(MINEOLA, NY) May 29, 2020 - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran continues her commitment to small business recovery announcing two new programs aimed at reviving downtown communities and helping businesses prepare to reopen. With the new Open Streets Pilot Program, Nassau County is fast tracking permits for municipalities to close County roads, making it easier for businesses to utilize street space and boost capacity – and revenue - while still following state guidelines.
“We are cutting the red tape for our villages, towns and cities and encouraging creative plans to transform our devastated downtowns with safe ways to dine and shop this summer. The extra capacity of sidewalk and street seating could make the difference for survival for restaurants,” said County Executive Curran. “Our small businesses are the life-blood of our local economy and their success is directly linked to the County’s success. I will continue to do everything I can to help them prepare to reopen and recover strong.”
The Open Streets Pilot Program will help address indoor capacity requirements under the NY Forward phase-in reopening and allow businesses to safely access additional customers. This program is aimed at supporting downtown communities and business districts crushed by the COVID-19 pandemic - helping Main Streets transform for outdoor seating, dining, retail options and more. The County has committed to approving permits within a week of receiving an application. Municipalities can begin applying for permits today at www.nassaucountyny.gov/OpenStreets.
In addition, the County Executive announced that the County is investing half a million dollars with support from the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to provide approximately 1,000 small businesses and nonprofits with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). To start, the County is utilizing $400,000 through Federal HUD funding and the IDA has secured $100,000 through their sister organization, the Local Economic Assistance Corporation (LEAC). The program was officially approved at the IDA/LEAC board meeting last night.
“PPE is critical to getting people back to work safely and building confidence among customers, employees and the community as a whole,” said Curran. “With this program, we hope to take some of the pressure off our business owners, and address one of their main concerns as they struggle to stock up.”
“Helping small businesses getting through this economic crisis is the least we can do to bring back Nassau’s economy. Downtowns have been particularly hurt and providing PPE to many of them will not only assist them to reopen, but give their customers a feeling of confidence and safety. We all must do our part to Boost Nassau,” said IDA and LEAC Chairman Richard Kessel.
The PPE kits will include:
o One Contactless infrared digital thermometer (employer use to scan employees or customers)
o Five face-shields (for employees)
o 400 3-ply-masks
o 100 pair vinyl ppe/powder-free-gloves (beneficial for those with a latex or powder allergy)
o Two gallons hand sanitizer with spray pump
o 1,800 sanitizing-wipes in a canister
The PPE program is intended for businesses and nonprofits with less than 20 employees, MWBE-owned businesses and businesses in hard hit and economically distressed neighborhoods. Businesses can apply on www.boostnassau.net beginning on Monday, June 1, 2020. Resources will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.
For more information, visit: www.nassaucountyny.gov/reopen