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

November 25th, 2020

Quotes of the Day

	“Our earlier surveys showed us that 8% of business may close and we have 52,000 people in retail who lost their job this year. By just shopping locally is an important way to keep people employed and support our local businesses. For every dollar spent shopping in Long Island businesses .67 cents stays in the community” - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran
	"It is now more important than ever to support our local downtown businesses in every way possible; not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year. They are more than just businesses. They are our families, friends and neighbors who often give tirelessly to our communities and it is now time to give back to them.” - Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin
	“Waiving metered parking fees in Huntington Village is a holiday tradition we wouldn't let COVID force us to break this year. It helps level the playing field for mom and pop shops competing with malls and big box stores for holiday shopping, plus this year we get an additional boost from the Huntington Holiday Spectacular, which is happening on Wall Street in place of our usual holiday parade and festivities, will help bring more people into the entire village across the whole season, and not all at once like our parade traditionally does.”  - Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci
	“Now more than ever it is important for our residents, who are staying safe and local, to support our local downtown businesses. We have gone from trying to build up Main Street to now trying to save Main Street. We all know that money that is spent on brick and mortar stores, particularly in downtown Main Streets, stays in the community, helps pay local taxes and keeps jobs and resources in your neighborhood.” - Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the LI Main Street Alliance
	“A little over one year ago, we gathered together, just up the block for the signing of a bill, awarding Smithtown $500,000 in Jumpstart funds. And here we are today in what can only be described as record breaking results for the community, because of great team work and talent. This comes at a crucial time when many restaurants have used portions of their parking lots to expand outdoor dining. This project also creates a more pedestrian friendly downtown that supports walkability, increases foot traffic to local businesses and decreases traffic congestion. Most importantly, it’s what the community has asked for and we’re pleased to deliver it.” - Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
	“We’ve had a great partnership with the Kings Park Chamber, one that I’m truly grateful for. And I want to say Thank You to County Executive Bellone who has been unwavering when it comes to helping our town.” - Linda Henninger, Kings Park Civic Association
	“Thank You to our Town Board and to our County Executive, Steve Bellone for putting your faith and time into investing in us. The commitment you’ve made will undoubtedly push Kings Park forward. The Timing of this project couldn’t be better. And the execution of it was completely flawless.” - Tony Tanzi, Kings Park Chamber of Commerce

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Shop Local on November 28th for Small Business Saturday

Nestled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, an annual event that celebrates small businesses and encourages folks to shop locally at the start of the holiday shopping season. This day supports small businesses by drawing attention to their importance to our local economy and the benefits to consumers who want access to unique products and experiences in their own community.

While this day is designed to help draw customers to local small businesses, it can be challenging for business owners to plan events, decorate their stores, and market their offers. That will especially be the case this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced many businesses to change the way they operate and has reduced opportunities for in-person events. It is up to us, community members, to help our local businesses have a successful Small Business Saturday. An investment in our Main Street stores is a direct investment in the quality of life in our towns and villages. It is important to remember, it is our Main Street businesses that support our hometown community causes all year round.

“Now more than ever it is important for our residents, who are staying safe and local, to support our local downtown businesses,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the LI Main Street Alliance. “We have gone from trying to build up Main Street to now trying to save Main Street,” Mr. Alexander explains. “We all know that money that is spent on brick and mortar stores, particularly in downtown Main Streets, stays in the community, helps pay local taxes and keeps jobs and resources in your neighborhood.”

The 2019 campaign to shop local was very successful, as thousands of Long Islanders patronized their downtown merchants. Throughout the Island’s downtowns and local business districts, more than 4,000 small businesses participated in Small Business Saturday, making 2019’s event the busiest ever. It is even more crucial this year for that goal to be reached, or better yet, surpassed.

Many Long Island towns and villages offer incentives to attract people to shop on Small Business Saturday. Here are some local downtown events:

Nassau County is hosting its 2nd annual Scavenger Hunt, starting on Small Business Saturday November 28th and ending Friday December 4th. Folks are directed to shop and dine locally through a series of fun activities, while getting gifts for loved ones and friends.

“Our earlier surveys showed us that 8% of business may close and we have 52,000 people in retail who lost their job this year,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “By just shopping locally is an important way to keep people employed and support our local businesses. For every dollar spent shopping in Long Island businesses .67 cents stays in the community”

Frank Camarano from the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce added that “This year we are under different circumstances but we have an entire week to support our local stores. This is all about supporting our businesses.  They are the heart of our communities.  We support local businesses because they support you!”

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin and Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, together with the Hempstead Town Board, are encouraging fellow residents to support local businesses this holiday season by visiting their neighborhood downtowns and shopping local.

"It is now more important than ever to support our local downtown businesses in every way possible; not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year,” stated Supervisor Clavin. “They are more than just businesses. They are our families, friends and neighbors who often give tirelessly to our communities and it is now time to give back to them.”

