presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance September 17th, 2021
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Quotes of the Week
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Engel Burman Breaks Ground on Long Beach Superblock Project
This past Tuesday, developer Engel Burman Group of Uniondale was joined by elected officials, local business and civic leaders at a groundbreaking for the Long Beach Superblock project which will transform a long-vacant waterfront property in Long Beach. On 6.5 acres of waterfront property, located between Long Beach Boulevard and Riverside Boulevard, the Superblock 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 be 6,500 square feet of boardwalk-level retail space, a restaurant and two levels of 1,100 parking spaces. "Welcome to a new chapter in Long Beach history that celebrates the strength, vitality and a future of this community," Engel Burman president Jan Burman stated at the groundbreaking. "It's been a long time coming but today this historic property returns to work. The Superblock is being turned into a super economic generator for the city and Nassau County." Supporting this project at the local public hearings, Vision Long Island expresses optimism. “Great to see the Long Beach Superblock project break ground after decades of litigation and malaise,” explains Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “Kudos to the Engel Burman group for investing in the project and working with local community and business leaders and the City of Long Beach to get consensus on the approved plan. This was critical, as the last developer completely lost trust with the community.” The developer has a three-year building permit to complete the project and expects to start construction in the next three months. The project is expected to take approximately four years to be fully built. A few key steps in this process occurred recently when the Long Beach City Council approved a settlement that dismissed a $105 million lawsuit filed by previous developer iStar against the city and when 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 only, over the next 25 years. 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. "On this 6.5 acres of gravel and grass, something’s finally going to happen," Newsday reports Nassau County Executive Laura Curran stated. "For 60 years this site has been a symbol of stagnation. Look where it is, you cannot have a better location." Former Sen. Alfonse D’Amato, once a fierce critic of iStar’s proposal, praised Engel Burman for building apartments to full taxes and seeking less than half the tax breaks asked before, according to Newsday. "The difference is people came in willing to work with the community and it was an opportunity to do something positive and protect the taxpayers," D’Amato said. You can read the Newsday articles here and here, the LI Herald article here, and the Long Island Business News articles here. The Grand Opening of Liberty Station, A New Housing Development In Port Jefferson Station
On September 15th, Concern for Independent Living celebrated the grand opening of Liberty Station in Port Jefferson Station. Liberty Station, a 77-unit rental community, provides affordable and accommodating housing options to veterans and people with disabilities with individualized support services designed to encourage personal growth and independence. “We are thrilled to join the Port Jefferson community and provide a housing option that is in desperate need for so many in our region,” said, Ralph Fasano, Executive Director of Concern for Independent Living. “Liberty Station offers veterans who have fought for our country as well as people with disabilities quality, affordable housing as everyone deserves to live with dignity and respect. We a proud of our team and the numerous partners that made this much-needed project come to fruition.” Standing beside its various partners and elected officials, Concern cut the celebratory ribbon welcoming six, two-story apartment buildings comprising 77 affordable homes. 75 of the 77 apartment homes are one-bedroom units, with the remaining units being two-bedroom units. 25 of the apartments are reserved for veterans, 20 additional units are given preference for veterans and the remaining units are for individuals making less than 60 percent of the Area Median Income. 45 of the 77 apartments are classified as supportive units, which are specifically designed to help those with varying disabilities. The one-bedroom units are approximately 750 square feet with rents from $750 to $900 per month. All of the apartments will be offered to qualified applicants through a lottery system.
