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

August 3rd, 2021

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NYS DRI Funding Available for 5th Year

On July 27th, New York State announced $200 million is available for the fifth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). DRI Round five will provide these funds to communities across the ten Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) regions to bring new life to their downtowns through a comprehensive strategic planning process, followed by the implementation of key projects. The fifth round is being launched as New York State rebuilds its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marking the Downtown Revitalization Initiative's fifth year, Governor Andrew Cuomo states, "The DRI is a cornerstone of New York's comprehensive economic development strategy to drive investment and job creation in downtowns across the state. Our investments will support new and existing businesses, drive new mixed-use developments and bolster the arts and cultural venues to help attract residents and visitors for years to come."

As part of DRI Round five, each REDC region may receive up to two awards for a total of $20 million awarded per region. REDC’s will decide whether to nominate two $10 million awardees or one $20 million awardee for transformative and catalytic downtown redevelopment projects upon review of the submitted applications. As is the case with past DRI rounds, each selected community will develop a strategic plan that articulates a vision for the revitalization of its downtown and identifies a list of signature projects that have the potential to transform the downtown. DRI funds will then be awarded for selected projects that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and realize the community's vision for the downtown.

“It is important that communities take advantage of this initiative,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “However, it is equally important to keep in mind projects that are ultimately selected will only be successful with strong community, business and local government input and support.”

Applications for DRI Round 5, which are available on the DRI website, should be submitted to the appropriate Regional Economic Development Council by September 15th. All applications should be submitted with a $10 million award in mind but may indicate that they would also like to be considered for a $20 million award. Applicants that indicate interest in being considered for a $20 million award must respond to supplemental application questions in which they describe and confirm specific transformative or catalytic DRI projects and demonstrate the readiness of those projects and local capacity to manage the full $20 million in DRI funds.

For more information.

Job Training Funded through NYS WDI

On July 28th, New York State announced the launch of the second round of the $175 million Workforce Development Initiative.

This second round of funding makes $48 million available to support strategic regional efforts that help New Yorkers find quality, well-paid jobs and meet businesses' short-term workforce needs, improve regional talent pipelines, enhance the flexibility and adaptability of local workforce entities, expand apprenticeships and address the long-term needs of growing industries.

In this second call for applications, the Workforce Development Initiative will bring together the resources, plans, and perspectives of multiple state agencies and authorities, the Regional Economic Development Councils, nonprofit training providers and private sector employers to further New York's goal to reimagine, rebuild, and renew from the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The consolidated funding application will open to applicants on Monday August 2nd, and applications will be accepted on a continual basis.

Funding and incentives are provided by the New York State Department of Labor, the State University of New York, the City University of New York, Empire State Development and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority,

 Awards will fall into one of three categories:

·         Public-Private Partnerships to Advance 21st Century Skills
·         Employer-Driven Skills
·         Workforce Solutions that Match Business Needs

All projects and activities must be consistent with the region's workforce development plans.

In the first round of funding, over $70 million, was awarded to 225 organizations to support regionally significant industries in emerging fields with growing demands for jobs—including clean energy, life sciences, computer science, and advanced technologies—as well as efforts to improve the economic security of women, young workers, and other populations that face significant barriers to career advancement.

To date, the businesses and organizations that have received Workforce Development awards include:

·         Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing & Consumer Affairs
·         United Way of Long Island
·         Town of Hempstead Department of Occupational Resources
·         Stony Brook University
·         East End Disability Associates Inc
·         Family Residences and Essential Enterprises
·         Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities,
·         Spectrum Designs Foundation
·         Visiting Nurse Service of New York
·         Alliance Computing Solutions
·         Allied Business Solutions

For more information

Lynbrook Approves TOD Project after over a Decade of Planning

The Garden City-based Breslin Realty Development Corporation, which is seeking to build a 201-unit apartment complex at the site of the vacant Mangrove Feather factory in Lynbrook, is one step closer to breaking ground on the project.

Early last month, the Lynbrook Village Board unanimously voted to approve the developer’s plans to build a 201-unit apartment complex at the site of the now vacant former Mangrove Feather factory. “It’s been a very, very long journey,” Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach stated, “Fifteen years and four mayors.”