The Huntington Town Board held its November 19, 2020 meeting remotely and broadcast meeting audio and video live, extending on-premises outdoor dining permits and waiving metered parking fees in Huntington Village, where the Town is co-hosting the Huntington Holiday Spectacular, a season-long Huntington Village holiday event, and more. 

Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci stated, “Waiving metered parking fees in Huntington Village is a holiday tradition we wouldn't let COVID force us to break this year. It helps level the playing field for mom and pop shops competing with malls and big box stores for holiday shopping, plus this year we get an additional boost from the Huntington Holiday Spectacular, which is happening on Wall Street in place of our usual holiday parade and festivities, will help bring more people into the entire village across the whole season, and not all at once like our parade traditionally does.” 

Farmingdale Village is spotlighted in Newsday LI Life's - Downtown Destination Holiday Shopping Guide. Shop & dine local, consider gift cards for presents + Small Business Saturday.

Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District has arranged for Santa to come to Downtown Glen Cove. On Saturday, Dec. 5, children will have an opportunity to take photos with Santa in Village Square, in a socially distanced manner that will include masks and Plexiglas. The event will kick off at 3 p.m. with the arrival of Santa via fire truck into the Village Square plaza.

Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce presents Elf’n Around Patchogue from November 28th through December 23rd, a male & female Elf on the Shelf will be placed in a different location throughout Patchogue with a special Holiday Deal of the Day!

Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Mini-Miracle on Main Street, 11am – 8 pm on November 28th. Stores will be open to shop, Small Shop Trolley Rides, Gingerbread Competition, Ice Sculptures and a Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus (by appointment only).

Northport Chamber of Commerce is asking residents to take The Pledge to spend at least 50% of holiday shopping at local businesses.

Port Washington Chamber of Commerce is hosting Port Holiday Magic. All day special offers in stores will be held throughout town. Santa will be found riding a Fire Truck at noon. There will be live and recorded entertainment on the streets, along with Selfie Stations for holiday photos. Parking will be free and almost 50 businesses are participating.

Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Snowman Hunt, which begins on Small Business Saturday and ends on December 31.

Sag Harbor Chamber: Specials throughout the village business district.

Village of Greenport: Come see the historic Greenport Village sparkle and shine while doing your holiday shopping and dining. Enjoy the decorated windows and storefronts of participating merchants. Vote for the business with your favorite design and be entered to win our Grand Prize Raffle Basket filled with gifts from Greenport merchants. Voting will take place from 11/27/2020 – 12/31/2020.

Westbury Village BID: Be on the lookout for "BID Dollars/BID Dining Dollars" postcard coming in the mail and printed in the November 19th edition of the Newsday Hometown Shopper! BID Dollars can be used at participating businesses in the Village of Westbury from November 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020 as an extra incentive to "Shop Small."

The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a small business crawl as a virtual event from now until 30th.  There will be a number of special live presentations on November 28th as the chamber spotlights a number of locally owned businesses.  You can register for this zoom event here.

NYS Releases Information on Keeping Safe Through the Holidays

As we continue to see an increase in COVID-19 cases across the state, below is helpful information about the current rules and regulations:

NYS has posted a Holiday Shopping Advisory on the NY Forward website under Phase 2 "Essential and Phase II In-Store Retail." It can be found at this link: https://forward.ny.gov/phase-two-industries.​

​Long Island Mask Public Service Announcement: The "Mask Up, Long Island" public service announcement can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImTVtfDpMd8&feature=youtu.be.​ 

Statewide and Regional Metrics: ​You can monitor the COVID19 public health metrics through the NYS Regional Monitoring Dashboard here: https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-region-dashboard.​

Through the county dashboard found here: https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county-dashboard. And through the early monitoring dashboard here: https://forward.ny.gov/early-warning-monitoring-dashboard. 

Where to find a test: Residents can use this search tool to find a nearby testing site: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing.​ In addition to the list of sites you will find using the tool, testing is also still available at the NYS-operated drive-thru sites at Jones Beach and Stony Brook University. Testing at these two drive-thru locations is free for NY residents. 

Incoming Travel Advisory: Travelers coming into NY are required to quarantine for 14 days. You may “test out” of the mandatory 14-day quarantine following the guidelines on this webpage: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory#overview. Travelers from states that are contiguous with New York are exempt from the travel advisory, this includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. The guidance also applies to international travelers coming from any CDC Level 2 or Level 3 Health Notice country. Attached is the detailed guidance document on the incoming travel advisory. Please be sure to read this document thoroughly, especially if you are considering traveling. 

School Toolkit: Attached is a helpful Pre-K to Grade 12 COVID19 Toolkit from the NYS Department of Health. I've included both the English and Spanish version of the toolkit. 