To ensure the quality living of residents, the community also provides residents with access to private parking lots and amenities such as a fitness center, a library and a computer room. Additionally, staff offices are on-site so staff members are available to help resolve any issues or needs. Residents also benefit from being in close proximity to major bus routes as well as the Port Jefferson LIRR station. "I am in an apartment on my own at a great location. I could never afford an apartment like this on my income and also, live on my own. I am living 150% better than I was. I love my own space, the sense of community and appreciate all that Concern does for housing Vets, like me,” stated Harold Mains - U.S. Army – Sgt. Liberty Station would not have been possible without the help and support from the following partners: New York State; Suffolk County; The Home Depot Foundation; Capital One; The Community Preservation Corporation; National Equity Fund and LISC. For more information about the property visit https://www.concernhousing.org. Riverhead Spotlighted in Business View Magazine
The Town of Riverhead has recently been spotlighted in Business View Magazine, a monthly digital platform focusing on industry trends and best practices in manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, food and beverage, energy, municipal public works, green initiatives, and college sustainability programs. Interviewing representatives in Riverhead this summer for its focus on Economic Development in U.S. cities, Business View Magazine’s takeaway is - Riverhead defines a Gateway to Prosperity. Describing Riverhead as a community on the grow, the magazine reveals this diverse community of approximately 33,000 locals has seen a population boom since early 2020. The influx of newcomers out of Manhattan during the COVID-19 pandemic shifted its purpose from being just a gateway to the Hamptons, the East End, and the North and South Forks, to a year-long destination. Yvette Aguiar, Riverhead Town Supervisor, tells the magazine, “Due to the pandemic, the entire North Fork, South Fork, and Riverhead has seen a large population growth, particularly since people wanted to leave New York City and enjoy the outdoors.” The list of available activities in the area is endless, with tourist attractions such as beaches, wineries, breweries, distilleries, nationally recognized golf courses, the Long Island Aquarium, a waterpark, water sports, marinas, and equestrian facilities. The magazine notes, locals can also easily take advantage of transport outlets to venture outside of the town’s borders, especially with ferry service and trains that link to Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Northeast. Tracy Stark-James, Executive Director of the Riverhead Industrial Development Agency (RIDA), is quoted, “We really offer the best of everything, surrounded by water within a five minutes’ drive in every direction, yet close enough to Manhattan to enjoy the incredible opportunities that are offered by a major city and close enough to international airports that you can use to get away rather quickly.” Riverhead offers employment opportunities within a mix of industry types, including professional services, tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture. As Business View Magazine reports, community members share their home town with major employers, like the Northwell Health System’s Peconic Bay Medical Center, and Tanger Factory Outlets. The magazine highlights recent growth in Riverhead, such as the revitalization of its downtown Main Street, with pedestrian-friendly access, which secured the town a Vision Long Island 2021 Smart Growth Award. The magazine reveals, reviving Riverhead’s downtown has not been without a challenge to the town board. Dawn Thomas, Community Development Director for Riverhead, states, “A lot of the commercial transactions and the commercial businesses left the small mom and pop areas and went to bigger boxes and the internet, so our downtown was struggling.” To combat this, the town board brought in the public to assist in the planning process, while involving expert consultants to tackle the project together. The town board’s newly adopted Transit-oriented Development (TOD) zoning code will aid in the redevelopment of blighted properties near its rail access. The magazine concludes, “The town’s rapid redevelopment seamlessly blends its historic past with its state-of-the-art future.” According Supervisor Aguiar, “The town is going through its renaissance, something we have not seen here in 30 years. We’re doing things that other towns haven’t done.” You can read the full Business View Magazine article here. |
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On Small Business Week, PSEG Long Island Adds $50,000 to Boost Local Economy
On September 13, 2021, in celebration of Small Business Week, PSEG Long Island announced an additional $50,000 has been allocated to its Main Street Chamber of Commerce program for the remainder of 2021 to help small businesses and Long Island’s local economy thrive. Joining PSEG representatives at the Whiskey Down Diner courtyard in Farmingdale for this announcement were the Long Island Main Street Alliance, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, Suffolk Alliance of Chambers of Commerce, and members of several Nassau and Suffolk County chambers of commerce and business improvement districts, including Tony Tanzi (Kings Park), John DiLiberto (Amityville), Lisa Delipizzi (Franklin Square), Dave Saul (Farmingdale) and Kelly Smith (Huntington). “We have created programs to help businesses across Long Island and the Rockaways attract customers and keep them shopping locally,” states John Keating, manager of Economic and Community Development at PSEG Long Island. “These programs provide funding for the enhancements that might not otherwise be in the budget, putting businesses in a position to succeed in these unprecedented times and into the future.” In 2020, the company began offering grants to local chambers of commerce and business improvement districts (BID) to help transform sidewalk areas and plazas with the seating, lighting, planters and protective barriers needed to keep customers safely dining and shopping locally amid new public health measures. The funding for this grant program was renewed for 2021 on a first come, first served basis. The program offers up to $5,000 to a chamber of commerce or BID. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2021. In honor of Small Business Week 2021, PSEG Long Island has added $50,000 in funding to this grant program.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our downtowns and local communities. Residents and local government not only rely on them for jobs and economic revenue but they create the vibrancy of our Main Streets. Kudos to PSEG LI for being there to support our local business districts by bringing grants and other resources throughout the pandemic,” states Eric Alexander, Founder, LI Main Street Alliance. In addition to its Chambers of Commerce program, PSEG Long Island offers a “Beautification” grant to local chambers of commerce for decorative items such as hanging planters, flowerbeds, murals and welcome signs. This program offers funding of up to $2,000 to a chamber of commerce or business improvement district. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2021. To date, more than $2 million in grants and discounts have been provided to help thousands of local businesses and organizations continue to thrive and meet the ever-evolving challenges of COVID-19. You can find more information about all the programs PSEG Long Island offers to support local businesses here. Public Meetings on Congestion Pricing to Begin
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) are reminding the public that on Thursday, September 23rd, the agencies will begin holding 13 public meetings on the proposed congestion pricing program, formally known as Central Business District Tolling. These virtual meetings allow the public to learn more about the initiative and offer comments. Ten of the 13 meetings will allow members of the public throughout the 28 county Study Area in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to learn about the program and environmental review process and provide comments. The additional three meetings will provide a special focus on individuals and stakeholder groups in identified Environmental Justice communities, who will have opportunities to receive information about the proposed program and its potential impacts – positive or negative – on minority or low-income populations. Ten Regional Public Meetings will be held September 23 Through October 6th. The 10 general interest public meetings will focus on different geographic areas within the region, but anyone from any area can participate in any meeting. The meetings will be held virtually at these dates and times: • Thursday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to noon: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island Three Environmental Justice Outreach Meetings will be held October 7th, 12th & 13th. Environmental Justice community members will be able to learn about or comment on the proposed program and Environmental Assessment process. Members of Environmental Justice communities will learn about the Environmental Justice Technical Advisory Group that is being created as part of the effort and how they can join an Environmental Justice Stakeholder Working Group or suggest someone else. Three virtual meetings will be held, focused on environmental justice communities located respectively in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, though anyone may participate in or sign up to attend any or all of these: • Thursday, Oct. 7, 6-8 p.m.: New York Registering to speak or requesting language services can be done online or by phone. Those who wish to register to speak at any of the meetings can do so by visiting the Central Business District Tolling Program’s web portal at new.mta.info/project/CBDTP or by calling (646) 252-6777. The second option, (646) 252-6777, allows the public to hear a brief description of the project, to sign up to speak at the public meetings, or request in advance language or American Sign Language services, or request language at least five days in advance of each meeting. Feedback gathered in the public meetings will be part of the Environmental Assessment required by the United State Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that will be published for public review. Following the release of the Environmental Assessment, there will be additional public meetings for comment specifically on the document. The Central Business District Tolling Program was authorized by the State of New York in April 2019 and modeled on urban congestion pricing programs around the world to reduce traffic congestion and raise needed revenue to improve public transportation. Other cities across the world that have similar programs have also experienced improved air quality. If approved by FHWA, the CBDTP would be the first such program in the United States. Boost Nassau Main Street Recovery Grant Program
Nassau County’s Boost Nassau Main Street Recovery Grant Program supports small businesses located within the County that experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and that are in need of financial assistance to continue to operate or to be able to reopen as allowed by law during the crisis. Grants of $10,000 per business will be awarded for eligible businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. Per Internal Revenue Service guidance, these grants are taxable. The information below provides an overview of the Grant Program. Definition of eligible business: Reduction in revenues, increases in percent of expenses, costs related to COVID compliance, staffing difficulties, etc. Type of assistance: Grant General ineligibility: Only one (1) application per Tax-ID, regardless of how many sites applicant has in Nassau County. You can apply here. |