The mixed-use Transit Oriented Development project would have approximately 200 residential rental units, 85% studios and one-bedroom units, and 15% two bedrooms. Ten percent of the units would be affordable. A wide range of amenities would be offered, along with a cafe open to the public on the first floor and on-site parking. The project is estimated to be a $90 million investment for the community.

The site is located at the intersection of Broadway, Langdon Place & Saperstein Plaza, just west of the Long Island Railroad on Broadway. It is two blocks from the heart of the Village and within walking distance to Atlantic Avenue, the movie theatre, and Village Hall.

Vision Long Island and members of the LI Main Street Alliance attended the two public meetings held regarding this project, which were conducted in person and virtually on April 1st and April 6th. Public comments generally covered topics such as parking, school district impacts, tax revenue, pilots and the need to hire locally. The project was mostly met with favorable reviews.

“This is another important step in the continuous effort to revitalize Lynbrook’s downtown,” Mr. Alexander notes. “A blighted building will be removed and there will be substantial investment in buoying local businesses, but also in offering affordable housing, which is both scarce but essential, on Long Island.”

David Orwasher, the chief development officer for Breslin, said that the developer will likely seek a payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, agreement with the town or county Industrial Development Agency in order to complete the project.

The plan now needs approval from the Nassau County Department of Public Works and fire marshal before it can move forward, and will be reviewed by outside engineers, who must approve construction plans before a building permit can be issued. It is expected to take about six to eight months to raze the vacant building and two years to construct the new apartment complex.

For a brief history, the building at 4347 Broadway has been a fixture in Lynbrook since the early 1900s. Originally known as the Bates Opera House, the building was sold in 1916 and converted into a knitting factory. By 1917, the Atlantic Knitting Mills became Lynbrook’s largest employer, hiring 60 men and 60 women. Eventually, the Mangrove Feather Company moved into the ground floor. It produced feathers for the carnival and apparel industries. In 1982, the building became home to English Sportswear. In 2005, Barry Singer purchased the building with plans to develop it. For over a decade, development projects came and went, but never materializing. In 2017, David Orwasher, the chief development officer for Breslin Realty, began negotiating with Mr. Singer, and finally reached an agreement to build the proposed apartment complex, pending village board approval.

To learn more, visit the project’s website

To read the LI Herald’s full coverage of this project here and here

St. Joseph’s College New Student Center Breaks Ground

In 2020, St. Joseph’s College (SJC) announced plans for a new student center to be constructed at SJC Long Island in Patchogue which would serve the institution’s growing student population. On June 22, 2021, local officials joined SJC President Donald R. Boomgaarden, PhD and dozens of members of the College community to break ground on this new $17 million center.

Attendees included Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Calarco, NYS Assemblyman Jarret Gandolfo, NYS Assemblyman Doug Smith, SJC Chief Financial Officer John Roth, SJC Board President Christopher Carroll ’88, Esq., Suffolk County Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Retha Fernandez, and Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance.

County Executive Bellone praised the College for helping “lead the way” in the region’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic. The County Executive further elaborates that, “moving forward with this incredible vision is one of best indicators of the fact that we are emerging very strongly from this pandemic and that we are going to enjoy great success and prosperity in this post-COVID world”.

Dr. Boomgaarden, while speaking to an audience of approximately 70 people, noted the student center advances the primary purpose of the Sisters of St. Joseph in establishing the College in 1916, which was to create a sense of mission and transformation in young people so they could go out and make the world a better place. “This student center exemplifies the sense of spirituality and reaching into the community and transforming the community for the better," Dr. Boomgaarden explained. "It’s what St. Joseph’s College is all about,”

“St. Joseph’s College has always been dedicated to not only advancing the education of our youth in a balanced manner, it continues to act upon its commitment to support the local community,” Mr. Alexander noted. “This student center will have a lasting positive effect on the community as a whole. Vision is proud to partner with St. Joseph’s College on many of its outstanding endeavors, such as the Long Island Youth Summit.”

