Vision and members of the Hicksville Downtown Revitalization Committee were out at the Hicksville Community Council for an update on station area redevelopment projects, street, beautification and park improvements and clean up of the train station.
Town of Oyster Bay’s Jim McCaffrey presented and answered questions and Supervisor Joe Saladino addressed the community leaders as well.
Questions included timeline of development, parking management, building design, garbage, NYS Housing mandates, school kids and coordination of traffic flow with community events. The long awaited projects received robust public support.
Kudos to Harry Single and the Hicksville Community Council for hosting a productive meeting.
Plans to revitalize the hamlet of Riverside will get assistance through a $5 million grant the federal government recently gave Southampton Town to put toward a sewer system, with the goal of spurring revitalization, Newsday reports. The funds have been earmarked for a two-phase sewer system project. Phase one involves construction of a sewer plant, infrastructure and pumping stations, while phase two would connect an estimated 682 pipes needed for the sewer system.
The sewer system will have both economic and environmental benefits.
Southampton Planning and Development administrator Janice Scherer told the outlet that while the cost of the sewer system is roughly $40 million, the new grant money will be a catalyst for pushing the project forward.
The town previously received $250,000 through Suffolk County’s Water Quality Improvement Program to put toward a hamlet sewer system. Looking ahead, Ms. Scherer told Newsday, the town is working on a map and plan for the sewer district and is applying for several additional grants in order to raise the rest of the project funds.
Community Forum to Discuss the Proposed Nassau Hub Casino Process
Hofstra University will be holding a community forum to discuss the proposed Nassau Hub casino on Saturday, February 4th at 10:00 AM at Hofstra University, Monroe Lecture Center Theater, California Avenue, South Campus.
Las Vegas Sands’ proposed casino at the Nassau Hub has raised many questions about the process for permitting and siting a casino, including:
What is the timeline?
What is the local land use process?
What is the New York State casino siting process?
What does this mean for previous community input into the Nassau Hub?
What opportunities will the community have to weigh in?
Vision has received questions from leaders of the surrounding communities of Hempstead, Uniondale, East Meadow, Westbury and Garden City some of which include:
What is impact on local small business?
What is impact on human services/families for the 10% with gambling addictions?
How does gaming interact with local colleges and high school students?
What are traffic impacts to surrounding communities?
What is impact on property values?
How much revenue by percentage goes to ....
NYS
Sands
County
Town
Schools
Special districts
What are the public benefits to the neighboring communities?
As there are various approvals needed from Town, County, and State officials, none of which has happened yet, this can be a complicated process. Join experts at Hofstra University for this Community Forum to help answer these and other important questions and explain the casino permitting and siting process.
The following press release was issued by National Grid regarding preparations for anticipated cold weather.
"MELVILLE / BROOKLYN, N.Y. – With temperatures expected in the single digits this weekend, National Grid is prepared to provide its 1.9 million customers in New York City and Long Island with the energy needed to keep families warm and businesses running.
“We’re monitoring the weather reports and have implemented our extreme weather plan to ensure to keep our customers warm and safe during these extremely cold temperatures. We encourage our customers to be aware of precautions to take during frigid temperatures,” said Chris Connolly, Vice President, Gas Network Operations, National Grid. “We have extra staffing and resources in place to manage the system safely and reliably for our customers during this artic blast.”
To ensure continued safe and reliable operations of the energy networks the company has implemented its extreme weather plan including:
Calling on commercial and industrial customers participating in the company’s Non- Firm Demand Response Program to use an alternate fuel in order to ensure adequate supplies to heat customers’ homes during the fierce cold temperatures expected for the weekend.
Calling on customers participating in the company’s Gas Demand Response Firm Program to reduce their overall energy usage during demand times.
Preparing to utilize liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas for additional supply if needed to serve customers.
Coordinating with Long Island and New York City emergency management officials.
Cold Weather Safety
Be aware of cold weather safety precautions, including knowing the signs of hypothermia, to help keep you and your family warm and safe.
When using alternate heating sources, such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater, take the necessary safety precautions. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure everyone knows how to use it. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to remain safe.