Gathering limit: On November 11th, Governor Cuomo announced that gatherings at private residences (indoors and outdoors) is limited to a total of 10 people. All other gatherings are limited to a total of 50 people, this includes catered events. 

SLA-licensed Entities: Bars, restaurants and gyms or fitness centers, as well as any State Liquor Authority-licensed establishment (include movie theaters, casinos, and bowling alleys), are required to close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Restaurants will still be allowed to provide curbside, food-only pick-up or delivery after 10 p.m., but will not be permitted to serve alcohol to go. More information on these regulations can be found on the SLA website here: https://sla.ny.gov/Guidance-COVID-Related-Closing-Times​. A helpful FAQ for SLA-licensees on reopening guidelines can be found here: https://sla.ny.gov/phase3-guidelines-for-on-premises-licenses.​ 

COVID Alert NY Phone App: COVID Alert NY is a free download for iPhone and Android smartphones, available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. COVID Alert NY is the voluntary, anonymous, exposure-notification smartphone app. The app keeps track of when people are close to another app-enabled smartphone using Bluetooth technology.

• ​The app alerts you if you were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
• The app also alerts other app-enabled smartphones if you test positive for COVID-19 and were in close contact with those individuals, based upon your consent to share close contact codes.
• The app allows people to track symptoms and examine trends.
• Attached is a one-page about the COVID Alert NY Phone App.
• For more information, please visit this website: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-alert-ny-what-you-need-know.​ 

Regional Foundation Seeks Input from Long Island Business Owners by December 11th

The Rauch Foundation is conducting a survey of business owners, to build on previous surveys that have been undertaken, and learn more about conditions throughout Long Island impacting stores and businesses in our village and downtown communities. The survey should take 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are confidential.

Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance have agreed to distribute the survey, which should help provide attention to the needs of local small businesses.

"While it's no surprise that local small businesses have been hurt through this pandemic, it is important to remind government officials what their needs are. We are hopeful that the results of the survey can safely reduce regulations, provide small business relief, and encourage Long Islanders to shop locally," said Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and Founder of the Long Island Main Street Alliance.

"As a former mayor and small business owner in Greenport, I am acutely aware of the profound impacts the Covid-19 pandemic is inflicting on small downtown businesses," said Dave Kapell. "I am helping Rauch Foundation conduct a survey of downtown businesses to document current conditions and think about recommendations for recovery actions for localities to consider. These recommendations will be informed by an advisory committee composed of local elected officials and business owners from across Long Island. Your participation in the survey is crucial to gaining a good understanding of the challenges facing small business and what we can do to ensure a bright future for the downtowns that are the heart of life on Long Island."

You can take the 5 to 10 minute survey here.

Polling Shows Voters want to See Emergency Funding for Transit

A recent American Public Transportation Association (APTA) survey found U.S. voters support emergency funding for transit, as well as Congressional action to fix the industry’s infrastructure crisis. 

APTA has requested Congress act to provide public transportation with $32 billion in emergency financial aid as the agencies continue to provide service to essential workers, while battling financial crises of their own brought on by reduced revenues from declining ridership and other sources. 

The respondents to the survey, which was conducted between Nov. 3 and Nov. 4, self-identified as Democrats, Republicans and Independents. A few highlights of the survey include:

- 77 percent of voters want to see emergency funding for public transportation;
- 74 percent of voters approve of the new administration and Congress taking action to fix the public transportation infrastructure crisis facing the U.S.; and
- 71 percent said public transportation keeps communities working and is essential to keep society functioning.

“These survey results clearly show that Americans not only want actions now to save public transit during the pandemic, but they want continued long-term actions that preserve and expand public transit services,” notes APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas.

APTA also asked its transit agency members and business members about the impacts of the pandemic in September and found six in 10 public transit systems will need to reduce service and furlough employees in the coming months without emergency federal funding from Congress. In addition, more than eight in 10 businesses have seen a reduction in their transit industry business as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and nearly one-third of transit industry businesses are concerned that they may go out of business if additional federal funding is not provided.

In light of all these finding, the APTA is imploring Congress and the administration to come together to provide emergency funding for public transportation as quickly as possible. “The crisis becomes more severe each day that Congress delays. The public transportation industry continues to serve essential employees every day, but without additional emergency funding, many transit agencies will need to make draconian cuts to transit services and routes and furlough transit workers, leaving our communities without service and jobs when they need them most,” Skoutelas states.

MTA to Hold Virtual Public Hearings on Fare and Toll Policy beginning December 1st

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced that they will be holding virtual public hearings to review the fare and toll policy.  Those hearings being Tuesday, December 1st.

At the MTA’s November board meeting, the agency outlined proposed fare and toll adjustments, which are options to be considered. All proposals will be reviewed by the MTA Board and are subject to extensive public input ahead of an expected final vote on fares in January and tolls in February.