The two-story 32,000 square-foot multi million-dollar student center will include a dining area, art gallery, new chapel and office for campus ministry, veterans lounge, spirit gift shop, E-sports unit, computer and lounge spaces, conference and meeting rooms and offices for faculty, staff and student clubs. The Center will be financed by the College’s bond issue and will be the first new building constructed on the SJC campus in 18 years. Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2023.

St. Joseph’s College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility and service. Through SJC Brooklyn, SJC Long Island and SJC Online, the College offers degrees in 50 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs.

For more information visit On Campus
 
Here for Renderings and Q&A

For the November 23, 2020 press release

Town of Hempstead Announces ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ for Area Downtowns

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin was joined by members of the Town Board in front of Flowers by Mike in Oceanside to announce the implementation of Operation Clean Sweep – an initiative designed to improve the quality of life throughout America’s largest township with a focus on removing litter along roadways, primarily in downtowns and business districts.
 
The sweeping anti-litter effort will include teams of Hempstead Town “Clean Sweepers,” led by the Town of Hempstead’s Department of Sanitation, to be dispatched to clear trash and clean key thoroughfares and pedestrian pathways. Joining Supervisor Clavin for the announcement was Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Bruce Blakeman, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Councilman Tom Muscarella, Councilman Chris Carini, Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver Jeanine Driscoll.
 
The program has been enacted to maintain the character of the town’s busy downtowns and business districts, while keeping the environment clean and supporting small businesses and the local economy.
 
“Operation Clean Sweep is another important initiative that the Town of Hempstead is taking to enhance quality of life for our residents while also supporting our downtowns and small businesses,” Supervisor Clavin explains. “These public spaces are critical to the success of local businesses and our economy, and we want to do our part to remove litter, while protecting our environment and supporting our business districts, downtowns and neighborhoods.”
 
“It takes a multi-faceted approach to achieve and maintain a thriving downtown,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “From thoughtful planning and design, to management of our public spaces. Congratulations to the Town of Hempstead for initiating this anti-litter program which will benefit both the business community and the residents in the township.”

Crews will be dispatched to various locations over the course of the summer and fall, and throughout the year. The program kicked off on July 28th along an area of Merrick Road in Oceanside. The mobile “Cleaning Command Posts” will have ample tools and supplies to remove polluting litter as crews travel to busy areas across the Town of Hempstead.

NYS Assemb. Solages Visits Valley Stream Small Business

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices, an initiative program which provides access to education, capital, and support services to more than 10,000 small business owners nationwide, reports small business owners’ express optimism about economic recovery, but challenges remain ahead.

On July 28th, Deputy Majority Leader Michaelle Solages met with a group of local small business owners at Alpha Care Supply in Valley Stream to discuss the difficulties they are continuing to face on the road to recovery. The business owners, Chung H. Lee of Alpha Care Supply, Sophia Parchment of Brownin Transportation, and Shakeel Rahman of Pencol Contracting, who are members of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices community, discussed issues facing small business owners, including access to capital, labor shortages, and rising operation costs.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, but even as shops reopen here in Long Island, it’s clear that challenges remain for our small business owners,” Deputy Majority Leader Solages stated.

A June 2021 survey conducted by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices found that small businesses have hit roadblocks on the road to recovery:

“The impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and communities all over the world is significant. In our latest survey, 82% of small business owners expect to exhaust their PPP loan funding by the end of July and only 24% are very confident they will be able to maintain their payroll when their funding is exhausted.”

The survey showed that while small businesses are on the road to recovery, they are still facing major roadblocks including rising operating costs, labor shortages and access to capital. The survey found that of the 70 percent of small businesses currently hiring, 80 percent are finding it difficult to recruit qualified candidates. At the same time, roughly 80 percent of small business owners report an increase in operating costs in the past few months with the same proportion of owners showing concern about the impact of inflation on their businesses. As a result, almost half of small businesses have had to increase their prices.

Despite the challenges, some business owners remain optimistic. “Long Island businesses like mine are welcoming customers again, and these signs of recovery are heartening, but many obstacles remain on the road ahead. Operation costs are higher than they were prior to the pandemic, the recruitment of workers – including competing for them with big businesses who had a different pandemic experience – remains a significant barrier, and small businesses are in need of more capital,” said Chung H. Lee, Managing Director of Alpha Supply Care.

