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July 1, 2023
About fifty Huntington Station residents and business owners met Wednesday night, June 28th, at St. Hugh of Lincoln, to offer suggestions on ways to improve the hamlet using a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant from the state, Huntington Now reports. A group appointed by the state has been considering ideas to improve Huntington Station, focusing primarily on New York Avenue from just south of the LIRR station to about 11th Street, but Wednesday night’s meeting was aimed at bringing the community into the conversation.

Huntington Station's DRI area focuses on the walkable downtown Huntington Station neighborhood immediately surrounding the LIRR Station and continuing south along the New York Avenue corridor. Huntington Station seeks to re-energize its urban core and attract new opportunities to build on its vibrant, diverse and walkable downtown. Its vision is to transform the downtown by developing key sites for mixed-use projects, burying and/or relocating utilities and overhead wires along the New York Avenue corridor, expanding broadband, creating a centralized park or public gathering space, implementing a business façade program and making streetscape and transportation improvements.

Groups of residents sat at tables to discuss ideas, with a facilitator taking questions and requesting that participants write down their preferences for projects that would strengthen the Station’s downtown, the outlet reports, but a few residents said outside the meeting they harbored reservations about the process, with questions about how decisions would be made, or whether their ideas would be considered. However, others were hoping to see more opportunities for social life in the Station.

Supervisor Ed Smyth said, “The $10 million will prime the pump to get private capital” into the Station. He said he envisions a project that creates more walkability in the Station.

The committee is charged with hearing suggestions and refining a proposal that will go to state-appointed professionals with experience in economic and other development, who will make the final decision, Huntington Now noted.
 
Click here for the full Huntington Now article
News 12 Main Street Long Island Series recently highlighted downtown Babylon Village.

It’s a vibrant downtown area filled with great businesses, including coffee and tea shops, toy stores, clothing stores and so much more, News 12 reports, where the community has embraced its local businesses and helped the downtown area thrive.

News 12’s Jenn Seelig recently visited the Village, speaking with local business owners and visitors to the downtown, all with the same message – Shop Local.

Joe Gagliard, owner of Babylon Bean, underscored one of the secrets of the lively downtown, the collaboration and support among the businesses. Customers agreed.

“Great to see these Main Streets in our local downtowns thrive,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “And it’s nice to see local media visiting and promoting these areas.”
Click here to view the News 12 video
The Village of Greenport and its Waterfront Advisory Committee are holding a community discussion about the vision for the future of the village. Residents are being urged to attend to share thoughts and ideas.
When:
July 6, 2023 at 6:30 PM

Where:
Greenport Village Cinema 211 Front St # A
Greenport, NY North Fork Arts Center (the Movie Theater)
211 Front Street | Greenport, NY

With the Village’s commercial development moratorium set to be lifted at the end of the summer, the Village is seeking to engage the public in an open dialogue about the community’s future, with the goal of building community consensus around a variety of projects and initiatives in the Village.
Representative from each of the Village’s current working committees, comprised of Village Trustees and other Greenport officials, as well as residents, will be on hand to offer recommendations and hear feedback, The Suffolk Times reports. Those committees include ones that focus on the waterfront, transportation and parking and code enforcement.
 
Vision Long Island unveiled its Planned Locally Campaign during its 22nd Annual Long Island Smart Growth Awards on Friday, June 16th, at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. 

The annual awards event brings together hundreds of local civic groups, chambers, municipal governments, elected officials, walkability advocates, human services and infrastructure professionals from over 50 downtowns across Long Island to honor Long Island development projects, community leaders, non-profits and municipalities which promote downtown revitalization efforts.

Discussing the new initiative during the Awards ceremony, Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance, stated, “Planning locally builds trust in a time when people don’t trust each other about almost anything. Planning locally builds the trust that we need to break through divisions.”

Vision will not charge for the stamps and plans to ask other stakeholders for their opinions of projects before giving them out. The badge will be given to developers who work with local governments “in a collaborative manner, not in a top-down steamroller manner where you’re sending in a team of lawyers ready for the lawsuit,” Mr. Alexander recently told Newsday. The badges will be offered to projects that work with civic organizations, chambers of commerce and municipal governments before they seek regulatory approval.
“With this stamp, Vision Long Island is advancing a way to identify projects that have been developed through substantial community input and planning," explains Elissa Kyle, Placemaking Director for Vision. "While there are entities outside of Long Island that have ideas of what Long Islanders should be doing in their communities and are trying to legislate in a top-down approach, Long Island communities have long been planning for development that works best for each community’s unique needs. This ‘Planned Locally’ stamp of approval will help identify which zoning proposals, development projects and other changes are the result of local, community-based efforts and not state, federal or international pressures.”

The Campaign’s debut follows a contentious NYS legislative and budget sessions where off Island elected officials were seeking to remove some zoning decisions from local governments and impose plans on communities.  The plan included housing targets for municipalities and developers would have been able to appeal local zoning decisions to a state board to get their projects approved. This was roundly criticized by local lawmakers with over 200 NYS, County, Town and Village officials in opposition on Long Island alone. 

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin voiced support for the “planned locally” initiative at the awards ceremony. “We can solve the crisis facing our region, but we should do it locally,” he stated.

There’s a long list of projects that have not happened because developers have not gone through the process of connecting with community, business and religious groups to get their input before asking for zoning changes, Steven Dubb, principal at The Beechwood Organization, told Newsday. Instead, they say ‘This is my plan, and I’m going to sell you on it at the public hearing.’ “Long Island is not a place that works well."

“The mark of local planning is to work with civics, chambers, local government – not steamrolling over the community, but working with the local communities," Mr. Alexander underscores. Vision hopes the Campaign will help build trust in communities as they consider new development.  He also is hopeful that if will put a spotlight on successful projects that are planned locally so the many well intended but unaware regional interests in NYC and Albany pushing mandates can approach needed redevelopment more collaboratively.

Among the honorees at Vision Long Island’s Smart Growth Awards, the outlet summarized, were Georgica Green and the City of Glen Cove for 55 affordable apartments at 100 and 200 Dickson St.; the Town of Hempstead and Park Grove Development for the planned Baldwin Commons, which will add 33 affordable apartments; Concern Housing’s proposal for 60 units of affordable housing for veterans in Southampton; Steel Equities and the Town of Islip for The Belmont at Eastview and its 364 units across 13 buildings on the former site of the Central Islip Psychiatric Center; and Alpine Residential’s plan for 99 Newbridge, which would add 189 units in Hicksville. Riverhead and Mineola also received awards for their planning policies and Westhampton Beach was recognized for creating walkability.
A full write up on the 21st Annual LI Smart Growth Awards complete with pictures, videos, media links and summaries will be available in the coming days.
 
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released a new survey revealing that Americans living in walkable communities report a higher quality of life.

The 2023 Community & Transportation Preferences Survey is a national poll taken every three years to gauge people's partialities regarding their home's location or potential location as well as community attributes they find desirable.

"With COVID in our rearview mirror, this study shows that a substantial demand for walkability persists for Americans of all ages," said NAR President Kenny Parcell. "NAR has conducted community preference surveys for over 20 years."

If deciding today where to live:
  • 79% said being within an easy walk of other places and things, such as shops and parks, is very/somewhat important. 78% of those indicated that they would be willing to pay more to live in a walkable community.
  • 85% said sidewalks and places to walk are very/somewhat important.
  • 65% said having public transport nearby is very/somewhat important.
  • 56% said they would prefer a house with a small yard and be able to walk to places vs. 44% who would prefer a large yard and would need to drive to most places.
  • 53% would prefer an attached dwelling (own or rent a townhouse/condo/apartment) and be able to walk to shops, restaurants, and a short commute to work vs. 47% who would prefer a single-family home (own or rent) and have to drive to shops, restaurants and a longer commute.
NAR's biannual Community & Transportation Preferences Survey polls residents in America's 50 largest metropolitan areas. 

“Long Island Main Streets have been the benefited from the trend towards more walking, biking, outdoor dining and a renewed focus on shopping local. Efforts have been made over the last 20 plus years in over 50 communities to meet the needs of this growing trend and we have a wonderful opportunity to go further.”
Eric Alexander, Director, Vision Long Island/Founder, LI Main Street Alliance
Complete results can be found here
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have announced $3,815,000 in federal funding for the Long Island Greenway-East trail. 

The funding is allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s highly competitive Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and will be used to plan and design the 50-mile Long Island Greenway-East trail with maximum protection for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The Long Island Greenway will be a new trail that will stretch east from Manhattan all the way to Montauk and link residents of Long Island (including Brooklyn and Queens) to the Empire State Trail. The Long Island Greenway is slated to run 175 miles, connecting 27 key communities and 26 existing parks in the process. The Greenway will be 60 percent off-road, offering a refreshing way to travel between these communities—or all the way out of the city for those seeking a longer adventure.
The Propel NY Energy transmission solution has announced that its proposed approximate 90-mile electric transmission project has been selected by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) to achieve the Long Island Offshore Wind Export Public Policy Transmission Need Project Solicitation. 

The Propel NY Energy transmission solution will strengthen the backbone of the electric grid with increased transmission capacity to help inject more clean, renewable energy from offshore wind facilities into the statewide energy grid. By building new underground and submarine transmission lines in existing public rights-of-way and substation facilities on Long Island, in New York City, and across Westchester County, Propel will efficiently and cost-effectively deliver clean energy to homes and businesses that benefit all New Yorkers and aid the state in achieving critical clean energy goals.

Propel NY Energy will also provide benefits to New Yorkers that include:
  • Reliability by providing redundancy and efficiency in the transmission network to ensure uninterrupted delivery of clean energy to high demand areas.
  • Resiliency to withstand the effects of climate change by hardening the transmission system with state-of-the-art, modern, durable infrastructure.
  • Greenhouse gas emission reductions from delivering offshore wind generation into the energy grid.
  • Lowering the cost of electricity to consumers through lower production costs and reduced transmission congestion as well as reductions in load payments and curtailment reduction.
  • Clean energy and construction jobs to engage New Yorkers in advancing a clean energy economy.
The next phases of Propel include stakeholder engagement and host community outreach and the permitting process under New York State Public Service Law’s Article VII siting, which requires a full review of the need for and environmental impact of the siting, design, construction, and operation of major transmission facilities in New York state.

Propel NY Energy, owned by The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York Transco (NY Transco), is a joint venture between National Grid Ventures, Avangrid, Central Hudson, and Con Edison. 
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has received final federal approval for its congestion pricing plan that would charge tolls to motorists driving below 60th Street in Manhattan, Newsday reports. The Federal Highway Administration has determined, after an analysis of the plan and a review of public comments, the plan would cause no adverse environmental impact for the region.

The plan, according to some lawmakers, is aimed at reducing congestion in Manhattan's central business district. Cars with an E-ZPass would be charged up to $24 for driving below 60th Street during peak hours. Those without an E-ZPass could face tolls of up to $34.50.

The MTA said it will offer discounts to low-income New Yorkers earning $50,000 or less per year, or receiving government subsidies and it also wants to discount tolls during overnight hours by at least 50%, and possibly lift them altogether. To make the tolls free between midnight and 6 a.m. and still hit its annual revenue goal, the MTA would have to charge at least $13.20 during peak hours. 

“I can’t think of a better argument for staying on Long Island than a toll over to Manhattan that is $34.50. There are great Main Streets, restaurants, parks, beaches, museums, arts, music and culture here in so many of our Villages and Towns,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “What Long Island communities have to offer comes without excessive tolls and strange fees. We haven’t met any Long Islanders who think the price of these tolls is remotely fair.”
Click Here for Newday article

A wide range of programs are available under the NYS Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) through ten state agencies (all applications are due July 28, 2023), including:

NYSDEC Water Quality Improvement Project
(WQIP) Program – Click here

A competitive, reimbursement grant program that funds projects that directly improve water quality or aquatic habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source.

Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
Mapping Grant (NPG) – Click here

A competitive, reimbursement grant program that funds planning reports for nonpoint source water quality improvement projects and mapping of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s).

NYSDEC Climate Smart Communities
Grant Program – Click here

Funds are available for two broad project categories - implementation and certification. The first project category supports implementation projects related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation. The second supports planning and assessment projects aligned with Climate Smart Communities certification actions. It was established in 2016 to provide 50/50 matching grants to cities, towns, villages, and counties of the State of New York for eligible climate change mitigation, adaptation, and planning and assessment projects.

NYS Department of State (DOS) Local
Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Grants – Click here

The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) serves as the Office of Planning and Development’s primary program for working in partnership with waterfront communities across the State to address local and regional (coastal or inland) waterway issues, improve water quality and natural areas, guide development to areas with adequate infrastructure and services away from sensitive resources, promote public waterfront access, and provide for redevelopment of underutilized waterfronts.

NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation
Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) – Click here

The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) supports projects across New York State that utilize unique EPA-designated green stormwater infrastructure design and create cutting-edge green technologies. Competitive grants are awarded annually to projects that improve water quality and mitigate the effects of climate change through the implementation of one or more of the following green practices: Green Stormwater Infrastructure, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency and Environmental Innovation.

NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant – Click here

Engineering Planning Grants to help fund the development of an engineering report.

NYS Office of Parks Recreation and
Historic Preservation Grants– Click here

State Parks, through state and federal funding sources, provides a number of grant programs. From historic preservation efforts to playgrounds and trail development, we provide grants to a variety of projects that promote recreation, preserve our historic and natural resources and generally improve the quality of life in communities throughout the state.

Click here to access NYS Consolidated Funding Application
https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/

Long Island Community Foundation (LICF)
Competitive Grants – Click here

LICF is interested in supporting new projects in the environment/conservation category “to protect and preserve Long Island’s natural resources, healthy ecosystems and public health”. While average grant size ranges between $15,000 and $25,000, LICF may be able to fund a few larger projects ($25,000-$50,000) this year.

Competitive grants are supported by hundreds of funds. Some can be used at the Foundation’s discretion, while others were created for particular purposes and range from specific (mental health for veterans, protecting drinking water quality)—to broad (environment or elderly programs).

*Cycle Deadline August 7, 2023

PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program – Click here

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has a grant opportunity that funds projects to address climate resilience of transportation systems including the use of natural infrastructure. Also called nature-based solutions, these strategies reduce flood risks, erosion, wave damage, and heat impacts while also creating habitat, filtering pollutants, and providing recreational benefits. Strategies include conservation, restoration, and construction of: riparian and streambed treatments, wetlands, native vegetation, stormwater bioswales, breakwaters, reefs, dunes, and shade trees. 

*Applications are due August 18, 2023 

The NOAA Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Habitat Protection
and Restoration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)
Competition – Click here

NOAA is soliciting grant proposals from eligible state and territory CZM Programs for coastal habitat restoration; coastal habitat restoration planning, engineering, and design; and land conservation projects.

*Letters of intent are due August 14, 2023

 

NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge – Click here

Made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, approximately $575 million is available for projects that build the resilience of coastal communities to extreme weather (e.g., hurricanes and storm surge) and other impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and drought. The focus of this grant program is on collaborative approaches to achieving resilience in coastal regions. Proposed projects should address risk reduction, regional collaboration, and equity, and build enduring capacity for adaptation.

*Letters of intent are due August 21, 2023
The Nassau County Main Street Recovery Grant Program awards grants of $10,000 to small businesses and non-profits that experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19. Financial assistance is available to those in need on a first come, first served basis. Per Internal Revenue Service guidance, these grants are taxable. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
To qualify for Recovery Grant Program, an applicant must:
  1. Be the principal i.e., majority owner of the applicant entity. 
  2. Be a small business owner or nonprofit executive currently operating within Nassau County. Businesses that have ceased operations are ineligible.
  3. Be an eligible for-profit business or 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) nonprofit organization.
  4. Have less than 50 full-time equivalent (FTE) W-2 employees.
  5. Have had less than $5 million in 2021 and 2022 gross revenues. 
  6. Certify and demonstrate they experienced economic or financial hardship due to COVID-19. Examples include demonstrating reduction in revenues, increases in expenses, costs related to COVID compliance, staffing difficulties, etc.
  7. Not have received a grant from Nassau County within the past 3 years. Applicants that already received grant funds from Nassau County are not eligible to apply.
  8. Not be in default or arrears on past or current federal, state, or local financing or funding programs.
  9. Not be in current litigation with, or have any conflict of interest with, Nassau County or the third-party administrator (NDC).

ELIGIBLE USE OF PROCEEDS: Eligible uses of grant proceeds include working capital to mitigate the economic and financial hardships caused by COVID-19 such as the purchase of inventory/supplies, rent, utilities, lease or purchase of equipment, operating and emergency maintenance, etc.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants can make full application at ndc.smapply.io. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed. Only one (1) application per Tax ID.
 
FUNDING IS LIMITED
Applicants needing assistance can email NCMSRecovery@ndconline.org and someone will contact you as soon as possible.
 

Enhance Your Open Space 
Outdoor Commerce
& Beautification Grant


These grants are designed to foster economic viability, vibrancy and support of local businesses while increasing economic growth and business in downtown areas. The program provides funding to the following types of 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations: Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Districts, Civic Associations or not-for-profits.
  • Outdoor Dining/Commerce: Includes heaters, benches, tables, chairs, umbrellas, garbage receptacles, barricades, durable safety equipment, outdoor non-holiday-specific lighting, speaker systems and limited signage,
  • Beautification Projects: includes planters, plants, mulch, landscape materials, rocks, flags, new gazebo construction and/or gazebo upgrade materials, winter seasonal décor/holiday lighting,
  • Murals,
  • “Welcome To” signage: PSEG Long Island recognition signage required.

Accepting applications until December 31, 2023 or until funds are exhausted. Pre-approval by PSEG Long Island required prior to any purchase.
Click here for details

Revitalize Communities
Main Street Revitalization


The Main Street Revitalization Program is designed to encourage economic vitality of a business district and to optimize the use of existing electric infrastructure. This program offers financial incentive awards for projects in a local business district that is expected to improve the economic stability and growth of a municipality.

Eligible projects may include:
  • Interior renovations,
  • Façade improvements,
  • Streetscape improvements,
  • Other investments that would enhance the economic viability/vibrancy of the business district.

The Applicant may one or more of the following:
  • Property owner or developer,
  • Local Development Corporation, Business Improvement District, or Chamber of Commerce. Or similar agent of a municipality,
  • Not-for-profit 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6), acting in partnership with a municipality, county or local development corporation on improvements in a business district.
Programs will continue based on available funding. 
Click here for more details
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program designed to help low-income households meet the high cost of home energy. Applications for the 2022-2023 HEAP Cooling Assistance benefit are open now through August 31, or until funding runs out.
 
If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.
 
Applications for Regular HEAP may be submitted online at myBenefits during the HEAP season.
 
Applicants age 60 and over as well as those who are permanently disabled may apply for regular HEAP by mail to: 
Nassau County Office for the Aging
60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.
Uniondale, NY 11553
Phone 516-227-7386
 
All others (including applicants age 60 and over or permanently disabled, with an emergency) may apply in person or by mail to:
EAC Inc.
175 Fulton Avenue
4th Floor
Hempstead, New York 11550
Phone 516-565-4327
 
Further information, including benefit amounts, is available through the New York State OTDA HEAP website.
To visit the NYS OTDA HEAP Website Click Here
Long Island homeowners looking to play a role in reducing stormwater runoff, which is one of the leading causes of nitrogen pollution in Long Island waterways, are eligible for grants to help cover the cost and maintenance of runoff mitigation projects on their property.
 
The Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC), in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and NEIWPCC, is introducing the Long Island Garden Rewards Program. The program will provide up to $500 to offset the expense of installing green infrastructure on their properties including rain barrels, native plantings, and rain gardens.
 
Rain Barrels: Rain Barrels reduce stormwater runoff by collecting and storing rainwater for homeowners to later use in their yards and gardens, also helping conserve water consumption. Barrels must be a minimum of 50 gallons and are required to have mosquito netting or screening. 
 
Rain Gardens: Rain gardens collect rainwater from roofs, driveways and other surfaces and allow that rain to soak into the ground. Rain gardens can filter stormwater before it reaches local waterways, mitigate flooding caused by pavement and enhance your yard with low maintenance landscaping. To be eligible, a rain garden must be a minimum of 20 square feet, use native plants and be maintained for at least three years.
 
Native Plantings: Native plants are heartier and more resilient to local climate conditions. Native plant gardens can reduce fertilizer and pesticide usage, reduce water usage, and promote biodiversity. These native plants support a healthy ecosystem and are more resistant to local weather.
 
To assist with the revitalization of the meetings and events industry, New York State has allocated $25 million for the Meet In New York Grant Program. 
 
Empire State Development's Division of Tourism will award grants to qualifying New York State event venues and lodging properties as they competitively bid on new meeting and event business. The program will subsidize a portion of negotiated client discounts, up to $2 million dollars, on meeting space rental fees and group overnight lodging rates. To capitalize on the economic impact of the program, eligible event types will be limited to those that drive tourism and visitors to New York State. 
 
This grant: 
  • Does not require a match
  • Is not a loan, and does not need to be paid back
  • Is open to all venues that host conferences, meetings, convention, tradeshows and events
  • Is for events that take place prior to 12/31/25 
To be eligible for grants, applicants must: 
  • Be incorporated in New York State, or licensed or registered to do business in New York State
  • Have experienced economic harm resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by a year-to-year decrease of at least 15% of gross receipts and/or gross wages between 2019 and 2020
  • Have event facilities that accommodate a minimum capacity of 50 people.
Completed applications are due by June 30, 2023. Required event completion date 12/31/2025.
 
Program Contact: MeetInNewYork@esd.ny.gov
 
For assistance with the application process, consultations with an application advisor are available by calling 518-292-5206.
Round XIII Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative has been announced. Round XIII includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 10 State agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development, available to projects on a continuous basis. 
 
The Councils are encouraged to support projects that advance or address strategic State priorities -including green buildings and sustainable development, child care, distressed communities, and innovative public-private partnerships; those projects, will be eligible for additional award funding. 
 
New this year, two new micro programs will award capital grants to support New York State craft beverage manufacturers and non-profit organizations, and a new $30 million Challenge competition will award $10 million to up to three regions to implement creative solutions to tackle persistent barriers to economic growth. Also, for the first time since 2015, the Councils will be tasked with updating their strategic regional economic development plans.
 
The Regional Councils will score projects submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), the State's single application for State resources which includes programs from numerous agencies.
 
The 2023 REDC Guidebook and a list of additional resources available to REDC Members are accessible here. The CFA is available here. 
 
The deadline for applications is Friday, July 28 at 4 p.m. Open enrollment programs are not subject to the July 28 deadline and will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted.
 
The Long Island Empire State Development Office will be holding open office hours both in person and via zoom where businesses can discuss their potential projects with staff. Registration is required. Please CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

The New York Department of State is offering more than $26 million in funding to municipalities for a variety of planning, revitalization and efficiency programs, the Longs Island Business News reports.

The five programs, which include Smart Growth Community Planning and Zoning, Countywide Resiliency Planning, Brownfield Opportunity Area, Local Waterfront Revitalization and Local Government Efficiency, can all be applied for through a single application form - the Consolidated Funding Application. 

  • $16.3 million is available through the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, which provides grants to communities to develop a vision for their waterfront. There are currently 93 fully approved LWRPs, representing 113 municipalities throughout the state. 
  • $4 million Local Government Efficiency Grant Program incentivizes local governments to reduce the cost of municipal operations and modernize delivery of local services, limiting growth in property taxes. About $3.6 million will be awarded for implementation projects, and about $400,000 will be awarded for planning projects.  
  • $2 million for the Smart Growth Planning and Zoning Grant Program helps communities develop comprehensive municipal-wide plans and zoning ordinances, as well as targeted area plans and zoning for downtowns, central business districts and transit-orient development districts.  
  • $2 million for the Smart Growth Countywide Resiliency Planning Program aids in the development of countywide plans that address climate change resiliency, risks and vulnerabilities and identify strategies for planning and implementing projects in a socially, environmentally, fiscally and economically sustainable way. 
  • $2 million for the Brownfield Opportunity Area program is available to assist the transformation of brownfield sites from liabilities to community assets, which in turn generate and support new businesses, jobs, housing and public amenities. 

“New York State offers an unparalleled suite of programs that have proven to be key to our state’s economic and social resurgence after the pandemic,” Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez said in the statement to the Long Island Business News. “These five programs administered by the Department of State will provide critical funding to municipalities and local governments so they can continue to grow and improve, putting us on a path to a safer, greener and more business-friendly New York.” 

For more information on these funding programs visit the DOS website at dos.ny.gov.
Thurs. 7/6/2023 3pm-4pm
(SBA and Tech Incubator at Queens College)
Webinar “Starting a Business at 50+”
Click here to register

Tues. 7/11/2023 2pm-3pm

(SBA and Renaissance EDC)
Webinar “Starting a Business from Idea to Reality”
Click here to register

Thurs. 7/13/2023 9:30am- 10:30am
(SBA and York College SBDC)
Webinar “Business Plan Writing”
Click here to register

Tue. 7/18/2023 12:00pm- 1:30pm
(SBA and Port Authority NY&NJ)
Webinar “Grants for Research and Development: SBIR & STTR”
Click here to launch meeting

Tues. 7/18/2023 2pm-3pm
(SBA and Renaissance EDC)
Webinar “Access to Capital” 
Click here to register

Tue. 7/25/2023 4pm-5pm
(SBA and White Plains Library Youth Program)
Webinar “Financial Literacy for Teens”
Click here to register

Thurs. 7/27/2023 9:30am-10:30am
(SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC)
(In English) “Selling to the Global Market”
Selling to the Global Markets Webinar [eventbrite.com]

Thurs. 7/27/2023 10:30am-11:30am
(SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC)
(In Mandarin) “Selling to the Global Market”
Selling to the Global Markets Webinar [eventbrite.com]

Mon. 7/31/2023 1pm-2pm
(SBA and CNPP NUL Hub)
“Grants for R&D: SBIR and STTR”
Click here to register

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.
 Summer offers a lot to look forward to – the beaches, the barbecues.
 
It also brings particular challenges for our neighbors facing food insecurity. Supplies at food banks dwindle and school meals stop.
 
We launched Power to Feed Long Island in 2021 to help address this particular need. The community support has been overwhelming. For 2023, we’ve set an ambitious goal to collect the equivalent of 50,000 meals.
 
PSEG Long Island, Island Harvest and local supermarkets across the island will be hosting the following collection drives for non-perishable food and essential care items from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:
 
7/14 - Smithtown - Stop & Shop - 291 West Main St.

7/28 - Carle Place - Stop & Shop - 95 Old Country Rd.

8/11 - Bethpage - Shop Rite - 3901 Hempstead Tpk.

9/01 - East Northport - Stop & Shop - 3126 Jericho Tpk.

9/15 - West Babylon - Stop & Shop - 365 Route 109

Nassau County


Free Summer Concerts at the

Esplanade on Freeport's Nautical Mile
Thursday nights in July & August, rain or shine, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
July 6 (Ad Lib Steel Band), July 13 (Banjo Rascals), July 20 (Sequel), July 27 (Generation Gap), August 3 (Empowering Artists),
August 10 (East End Trio), August 17 (Sparkle On Stage),
August 24 (John Maurice Restrepo Quartet),
August 31 (Turnpike Joe & The Traffic Jam).
Click here for more information

City of Long Beach
2023 Summer Concert Series on the Beach
The concerts will begin on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 and will take place every Wednesday night at 8:00 PM on rotating beaches, including Grand Boulevard, Riverside Boulevard and Neptune Boulevard. There is a diverse line-up of bands with something for everyone. Bring a beach chair or blanket, and why not order dinner to the beach from one of our amazing Long Beach restaurants.
Click here for more information

Village of Garden City Friday Night Promenades
The Village of Garden City and The Garden City Chamber of Commerce, will host Friday Night Promenades thorough the summer season. Dates: 7/7, 7/21. 8/4, 9/1, and 9/15 on Seventh Street. 
Click here for more information

Village of Valley Stream Summer Concert Series
Village Bandshell, 8 PM. 
July 7 (rain date July 10), July 12 (rain date) July 17, July 19 (rain date July 24), July 26 (rain date July 31), Aug. 2 (rain date Aug. 7), Aug. 9 (rain date Aug. 14), Aug. 18 (rain date Aug. 21), Aug. 23 (rain date Aug. 28), Aug. 30 (rain date Sept. 6), Sept. 8 (rain date Sept. 12).
Click here for more information

Village of Westbury – Summer Concert Series
Thursdays, 7 PM to 9 PM, The Piazza Ernesto Strada,
corner of Post & Maple Avenues. July 6th through August 31.
Click here for more information


Suffolk County

Kings Park Civic Association
Musical Moments In Kings Park
Kings Park Civic Association presents Musical Moments
In Kings Park:  June 30, Mystery Play; July 17, Endless Summer;
July 28, Beyond Fab; August 11, Eagle River Band; August 25,
Urban Rodeo. In Russ Savatt Park, 14 Main Street, Kings Park
FREE - Weather Permitting - Bring Seating - Starting at 7:30 PM.
Click here for more information

Nesconset - Summer Concert Series
Nesconset Gazebo, Tuesdays, 7 PM, free, bring a chair or blanket.
That 70’s Band – July 11, Pump (Aerosmith Tribute Band) – July 18,
Bon Journey (Bon Jovi and Journey Tribute Band) – July 25,
Radio Flashback – Aug. 1, Panic! (Dance/Rock Tribute Band) – Aug. 8, Southbound – Aug. 15.
Click here for more information

Stony Brook Village- Summer Concerts
Concerts on the Village Green at the Stony Brook Village Center,
all concerts start at 7 PM. Sundays, July 9, 2023 through August 20, 2023. Free admission. 
Click here for more information

Village of Patchogue - Concerts at Shorefront Park
Shorefront Park, 49 Smith Street, 7 PM.
Frontiers (Journey Tribute Band) – July 7, Milagro – July 8,
Lamar Peters (Elvis Tribute) – Aug. 5, Kids Dance Party – Aug. 11, Amber Ferrari (Joplin and Benatar) – Aug. 12,
That 70’s Band – Aug. 18.
Click here for more information

Village of Port Jefferson - Sunset Concerts
Wednesdays in July and August, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Harborfront Park, 101A East Broadway, Port Jefferson.
All concerts are free, and all-ages. Well-behaved dogs welcome.
Rain or shine: Rain location inside Port Jefferson Village Center.
Click here for more information

Village of East Rockaway Car Show
Mondays From June 1-August 31st
6pm -10pm

Car Show every Monday night June 1st through August 31st, from 6 PM to 10 PM on Main Street.

Village of Valley Stream Classic Car Shows
Fridays From June 1-August 31
6pm-9pm

Classic Car Shows - Friday evenings Rockaway Ave – June 1st through August 31st, 6 PM to 9 PM.

Riverhead
Cruise Night Car Show at The Shoppes
Wednesdays from 5 PM to 9 PM

5768 Route 25A, Wading River.

Village of Northport 
Saturdays Until November 18
8am-12:30pm

Every Saturday, June 3rd through November 18th 8 AM to 12:30 PM (Rain or Shine) Cow Harbor Park, 54 Woodbine Ave, Northport.

Village of Mineola Farmers Market 
Fridays Until November 24th
7am - 1pm

The Village of Mineola Farmers Market is a true farmers market, only selling what vendors make, bake, grow or catch.

The Village welcomes Long Island Growers Market to Mineola. The Farmers Market will be open Fridays through November 24, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It will be located between Jericho Turnpike and Washington Avenue, and Mineola Boulevard and Willis Avenue.
 
Free parking will be available in the Community Center parking lot.
 

Village of Westhampton Beach Farmers Market
Saturdays Until October 28
9am-1pm

Beginning May 6th through October 28th, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Rain or Shine - the Village Green.

Islip Summer Fun Series

Summer Fun Series returns with a new line up of FREE movies and concerts.

Mastic/Shirley
Tiki Joe’s Beach Club Summer Music Calendar
Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) was founded in 1985 as a grassroots local advocacy effort to bring non-profits and other community partners together to unite around the cause of homelessness, seeking to expand and enhance services to meet local needs. Its mission is “To end homelessness on Long Island, and alleviate the issues associated with homelessness and poverty for homeless and at-risk persons in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.” LICH has expanded services to continually align with local community needs and approaches that evidence shows to be most effective in addressing homelessness. 
 
Right now, LICH has two calls to action:
 
1. Veterans Community Garden – Starting on April 5th, community service hours are available to help with the organic vegetable garden located on the north side of Amityville Community Resource Center, 600 Albany Avenue, Amityville. The Garden Club meets Wednesdays, 4 PM to 7 PM from April through November. Email Bailey at Briekkinen@addressthehomeless.org for more information or to RSVP.
 
2. The Scott Martella Supply Our School Drive, May through July 26, 2023. Items needed include backpacks, folders, notebooks, pens, lunchboxes, glue sticks, binders, index cards, scissors, calculators, highlighters, hand sanitizer and more. For more information visit www.addressthehomeless.org or Facebook/backpackpirates.
 
Times are tough, let’s all extend a helping hand.

The Scott Martella School Supplies Drive for LI Coalition for the Homeless

Through July 26th


Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) was founded in 1985 as a grassroots local advocacy effort to bring non-profits and other community partners together to unite around the cause of homelessness by seeking to expand and enhance services to meet local needs.

Each year, LICH collects new school supplies and backpacks to distribute to Long Island kids in need. There are over 2,000 kids living in shelters; many thousands more are at risk of homelessness. Its goal is to collect and distribute over 5,000 back packs so students can start their school year with the tools they need to succeed.

The drive is held in memory of Scott Martella. The Scott Martella School Supplies Drive began in 2017 in memory of Scott, the former Communications Director for County Executive Bellone, who was tragically killed in a car accident on the Long Island Expressway.

Participating in this drive can be a great team-building exercise amongst any office or organization. Please see flyer for a full list of what new items are being accepted. LICH can supply the boxes and pick them up once the drive concludes. The drives can begin as soon as possible (beginning no later than early July) and must conclude by 7/26/23.

If you’d prefer to skip the store, you can donate via Amazon Wishlist by clicking here

Contact Bailey Riekkinen, Community Engagement Specialist LIHC at briekkinen@addressthehomeless.org with questions.
Here is another LI Main Street News from another interview that made me smile - Kiya and Nia Henry from the Be Amazing Shop. We heard about their work as a young author and the effort that goes into having their products available online and at community events.
Special thanks again to Belinda Watkins who puts special care into mentoring these future business leaders.
Check it out......
Some of the interviews we have done here at LI Main Street News are really heartwarming and inspiring. Here is one from a young Samara St. Preux with Samara's Scents.
We heard about her work as a young entrepreneur working with her family to have products for sale online and at various markets, street fairs and community events.
Special thanks to Belinda Watkins who puts special care into mentoring these future business leaders.
Check it out......
Here is a replay of a LI Main Street News interview we did with Dan Lloyd of Minority Millennials. We chatted about access to jobs, housing and recently he helped bringing NYC and Long Island middle school and high school youth together for a big event at Hofstra. Check it out.....
Here is a replay of an edition of LI Main Street News we did with our good friend John Keating from PSEG-LI. As usual he clearly shares the grant programs that are available for local downtowns and communities to support economic development. Check it out.....
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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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