Long Island Main Street News April 6th, 2020
Here is today’s edition of LI Main Street News for day 22 of the shutdown. Looks like we might hopefully be close to halfway through the stay at home orders for schools and nonessential businesses. Today’s edition covers new community updates, resources, guidance documents and a new daily heartwarming communities helping communities section. Check it out…..
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presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance April 6th, 2020
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Helping Main Street through the
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Reports from Local DowntownsAt this time of uncertainty, we are beginning to see a number of downtowns being shuttered as bars, restaurants, and any place where multiple people congregate are running up against fears of and caution at spreading the Coronavirus. While this is a socially responsible action that will help to save lives, in the short term these actions are having a number of adverse effects on our local communities. Vision Long Island and Long Island Main Street Alliance members have collected a number of experiences from local restaurants and service businesses, but before we go into that we would like to encourage everyone reading this to find a way to responsibly patronize local establishments. Many stores are offering curbside pickup or online shopping to help them get through this difficult time. And your favorite restaurants are also currently open for business with takeout available. We also urge you to consider gift cards in order to purchase something at a later date for yourself, or perhaps to give as a present. Local shops are in a capable position to provide you with what you need in the short-term. Many will also be willing to accommodate you if you contact them ahead of time with requests that will minimize contact and help to lower the spread of this virus. Vision has connected to nearly 400 small businesses in over 40 downtowns as they weather the economic storm through the Coronavirus. We encourage people to responsibly patronize these and other open establishments who need your help in this time of crisis. Many of these businesses have been there for local organizations and philanthropy – they now need our support. In the meantime, here are two featured downtowns for today. For a complete list of downtowns we’ve been to and what’s still open, please check out our website here.Village of Port Jefferson
Day 21 of the Coronavirus economic shutdown brings us up to the Village of Port Jefferson. Lower Port Jefferson has been a waterfront tourism destination for decades with strong restaurants, public space, community center, ferry service an ice rink, waterfront hotel, comedy club and theatre and thriving local arts and culture. Upper Port has experienced revitalization in recent years with new multifamily housing, planned mixed use buildings and train station improvements. Both areas of Port have been planned with public input through their Comprehensive Plan process and managed actively by the Village of Port Jefferson and a number of community organizations. As the Coronavirus shutdown hit the Village the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce worked with local restaurants to provide free meals to Mather and St. Charles hospital workers during the COVID-19 crisis. “It’s hard to express in words how grateful we are for the dedication and selflessness of our community’s heathcare workers during this crisis, but we hope this effort is a way of showing our support and care,” said the chamber’s president, Mary Joy Pipe, of East End Shirt Co. The Steam Room Restaurant prepared free meals for pick-up at St Paul’s Church and the Fifth Season is helped make the meals at the First Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen. Port Jefferson Village, the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Improvement District teamed up to offer free delivery services from restaurants in the 11777 zip code. The action was meant to help keep delivery drivers on-staff and actively working as the nation faces the new coronavirus. Here are some of the restaurants and local businesses that are open for takeout or delivery: Amazing Olive Barito Tacos & Cocktails C’est Cheese Chenlin Garden Chick-fil-A Curry Club Fifth Season Gourmet Burger Bistro Grumpy Jacks Juniors Spycoast La Bonne Boulangerie Bakery Locals Nantuckets Pasta Pasta The Pie PJ Lobster House PJ Pizza & Gyros Po’Boy Brewery Port Jeff Bistro Port Jeff Brewery Ruvo Kitchen & Wine Bar Salsa Salsa Slurp Steam Room Sweet ‘N Savory Torte Jeff Pie Co. Wave Seafood & Steak Z-Pita Other businesses open: The Barn Fetch The Fox & Owl Inn Lavender Fields M.S.W. Truck & Auto Repair Port Jeff Car Care Village of Patchogue
Day 20 of the Coronavirus economic shutdown takes us to the Village of Patchogue. The Village of Patchogue have worked over the last two decades to revitalize its Main Street with restaurants, a range of housing options, investments in parking and a downtown theater. They host multiple events including the signature “Alive after Five” and through all these efforts are a destination for tourism Patchogue’s leaders have brought the same energy that they use for their revitalization efforts together early to support local restaurants and small businesses through the Coronavirus shutdown. On their website, patchogue.com, you will find information on what businesses are still doing business as well as important information for the community, including specific links for members to get needed recovery, relief and loan assistance information. Through their social media they are running contests to win gift certificates for those getting Patchogue restaurant take-out. The Chamber’s Restaurant Committee