Discussing the recovery, Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance states, “We will get through this together, but it will require our collective support from the community level on up to partner with the guidance, regulations and government assistance coming from the top down. Together, we can work to ensure the recovery of our local downtowns by continuing to provide Main Street businesses the necessary resources they need to do so.”

Deputy Majority Leader Solages, concluded, “I’m committed to supporting hardworking small business owners like the ones I met today in Valley Stream, particularly when it comes to access to capital, procurement challenges, labor shortages, and rising costs.”

Read Empire Report New York article here.

To review the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices’ Survey results

Click here to learn more about Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices

Nassau County Seeks Input on Shared Mobility Transportation Plan

Nassau County is seeking input to be used in the preparation of its Shared Mobility Management Plan.

Nassau County is committed to improving transportation options for residents, workers, students, and visitors. Over the next year, the County will be developing a Shared Mobility Management Plan (e.g., flexible/on-demand transit, bike share, scooter share, ride hail, etc.) to identify opportunities for new and enhanced transportation services, including options to complement/extend existing transit services. The plan will further Nassau County’s goals to promote social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic development.

Responses to this survey are important to help identify transportation needs and preferences. The County is also interested to learn how the travel patterns of respondents have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and their expectations for travel in the future.

By completing this 10-minute survey, you will help shape improvements to Nassau County’s transportation infrastructure in the near term and for future generations. Individual survey responses will be kept anonymous.

Please complete this survey by Friday, September 3rd.

To participate in the survey

Questions about this survey? Contact Nassau County at SharedMobility@nassaucountyny.gov.

For more information about the plan, visit the project website

Mayor Ekstrand Provides Farmingdale Village Update

At a recent Farmingdale Village Pops concert, Farmingdale Village Mayor Ralph Ekstrand took an opportunity to provide an update on what is happening in the Village, including announcing of the return of many community downtown events, welcoming new merchants to the Village and celebrating community business achievements.

 New businesses in Farmingdale Village include:

·         My Grandmothers Kitchen
·         Marketplace at 317
·         Fitness On Main
·         Rosner Russo Shahabian Law Firm
·         Farmingdale Brew
·         Our own Vintage Row: with Well Strung Guitar, The Vintage Canvas with Raine Art studio, Back in Time
·         Spirit Taekwondo Farmingdale  

Additionally, coming soon to the Village: Necromantic Gluten Free Brewery (former Rocky’s Bakery); Burgerology; Kick’n Chicken; Farmingdale Dine; and Cascone & Kluepfel, LLP.

Mayor Ekstrand also noted some recent milestones worth celebrating: 

·         Main Street has been officially designated as the “Culinary Quarter,” and the street signs will be put up soon
·         Farmingdale Goodyear is celebrating 25 years in Farmingdale Village
·         Lithology Brewing Co. is celebrating its 5th anniversary
·         ScrubzBody is celebrating 15 years in business
·         Farmingdale Meat Market is celebrating 75 years
·         Moby Drugs is celebrating an amazing 85 years          

Upcoming community events include:

Movies On the Village Green will be held on Tuesdays: 8/3, 8/10, 8/17 & 8/24, at dusk, preceded by cartoons.

 Farmingdale Music On Main returns on Thursdays 8/5 & 8/19, from 5 PM to 9 PM, downtown along Main Street. Enjoy music, outdoor / open air dining, activities for the kids, and more. Weather permitting, rain date 8/26. The Farmers Market “On the Village Green,” by Schneider's Farm, is held weekly on Sundays through 11/21/21, 10 AM to 3 PM.

You can view the video of Mayor Ekstrand’s updates here.

The Long Island Choice Awards presented by PSEG Long Island

Richner Communications Inc. and Herald Community Newspapers are proud to announce the premiere of the Long Island Choice Awards presented by PSEG Long Island.

There is no more important time to recognize and support the favorite businesses in our communities, and there is no better way than by inviting readers to honor them with this exciting new program.

The Long Island Choice Awards, presented by PSEG Long Island, recognizes exceptional local businesses throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties in 12 groups and 250+ categories, including restaurants, home services, shopping, family attractions, health and beauty and more.