The MTA's Financial Plan assumes fare/toll increases every other year that yield a 4% increase in revenue, the equivalent of 2% per year. Under the proposed options, revenue yields could increase by up to 4% for fares and up to 8% for tolls. The MTA is committed to exploring a wide variety of proposals given the ongoing pandemic.

 “The MTA will begin the standard review process for fare and toll adjustments, although we recognize this year is anything but standard, with a series of virtual public hearings,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye. “With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are committed to reviewing a wide variety of proposals and will work to minimize the impact on our customers. The MTA continues to face the worst financial crisis in its history and the best way to avoid these actions is for Congress to provide $12 billion in desperately needed funding.”

 The MTA has developed a series of eight virtual hearings to gather the public’s input on the proposals as a result of the pandemic. There are two types of hearings: virtual public hearings and virtual satellite hearings. All hearings will take place on Zoom, with a livestream available for virtual public hearings. You must pre-register to speak at a virtual public or virtual satellite hearing. Registration for all virtual hearings opens on Monday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. Registration closes at 5 p.m. the day before each hearing. The MTA Board will also accept written comments on the proposals via the fare and toll hearing website and through the MTA’s Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777. For more information on the virtual public hearings, please visit: new.mta.info/2020hearings. 

2020 Virtual Public Hearing Dates include:
•             Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m.
•             Thursday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m.
•             Monday, Dec. 7, at 5:30 p.m.
•             Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m.
•             Monday, Dec. 14, at 5:30 p.m.
•             Monday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m.

2020 Virtual Satellite Hearing Dates include:
•             Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
•             Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

You can head to the MTA’s website for more information and instructions on how to join the meetings.

Suffolk Forward and Stony Brook University to Host Free Workshops for Local Business Owners

In a time where the “pandemic pivot” is more than just a buzzword, Suffolk County and Stony Brook University’s College of Business are launching a new workshop series for small business owners across Long Island. Bank of America has stepped in to allow these workshops to be offered at no cost, allowing participants to leave their financial worries at the door. The workshops are a key part of the Suffolk Forward initiative, a joint partnership between Suffolk County and Stony Brook University College of Business.

The Pandemic Shift workshops were developed by the College of Business and the Shift Group, an educational business with roots in Suffolk County. Pandemic Shift is designed to help small businesses facing coronavirus-related disruptions learn to adapt to new challenges. Built with a valuable peer-to-peer learning component, which proved effective in helping small businesses recover after the financial crisis in 2008, Pandemic Shift creates small solution teams for each participant during the workshop’s four 90-minute virtual sessions, all of which take place on Zoom.

Highlights of this program will include a workshop focused on partnerships and co-promotional opportunities to help businesses collaborate and assist Chambers to shift their own practices; and a workshop that will spotlight diversity in the business community. Other topics will include attention-grabbing and expansive promotional ideas and business development.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to adapt to a new normal and 8 months later our small business owners are feeling the financial squeeze this pandemic has caused. As we begin to see a spike in cases and the potential for new challenges ahead, these pandemic shift workshops will provide our main street businesses with the expert advice and tools they need to remain successful,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone.   “I thank Stony Brook University and Bank of America for their ongoing support that will help struggling businesses navigate this changing business climate.”

Pandemic Shift currently seeks business owners to participate.  As business leaders are diverse on Long Island, the program is looking to have specific workshops geared toward minority businesses expressly aimed at both Hispanic and African American businesses.  The first workshops are underway, and the next four-week workshop is scheduled to start December 14.  The Suffolk County Women’s Business Enterprise Coalition (SCWBEC) will co-promote a program in January, and six additional workshops will follow.  Apply at www.shiftgroup.com/pandemic-shift.

For more information, interested applicants can visit the Stony Brook University College of Business’s website or email mailto:collegeofbusiness@stonybrook.edu. 

Wind Company Inks Training Agreement with Organized Labor

Ørsted, which has contracts with New York, New Jersey and other states to develop offshore wind projects, has struck a deal to partner with organized labor on training workers in the building trades for the offshore wind industry.

The developer announced the agreement with the North America’s Building Trades Unions and the AFL-CIO on Wednesday.

This deal could help Ørsted secure a workforce for the anticipated future buildout of offshore wind. The agreement is also a win for unions eager to tap into the growing sector and secure high-paying jobs for members. State policymakers, especially in New York, have also been pushing — and in some cases requiring — offshore wind projects to negotiate with unions.

The national agreement calls for the company and its partners to work with unions to match needed skills with available workers and the timeline of the company's projects. The goal is to develop a long-term plan to ensure that a workforce is ready as permits are obtained and construction begins on projects, according to the announcement.