has partnered with Qwik Rides and Late Night Chauffuers to provide free delivery service to those within a 3 mile radius of downtown Patchogue. Better Man Distillery is sponsoring a weekly Saturday Virtual Happy Hour with participating restaurants The Patchogue Chamber also includes a non-profit Greater Patchogue Foundation. This Foundation includes the Greater Patchogue COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) that is leading community relief efforts. Already they have connected face mask and medical suppliers to local medical workers and providing meals for the community and volunteer emergency workers. David Kennedy, Director of the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce said “Patchogue remains resilient and strong as we move trough this unprecedented time. Many of our businesses have found unique ways to provide needed food, items and services while following social distancing guidelines.” Here are the Restaurants doing Take-out/Delivery: Arooga’s Better Man Distillary Blue Point Brewery Bobbique The Cheese Pa Donatina’s Pizza Fulton’s Gate Irish Pub Gino’s Pizzeria James Joyce Irish Pub Local Burger Locale Gastro Pub & Pizzette Perabell Food Bar Rhum Rudi’s Bar & Grill Swell Taco Village Idiot Pub Retailers doing internet sales: Amazing Olive Blum’s Budget Buy & Sell Elle J + Company (also doing local delivery too!) Paper Doll Curiosity Shoppe Say More Boutique Thred Clothing William J. O’Neill’s Sales Exchange Communites Helping Communities: Gino’s of Kings Park
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Fred Rogers. Well, in the close-knit hamlet of Kings Park, helpers are not hard to find, just look at the hard working folks at Gino’s of Kings Park (52 Indian Head Rd, Kings Park, (631) 269-2880). ino’s is not only adapting to the needs of the community, offering takeout, curbside pickup and delivery, they are going far beyond. Tony Sanchez, general manager of Gino’s, sent a clear message to the community, we are here for you. “If anyone is not working and runs out of food, please don’t go to sleep with an empty stomach. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to send me a private message. I will be more than happy to help with food! I will drop and go. No questions asked and no repayment needed! I am going to add to theme post and say if you are sick or quarantined, or cannot go out due to fear, I am here for you,” Tony states. Tony explains, “I was taught growing up that where one person eats; two can eat, too. We have to be more grateful and less selfish.” Gino’s generosity likewise extends to all emergency and front liners, like nurses and doctors. “I will do whatever I can do to help you all. Thank you for everything you are doing,” Tony says. Saying thank you to Gino’s doesn’t seem to be enough, but thank you. Let’s all remember to support our local businesses; they are always here for us. #KingsParkStrong |
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Governor Cuomo Talks about Possible Plateau in COVID Cases, Shutdown to Continue Until at least April 29th
Governor Cuomo opened his daily update with some good news as the number of cases in New York appearing to be on the front part of a plateau. While the administration stressed that it is too early to celebrate, if the trend continues then the state may begin to see the numbers of new Coronavirus cases level out. However, Governor Cuomo also pointed out that the medical system for New York is still at maximum stress levels, likening it to an engine that’s running at peak capacity. Though the number of cases are leveling out, there is still a lot of work left to do to help contain the spread of the virus. There is a “relief valve” for the local hospitals though with the new Javits Center opening with an additional 2,500 beds being made available for COVID-19 patients. The US Navy Ship the USNS Comfort has also recently arrived with an additional 1,000 beds. While the Comfort was originally slated for non-COVID use, Governor Cuomo stated that he will be asking for permission to use it for COVID patients as well. The change of use for the Navy ship is being requested because restrictions currently in place has actually lowered the number of non-COVID patients in hospitals. With more people staying home there has been a sharp decrease in the number of traffic accidents and crimes being committed. This has helped to free up beds for COVID-19 patients, but the system is still under maximum pressure. Governor Cuomo also noted that even if numbers do even out, New York cannot lift the restrictions for some time. His NY PAUSE initiative will therefore remain in place until April 29th, meaning that schools and nonessential businesses will remain closed through at least the end of the month. He cited reports from across the globe where countries thought they had beat the virus and attempted to return to normal only to see a large uptick in cases. The Governor also took a moment to chide people who are ignoring social distancing rules. While he understood that the weather is turning nicer and there is a sense of cabin fever among people who are isolated, he also talked about how it is unacceptable to gather in large crowds while the pandemic is going on. He cited all the health workers who are putting their lives on the line and their families’ happiness to help treat the virus and that it was irresponsible of people to gather in places such as Central Park and other locations in the City. He also talked about a superfund that is being put in place where NYS where the state will take donations to help out health workers who are being put through so much to deal with this. This fund will help to cover expenses and costs associated with their efforts to help combat COVID, such as childcare. NYS will also partner with the app Headspace to help bring mental health services to New Yorkers as well as an emotional support hotline for those in need. People who feel like they need to talk with someone about such issues can call 1-844-863-9314. Finally, before taking questions from the press, Governor Cuomo talked a little bit about perspective. While he regretted the fact that we would lose anyone, he also noted that the challenge is to ensure that we don’t lose anyone we could have saved. That is why he is working to bring additional health resources, devices, and hospital beds to the state as well as personnel. He state that he feels that, so far, New Yok has done everything it can to help people. You can watch the full press conference here. Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses Goes into Effect