Winners of the awards will represent the finest of everything Long Island has to offer, and they can use this prestigious honor to promote their business all year round.

HOW IT WORKS:

Phase 1 - Nominations:
The public submits their favorite businesses and organizations for consideration. “Nominate Me” Special Section will be inserted into select Herald Community Newspapers and key distribution points throughout Long Island, as well as being prominently promoted with a digital edition and in the dedicated online nominations section at LIHerald.com.

Phase 2 - Voting:
The top five nominees in each of the 250+ categories move on to the Voting Round, where winners will be selected by the voting public. “Vote For Me” Special Section will be inserted into select Herald Community Newspapers and key distribution points throughout Long Island, as well as being prominently promoted with a digital edition and in the dedicated online voting section at LIHerald.com.

Phase 3 - Winners:
A gala-style live awards show celebration where the top three finalists and winners are announced. A glossy Winners Magazine will be distributed at the event in addition to being distributed and mailed throughout Long Island. All winners and finalists will be showcased year-round in the new Long Island Choice Awards section of LIHerald.com.

To nominate a business or for more information, please visit the LI Herald.

Please spread the word about the Long Island Choice Awards to the business community at large and feel free to reach out to Amy Amato at 516-569-4000 x224 or email aamato@liherald.com with any questions, and good luck in the Long Island Choice Awards!

The Raynor Park Summer Concert Series is Back!

The Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organiztion invites everyone to its third Summer Concert Series at: Raynor Park, 174 Ronkonkoma Ave, Lake Ronkonkoma.

Dates: Wednesday August 18th, 7:00 PM: The Vibe

Thursday August 26th, 7:00 PM: Decadia

Please share widely and help make this FREE community event a great success!

Riverhead 2021 Cardboard Boat Race

The Town of Riverhead, Downtown Riverhead BID and the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the Cardboard Boat Race is returning to the Peconic Riverfront for 2021. Registration is now open for this fun-filled family event.

Date: August 7, 2021
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Peconic Riverfront - Downtown Riverhead
Fees/Admission: $20.00 per boat (includes Captain fee), $5.00 each additional crew member

Check in is 9:00 AM the day of event and races start at 11:00 AM. There will be vendors, face painting, games, and contests for all ages.
 
In addition to cardboard, duct tape and paint - creativity, a sense of humor and adventure are all that is required. There are four race divisions and an opportunity to race again if a craft remains afloat.

Divisions:
·         YOUTH REGATTA - All crew mebers must be under 12 years old.
·         YACHT CLUB REGATTA - If any crew member is over 12 years old this is your race
·         OUTLAW RACE - If you are still afloat and/or haven't raced yet, this is your race (no tubes)
·         PIRATE RACE - Boats that used tubes in their construction can race in this division plus anyone else!

Winners will be announced in each of the divisions. As per tradition, special awards will be given out to: Best Spirit; Titanic Sinking; People's Choice; Best Constructed (no tubes); Best Captain; Most Creative; and Commander's Choice.
 
Please note, pre-registration is required. Rain date is August 8th.

To register and for more information.

Welcome Back to Farmingdale Village

Upcoming Summer Events:

Farmers Market by Schneider's Farm
Weekly on Sundays through 11/21/21,10 AM - 3 PM
"On the Village Green" (weather permitting)
Stop by the Village Green, browse and shop the fresh selection of produce, vegetables ... While in town, stroll Main Street downtown, Shop & Dine Local.

Movies On the Village Green
Tuesdays: 8/3, 8/10, 8/17 and 8/24, at dusk
Enjoy "Movies On The Green," on Tuesday Nights. The movies start at dusk, preceded by cartoons. Bring family, friends, food/snacks, chairs / blankets for seating. Movie nights are weather permitting with free admission. Dine and shop downtown – enjoy a night out.
Farmingdale Music On Main
Thursdays 8/5 & 8/19, 5 PM -9 PM

Downtown along Main Street
Friends, Family, Music, Fun! Enjoy music along Main Street downtown, outdoor / open air dining, activities for the kids, and more! Weather permitting, rain date 8/26. Sponsored by Farmingdale Business Improvement District, Farmingdale Village Merchants Association, Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce & others! www.farmingdalemusiconmain.com.
Stay tuned for more event updates

Live Summer Concerts Coming to Freeport’s Nautical Mile

The Long Island Arts Council at Freeport will be hosting live, free summer concerts at the Esplanade on the Nautical Mile.

