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A message from Vision Long Island and
the Long Island Main Street Alliance…
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Helping Main Street through the
Coronavirus Shutdown
Day 78 of economic shutdown – Monday June 1st, 2020
The Coronavirus economic shutdown is on day 78. Lots of confusion around outdoor dining as an announcement for outdoor dining was then shut down by a technicality the next day. Local officials rallied today to see it included in the next Phase of reopening. Crowds also continue to cram into Big Box stores while local Main Street shops remain shuttered or under minimal operation.
Local municipalities, chambers and residents are collaborating in numerous communities across Long Island on plans for reopening.
Our Communities Helping Communities segment takes us to Riverhead, Mastic Beach, Freeport and Roosevelt.
Here are some updates:
• Please see the below update from the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles about the department’s reopening plan. DMV will resume limited remote services starting June 1st. The release also includes additional opening information, such as: “As regions enter phase 3 of reopening, DMV will offer limited in-person transactions in state-run DMV offices by reservation only, prioritizing critical services, and will resume road tests for all drivers at that time.”
If you cannot see the release below, you can access it at this link: https://dmv.ny.gov/press-release/press-release-05-30-2020.
• Please find attached the flyer that can be shared on the New York Forward Loan Fund. The NYFLF is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords as they reopen after the COVID19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE.
The application for NYFLF is available at this link: nyloanfund.com
Additional resources, such as PowerPoint presentation and FAQ can be found at: https://esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans-info
• Phase 2 guidance has been posted on the NY Forward website here. Phase 2 includes all office-based jobs, real-estate services, retail in-store shopping, vehicle sales, and limited barbershop and hair salon services.
• The Governor has signed a new executive order that will allow business owners to refuse entry to customers not wearing a mask or face covering.
• In a surprise to no one LI’s unemployment has soared in April to 16% with 16.4% in Suffolk and 15.6% in Nassau. This is higher than NYC, Westchester and higher than any time during the 1989-92 recession which were the highest in recent decades. For those saying this shutdown is an inconvenience maybe speak with someone out of work.
• Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.32 which extends the period for paying property taxes 21 days, without interest or penalty, for the certain municipalities. This EO includes Suffolk County. The order is attached and can also be found here.
• The Governor signed an Executive Order allowing businesses to deny entry to customers without masks.
• The state has launched the New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF), a $100 million fund to provide flexible and affordable loans to help our small businesses, especially MWBEs (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) that did not receive federal Covid-19 assistance. The program will take a smart, targeted approach for distributing these loans, focusing on truly small businesses, with 20 or fewer employees and less than $3 million in gross revenues. If you’re a small business who didn’t get federal assistance, check out esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans for more information and to pre-apply
• The Nassau County BAR Association is accepting emails for COVID-19 related legal inquiries. Emails should be sent to Covidhelp@nassaubar.org. Member volunteers are helping residents with a variety of issues, especially landlord/tenant and employment. They can also help answer questions about Federal Small Business Administration loans.
• There is an enormous amount of confusion out there. There is no comprehensive reopening as there are first steps taken to reopen. NYS will allow Long Island communities to have select categories of businesses reopen in addition to the industries already allowed to work if they are an “essential” businesses.
Industries that are eligible for Phase 1 reopening include:
– Construction
– Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
– Retail – (Limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off)
– Manufacturing
– Wholesale Trade
All businesses eligible to operate in Phase 1 should read the guidelines for their industry and submit an affirmation. In addition, they should print and complete the safety plan and display in their business.
Phase Two
– Professional Services
– Retail
– Administrative Support
– Real Estate / Rental & Leasing
Phase Three
– Restaurants / Food Services
Phase Four
– Arts / Entertainment / Recreation
– Education
Read https://forward.ny.gov/ to review the regulations and affirm their industries safety guidelines.
Check out this initial article in Huntington Now. Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci is quoted along with the Huntington Chamber and Vision.
• A new bill led by Rep. Carolyn Maloney would create a federally backed business interruption insurance fund to cover losses from a pandemic.
• Lots of folks were talking about this Washington Post article about NYC residents contemplating moving.