In the event of a natural gas emergency or if you smell gas call 911 or National Grid’s 24-hour emergency numbers: for Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island at 718-643-4050; for Long Island and the Rockaway Peninsula at 1-800-490-0045.
While National Grid has sufficient natural gas supplies for this winter, conserving energy can lower bills while enhancing comfort.
Keep doors and windows closed while running your heating system to reduce air loss.
Clear areas in front of vents from furniture; blocked vents require up to 25 percent more energy to distribute air.
Take advantage of the sun: raise shades and blinds to let the sun warm your home.
Adjust your thermostat to a level that keeps you warm and safe.
Change the direction of your ceiling fan to spin clockwise at the lowest setting. This will pull cool air towards the ceiling and redistribute the warm air that accumulates near the ceiling.
Take advantage of programs that can help you pay and manage your winter energy bills through National Grid’s Winter Customer Savings Initiative."
Governor Kathy Hochul has recently unveiled her 2024 proposed $227 billion state budget, which includes dozens of policy proposals, including several first laid out in the 2023 State of the State address earlier this month.
Highlights
Economy
$425 million to invest in local economies, including $225 million in grant funding and tax credits for the Regional Economic Development Councils and $100 million each for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, $60 million in grant funding to support locally sourced school meals and food retailers in underserved communities, $58.5 million to support the State's tourism industry, $45 million to be made available to GO-SEMI, $18.8 million to rebuild New York State's government workforce through initiatives to be administered through the Department of Civil Service and Office of General Services, $2 million to help Public Assistance recipients recoup stolen benefits, $1 million for the Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop a stronger food supply workforce pipeline.
Housing
$250 million for infrastructure upgrades and improvements, $20 million for planning and technical assistance to support local rezoning efforts, $15 million for a new statewide data collection effort, $4 million to create a new Housing Planning Office, $39.8 million to reduce the risk of lead exposure in rental properties outside of New York City, including $20 million in assistance to property owners for building remediation, $50 million for the creation of a statewide Homeowner Stabilization Fund to provide critical home repairs in 10 key communities with a high concentration of low-income homeowners of color.
Public Transit
Implementing over $400 million in MTA operating efficiencies, increasing the top rate of the Payroll Mobility Tax (PMT), increasing New York City's share of funding for paratransit services, providing students with reduced fare MetroCards, and offsetting foregone PMT revenues for entities exempted from paying the tax, $300 million in one-time State aid to address the impact on MTA operating revenues, $150 million annual commitment from the MTA for additional safety personnel, dedicating a share of $1.5 billion in the licensing fees if three casino licenses are awarded, and a share of an estimated $462 to $826 million in annual tax revenue from the casinos for MTA operations, $9.1 billion in mass transit operating support, $1.3 billion for a commuter-first Penn Station, the Western Hemisphere's busiest transit hub, $20 million for bus electrification for non-MTA authorities, $20 million to rehabilitate NFTA's light rail.
Climate
$5.5 billion investment in energy affordability, reduce emissions, and invest in clean air and water, including: $500 million in clean water infrastructure funding and $400 million for the Environmental Protection Fund, $400 million to provide relief to New Yorkers experiencing high electric bills as well as lowering energy burdens through electrifications and retrofits, $200 million for the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to invest in enhancing the improving state parks, a proposal to implement the Waste Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act.
Mental Health Care
$1 billion investment to transform New York's continuum of mental health care. Multi-year plan includes allocating: $915 million in capital to develop new residential units, plus $25.5 million in annual operating costs, $18 million in capital and $30 million annually to increase operational capacity for inpatient psychiatric treatment, $60 million in capital and $122 million annually to expand outpatient services, $27.5 million annually to improve post-discharge connections to services through the creation of 50 new Critical Time Intervention care coordination teams, $30 million annually to expand mental health services in schools.