The concerts are held Thursday nights from 7 PM to 8:30 PM. Attendees need to bring their own chairs.

Concerts are rain or shine, and location is determined at 6 PM the night of the concert. You can find updates, possible changes, and rain date location (the tented outdoor area across the street from BrewSA) here.

Summer Concert Line-Up

•         August 5 - Sunrise Highway
•         August 12 - Sparkle on Stage
•         August 19 - Frayed Knots
•         August 26 - Columbus Circle

Live Music Returns to the Glen Cove Village Square

The Glen Cove Downtown Sounds committee has announced its annual concert series will take place live this summer with a diverse array of artists scheduled to perform on nine Friday evenings in July and August. Beginning July 2nd, bands will be performing in person on the Village Square stage.

Produced by the Glen Cove Business Improvement District (BID), Downtown Sounds began in 1997 with local jazz musicians playing at the intersection of Glen and School Streets.

“After two years, the Glen Cove BID and the Downtown Sounds Concert Committee are thrilled to be able to present live music for the enjoyment of our community and benefit of our businesses,” said Patricia Holman, Executive Director of the BID. “This year more than ever, we have a diverse lineup that will appeal to a wide range of musical tastes.”

This year’s artists will be performing on the Downtown Sounds stage, as opposed to the show mobile that has been used in recent years. In addition to better sound quality, restoration of the stage presentation increases the space available for dancing.

The program includes:
 
Therapi Band - August 6th
La Sonora 495 - August 13th
Head Over Heels - August 20th
Nikki Torres and Girl's of Summer - August 27th

Downtown Sounds 2021 will be live in-person concerts, but will still be live-streamed through Facebook Live, and broadcast on large screen TVs throughout downtown. Concerts start at 7 PM.

You can find more information here.

Free Outdoor Concert Series in Westbury

Thursday Nights in the Piazza!  Westbury Arts is launching its free outdoor summer concert series, with live, in-person concerts held in the village’s central plaza: The Piazza Ernesto Strada located at 200 Post Avenue in Westbury.  All the concerts are held on Thursdays from 7 to 9 pm.

Here is the line-up:

August 5 - Perfect Pitch Project (jazz, great American songbook)
August 12 - AquaCherry (Reggae, rock, pop)
August 19 - Time Passages (classic rock)
August 26 - Jimbo Ro and Friends (Island, blues, jazz)

In case of rain, concerts will be held at the Westbury Community/Senior Center at 360 Post Avenue in Westbury. For more information, contact info@westburyarts.org or 516-400-ARTS (2787)

East End Arts to Hold Annual Street Painting Festival September 5th

East End Arts’ 25th Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival will be held Sunday, September 5th, from 12 PM to 5 PM throughout downtown Riverhead and on the green at East End Arts at 133 E. Main Street, Riverhead.

Since 1972, East End Arts has been enriching communities through the arts by way of creating a vibrant arts community on the East End which enhances individual and professional artistic development, stimulates community enrichment, economic development, and cultural tourism while encouraging a wide range of artistic expression through education, exhibition and performance, and collaboration across the community.
This typical Memorial Day Weekend tradition, where families and friends enjoy the creative spirit together, will be held on Labor Day Weekend this year.

Artists, musicians, and lovers of the arts, young and old, will gather along the Peconic River for this day-long celebration of the arts, centering around the Street Painting Festival, fashioned after the Italian street painters "Il Madonnari", a street chalk art form dating back to the 16th century, as well as activities and entertainment for everyone. Street painting squares sponsored by businesses, families, and individuals are used as a canvas for inspirations in chalk.

Happenings include:

• Street Painting
• Crafts Fair
• Fine Arts Festival
• Live Music
• Drumming
• Dance
• Craft & Artisan Vendors
• Theatre
• Children's Activities & Family Fun
• Local Restaurants

For more information, contact Monique Parsons at mparsons@eastendarts.org or 631-727-0900 x303. You can find more information East End Arts here.