• The NYS Legislature returned to Albany to debate a number of Coronavirus related bills with looming $13 billion deficit as a backdrop
• As we begin to slowly reopen our communities, its important that no New Yorker feel unsafe at work or be put into harms way unnecessarily. If your employer doesn’t make appropriate accommodations for your safety, for the safety of the public, or fails to provide you with PPE to do your job safely, you’re urged to call the state coronavirus hotline at 888-364-3065
• If you are outside more with your kid here are some resources to get you child more appreciative of the natural world courtesy of Nassau BOCES and the LI PreK Initiative
RECENT NEWS FROM GOVERNMENT
• Governor Cuomo’s June 1st message
• Nassau County Executive Laura Curran’s June 1st message
• Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s June 1st message
• New York State Senator Monica Martinez announces the passage of her property tax deferment bill in both Senate and Assembly.
• US Senator Kirstin Gillibrand sent out a memo outlining some cases of fraud concerning SBA applications – please review and report and suspicious activity:
1) Emails impersonating SBA to a borrower regarding PPP loan applications. SBA DOES NOT communicate with borrowers regarding specific PPP loan applications. All PPP loan correspondence should be between the lender and the borrower.
2) Emails impersonating SBA asking for borrowers to complete and sign attached documents to “complete” their disaster “Grant Application.” SBA does not process grants. All EIDL loan processing now occurs through the EIDL portal, and legitimate loan approval emails clearly reference the original confirmation #. If additional documentation is required (95% of loans do not require more documentation), it is electronically handled in the portal. EIDL Advances process with NO action required on the part of the applicant.
3) These phishing emails are sophisticated, with SBA logos and styling consistent with legitimate SBA communications. If in doubt, the borrower may contact our office.
Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online here.
• NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has developed a Covid-19 Financial Survival Toolkit for New Yorkers with links and resources for residents, government entities, nonprofits and businesses. Check it out here.
• Updated NYS guidance document on essential vs nonessential businesses.
• Towns and local governments have individualized resource pages for coronavirus updates:
New York City
Nassau County
Suffolk County
Town of Hempstead
Town of North Hempstead
Town of Oyster Bay
Town of Babylon
Town of Brookhaven
Town of East Hampton
Town of Huntington
Town of Islip
Town of Riverhead
Town of Shelter Island
Town of Smithtown
Town of Southampton
Town of Southold
City of Glen Cove
City of Long Beach
RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESS
• US Senator Kristin Gillibrand has provided this thorough Q&A on the CARES Act.
• The US Senate has provided this resource guide for small businesses and the CARES act.
• A Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act.
• Here is a direct link to the Federal Reserve and initial documents for its Main Street lending program.
• The NYS Department of Labor has instituted a new system to spread out applications. Check out the PSA that explains their new guidelines to get folks their benefits.
• The LI Main Street Alliances “We Are Open” Facebook page is now live sharing all of the local businesses still operating in 40 local communities. Like it and share it and most importantly support your Main Street.
• Our friends at LISTnet have a Coronavirus support page.
• NYS Sen Anna Kaplan hosted “Preparing Your Small Business for a Reopened Community,” featuring practical steps you can take right now to prepare your business for the next phase of this crisis. If you weren’t able to participate live, you can watch the replay any time on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMKaplan/videos/2929655900462446/
• National Federation of Independent Businesses is holding webinars on small business loans and has videos of past ones on their site.
• If you are in the construction industry here is a very thoughtful webinar from the KOW consulting group on changes underway.
• Updated information regarding REVISED SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan application can be found here.
• SBA’s Coronavirus landing page has been updated and has important information including on the SBA Bridge Loan Program
• NYS has developed a Shared Work program for folks to apply for partial unemployment to supplement a reduced work schedule
• Dining Bonds created to help local small businesses
• The free New York State business advisement services of the Small Business Centers at Stony Brook University and Farmingdale are also available to assist
• Facebook has grants for small businesses
• Kiva has grants for small business
• Verizon has set up a small business recovery fund
• The US Chamber of Commerce has a small grant program for small businesses employing between 3-20 people is already oversubscribed after a few hours open. Check it out.
• The State established a new partnership with the New York State Court System to create a pro bono network of volunteer lawyers to provide New Yorkers in need with free legal assistance. Volunteers will begin to receive training and start offering assistance next week. Lawyers interested in volunteering can sign up at www.nysba.org/covidvolunteer
• If you are at home do you dream about going back to your office or workplace? If you are a boss or a manager here is what you should know from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration about making your workplace safe upon return.
• National Grid has created a targeted grants to help manufacturers who need assistance to develop new products or implement lean manufacturing, to produce critical items to support the pandemic response.