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SBA Announces Enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), recently announced major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from the pandemic, especially hard-hit sectors such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels. The SBA is ready to receive new applications immediately from small businesses looking to take advantage of these new policy changes. “The SBA’s COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program offers a lifeline to millions of small businesses who are still being impacted by the pandemic,” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “We’ve retooled this critical program – increasing the borrowing limit to $2 million, offering 24 months of deferment, and expanding flexibility to allow borrowers to pay down higher-interest business debt. We have also ramped up our outreach efforts to ensure we’re connecting with our smallest businesses as well as those from low-income communities who may also be eligible for the companion COVID EIDL Targeted Advance and Supplemental Advance grants totaling up to $15,000.” Key changes being announced by the SBA include: How to apply: Eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories can apply. Visit www.sba.gov/eidl to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021. All applicants should file their applications as soon as possible. For additional information on COVID EIDL and other recovery programs please visit www.sba.gov/relief. Small business owners may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing) or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for additional assistance. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Multilingual representatives are available. Small business owners may also contact SBA’s Resource Partners here. How to Speed Disaster Assistance
State and federal officials who are helping New Yorkers recover from the Remnants of Hurricane Ida have some tips to speed disaster aid. • Registering online is the fastest way to access FEMA assistance. Download the FEMA app or visit disasterassistance.gov. Not only can you register here, you can check the status of your claim, upload requested documents, and access FEMA downloadable pamphlets and other aids. You will need to have the following available: o A current phone number where you can be contacted; • Remember, registering with voluntary agencies does not register you with FEMA. You can find more information here. |
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Farmingdale Village Events
Upcoming Events: Runner's Edge Main Street Mile, Benefiting Companions In Courage, Saturday, September 4th. Times: 8:30 AM Kids Fun Run; 9:15 AM Women's Mile Race; 9:40 AM Men's Mile Race; with post-race buffet and raffles at Croxley's, www.runnersedgemainstreetmile.com. The parade step off is at 3 PM sharp at Northside School (north end of Main Sreett) and the parade proceeds down Main Street to the Village Green. Following the Parade festivities explore the many downtown shops, merchants, Culinary Quarter restaurants, bars, clubs, breweries, eateries. Farmingdale's 10th Annual "Art In The Park Exhibit, Show & Sale" Farmers Market by Schneider's Farm Shakespeare on the Green, Eastline Theater Company presents: Romeo & Juliet, on October 2nd and 3rd, 2:30pm performances at the Gazebo. Free to attend, bring chairs, blankets for seating, dine and shop throughout the Village. Concerts on Freeport's Nautical Mile Extended into September
These free concerts are held at the Esplanade on the Nautical Mile on Thursdays from 7 PM to 8:30 PM, rain or shine. Attendees need to bring their own chairs. Line-up of performers: · September 23 - Turnpike Joe and the Traffic Jam Please check Long Island Arts Council’s website for updates, possible changes, and rain date location. The Long Island Arts Council at Freeport is committed to the idea that the power of the arts is to touch the mind and enrich the soul of the individual and community through advocacy and education. You can find more information at the Long Island Arts Council at Freeport’s website. Greenlawn-Centerport Pickle Festival Returns on September 18th
The Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association proudly announces its 41st annual Pickle Festival is returning to the John Gardiner Farm, 900 Park Avenue, Greenlawn, on September 18th from 10 AM to 4 PM. The Pickle Festival honors the legacy of Alexander Gardiner, who was known as Greenlawn’s pickle pioneer. Gardiner developed his own brand of pickle seeds, built processing plants and established a rail freight depot to advance the area’s thriving pickle industry. Donation entry is $5 and free for children under 12. You can learn more about this popular event and for information about the Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association’s here. Read the Long Island Times article here. Longwood County Fair Returns
The Longwood Country Fair at the Historic Longwood Estate is returning to Brookhaven on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Longwood Road and Ridge Road, Ridge. Festivities will include historical re-enactments and demonstrations, food, Ed Travers Band, craft vendors, children's activities, Tesla Museum, pet shows, vintage apron show, house tours and much more. Admission is $5.00 per person (children 12 and under are free and will receive a passport to the past). Parking is free. Complimentary shuttle available from Longwood Jr. High School, and the event is pet friendly (must be leashed). The Longwood Estate was passed down through the generations dating back prior to 1817. In 1973, developer Wilbur Breslin and Herbert Carmel purchased the property for commercial and industrial development. Brookhaven Town officials and area residents strongly opposed the plan and in 1974, Breslin and Carmel donated the manor house and 35 acres of land to the Town of Brookhaven. During its two-hundred-year history, the house knew fallow periods-and a notable 60-year Golden Age of love, family, and bustling activity. The estate now is the host to various activities for the residents to enjoy. Call the Longwood Estate at 631-924-1820 for more information. Westbury Street Fair is Back!