Registration is now open for vendors, sponsors, & artist squares. Rain date is Monday, September 6th, from 2 PM to 5 PM.

MTA to Promote Downtown Events

The MTA Long Island Railroad is reaching out to its partners in government in an effort to promote and support post COVID-19 economic recovery in local downtowns.
 
The MTA will be promoting local events happening in downtowns and neighborhoods across Long Island that are walking distance and/or a short rideshare away from any Long Island Railroad station.

Events will be promoted on its social media channels, as well as its website, in an effort to encourage New Yorkers to get out and #TakeTheTrain to the great destinations and events our communities offer.
 
To participate, send details of upcoming local events, including any webpage link to share, to Nick Fasano, manager of LIRR Community and Government Affairs at nfasano@lirr.org, or reach him by phone at 516-945-4067 if you have any questions or ideas regarding this initiative.

The MTA Long Island Railroad looks forward to helping promote all the wonderful events and destinations across this great Island.

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:

Wed. August 4, 2021 at 2pm (SBA and Tech Incubator at Queens College)
Register Here
Fri. August 6, 2021 at 12pm (SBA and Tech Incubator at Queens College)
Register Here
Mon. August 9, 2021 at 12pm (SBA and Tech Incubator at Queens College)
Register Here
Wed. August 11, 2021 at 12pm (SBA and Tech Incubator at Queens College)
Register Here
Wed. Aug. 18, 2021 at 2:30pm (SBA and Tech Incubator at Queens College)
Register Here 
Registration in advance is required.

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
Town of Islip: https://islipny.gov/town-news/covid-19/1111-town-of-islip-emergency-rental-assistance-program
Town of Oyster Bay: https://oysterbaytown.com/rentalassistance/
All other NY residents: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/#overview

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.
• On or after March 13, 2020, a member of the household received unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship, directly or indirectly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The applicant is obligated to pay rent at their primary residence and has rental arrears (rent overdue) at their current residence for rent owed on or after March 13, 2020.
• The household must be at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which can be demonstrated by having rental arrears owed on or after March 13, 2020.

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
• Is a veteran; or
• Is currently experiencing domestic violence or is a survivor of human trafficking; or
• Has an eviction case related to their current residence pending in court; or
• Resides in a mobile home; or
• Lives in a community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 (Check your ZIP Code); or
• Lives in a dwelling of 20 or fewer units.

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
• Is a veteran; or
• Is currently experiencing domestic violence or is a survivor of human trafficking; or
• Has an eviction case related to their current residence pending in court; or
• Resides in a mobile home; or
• Lives in a community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 (Check your ZIP Code); or
• Lives in a dwelling of 20 or fewer units.

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.
• Up to 3 months of additional rental assistance if the household is expected to spend 30 percent or more of their gross monthly income to pay for rent.
• Up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears payments for arrears that have 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
Annual gross receipts: $50,000 – $99,999.99: Award is $10,000 / business
Annual gross receipts: $100,000 – $500,000: Award is 10% of gross receipts (maximum grant is $50,000)

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
2. Demonstrate positive net profit on 2019 Business Return ($1 or greater)
3. Demonstrate at least 25% loss in Annual Gross Receipts in a year-to-year gross receipt comparison as of December 31, 2020 to the same period in 2019.
4. Demonstrate that the total business expenses on the 2020 business income return are greater than the grant amounts.

More information on the grants as well as a guide on how to apply is available here.

Funding for Pedestrian Safety and Transportation Systems

On July 1st, New York State announced the availability of $110 million in new funding to support community-based investments designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of local and regional transportation systems, while promoting safety and mobility.

This initiative funds projects that create new and enhance existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to schools, convert abandoned railway corridors to pedestrian trails and help reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. In addition, these funds may be used by municipalities to support activities that meet requirements of the Clean Air Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria that include public benefit, air quality improvement, and finance and/or delivery innovation. Projects must be related to the surface transportation system and provide full access to the public. Applications for funding may be developed by any municipality or non-profit incorporated group, but projects must be sponsored either by a municipality, a state agency or public authority eligible to administer federal transportation funds.

