. REDCs will decide whether to nominate two $10 million awardees or one $20 million awardee for transformative and catalytic downtown redevelopment projects upon review of the submitted applications. As is the case with past DRI rounds, each selected community will develop a strategic plan that articulates a vision for the revitalization of its downtown and identifies a list of signature projects that have the potential to transform the downtown. DRI funds will then be awarded for selected projects that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and realize the community's vision for the downtown. “It is important that communities take advantage of this initiative,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “However, it is equally important to keep in mind projects that are ultimately selected will only be successful with strong community, business and local government input and support.” Applications for DRI Round 5, which are available on the DRI website, should be submitted to the appropriate Regional Economic Development Council by September 15th. All applications should be submitted with a $10 million award in mind but may indicate that they would also like to be considered for a $20 million award. Applicants that indicate interest in being considered for a $20 million award must respond to supplemental application questions in which they describe and confirm specific transformative or catalytic DRI projects and demonstrate the readiness of those projects and local capacity to manage the full $20 million in DRI funds. You can find more information here. Hempstead Town Recognizes Local Residents with a “Make a Difference” Award Ceremony
Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, along with the members of the Town Board, recently gathered at Hempstead Town Hall to recognize the exceptional community service of six residents of America’s largest township. The residents, recognized for their contributions to the township through their work in the healthcare field, civic organizations and community activism, among others, were presented with the “Make a Difference Award” by Supervisor Clavin for their committed efforts working to better the lives of their Hempstead Town neighbors. Supervisor Clavin was joined by Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Councilmen Bruce Blakeman, Anthony D’Esposito, Dennis Dunne, Sr., Thomas Muscarella and Christopher Carini along with Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine C. Driscoll to present the awards. “The Town of Hempstead is an amazing place to call home largely due to the many residents who choose to give back to the community through their involvement in area civic organizations and their professional pursuits,” Supervisor Clavin stated. “I am honored to be joining with these incredible six township neighbors to recognize them with these for their contributions to America’s largest township.” The six Town of Hempstead residents selected to receive the “Make a Difference Award” are as follows: Amber Vitale, Lynbrook – While only a few years into her nursing career, Amber was tasked with caring for ill patients at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital as the Town of Hempstead and nation grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. For months, Amber and her team provided emergency and life-saving medical care to COVID-19 patients. When the infection rate declined and other hospital departments began opening, Amber put together a team to test people coming into the hospital – which eventually grew into Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Drive-Thru Testing Site for the public. Months later, Mount Sinai would team up with the Town of Hempstead to launch New York’s State first mobile vaccination unit, with Amber as its head nurse! This program is still going today. Charles Robbins, Roosevelt – Charles Robbins has led a life dedicated to the service of others. Whether it be during his time in the United States Armed Forces in Vietnam, to his active leadership in the local Roosevelt American Legion and Roosevelt Police Activity League, Charles has demonstrated to all that know him that he will always go above and beyond to serve his nation and community. Charles is also the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Town of Hempstead Veterans Service Award, among many others. Joe Baker, Merrick – Joe is the founder and current president of the South Merrick Community Civic Association, helping to make the small town a better place in which to live, work and raise a family. His efforts have resulted in the upgrading of local parks, raising money for the Merrick Holiday Lights Tradition and creation of a youth program that allows kids to get more involved in their community. Joe also works with Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Carini to locate and remove graffiti located throughout Merrick. Liz Fries, East Meadow – Liz currently serves as the President of the East Meadow Kiwanis. She is also an active participant in the Council of East Meadow Community Organization, the Nassau County Civilian Police Academy and much more. Recently, Liz was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of the Long Island South Central Division of Kiwanis