The Westbury Improvement District’s annual Westbury Street Fair is coming back to Post Avenue in the Village of Westbury. The fair will be held on Saturday September 25th, from 10 AM to 5 PM at 250 Post Avenue. It will be fun for the entire family. There will be many vendors, a food court, live music, events, a play area with a bounce house for kids, and more. The fair is a great way to spend an early fall day while enjoying all that Post Avenue has to offer. There is plenty of local parking and for those traveling in by Long Island Railroad, the south side of the fair starts right by the Westbury train station on Post Avenue. Rain date is Sunday, September 26th. HIA-LI's 33rd Annual HIA-LI Trade Show & Conference
On Thursday, October 14, 2021, the HIA-LI is hosting its 33rd Annual HIA-LI Trade Show & Conference live at the Hilton Long Island in Melville. Industries on Long Island will be represented, including Energy/Environmental, Technology, Manufacturing, Finance, Hospitality, Health Care, Media/Advertising, Education, Government & Workforce Development. The theme of one of this years’ seminars is Why Supporting Non-Profits Is Good For Your Profit. Moderated by Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance, panelists include Lee Silberman CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Long Island, Paule Pachter CEO of Long Island Cares, and Rich Humann President/CEO of H2M. Discussion will include why Corporate Social Responsibility is more than just companies giving money to nonprofits because it is the “right thing to do” and it is more than nonprofits just having their hands out. Properly formulated partnerships between for profit and not for profit companies leads to higher employee satisfaction and retention, as well as the betterment of the communities in which we live. Details: You can find more information and register here. |
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Nassau County Re-Opens HOME Investment Program
The Nassau County Office of Community Development has announced the re-opening of its HOME Investment Partnerships Program Funding Application. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to states and localities in order to fund a wide range of activities that build, buy, and/or rehabilitate homes to provide decent and affordable housing, particularly housing for low- and moderate-income households for rent or homeownership. In general, under this program HUD allocates funds by formula among eligible state and local governments to strengthen public-private partnerships and to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing, with primary attention to rental housing, for very low-income and low-income families. The HOME program was designed and implemented in order to increase the amount of affordable housing in the United States for its citizens. It was designed with four main objectives in mind: • Expanding the supply of decent and affordable housing in the U.S. The Nassau County Office of Community Development will be accepting applications through October 30th. Updated information on program requirements, current rent and income limits, affirmative marketing requirements, and highlighted recently completed projects is available here. 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. Former Starbucks CEO Funds Free Online Educational Platform For Small Business
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is funding a free online learning platform, called BackTo.Biz, to help small businesses accelerate their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Yahoo Finance reports. "America's future rests on our entrepreneurial fire. But in recent years, the spark within many entrepreneurs has struggled to find the oxygen to burn bright. The causes are many: the need for learning and community, the lack of capital and social networks, the systemic failures that lead many to not even try. That's why I believe this COVID-recovery platform is critical," Mr. Schultz wrote in a letter seen by Yahoo Finance. BackTo.Biz is a free program designed to help businesses recover and grow. It features a collection of more than 400 actionable video lessons, informative interviews, success stories, articles and tools from a diverse and renowned set of innovative entrepreneurs. The content is designed to help expand knowledge and skills on a wide range of topics, including hiring talent, selling online, building brand, pivoting business models, creating new revenue streams, finding ideal customers, managing stress and more. The BackTo.Biz program is funded by Mr. Schultz and the Emes Project. To reach as many small businesses as possible and share additional best-in-class learning resources from top tier brands, BackTo.Biz has teamed up with a coalition of non-profit and business leaders to raise awareness of the program. These partners include Ascend, Chase, Community Reinvestment Fund USA, Facebook, Grow with Google, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Intentionalist, Main Street America, Microsoft, Reimagine Main Street, Salesforce, Starbucks, Shopify, and Co. by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. BackTo.Biz, Mr. Schultz explains, “aims to help small businesses recover, pivot and bounce back even stronger." The BackTo.Biz is a free program available to anyone with an email address. All you get to do is sign up for the program. You can sign up and find more information here. You can read the Yahoo Finance article here. 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. 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. |
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Founded in 1976, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP is one of Long Island’s largest and most distinguished law firms. The Firm represents a broad range of clients, including national, regional and local businesses, public, private and family-owned companies, major real estate developers, property owners and operators, contractors, banks, municipalities, educational institutions, not-for-profits, foundations, and individuals. Personal attention and quality representation that is both practical and cost-effective are hallmarks of the Firm. With over 60 attorneys, the Firm provides legal services in nearly 20 different practice areas, with the talent, skill and experience necessary to meet the legal needs of virtually any client. These attorneys are supported by a dedicated team of paralegals, law clerks, administrative and support staff, and cutting-edge office and communications technology. Headquartered in Uniondale, NY, in one of Long Island’s premier office buildings, the Firm is conveniently located for clients in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as those in New York City. |
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