• Grants for Artists impacted by Coronavirus.
• Grants for Restaurant workers.
• Nassau County and Suffolk County are surveying small businesses: The Nassau County survey is here. The Suffolk County survey is here.
• RXR has set up a series of volunteer resources to help your business during the shutdown. Check it out.
• LISTnet hosted a webinar with Vision and the LI Main Street Alliance on adapting to the technology of working at home. Here is the video link of the session.
• NYS Assemblywoman Judy Griffin hosted an event with local chambers and the LI Main Street Alliance on programs that can help small business. You can check out the call here. (Access password: 1j@44H@5)
• NYS Senator Anna Kaplan held her second Small Business Support webinar with experts from the SBA and ESD giving an update about programs available to small businesses, and answering questions from business owners on Facebook Live. If you weren’t able to catch it the first time, you can watch it anytime at https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMKaplan/videos/931428823960667/
RESOURCES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT / SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
• The NYS Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has weblinks for assistance here.
• Newsday has set up a page on their website for free messages for community organizations.
• If you are a school providing meals during the Coronavirus crisis grants are available.
• The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation has grants for nonprofit organizations serving low-income individuals, families and communities in New York State.
• The American Heart Association has grants for efforts to access healthy food and active living.
• VHB has put together a thoughtful resource guide on transportation, real estate and energy. Check it out.
BILLS BILLS BILLS
• The IRS has created a Q&A page with information on what you need to do with your taxes
• Up to date information in accessing unemployment from NYS DOL
• If you filed for unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, you do not need to prove you are searching for employment to make a claim. Department of Labor Commissioner Reardon has signed a new order that limits all work search activities for all unemployment claimants. No activities are required during the pandemic to receive unemployment benefits.
• Life Insurance payments deferred – For a 90-day period, New Yorkers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may defer paying life insurance premiums. Late payments will be payable over a one-year period. Additionally, consumers and small businesses experiencing Coronavirus-related financial hardship may defer paying premiums for property and casualty insurance for a 60-day period. This includes auto, homeowners, renters and other kinds of insurance. (No late fees will be assessed and there will be no negative impact to your credit.)
• There is now a 90 day waiver on mortgage payments which is a relief to the thousands of Long Islanders that had those bills hanging over their head during an extended forced shutdown.
• Student loan borrowers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 can obtain relief for loans not covered by the CARES Act. Available relief includes 90 days of deferred monthly payments, waived late fees, no negative reporting to credit agencies and enrolling eligible borrowers in available long-term assistance programs. New York student loan borrowers should visit the Department of Financial Services’ website at dfs.ny.gov for more information about available student loan relief.
• Resources for displaced bartenders.
• Resources for displaced hospitality workers.
• If you are an artist the NYS Foundation for the Arts has Emergency Grants.
• PSEG has a Coronavirus page that is updated regularly
• All NYS Department of Motor Vehicles licenses, ID’s and registrations are extended. All offices closed and transactions are shifted to online service.
• If you are struggling with various bills to pay and worry about automatic payments from your bank account here is guidance on how to stop them.
• Got wireless bills? AT&T and Verizon have given guidance on how to handle them – here is Sprint’s
• Auto insurance bills? Many car insurance companies are providing discounts and credits to customers as a result of the dramatic reduction in driving that’s been taking place during the pandemic. Check with your provider to see if they’re offering one, and if there are any steps you need to take in order to receive the discount.
HUMAN NEEDS
• Island Harvest provides free referrals and free assistance for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) over the phone, and you do not have to go to the Department of Social Services. Island Harvest can walk you through the online application by telephone or complete a short intake and submit the online application for you. Give them a call at 631-873-4775 for assistance.
• Umbrella is coordinating grocery delivery for adults 60+ across Long Island. Individuals can place an order online at askumbrella.com or call 516-882-4498 to get matched with a local volunteer to shop on their behalf. There is a $10 suggested contribution per order to help offset some of our overhead costs – but it is up to the individual to pay what they wish. No one is turned away. With questions about the service, please contact emma@askumbrella.com.
• New York State will provide child care scholarships to essential workers. Child care costs will be covered for essential staff whose income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level — or $78,600 for a family of four. Essential workers (including health care providers, law enforcement, food delivery workers, grocery store employees and others) can use these scholarships to pay for their existing care arrangement.