Smithtown Cuts Ribbon on New Parking Lot for Downtown Kings Park

The Town of Smithtown hosted a ribbon cutting with Suffolk County along with the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce and Kings Park Civic Association to open a new parking lot right off of Main Street.  This issue emerged out of the public meetings for the downtown revitalization plan.  In short order Suffolk County provided a grant and the Town of Smithtown got to work building the lot out.

This comes at a time where local businesses really need a boost and the parking is in very close walking distance to a number of restaurants and shops and is more than appreciated.

The project was funded through a Jumpstart grant awarded a little over one year ago. The municipal lot contains 23 spaces, an electric vehicle charging station with two spaces for EV vehicles, and state-of-the-art LED cost-efficient lighting. The lot is surrounded by ornate fencing, and is fully landscaped with evergreens, and arborvitaes which provide additional privacy for the surrounding residency. The new municipal lot will aid nearby businesses such as Relish, Park Bake Shop, Shipping Center, The Reel Kitchen, and Dragon House.
“This is a great success story right here… when you look at the amount of time that this took, to get from the signing at the Park Bake Shop to cutting a ribbon on the opening of this lot, it’s absolutely incredible... As we battle through this pandemic, we see not only individuals suffer, and families in crisis, but small businesses suffering. While we continue to do everything we can to help small businesses survive this exesstential crisis, we must also help them to get back to thriving… and that is what this project represents. And that’s what Jumpstart represents.  It’s the County saying, when a town like Smithtown has the vision and has the expertise, and is leading the way, we’re going to be there to back them. That’s exactly what they did on this project. It’s why we’re here cutting a ribbon a year later. And that’s what we’re going to continue to do. Because this is our economy. This is our future.” - County Executive Steve Bellone

On October 3rd, 2019 County Executive Bellone officially signed the bill awarding the Town of Smithtown $500,000 in “Jumpstart” funding to build a municipal parking lot in downtown Kings Park located on Pulaski Road, just off Main Street. The project, which began in March was spearheaded by the Planning, Engineering, Highway, Parks & Grounds, and Traffic Safety departments. The initial sale of the land was secured by contract through the Town Attorney’s office.

“A little over one year ago, we gathered together, just up the block for the signing of a bill, awarding Smithtown $500,000 in Jumpstart funds. And here we are today in what can only be described as record breaking results for the community, because of great team work and talent. This comes at a crucial time when many restaurants have used portions of their parking lots to expand outdoor dining. This project also creates a more pedestrian friendly downtown that supports walkability, increases foot traffic to local businesses and decreases traffic congestion. Most importantly, it’s what the community has asked for and we’re pleased to deliver it.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

Suffolk County’s Jumpstart Program is part of a comprehensive economic development plan designed to encourage, foster, and enhance the planning and development of regionally significant developments in and around Suffolk’s downtowns. Suffolk County has awarded $14.375 million in Jumpstart funding since 2013.'

“Everyone here worked together to get this done... This is the right way to do it. During our vision process two years ago, everyone said we need this. And it got done. Because you had multiple levels of government that listened and worked together with the community. This is a great example for all of Long Island and it will help towards revitalization once this pandemic is long gone.” - Eric Alexander, Vision Long Island

In 2016, the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association commissioned Vision Long Island to conduct a series of public scoping meetings to create a Revitalization Action Plan for the community. Shortly after, a Downtown Market Analysis and Action Plan was completed by Larisa Ortiz Associates in 2017. The data determined that the businesses along “Restaurant Row” were suffering due to a lack of sufficient parking. The lot will also assist in the leasing of previously vacant shops, as the lack of parking has prevented small business owners from choosing Kings Park as its future home.

“We’ve had a great partnership with the Kings Park Chamber, one that I’m truly grateful for. And I want to say Thank You to County Executive Bellone who has been unwavering when it comes to helping our town.” - Linda Henninger, Kings Park Civic Association

“Thank You to our Town Board and to our County Executive, Steve Bellone for putting your faith and time into investing in us. The commitment you’ve made will undoubtedly push Kings Park forward. The Timing of this project couldn’t be better. And the execution of it was completely flawless.” - Tony Tanzi, Kings Park Chamber of Commerce

Tony Tanzi of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce also made an announcement in recognition of T-Mobile’s Main Street location. The local T-Mobile team funded the decorating of the lot, along with all of Downtown Kings Park, for the holiday season. Additionally, T-mobile covered the annual due’s for the Chambers membership.

Great to see all of the elected officials and business leaders assembled including Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Councilmembers Tom McCarthy, Tom Lohmann, Lynne Nowick and Lisa Inzerillo; Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, NYS Senator-elect Mario Mattera, NYS Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Kings Park Chamber of Commerce President Tony Tanzi, Kings Park Civic Association President Linda Henninger and Vision's Director joined as well. 