International. East Meadow residents know Liz well. She is one of the lead organizers of the community’s Memorial Day Parade, and can always be seen putting the finishing touches on the Annual Menorah and Creche Lighting Ceremony. Rabbi Simcha Lekowitz, Five Towns – Rabbi Lefkowitz started off as an educator who helped fundraise for and advocated the expansion of a number of the schools he’s worked with. From there, Rabbi Lefkowitz has embraced his role as a force of positive change by forming groups that help people in the community. Rabbi Lefkowitz also commenced the Leon Mayer Fund which has provided emergency assistance to those in need such as single parents, newlyweds or even those who lost a job. Under the help of community volunteers, the Leon Mayer Fund distributes food and arranges community wide events and meals throughout the year. Rabbi Lefkowitz also founded the Mark Ramer Chesed Center, a facility that provides residents with the protection of their dignity by supplying shelved boxed foods and clothes with tags. Tiffany Capers, Elmont – Tiffany – who grew up in Elmont schools and now represents them on the local school board – worked with Supervisor Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board to craft legislation that banned the sale of vapes and cigarettes within 1,000 feet of schools, parks and playgrounds. Tiffany also serves as President of the Parent Teacher Association, another organization in which she works to protect and support our local youth population. Congratulations, and thank you, to all the recipients. |
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Great Neck Plaza’s Summer Concert Series Returns
The Village of Great Neck Plaza is pleased to announce its summer concert series has returned. The concerts are free and are held in Firefighters Park on Grace Avenue. The concerts are scheduled for every Tuesday night at 8 PM through August 31, 2021. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will be held on the Thursday following the original scheduled date. Upcoming schedule: · August 31 - Savannah Sky, “Country Classics In The Park” Welcome Back to Farmingdale Village
Upcoming Summer Events: Farmers Market by Schneider's Farm Music on Main Greater Farmingdale was there to capture the kick-off night. You can view more photographs here. Stay tuned for more event updates. Live Music Returns to the Glen Cove Village Square
The Glen Cove Downtown Sounds committee has announced its annual concert series will take place live this summer with a diverse array of artists scheduled to perform on nine Friday evenings in July and August. Beginning July 2nd, bands will be performing in person on the Village Square stage. Produced by the Glen Cove Business Improvement District (BID), Downtown Sounds began in 1997 with local jazz musicians playing at the intersection of Glen and School Streets. “After two years, the Glen Cove BID and the Downtown Sounds Concert Committee are thrilled to be able to present live music for the enjoyment of our community and benefit of our businesses,” said Patricia Holman, Executive Director of the BID. “This year more than ever, we have a diverse lineup that will appeal to a wide range of musical tastes.” This year’s artists will be performing on the Downtown Sounds stage, as opposed to the show mobile that has been used in recent years. In addition to better sound quality, restoration of the stage presentation increases the space available for dancing. The program includes: Nikki Torres and Girl's of Summer - August 27th Downtown Sounds 2021 will be live in-person concerts, but will still be live-streamed through Facebook Live, and broadcast on large screen TVs throughout downtown. Concerts start at 7 PM. You can find more information here. Bethpage Community Council Hosts Upcoming Events
Bethpage Community Council will be holding the following events: 4th Annual Music On Broadway Bethpage Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Parade Bethpage 9/11 20th Anniversary Candlelight Ceremony S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth Art Showcase
On September 3rd, from 4 PM to 8 PM, at 599 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale, S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth will present What 2020 Gave Me: Youth Art Show Case. S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth is a youth, family and community development organization specializing in youth, gang, and gun violence prevention and intervention. S.T.R.O.N.G promotes positive values through youth empowerment programs and collaborative initiatives, which provide youth and their families with tools to improve their lives, their communities, and to create societal change. This Youth Art Showcase is a youth-led walk-through exhibition showcasing art pieces created by youth members to express what 2020 has given them, highlighting their incredible resilience. Pieces include canvas paintings, photography, nail and hair art, and music. Collaborating partners include Saskia Keeley Photography, Swank Beats, and Teatro Yerbabruja All proceeds benefit the following youth-selected causes: This event will be outdoors and socially distanced. You can purchase tickets for this event here. The Snapper Derby Is Back on September 4th!