The US Department of Treasury has released guidelines for small businesses seeking relief from payroll costs during the Coronavirus pandemic. This program called the Paycheck Protection Program, will provide small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees. Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease. All loans under this program will have an interest rate of 0.5%, maturity of 2 years, be 100% guaranteed by the SBA, and the first payment will be deferred for 6 months. Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors— are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries. Maximum loan amounts will be up to $10 million. People can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. All loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders as well as additional information and full terms can be found at www.sba.gov. You can find more information on the loans here. You can read more at Long Island Business News. Small Businesses Urged to Apply for SBA LoansThere are still a lot of questions in regards to the impact of the Federal aid package on small businesses. Here is the latest fact sheets from US Congresswoman Kathleen Rice that outlines the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (here) and the SBA’s Paycheck Program Loan with the updated guidelines (here). Congressman Lee Zeldin recently had an SBA representative encourage folks to apply for loans no matter what. In the meantime, there has been an effort to encourage small businesses to work to apply for loans asap. The LI Main Street Alliance and the Nassau & Suffolk Chambers are working to get information out to the small business community to help as much as possible. Newsday and the LIA are both hosting, and will continue to host, video conferences on a range of business resources as well. This past Friday morning, the Queens Chamber of Commerce hosted a webinar for businesses to learn how to apply for SBA loans. Man-Li Lin, from the New York District office of the U.S. Small Business Administration presented information to explain how to apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). This information is subject to change as the situation remains fluid. The local Small Business Development Centers at Farmingdale State College (here) and Stony Brook University (here) will have new information as updates occur. While SBA loans are typically only available for small businesses, during a declared national disaster, they are also available for private not for profit entities as well. Most small businesses and non-profits are eligible except for businesses relating to gambling, religious organizations, investment or lending companies, charitable organizations, speculative activities, or agricultural enterprises. Loans of up to $2 million are available with no payments for 12 months. They can be used to pay expenses such as fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, or other bills affected by the disaster. Interest rates are 3.75% for businesses and 2.75% for private non-profits and long term repayments for COVID crisis will be 30 years. Loans cannot be used for lost revenue, just for expenses. Typically, businesses are not eligible if they are able to secure credit elsewhere. However, they are currently allowing applications without denial letters from other lenders. There is no cost to apply and no obligation to take the loan if it is offered. The amount of the loan application should reflect six months of operating expenses. Documentation of a typical months expenses is required. Businesses are eligible even if they already have a previous SBA loan, disaster loan or other types of SBA loans. Loans over $25000 require collateral, but won’t be denied simply for lack of collateral, they will require a pledge of what is available. Criteria for approval will include eligibility, credit history and the ability to repay. US Small Business Administration Processing and Disbursement Center You can also contact the SBA disaster customer service center at 1-800-659-2955, disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or TTY:1-800-877-8339. They recommend email as the best way to get in touch with someone. If applicants are receiving a 404 error, they recommend clearing your cache and trying again. While this process is still evolving, businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and provide all required documentation. Representatives from the SBA will follow up with questions. Webinars will be held to help gide businesses through the application process, the times are as follows: April 7th, 12 pm to 1 pm. Zoom link here. Phone number: 1-929-436-2866 |
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Governor Cuomo, Main Street needs a hand