Kudos to local businesses that were at the event like John Nobles from Kings Park Shipping who pushed this issue and Town of Smithtown CDA's Kelly Brown for handling the paperwork along with others and of course the contractors who built it.  Great job by Nicole Garguilo from the Town of Smithtown for pulling everyone together as well.

The lot is beautifully decorated for the holiday season and it has an electric car charging station as well.   So head to downtown Kings Park for many reasons but now has additional parking!!

Long Island Main Street News, Under Production, makes Extended Interviews with Local Leaders Available

For the last month Vision has been interviewing some of our community partners: local civics, small business/chamber friends, municipal officials and local food pantry and religious leaders. 

We have reached over half of the communities we work in and are starting now to connect to some of our friends not rooted in any one community from development, design and infrastructure professionals and environmental leaders as well.   These interviews will be pieced together into a future show titled "Long Island Main Street News," but, in the meantime, you can view an extended version of these interviews.

Special thanks to our guests for sharing their experiences; and to our friends at Pink Tie for providing access to their studio and Rob Comforto from Videomasters for the filming and production.

Vision Long Island was very happy to do an interview with Kim Gambino from the Helping Hands Rescue Mission, based in Huntington Station, that has done a phenomenal job serving the community long before and now through the Coronavirus.

Kim shared some of the stories of real people, the ongoing food insecurity issues working families face and the collaboration that takes place through the Coronavirus and every day.   Her spirit and dedication with a smile were totally on display in this interview so check it out.

Helping Hands has been a regular stop for the Pink Tie Delivers team and the good folks at Keller Williams as well. 

You can assist Helping Hands Rescue Mission by volunteering, financial donations or spreading the word so check them out here: https://www.helpinghandsrescuemission.org/

You can view the full video of the interview here.

We also conducted an interview in the spirit of Thanksgiving from Pastor Roger Blackmore and Ken Carmel from Genesis Church and Drive Thru Pantry in Medford.  Their work has been off the charts through the Coronavirus, but it was great to learn their backstory over the last nearly 20 years of serving the community.

Genesis Church has been one of the regular stops for the Pink Tie Delivers team and it’s very cool to hear the experiences they are having with the folks they serve.  One of the extremely few silver linings from the Coronavirus is that it has gotten us all closer to the communities we work with.

Check it out and if you are inspired support their drive thru pantry, mobile soup kitchen, food deliveries or donate your time or resources to a food pantry in your neighborhood.  You can view Genesis Church’s website here: http://www.genesisli.com/care

The video of the full interview with Pastor Blackmore and Mr. Carmel is available here.

Pink Tie Delivers to Valley Stream, Central Islip, and Other Communities

Pink Tie was out last week delivering food to the Village of Valley Stream through a drive from their Sanitation Department.  It was great to see community leader Kevin Aburto and the Village’s Barbara DeGrace and their volunteers assemble food for the community.

We also participated in an excellent event last Saturday for the Pink Tie Delivers team in Central Islip at a Drive thru food event.  We distribute nearly 600 prepared meals total along with assistance for groceries.  Meals also went to the ambulance company for distribution along with local churches.  Some meals went to local homeless folks in the area.

Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter joined the event and supported it through the Town of Islip Community Development Agency.

Special thanks to the Pink Tie leadership of Mike, Rich and Sue Cave.  Team members that made it out included Ray Thomas from 1st Equity Title and Pink Tie, Mike Passantino from Trinity Solar Paxton Provitora, Daniella Decker and others.  Honeyflower foods provided the healthy meals.

This would not have happened without Debbie Cavanaugh from the Central Islip Coalition of Good Neighbors and her team for all the outreach and logistics throughout the community.

The Pink Tie Delivers team has also been out this week in the Village of Hempstead and Franklin Square.

For more info on how you can take part in the doorstep donation program or join the Delivers Team check out pinktie.org or please email us at contact@pinktie.org.

Village of Valley Stream Announces Drive-Thru Winter Wonderland on December 4th

On Friday, December 4th, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, the Valley Stream Pool parking lot will be turned into a Drive-Thru Winter Wonderland for families looking to celebrate the Christmas season.

The exhibit will be a fun way for families to celebrate the holiday in a socially distant manner.  There will be mailboxes for kids to drop off letters to Santa, a Salvation Army Band playing Christmas, and treats for the kiddos!

Toys for Tots will also be on hand, so please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy for those in need.

No need to register or call ahead, just head on over to the Valley Stream Pool Parking Lot on the evening of December 4th for some Christmas fun.

LICH and the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island Offer Free Seizure Awareness and First Aid Training on December 11th

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless and the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island are excited to announce a free, virtual training on Seizure Awareness and First-Aid!

This will take place Friday, December 11, 2020 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM EST.

Epilepsy and/or Seizure Disorder is much more common than you think. Epilepsy affects one percent of the general population and APPROXIMATELY 8 PERCENT OF THE HOMELESS POPULATION. There are approximately 35,000 individuals living with this condition on Long Island.