The Mastic Beach Property Owners Association (MBPOA) and the Mastic Beach Yacht Club are sponsoring the annual Snapper Derby for children, ages 5 to 12 years, on Saturday September 4th, at the south end of Marina 1 on Riviera Drive. Fishing is scheduled from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. The MBPOA will supply bamboo poles, however participants are allowed to bring their own poles. Note, no reels are allowed. Parents can bait hooks, but cannot fish. Bait will be provided by the MBPOA. Prizes will be awarded, and hot dogs and soda will be served to the children by the Mastic Beach Yacht Club. It is always a fun day for the kids and parents. Parents, do not forget your camera! Help is needed. If you would like to volunteer for this event, call 631-399-6111 and leave a message. East End Arts to Hold Annual Street Painting Festival September 5th
East End Arts’ 25th Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival will be held Sunday, September 5th, from 12 PM to 5 PM throughout downtown Riverhead and on the green at East End Arts at 133 E. Main Street, Riverhead. Since 1972, East End Arts has been enriching communities through the arts by way of creating a vibrant arts community on the East End which enhances individual and professional artistic development, stimulates community enrichment, economic development, and cultural tourism while encouraging a wide range of artistic expression through education, exhibition and performance, and collaboration across the community. Artists, musicians, and lovers of the arts, young and old, will gather along the Peconic River for this day-long celebration of the arts, centering around the Street Painting Festival, fashioned after the Italian street painters "Il Madonnari", a street chalk art form dating back to the 16th century, as well as activities and entertainment for everyone. Street painting squares sponsored by businesses, families, and individuals are used as a canvas for inspirations in chalk. Happenings include: • Street Painting For more information, contact Monique Parsons at mparsons@eastendarts.org or 631-727-0900 x303. You can find more information East End Arts here. Registration is now open for vendors, sponsors, & artist squares. Rain date is Monday, September 6th, from 2 PM to 5 PM. Asbury Shorts Outdoor Film Concert Coming to Westbury on September 10th
Asbury Shorts, New York City’s longest running non-competitive short film exhibition and touring show, is returning to the founder’s hometown of Westbury on Friday, September 10th, for a free outdoor evening film show at Piazza Ernesto Strada on Post and Maple Avenues, in the middle of the Village. The show will open with live music by the Vince Scuderi Quartet at 7:15 PM, with the first film showing at approximately 8 PM. The show will feature a mix of past audience request favorites, mixed with new global festival winners and honorees. Past show guest hosts from the early years of Asbury Shorts’ Long Island days will be on hand to introduce some of the films. Reservations are not necessary. Bring a folding chair just in case seating runs out. Rain date is Saturday, September 11th. This 10th anniversary Short Film Concert of Westbury is presented by Westbury Arts and is sponsored in part by Rowan Realty. You can find more information here. |
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Chembio to Host Job Fair
Long Island-based Chembio, a leading point-of-care diagnostics company focused on detecting and diagnosing infectious diseases, including COVID-19, sexually transmitted, respiratory and insect vector diseases, will be holding a Job Fair on Saturday, August 28th from 9 AM to 2 PM at the company’s New York facility located at 3661 Horseblock Road, Medford. The company is growing rapidly and has over 100 job openings. New staff is needed as the company scales up manufacturing to meet already existing orders for its infectious disease tests. Multiple manufacturing, quality and scientific positions are available. Employment opportunities include full benefits, $16-$35 per hour wages, $2,000 sign-on bonuses and other financial incentives. Positions include: • Assembly Operators – 1st & 2nd Shift For more information about the Chembio Job Fair visit website: www.chembio.com or email support@chembio.com or call (631) 924-1135. Parks Department Looking for Capital Facilities Regional Manager for NYS Parks
NYS Department of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation currently has a position open in the Long Island region. The position is for a Capital Facilities Regional Manager 2, M-4 position. NYS is looking for someone who is a licensed engineer, architect, or landscape architect to fill this position. The salary range is $112,000 to $141,000. You can find a link to the job posting here. |
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Restart NY Regrant Program Now Open
Restart NY Regrant Program is a new grant awards program. Grants ranging from $1000-$3000 are available for Long Island organizations or individuals for funding of in-person (live) arts events. These funds are discrete from the Statewide Community Regrant (SCR, formerly DEC). Those who have previously received a DEC grant are eligible to receive Restart NY funding. Attendance to one of the following free workshops is mandatory in order to apply for a Restart NY Regrant. All workshops will be presented through ZOOM. Additional information and the login link will be provided after you register for the workshop. The free workshops are: You can register for a workshop here. General Guidelines for applying: Funding decisions are made by a series of panels comprised of local artists, community leaders and individuals from throughout the region. All award recommendations are required to be voted on by the Board of Directors of the Huntington Arts Council, Inc. If you have any questions, please email grants4arts@huntingtonarts.org. Town of Babylon Creates Small Business Support Program
Recently, the Town of Babylon held a zoom event to discuss the Town’s newly launched program, the Town of Babylon Direct Support Program, which provides millions in grant money to town businesses and nonprofits that are still struggling due to COVID-19. The program is being run by the town’s Direct Support Program Director, Viscel Moore. Ms. Moore provided an overview of the program. The program is open to all small businesses, including sole proprietors, and non-profits, including civic and fraternal groups. The criteria for eligibility include:
Based on the applicant’s submission, does the applicant’s business or non-profit reside in or support low moderate income communities This is a grant, not a loan and there is no cost to apply. The town offers tools to help applicants, including an overview, criteria and the application. Grant amounts will not exceed $49,500.00 and business and non-profit owners must be located in the Town of Babylon. According to Ms. Moore, a decision on the application will be made by an application committee within sixty days. There is no deadline to apply, it is on a first come first serve basis, until the money runs out. “Our goal is to get this money out into the community, with the least amount of red tape as possible,” Ms. Moore advises. You can access complete information about the Direct Support Program and view the zoom recording Town of Hempstead Extends Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, along with the entire Town Board and the Long Island Housing Partnership, Inc. (LIHP), are reminding residents they still have an opportunity to apply for the second round of Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which began on August 17th. The ERAP is a program directed to tenants and landlords who are facing housing insecurity because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The application phase will run from now through September 28th. The program can assist with current and prospective rent, arrears for utilities and home energy costs, and other expenses related to housing such as rental security deposits to ensure housing stability. Assistance could be provided for up to 18 months of payments and will cover arrears and costs accrued on or after March 13, 2020. There is no cap on the amount, and amounts may include the full amount of both rental and utility payments. Qualifying Criteria Eligible residents must be able to answer yes to the following questions: • Do you live in the Town of Hempstead as your primary residence? Should residents need help filling out the intake form online, there will be resources available to assist. These include satellite locations in the Town of Hempstead, such as the Family and Children's Association (FCA), where representatives are available; the LIHP’s established Call Center at (844) 260-7536; and informational videos for both tenants and landlords on the LIHP website (www.lihp.org). Intake forms, as well as the program guidelines, are available in English and Spanish. Those who fill out the intake form will be contacted after for the submission and compilation of documents. This assistance program works solely on a first-come, first-served basis; however, priority will be given to applicants that have a household member who has been unemployed for more than 90 days prior to the submission of the Intake Form; or have household incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income as established by HUD. Grants Available to Homeowners that Assist Peconic Estuary Watershed
The Peconic Estuary Partnership (PEP) continues to provide a unique opportunity for those that live within the Peconic Estuary watershed. The PEP will provide financial rewards for homeowners who remove turf and pavements, and add green alternatives to their properties that benefit the environment. One project is allowed per homeowner/property address. Homeowners can earn up to $500 to offset the expense of installing green infrastructure on their properties including rain barrels, rain gardens and native plant gardens. Stormwater filtered through the soil, sand and gravel within these gardens is dramatically cleaner when it enters our groundwater, nearby bodies of water, and storm drains. Rain barrels collect rainwater from roof runoff that can be reused in gardens, reducing the amount of water flowing over paved surfaces and into storm drains and nearby bodies of water. This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact for your local estuary and all its amazing bays. While improving your property, you are reducing pollution from entering local waters. Funds are limited and will be granted on a first come first served basis. For more information on the Homeowner Rewards Program. For the Homeowner Rewards Program webpage. For the interactive tool and plant database. SBA PPP Forgiveness Webinars
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has scheduled several informational webinars regarding the new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgiveness platform, which will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4th, 2021. The new "Direct Forgiveness" Platform will help the PPP borrowers with loan amounts of $150,000 or less (93% of the PPP borrowers) apply for PPP Forgiveness directly through SBA (not the lenders). The dates for the webinars include: Thurs. Sept. 2, 2021 at 2pm (SBA and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce) Thurs. Sept. 16, 2021 at 9:30am (SBA and York College SBDC) Thurs. Sept. 23, 2021 at 9:30am (SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC) Mon. Oct. 4, 2021 at 2pm (SBA and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce) For more information. The NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Open