If an essential worker needs child care, they can use the below link to begin the application process (select by language spoken)
• Folks need Food: If you are in need of food Island Harvest has their food locater and is working round the clock to continue supplies to those in need
• Domestic Violence is up 10%: Many experts in the area of domestic violence prevention have pointed out lately that Isolation and unemployment are a recipe for disaster in a household with a history of intimate partner violence. If you need help, contact the Safe Center 24/7 at 516-542-0404 or the NY Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline at 800-942-6906. If you are in any personal crisis, you can also call the Long Island Crisis Center 24/7 hotline at 516-679-1111.
• How is your mental health? A mental health hotline is available to New Yorkers who need it. We can’t underestimate the impact this pandemic is having on mental health. Over 6,000 mental health professionals have volunteered their time to help with New York’s Coronavirus response. For free emotional support, consultation and referral to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314
• If you are pregnant? Many pregnant women and their families are facing uncertainty about what the COVID-19 outbreak means for their ability to have a safe, supported delivery in Nassau County hospitals. In response to these concerns, Nassau County has launched a hotline: 516-4UR-CARE. Pregnant patients can call this line and get answers and advice about how to have a safe childbirth under COVID-19 conditions.
• Salvation Army has a Coronavirus hotline for their services of food, counseling and other emergency services
• Stay Clean – NYS is supplying their hand sanitizer to front line providers on an as need basis. Here is the request form.
• New York State has a Coronavirus hotline and website for information or to schedule a test. Please call 888-364-3065 or navigate here.
• If you lost your health care, NYS has reopened its health exchange.
• If you are a Senior check out the AARP Thursday conference call with info on social security, tax deadlines and other services.
• Supervisor Bosworth and the Town of North Hempstead launched a new program to provide our seniors with remote companionship during these isolating times. The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program matches volunteers with seniors in the Project Independence program, and is designed to provide a sense of reassurance and comfort. To participate or to volunteer, call 311 or 516-869-6311
• If you live in the Huntington area a very thorough Coronavirus Resource Guide is available from the Office of Legislator William Doc Spencer.
• The CDC has issued guidance for pet owners: don’t let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household, keep cats indoors when possible, walk dogs on a leash, staying 6 feet away from other people and animals. Avoid dog parks or places where a large number of people and dogs gather.
HELP NEEDED
• Blood donations are needed: The New York Blood Center said it is in urgent need of donors, since coronavirus concerns have resulted in “critically low blood and platelet appointments” across Long Island. The NYBC has six centers in Nassau and Suffolk and said safety protocols are in place as they urge healthy individuals, who have not been exposed to coronavirus, to donate. The NYBC said if you are unsure if you can donate, you can ask their experts at 800-688-0900 or navigate to their webpage here.
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center is calling for people to make appointments to donate blood.
• New York is calling for qualified health professionals and related professionals to supplement hospital capacity on a temporary basis to help treat seriously ill coronavirus patients.
HELP WANTED
• Tens of thousands of Long Islanders are out of work. There are many service industry positions seeking temporary or permanent employment. Please check Here are some general Listings:
Indeed
Long Island’s Craigslist
New York Jobs
Simply Hired
• There are nearly 2 million folks currently out of work but the good news for some is that NYS is hiring 17,000 tracers at $57,000 a year. Check it out in Patch.
• If someone is looking for a procurement opportunity through the state you can fill out this form here.
• If someone is looking for a procurement opportunity with the federal government check out this source
• NYS is hiring 17,000 tracers at $57,000 a year. Apply online here.
HOME & STIR CRAZY
• Having trouble with your new job description as a home school teacher? Check out Nassau Boces and their PreK initiative for all sorts of resources to help figure it out.
• Walking is important during this shutdown and is a form of self care.
• Folks are at home with their families and children for extended periods. It’s important to know how to talk to your kids about Coronavirus. Here is also some guidance from PBS.
• If you are trying to figure out what to do at home with your kid while they have very limited hours with their teachers online. Western Suffolk BOCES has produced an online toolkit for learning.
An added bonus to the toolkit is an activity with Mo Willems, Author of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” and many other cool stories
• If you are home and desperately trying to figure out what to do with your child that is remotely productive here are 16 simple things that count as learning.
• Bored at home – Fifty libraries in Nassau County now offer digital cards, allowing residents to explore their hometown library’s book, music and art collections online from the comfort of their couch.
• If you need some info on how to make your own mask.
• Can’t find hand sanitizer and need to make your own? Here is one recipe.