The signs and symptoms of seizures can be subtle and can be misunderstood. There is still much stigma and misinformation surrounding epilepsy.

This training will help you:

· To recognize the most common types of seizures
· To respond effectively to an individual having a seizure with appropriate seizure first-aid protocol

During this training, you will also learn:
· What causes epilepsy and what may trigger seizures
· The characteristics of several different types of seizures
· The psycho-social impact of living with epilepsy
· The available resources on Long Island for people living with epilepsy

Please use the link below to register and access the Zoom link!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seizure-awareness-and-first-aid-training-tickets-130500491483

Long Island Housing Services Seeking Foreclosure Prevention Housing Councelor

Long Island Housing Services seeks to hire a Housing Counselor who is fluent in Spanish and English. Successful recruit will work under direct supervision of the Housing Counseling Program Manager. The Housing Counselor will provide one-to-one HUD housing counseling and advocacy for residents of Nassau and Suffolk homeowners who are in jeopardy of foreclosure on their primary residence.

HUD Housing Counseling experience preferred, not required. Must pass the HUD Housing Counselor exam and become HUD certified. Long Island Housing Services will pay for training and exam. Fluent Spanish and English speaking/written skills are required. Collaborative spirit and positive attitude toward change is a must!

Annual salary: $45,500, negotiable with HUD housing counseling experience, includes generous benefits.

Sample Work Responsibilities:

• Intake/interview new clients and maintain/manage case files through close out
• Provide financial counseling and assist clients to draft/revise household budget
• Provide clients with financial assessment based on income, expenses, and mortgage information
• Provide clients with a personalized action plan
• Prepare/review loan modification proposals/packages for submission to lenders/servicers
• Communicate with lenders/servicers/attorneys and negotiate affordable loan modification terms
• Review loan modification offers with clients and assess affordability
• Assess loan modification denials and assist clients with appealing/reporting if wrongful
• Provide information about foreclosure process and alternatives such as short sale or deed-in-lieu
• Provide legal referrals to clients who need assistance with answering summons and complaint
• Collaborate closely with colleagues including attorneys/housing counselors
• Maintain compliance with all HUD/grantor requirements
• Maintain and submit timely reports on case files/client activity
• Obtain/maintain HUD Housing Counseling Certification and continued education and training requirements

Additional responsibilities may also include special projects and research, outreach, and education of community and industry groups, and other duties as required, such as assistance to advocate for the continuation of funding.

Reliable transportation and distance travel for trainings and conferences is required. May be required to suspend or discontinue any business and/or professional licenses to avoid conflicts of interest (such as real estate, insurance, etc.).

Send resume by email, no calls or faxes:
Trina Kokalis, Housing Counseling Program Manager/Supervising Attorney
Email to: Recruitment@LIFairHousing.org, subject line “Housing Counselor”

The Nassau County Restaraunt Recovery Grant Program will be Available Beginning December 1st

In another effort to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran announced the County’s new Restaurant Recovery Grant Program (RRGP) on November 18, 2020. The program is intended to support full-service restaurants – the industry hit hardest by the pandemic – during the winter months when outdoor dining is limited and as restaurants adjust to New York State’s COVID-19 safety restrictions and new mandates. Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) are encouraged to apply.

Nassau County is using funding made available through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to provide approximately 300 grants to restaurants. Grant funds are valued at either $5,000 or $10,000 depending on the number of employees.

Restaurants can apply to the RRGP starting Tuesday, December 1st. The link for the online application will be posted to this webpage and will remain open for at least two weeks. The online grant portal will close temporarily should the number of applications exceed funding availability. If grant funding remains available due to the exclusion of ineligible applications, the online grant portal will be re-opened following an announcement by the County. Any program announcements and/or updates will be posted to this webpage.

Grants will be awarded to eligible restaurants beginning in January 2021. If a restaurant establishment uses the grant funds to retain at least one (1) low/moderate-income job at full-time status, the funds do not need to be repaid.

Questions?

Please email any RRGP questions to the Restaurant Recovery team at mailto:nassaurestaurants@ndconline.org.

Check back to this webpage for any RRGP updates!

Program Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Businesses

• Full-Service Restaurants (NAICS code 722511) engaged in providing food services and meals prepared on-premises to patrons who traditionally order and are served while seated (i.e., waiter/waitress service)
• Restaurant Establishment must have a current and valid Nassau County Department of Health Food Service Permit

General Eligibility

• Located in Nassau County
• In operation on or before March 1, 2019
• Must have 50 or fewer Full-Time equivalent (FTE) employees
              o Maximum $5,000 grant – 0 (sole proprietor)-10 employees
              o Maximum $10,000 grant – 11-50 employees
• Must agree to create or retain at least one low/moderate-income job at full-time status
• Must certify and demonstrate that they have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19

Eligible Expenses

• Grant funds to cover working capital and operating expenses including:
            o payroll, rent, utilities, purchase of PPE and sanitation supplies; lease or purchase of equipment like kitchen equipment or delivery vehicles; or COVID-19 related business improvements like patio heaters or contactless technology.