The following op-ed was written by Stuart Richner, owner of Richner Communitications, and originally ran in the Long Island Herald and is a proposal for helping Small Businesses across the State of New York Covid-19 has completely changed the way we all live. But along with worrying about keeping themselves and their families healthy, thousands of small business owners across New York state are losing sleep over how to keep this virus from killing the businesses they have worked so hard to build. At the same time, lawmakers in Albany are trying to craft a budget in the face of plunging revenues. Sales taxes — much of them generated by small business — brought in a whopping $73.6 billion last year. Our schools, as well as other vital government services, rely on these funds. When a business fails — and too many are on the precipice of failure right now — that sales tax revenue goes, too. We believe a simple proposal could help restart local business and bolster sales tax revenues, but swift action is required by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. Everyone wants a thriving downtown where they can shop, eat or go to a movie. The good news is that small businesses have always been engines of innovation and entrepreneurship, and we are seeing that again today as they adapt to the new reality. Local gyms are streaming personal training sessions. Restaurants offer free delivery and online happy hours. Medical practices are expanding their telemedicine capabilities. Car mechanics are making house calls that require no personal contact at all. Of course, it’s vital that these businesses let potential customers know about their services. That’s the role of advertising in all its myriad forms. But advertising costs money, and the sad truth is that advertising is one of the first things small businesses cut when times are tough. Put yourself in the shoes of a local restaurateur with a stack of bills and very little money coming in. By the time she finishes paying the most urgent bills — rent, food suppliers, payroll — there’s not much left for advertising. Whatever stimulus money she gets from Washington or Albany will most likely be needed to keep the door open and the lights on. Yet studies show that how well businesses survive a downturn is in large part determined by whether they continue to market and advertise during the hard times. Fortunately, there is a way for Albany to prime the sales-tax pump to keep revenue flowing to both small businesses and state coffers. Let businesses use some of the money they would have sent to Albany, as sales taxes, to market their new offerings. The formula would be simple: Every dollar a small business spends on advertising (up to some reasonable limit) would be a dollar saved off that business’s sales tax bill. It would be a win-win-win. Local businesses would be healthier because the increased advertising would jump-start sales. The state would get more sales tax revenue because local businesses would be selling more. And media companies (like ours) would benefit from the additional ad revenue. We’d like to think that we, too, are vital to the character and strength of our communities, not to mention our democracy. Think for a moment of the critical role that journalists have played in getting vital local information out to your community during this unprecedented crisis. The Legislature has a lot on its plate right now, and the temptation will be to bury this idea, or to take the shortsighted view that we can’t afford to do it right now. But right now is when it’s needed. We’ve been impressed with Governor Cuomo’s levelheaded leadership in this crisis, and we call on him to back this innovative yet simple policy. |
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Nassau County to Hold Second Virtual Town Hall Tonight at 6:30 pm
As Nassau County continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, County Executive Curran is trying to ensure that all residents quickly receive important information and get their questions answered. After holding an initial Town Hall last week, many expressed gratitude at getting answers in real time. So, on Monday, April 6, there will be another Virtual Town Hall over Facebook live. Going forward, as long as questions remain, these town halls will be held regularly. Even though we can’t be together physically right now, these town halls can provide residents with an opportunity to learn about new developments, connect with each other, and provide clarity. What: Second Virtual Town Hall on COVID-19 in Nassau County You can ask questions during the Town Hall by commenting, and the full video will be recorded and available to watch on Facebook afterwards. You can also find our daily press briefings in the videos section of the Facebook page. |
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CDC Guidelines on Coronavirus Prevention
As concern about the ever-expanding impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) grows, we can minimize or prevent the spread of coronavirus by taking these steps:
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers. For more information see the CDC website or call the NY State Coronavirus hotline to speak with a representative 888-364-3065
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“Like all downtowns Patchogue’s downtown is very quiet. Most restaurants are offering take out and home delivery. The Patchogue Theatre is closed to preserve the funds necessary to reopen when they can. The reopening of the Theatre will be critical to the comeback of our downtown.”
“Patchogue remains resilient and strong as we move trough this unprecedented time. Many of our businesses have found unique ways to provide needed food, items and services while following social distancing guidelines.”
“The Village of Port Jefferson is keeping our businesses relevant and supported thru a cooperative effort between the Chamber and BID under 
“It’s hard to express in words how grateful we are for the dedication and selflessness of our community’s heathcare workers during this crisis, but we hope this effort is a way of showing our support and care.”