• How to make homemade disinfectant spray and wipes.
• Do you miss Dinner and a movie? The Cinema Arts Center offers free cooking videos to pair with your favorite independent films they can virtually screen. Check out their YouTube page for all the videos.
• Need Chocolate Activity Kits for kids? Chocolate Works provides decorating kits and other home kits to make with you kids. For every one you buy Pink Tie donates one to local food pantries in Hempstead and Medford!
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
• NYS has an established COVID tracker web site that provides data regarding the virus outbreak in the state, including a breakdown of fatalities by age, ethnicity, risk factors, etc.
• Thinking Globally? Here is a website documenting the world impact of Coronavirus.
• The International Center on Not for Profit Law has a global civic freedoms tracker tied to the Coronavirus crisis
HOW CAN I HELP?
There are hundreds of thousands unemployed in NY but there are many more as folks can’t or haven’t navigated the system for benefits to date.
That is not simply an eye catching statistic but real people with lives upended.
For the folks that are still working I hope you are:
1) humble, sober and aware of the fact that right now millions of americans are in pain,
2) if you have resources to help local folks – patronize open small businesses to limit further job loss,
3) donate to local food pantries,
4) donate other resources directly to real people you may know in need and
5) if you have resources to give to groups make it very local groups who are on the ground and getting them needed help in this time.
CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY
• We are starting to see some Corporate Philanthropy develop that has been missing through this crisis. Stay tuned for a more thorough report.
Locally
– The Long Island Community Foundation has set up a Coronavirus fund for community services and organizations.
– Pink Tie and the LI Nets have developed a Pink Tie delivers program.
– Trader Joe’s has been making donations to local food pantries
– The Long Island East End Group purchased 15,000 masks for distribution to front line providers.
– The Estée Lauder Companies provided 10,000 hand sanitizer bottles (8 ounces each) per week for 4-5 weeks
– Owners of Shinn Estate Vineyards donate $100,000 to Eastern Long Island Hospitals
– LI Jobs with Justice Solidarity Fund
– Long Island Ambulatory Surgery Center donated a Ventilator
– In addition the United Way, The Townwide Fund of Huntington and the 1763 Foundation are all raising money to distribute to folks that meet their guidelines.
– The Long Island Chinese American Association volunteers, donated 10,000 masks and delivered lunch to first responders.
– Jim Hagedorn from Scotts Miracle-Gro donated $110,000 worth of protective equipment for first responders.
– $250,000 New York Jets for direct worker assistance
– $250,000 Bank of America for direct worker assistance
– The Knapp Swezey Foundation has donated $500,000 to Patchogue charities.
– Sterling Bank provided $5,000 to Central Islip Food Bank
– National Grid provides support to local food pantries
• The United Way has a fund to assist low income wage earners who were either (1) laid off or (2) furloughed from their jobs due to COVID-19. People can search for assistance here.
• Nationwide Sales and Service Inc, a Long Island based manufacturer and distributor of janitorial products, donated $800,000 worth of PPE equipment to Long Island Police Officers
Nationally
– JP Morgan Chase has committed $50 million
– Lowes has announced $25 million in grants and in-kind donations
– Citi Foundation has announced a $15 million fund
– Google has announced $15 million in cash grants
– Citizens Bank has announced $5 million
– Anna Wintour has set up a fund for folks in the fashion industry who are displaced.
– A number of grants for displaced local artists are starting to emerge
– Bank of America has dedicated a $100 million fund nationwide.
– Verizon has set up a small business recovery fund.
• While we have not seen much in the corporate philanthropy department one fantastic exception has been the LI Community Foundation. They have distributed $450,000 to a number of local organizations helping real people. Check it out.
There is still a dearth of real community level information and tons of questions from folks stay tuned daily for updates on the range of actions taken to get us through this public health and economic crisis.
We need you out there to tell is what is happening and what resources are available. No matter what please join the LI Main Street Alliance by emailing us at ea@visionlongisland.org or call 631-804-9128.
IMPORTANT WEBSITES TO TRACK:
Northwell Health Digital Resource Center
The US Small Business Administration
New York State Department of Labor
NYS Department of Health
CDC Website
Occupational Safety and Health
MTA Information
School Closings
AARP’s Updates on the Coronavirus
Island Harvest’s Food Pantry Tracker
Suffolk County Alliance of Chamber’s Disaster Relief Information
Global Dashboard of Infection Data
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