Ineligible Businesses

• Non-profit organizations
• Businesses with greater than 50 employees
• Businesses in violation of New York State Executive orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic or other State, County or local ordinances
               o e.g., EO 202.74 effective Friday, November 13 at 10 PM
                               ▪ SLA FAQ: https://sla.ny.gov/Guidance-COVID-Related-Closing-Times

Keep an eye on the restaurant recovery page on Nassau County’s website for more information and to apply once the grant program becomes available.

COVID-19 Tenant Legal Assistance Project Aids Suffolk Tenants in Financial Distress

Thanks to a grant from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, the ability of Nassau Suffolk Law Services to assist tenants facing housing insecurity as a result of the pandemic has expanded. Many people who previously had stable incomes became unable to pay their rent during the pandemic and may now be facing eviction as a result. A new COVID-19 Tenant Legal Assistance Project may be able to help.

Eviction proceedings are taking place now.  Tenants who have fallen behind on their rent or whose landlords have simply opted not to continue renting face a real and immediate risk of eviction.  While New York has enacted important protections for people struggling to pay their rent as a result of the pandemic, these protections are not automatic.  It may be difficult for many people to understand their rights or establish pandemic-related defenses without assistance from an attorney. Read on for information about training sessions for the public and advocates on landlord-tenant law during the pandemic. 

The COVID-19 Tenant Legal Assistance Project, which will harness the generosity of volunteer attorneys, seeks to assist eligible Suffolk County tenants facing financial hardship.  Volunteer attorneys will provide advice and counsel over the phone or through virtual counseling sessions. Those who are interested may also represent tenants in court on a limited scope representation basis with no commitment to ongoing representation. Michele Fischetti, an NSLS staff attorney with years of experience representing tenants, will coordinate the program and provide training and support to volunteers.  

Nassau Suffolk Law Services' Civil Units in both counties, and the Volunteer Attorney of the Day program in Nassau County also continue to serve low-income clients, with the goal of being available at all Landlord-Tenant court days island-wide.    

Tenants facing eviction should call their offices at 631-232-2400 in Suffolk or 516-292-8100 in Nassau. Attorneys interested in volunteering in Suffolk County to help people struggling to recover from the economic consequences of the pandemic may contact Michele Fischetti at mfischetti@nsls.legal. Attorneys interested in the Volunteer Attorney of the Day program in Nassau County may contact Roberta Scoll at rscoll@nsls.legal.

LIDC Offers EDA CARES Act Revolving Loan Fund

The Long Island Development Corporation (LIDC) was selected to exclusively offer a novel low-cost loan program to aid Nassau and Suffolk County based businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Revolving Loan Fund Supplemental Disaster Recovery and Resiliency Investment.

Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to alleviate sudden and severe economic dislocation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, to provide permanent resources to support economic resiliency, and to further the long-term economic adjustment objectives of the Long Island region.

•             $50,000 - $500,000 business loans for Long Island’s businesses that were affected by COVID-19.
•             Simple rate at 1% first year, 2% second year, 3% third year, then after 5% for the remaining life of loan, 5 - 10 years term.
•             Working capital funding that also can be utilized for COVID- 19 preparedness, workplace safety, PPP, and economic recovery – hiring back furloughed or laid-off workers and/or new hires.
•             Manufactures, agricultural, aquaculture, wineries, breweries, commercial fisheries, wholesale or business to business, distributors, legal practice, accounting practice medical practice, construction, transportation, computer software, computer hardware, bio-tech, bio-medical, pharmaceutical, electronics, advanced optics, entrepreneurial incubators, environmental or energy related technology, project resulting in industrial modernization or innovation in life sciences.
•             A sliding scale application fee and 1% amount of loan commitment fee are both due at commitment.

You can contact the LIDC to apply for this program 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. 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

Cameron Engineering

Cameron Engineering & Associates, LLP is a full service multi-disciplined consulting engineering and planning firm founded in 1985. The Firm is comprised of experienced and qualified engineers, landscape architects, planners, facility operators, and environmental scientists dedicated to providing professional, timely and responsive services to our clients.

A comprehensive knowledge of municipal codes, government regulations, and industry standards is incorporated into all of their work. This assures that they provide quality engineering and up-to-date solutions. The principals and senior level management are continuously involved in the planning, control, implementation, and quality review of each project. Their timely submissions and quality engineering are the primary reasons for their clients to request their services on a repeat basis.