Eligible project activities include:

• Constructing new/enhancing existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
• Constructing new/enhancing existing ADA accessible sidewalks, installing pedestrian safety features and adding streetscaping/corridor landscaping.
• Converting abandoned railroad corridors into multi-use recreational trails.
• Preserving/rehabilitating historic transportation facilities.
• Implementing environmental mitigation measures to address stormwater management, control, and water pollution prevention or abatement related to highway runoff.
• Reducing vehicle-caused wildlife mortality or to restore and maintain connectivity among terrestrial or aquatic habitats.
• Enhancing traffic signals or intersections that improve traffic flow; and
• Providing travel demand programs intended to shift traffic demand to non-peak hours or other transportation modes.

The funds, made available to the State through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, are provided through the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. These programs will provide up to 80 percent of project-related cost, with the remaining 20 percent provided by project Sponsors. The New York State Department of Transportation will be accepting applications for this funding opportunity through September 29, 2021.

You can find theapplication, program guidance, and workshop schedules here.

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Offering Four Rounds of Grants

Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued and expanded to the present day, NYSCA will make available $105 million in critical arts and cultural funding. The grants will aid in the arts sector's multi-year recovery from COVID-19 and spur the revitalization of New York's creative economy, which fosters $123 billion annually in economic activity and supports more than 500,000 jobs statewide.

There will be four rounds of funding, with $20 million already committed to multi-year awards in the first round. Each round is designed to address the most urgent needs of organizations and artists within New York's nonprofit creative sector.

Restart NY: Rapid Live Performance Grants ($10 million): Support will directly address the area of the arts sector hardest hit by COVID-19, and reinvigorate near term, in-person performance opportunities. This funding will prioritize the recovery of New York's unparalleled performance organizations, venues, artists, and groups. This $10 million opportunity offers both direct support from NYSCA and regrant support through NYSCA's Partnerships and Statewide Community Regrants program. Grants of $5,000 and $10,000 will be available for eligible performing arts organizations for planned performance programming in 2021. Support provided through the Community Regrants Program, which will focus on reviving performance on a very local level, will be administered by NYSCA partners statewide. The goal of this regrant support is to reach small, local organizations that do not receive direct grants from NYSCA. Round 1 guidelines and portal for direct NYSCA Rapid Live Performance Grants will open on June 16. Application portal will close July 1. 

Expanded Access to Funding ($15 million): Support will expand NYSCA's current network of valued regrant partners to reach New York's vast and diverse community of artists and organizations. Funding will be distributed through NYSCA Partnerships and Statewide Community Regrants. Increased support at the local level will ensure more communities, organizations, and individuals will have access to NYSCA funding. Round 2 guidelines will be posted June 16, 2021. Application portal will open on July 19 and close August 2.

Organizational and Individual Artist Recovery ($40 million): Support will broaden individual artist assistance and deliver extremely flexible funding for organizations through a streamlined application experience. Grants offered in this round will greatly expand eligibility and encourage new applicants across a wide spectrum of artistic and cultural practices. Priority will be given to applicants that serve historically underrepresented communities. Round 3 guidelines will be posted on June 16. Application portal will open July 19 and close September.

Capital Funding for the Arts ($20 million): Support will assist organizations in making improvements to address health and safety issues in their spaces and venues among other needs. Any New York State nonprofit arts and culture organization is encouraged to apply. Round 4 guidelines and application portal will open in September.

You can find more information here.

SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Applications

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

“Help is here for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA has worked diligently to build the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program from the ground up to assist and address the diverse eligibility requirements of each type of applicant and we will open for applications on April 8th.” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “This vital economic aid will provide a much-needed lifeline for live venues, museums, movie theatres and many more.”

The SVOG program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, which appropriated $15 billion for it. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, appropriated an additional $1.25 billion, bringing the program funding to a total of $16.25 billion, with more than $16 billion allocated for grants.

To ensure eligible venues do not miss a window to receive assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program, the American Rescue Plan Act also amended the SVOG program so entities that apply for a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, can also apply for an SVOG, with the eligible entity’s SVOG to be reduced by the PPP loan amount. The PPP loan applications have been updated to reflect this.

For more information, click here for the dedicated SBA SVOG portal: https://www.svograntportal.sba.gov/s/

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.

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