Crime
$337 million for programs designed to prevent and reduce gun violence, including $84.1 million for youth employment programs, $70 million for communities to respond to the aftermath of gun violence, $36.4 million for the GIVE initiative, $31.1 million for crime reduction, youth justice, and gang prevention programs, $25.9 million for State Police Community Stabilization Units, $25 million for the SNUG Street Outreach program, $18 million for Crime Analysis Centers, including $2 million for crime analysts to combat the flow of fentanyl into communities. Additionally, $52 million in aid to prosecution funding for all 62 district attorneys' offices, $40 million to funding to support discovery reform implementation, $31.4 million for alternatives to incarceration programs, $20 million for pretrial services, $10 million to support stipends for volunteer firefighters who complete core training, providing a recruitment and retention incentive to those who serve their communities, $7 million for a new Anti-Fentanyl Innovation Grant.
Child Care
$7.6 billion over four years, including: $389 million in underutilized Federal funds for a Workforce Retention Grant program, $25 million in foregone revenue to support the Employer Child Care Tax Credit, $4.8 million in State funds for the Employer-Supported Child Care Pilot Program.
Health Care
$500 million in multi-year health care capital funding, $500 million in multi-year capital grants in technological investment upgrades, $967 million to complete consolidation of Wadsworth Laboratories, $100 million to expand Medicaid coverage, $157 million in New York State's nursing homes and $9 million in New York's assisted living providers, $60 million to expand the Medicaid Buy-In program, $39 million to reduce the risk of lead exposure in rental properties outside of NYC, $8 million to revitalize the state's Emergency Medical Services system, $14 million to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for medical transportation, $12 million to modernize New York State's health reporting systems.
Immigration - Asylum Seekers
More than $1 billion on initiatives to support seekers, including: $767 million to pay 29 percent of city shelter/HERRC costs for asylum seekers, $162 million for logistical and operational support provided by the National Guard, $137 million for health care to support NYC, $25 million in resettlement funding, $10 million in legal services, $6 million to support the shelter site at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, $5 million for enhanced migrant resettlement assistance.
Education
$34.5 billion in total School Aid, funding includes: $24 billion for Foundation Aid, $1.5 billion in new capital projects for SUNY and CUNY, $125 million expanding prekindergarten, $270 million in new operating support for SUNY and CUNY campuses, $400 million in SUNY transformation capital initiatives, $500 million to create New York State matching fund for contributions made to the endowments of SUNY's four university centers. Elimination of the regional cap on the number of charter schools in NYC.
Observations
AARPNew York State Director Beth Finkel’s statement: “The Governor’s proposed budget would provide much-needed relief for older New Yorkers to age in place – for unpaid family caregivers with additional respite funding and new ‘care teams’ to help New Yorkers age in their own homes, for hundreds of thousands of utility customers facing rising energy costs, for all who depend on prescription medications by bringing more transparency to prescription drug prices, and with $1 million more to carry out the State’s Master Plan for Aging… However, while we applaud the Governor’s budget proposal overall, there are plenty of opportunities for her and lawmakers going forward to support initiatives that will help older New Yorkers - by far New York’s fastest-growing age group, as a recent Center for an Urban Future report shows.”
New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) President Michael E. Zurlo’s statement: “Unfortunately, the Governor's budget includes an unprecedented shift that will saddle local taxpayers with up to $1 billion in new Medicaid costs by pocketing Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Program (eFMAP) funds that were intended to go directly to local governments to help hold costs down”
Photos courtesy of Long Island Clean Energy Leadership Task Force
The Long Island Clean Energy Leadership Task Force is a project of the Sustainability Institute at Molloy University. Since 2004, the mission of the Task Force is to convene leaders, facilitate the exchange of information and ideas, and foster collaborations to identify regional leadership that advances plans, policies, and programs to mitigate climate change, reduce our carbon footprint, cut local air pollution, create green jobs, and build a clean energy sector on Long Island.
In 2022, the Molloy College Suffolk Center moved to its new location in Amityville. With the move came a new meeting space. The Task Force closed out the year with a meeting on December 9th. The keynote speaker, Tom Falcone, CEO of LIPA, outlined the utilities progress and plans for improving reliability and resiliency, and adopting clean energy.
Peter Fountaine, of the Town of Brookhaven, spoke of the town's successful experiences with adding electric vehicles to its fleet, using battery powered landscaping equipment at the Holtsville Ecology site, and installing EV charging stations at Town Hall. He told the group that Brookhaven's General Services department is "sold on battery electric" vehicles, and anticipates more will be added to the fleet.
Gordian Raacke, executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island, reported on the Energize East Hampton program. The Town of East Hampton has developed a one-stop-shop for residents and businesses to get information on energy efficiency and renewable, and help them navigate the available rebates and incentives.
David Scheiren of Empower Solar discussed the clean energy provisions of the federal Inflation Reduction Act, noting that it provides great opportunities for municipalities and non-profit organizations to benefit from adopting renewables.
Rosemary Mascali of Drive Electric Long Island reported on the progress of EV adoption, which doubled from 2020 to 2021, and new initiatives to promote clean vehicles.
Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island reported on their recent Smart Growth Summit, noting that the theme was bi-partisanship, meeting people where they are in order to advance needed projects for the common good.
Looking ahead to 2023, the Task Force is committed to remaining engaged and informed on energy policy developments and the local energy initiatives that are being led by Long Island energy leaders, individuals, and organizations.
Vision and members of the LI Main Street Alliance were out at the LI African American Chamber of Commerce meeting in the Village of Freeport.
This well attended meeting connected entrepreneurs, local government officials and local not for profits.
Kudos to the team at the chamber for bringing local businesses together and to their Nassau LIAAC Directors Valerie Anderson Campbell and Liz Wellington who are also part of the Main Street Alliance for their leadership.
We look forward to continuing to work with the Chamber in 2023.
A combined $1 million in federal grants has been distributed by the Town of Oyster Bay in the past two months to small businesses and nonprofits financially damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, Newsday reports. At least 200 local businesses so far have each received $5,000 through the Oyster Bay Forward grant program.
The program, which opened on November 29, 2023 and is ongoing, is a small business and nonprofit grant program offering a one-time $5,000 grant to eligible organizations with 0 (sole proprietors) to 50 full-time equivalent W-2 employees and between $35,000 and $5 million in annual revenue in fiscal year 2021.
Eligibility criteria includes:
Be a small business owner or nonprofit representative.
Be a for-profit business or 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) nonprofit organization.
Have been in operation in Town of Oyster Bay prior to January 1, 2021.
Be in operation at the time of application
Have fewer than 50 full-time equivalent (FTE) W-2 employees.
Have between $50,000 and $5 million in annual revenue in fiscal year 2021.
Certify and demonstrate they experienced economic or financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Not be in default or arrears on past or current federal and state financing or funding programs.
Not be in conflict of interest with Town of Oyster Bay, the local municipality, or the third-party administrator (NDC).
Eligible uses of grant proceeds include working capital expenses that mitigate the economic and financial hardships caused by COVID-19 such as the purchase of inventory/supplies, rent, utilities, property taxes, lease or purchase of equipment, operating and emergency maintenance, etc.
In 2022, the Sustainable and Resilient Communities focused on speaking with stakeholders to understand the environmental challenges, current efforts, and implementation barriers that Long Island Sound communities are encountering on their paths to becoming more resilient to a changing climate. This year, there will be a focus on offering training programs and developing a resource hub to build a more coordinated regional response to current and future environmental threats, increase implementation of sustainability and resilience projects, and engage more communities to act as stewards of Long Island Sound and its watershed.
Several current funding opportunities include:
ReWild Gardens Program 2023
Apply to get assistance with creating or maintaining a community garden! The program is closing soon, if you are considering an application please apply now. Click Here for Details
Long Island Sound Futures Fund - RFP Opens March 2023
Grants ranging from $50k - $1.5M will be available for habitat restoration, resilience, water quality improvements, and more. Click Here for Details
2023 National Estuary Program Watershed Grants
This round will have approximately $3.2M in funds, with projects ranging from $200,000 - $500,000 and up to four years in length. Letters of Intent are due February 10th. Click Here for Details
To learn more about Sustainable and Resilient Communities, Click Here
The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is providing $30 million for the Pre-seed and Seed Matching Fund Program to support high-growth start-up companies at the earliest stages of their growth and development.
The program will offer early-stage businesses equity investments from $50,000 up to $250,000 with matching from the private sector (there must be at least $1 of private sector investment for every $1 NY Ventures invests). In addition to financial support, Empire State Development offers the tools and key introductions needed to help companies reach the next level.
Pre-Seed or Seed-stage companies across all technology markets, with a focus on:
Capital grant funding from the Regional Council Capital Fund is available through the State‘s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which helps drive regional and local economic development across New York State in cooperation with 10 Regional Economic Development Councils.
Capital grant funding is available for capital-based economic development projects intended to create or retain jobs; prevent, reduce or eliminate unemployment and underemployment; and/or increase business or economic activity in a community or Region.
Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses; not-for-profit corporations; business improvement districts; local development corporations; public benefit corporations (including industrial development agencies); economic development organizations; research and academic institutions; incubators; technology parks; municipalities; counties; regional planning councils; tourist attractions; and community facilities.
Funds may be used for:
Acquisition or leasing of land, buildings, machinery and/or equipment
Acquisition of existing business and/or assets
Demolition and environmental remediation
New construction, renovation or leasehold improvements
Acquisition of furniture and fixtures
Soft costs up to twenty-five (25%) of total project costs
Planning and feasibility studies related to a capital project
Trellus Same-Day Local Delivery is paying it forward with the launch of the Trellus Local Delivery Grant, empowering small businesses to reach more customers and grow their revenue. The grant is made possible by Trellus’ recent Grand Prize victory in 1010 WINS Small Business $10K Challenge, sponsored by Dime Community Bank.
Launched in January 2021, Trellus is a Long Beach-based on-demand, same-day delivery service and marketplace which helps small local businesses from Queens to Montauk save time and money - bringing to life the often-repeated mantra, Shop Local.
Trellus is opening an application process to select 20 small businesses in need of delivery services. Each eligible small business will receive $500 to cover their Trellus subscription and delivery costs.
Trellus currently works with over 300 small businesses and 80+ gig drivers who deliver all across Long Island seven days a week.
JR Jensen, co-founder and chief technology officer at Trellus, explains, “Small businesses deserve a win against the likes of Amazon, Walmart, and other e-commerce giants. Trellus is breaking down barriers to help independently owned businesses survive. We’re thrilled to share this $10,000 with independent businesses on Long Island that are driving local economic growth and breathing life into our downtowns.”
Winning a Business Leadership Award at the 2022 Long Island Smart Growth Awards, co-founder and CEO Adam Haber stated, “Our communities are home to so many great small businesses that have been here for generations. Unfortunately, many of these businesses have struggled to retain customers as shopping online has become more and more popular.”
The Trellus Local Delivery Grant program will accept applications from brick-and-mortar retailers, professional services, and home-based businesses. Trellus encourages businesses with a strong community focus to apply, particularly those owned by women, BIPOC, and military veterans.
Eligible small businesses should submit their application as soon as possible. The Trellus team will begin contacting applicants at the beginning of February, with the application window remaining open until Febuary 14, 2023.
For more information, please contact Ms. Man-Li Lin, Economic Development Specialist, New York District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration at Man-li.lin@sba.gov.
Join us as we talk environmental planning and sustainable development with Former NY State Assemblyman Steve Engelbright.
Join us for special guest Frank Camarano of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce.
website: https://ncchambers.org/
Join us for this episode of Main Street News. Our special guests include Belinda Watkins of the Hempstead Chamber of Commerce and young entrepreneur Samara St. Preux, Co-Founder of Samara Scents.
Please join for a special interview with Dan Lloyd who is the Founder and President for Minority Millennials. Minority Millennials is a Long Island based non-profit organization that is focused on helping young people of color gain access to jobs, build personal wealth and becoming civically engaged. Check it out!!!
Website: https://minoritymillennials.org/
Long Island Main Street News
Contributors:
Eric Alexander, Director; Tawaun Weber, Assistant Director; Elissa Kyle, Placemaking Director;
Linda Henninger, Outreach Coordinator; Jen Makaw, Communications Consultant
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