The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides economic relief to help low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing rental arrears, temporary rental assistance and utility arrears assistance. Seven communities that received funding for emergency rental assistance directly from the federal government opted to administer their own programs. Residents of the Towns of Hempstead, Islip and Oyster Bay must apply with their local programs for emergency rental assistance and are ineligible for assistance from the state-administered Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Town of Hempstead: https://www.lihp.org/herapintake.html Eligibility: New York residents are eligible for ERAP if they meet all of the following criteria: • Household gross income is at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). These income limits differ by county and household size. A household may qualify based on current income or calendar year 2020 income that is at or below 80 percent AMI. There are no immigration status requirements to qualify for the program. Households eligible for rental arrears may also be eligible for help paying utility arrears at the same rental unit. Priority Applications: For the first 30 days of the program, priority will be given to households in the following order: 1.Households with income at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) that also include a household member who: • Is currently unemployed for at least 90 days; or 2. Households with income at or below 50 percent AMI 3. Households with income at or below 80 percent AMI that also include a household member who: • Is currently unemployed for at least 90 days; or 4. Households with income at or below 80 percent AMI After the first 30 days, applications for all eligible households will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funds remain available. Benefits: Households approved for ERAP may receive: • Up to 12 months of rental arrears payments for rents accrued on or after March 13, 2020. Payments will be made directly to the landlord/property owner and utility company on behalf of the tenant. Tenant applicants will be notified of the amounts paid on their behalf. If a landlord is difficult to locate or does not otherwise provide information needed to complete the application, funds will be held for up to 180 days to allow sufficient time to locate the landlord and collect required information as well as to provide tenant protections and maximize landlord participation. Please note: Once the application is started, all questions must be answered and the application signed and saved to submit the application. There currently is no way to save a partially completed application. Applicants are encouraged to gather all the information needed before starting an application including income of household members and rental amounts. NYS Coronavirus Relief Grant Program for Small Businesses
The NYS Legislature has approved $800 million in grants for small businesses across New York. Applications are now open for anyone who is eligible to apply. The following is from New York State’s website: The New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program was created to provide flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant awards will be calculated based on a business’s annual gross receipts for 2019 (see below for more information). Grant amounts and calculations are subject to change by Empire State Development. Annual gross receipts: $25,000 – $49,999.99: Award is $5,000 / business Eligible Businesses Include: Small businesses, Micro-businesses, and For-profit independent arts and cultural organizations (collectively, “Eligible Applicants”) must be currently viable and have begun operation on or before March 1, 2019, and continue to be in operation as of the date of application (maybe shuttered due to COVID restrictions). See the FAQ section below for definitions of business categories above. Eligible Applicants will be required to show loss of gross receipts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or compliance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols which resulted in business modifications, interruptions, or closures. Small businesses and Micro-businesses must: 1. Have 2019 or 2020 Gross Receipts of between $25,000 and $500,000 per annum More information on the grants as well as a guide on how to apply is available here. PSEG LI Local Community and Small Business Grants Available
PSEG Long Island is proud to announce funding for the Outdoor Spaces program has been renewed for a limited time. More than $2 million in grants and discounts were provided last year to help more than 1,000 local businesses and organizations meet the ever-evolving challenges of COVID-19 and continue to thrive. “PSEG Long Island knows that small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our communities and our local economy,” said John Keating, manager of Economic and Community Development at PSEG Long Island. “Even before the pandemic transformed all of our lives, we were offering grants and discounts to encourage foot traffic in downtown commercial districts and bring businesses into empty storefronts. We evolved our programs to address the new realities our commercial customers are seeing, and the response has been enormous.” PSEG continues to offer Main Street Revitalization grants and Vacant Storefront discounts to businesses. In 2020, the company also began offering “Outdoor Spaces” grants to local chambers of commerce to help transform sidewalk areas and plazas with the seating, lighting and heating needed to keep customers dining and shopping locally. Limited funding for this grant program will be renewed for 2021 on a first come, first served basis. The program will offer funding of up to $5,000 to a Chamber of Commerce or Business Improvement District. Applications will be accepted until June 1, 2021. Here is a breakdown of PSEG Long Island’s 2020 support of local businesses: Small Business First • Supplemented PSEG Long Island’s already significant energy efficiency rebates with $1.8 million in PSEG Long Island Economic Development funding, allowing most projects to be done with no customer cost. Outdoor Spaces • PSEG Long Island approved 29 applications, representing a total of more than $125,000. Main Street Revitalization • More than $254,000 was provided to businesses and organizations through standard Main Street Revitalization grants in 2020, supporting upgrades and projects at restaurants, arts centers, breweries and more. To learn more about all the programs PSEG Long Island offers to support local businesses, please visit this site. |
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"If we are serious about securing a greener future for all New Yorkers, making our streets safer and more walkable needs to be at the top of our agenda. More and more people are taking to the roads again as our state continues coming back from the pandemic, and we must continue working to improve accessibility and make our streets and highways more accommodating to all modes of transportation." - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul
