RECOVERY AGENDA: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES OPEN STOREFRONTS PROGRAM

Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the Open Storefronts program, permitting storefront businesses to use a portion of their sidewalk to display merchandise, sell goods, complete transactions, and provide queuing areas. The program will begin October 30^th and run until December 31^st.

 

Building on the success of the Open Restaurants and Open Streets programs, Open Storefronts will provide safe spaces for small businesses to rebound in challenging economic times. This program is a part of an effort to make New York City the world’s capital for healthy outdoor living and to advance the Mayor’s recovery agenda, which is centered on public health and social justice.

 

“Rebuilding a fairer, better New York City means maximizing use of our outdoor space, helping businesses keep their employees, and giving New Yorkers more reasons than ever to shop local and enjoy their communities. Open Storefronts does all three,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This program builds on the successful legacy of our Open Streets and Open Restaurants programs, and I look forward to finding more ways than ever to reimagine our urban landscape.”

 

“As we move into the holiday season we want to make sure our small businesses – who have been hit so hard throughout this pandemic – have a new and common sense way to sell their goods and merchandise,” said Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin. “Building off the highly successful and popular Open Restaurants program, we’re cutting the red tape and making it easier for small businesses to utilize public space, all while keeping New Yorkers safe.”

 

"To recover from the economic consequences of the pandemic, we must be creative about how to use our outdoor public spaces," said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. "Open Storefronts offers small businesses and their employees economic relief, while also making our neighborhoods safer, livelier, and more convenient for consumers."

 

An eight-foot clear path of sidewalk from the curb must be maintained for Open Storefronts to operate. Retailers cannot use the space of adjacent businesses, and they must bring all furniture and goods indoors when closed. For existing Open Streets: Restaurants locations, the Open Storefronts program will also permit businesses to use the curb lane directly fronting their storefront to conduct business activities during operating hours. Businesses can visit www.nyc.gov/openstorefronts to review eligibility requirements and to complete a brief online application.

 

“Our 240,000 small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we will continue to fight for their survival,” said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of NYC Department of Small Business Services. “The Open Restaurants and Open Streets: Restaurants programs have brought great success to our restaurant industry, and we are excited to now include our small retail shops. This innovative approach will help bring back customers, revive the character of our neighborhoods, and build a stronger NYC."

 

“As New York City continues to recover from COVID, Open Storefronts is the next step in helping save thousands of small businesses,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “Thanks to the Mayor’s leadership, stores will be able to use a portion of the sidewalk for sales space, which should be a real economic boost as we near the holiday season.  We ask that business owners carefully follow the application and guidance on our website, so that we can guarantee that our sidewalks remain fully accessible to the public.”

 

"Our recovery presents an opportunity to re-imagine our city by leveraging its streetscapes and outdoor spaces to create a healthier, more vibrant place for all New Yorkers," said James Patchett, president and CEO of New York City Economic Development Corporation. "The new Open Storefronts program is advancing this vision while providing a boost to our small businesses, retailers, and economy."

 

The program is anticipated to impact 40,000 businesses and support over 450,000 employees, while providing customers with an additional option to shop in-person and locally ahead of the holiday season.

 

"Outdoor space has been a lifeline for bars and restaurants, and there's no reason why our city shouldn't give retailers space outdoors as well. Open Storefronts and the reopening of our hugely popular winter markets will continue our city's reimagining of how we use our street space to help businesses and New Yorkers get the most out of our streetscape,” said NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH URGE NEW YORK FAMILIES TO BE SAFE DURING HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS THIS YEAR

 

Keeping Everyone Safe is the Goal While Avoiding the Spread of COVID-19

Avoid Large Crowds, Keep Your Distance, Wear a Mask and Wash Your Hands Often

Safety Tips for Adults and Children for an Enjoyable and Safe Halloween Celebration 

 The New York State’s Division of Consumer Protection and the New York State Department of Health urge caution to parents and children during this year’s Halloween celebrations. Halloween traditions may look different this year due to COVID-19, and keeping everyone safe is the goal so families and children can have fun while avoiding being exposed or spreading the virus.

The most important tip you can follow is to keep doing what you have been doing: Avoid large gatherings, keep your distance of six feet from others, wear a mask or face covering, and wash your hands often. 

This year, do not trick-or-treat or leave out candy if you are sick, live with someone who is sick, have been exposed to someone known to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days, are under isolation or quarantine, or have traveled internationally or to a state affected by the NYS Travel Advisory in the last 14 days.

“Halloween has a long tradition of being fun for families and children but this year the rules have changed due to COVID-19,” said Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection. “We urge everyone to be mindful and protect our children and each other so the experience of trick-or-treating remains enjoyable while maintaining healthy habits during this pandemic year. Let’s find safe ways to celebrate and create magical memories this Halloween.” 

“We all want our children and our communities to enjoy the magic of Halloween, but it’s critical to prioritize health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “We urge families to remember to wear masks, social distance, practice proper hand hygiene and take steps to make sure the Halloween activities you choose to engage in are as safe as possible.”  

Creative Ways to Celebrate Safely 

This year there are some creative ways to celebrate more safely, according to the NYS Department of Health guidelines found here :

• Organize a virtual Halloween costume party with costumes and games.

• Have a neighborhood car parade or vehicle caravan where families show off their costumes while staying socially distanced and remaining in their cars.

• Make this year even more special and consider non-candy Halloween treats that your trick-or-treaters will love, such as spooky or glittery stickers, magnets, temporary tattoos, pencils/erasers, bookmarks, glow sticks, or mini notepads.

• Create a home or neighborhood scavenger hunt where parents or guardians give their kids candy when they find each “clue.”

• Go all out to decorate your house this year – have a neighborhood contest for the best

            decorated house.

• Carve and decorate pumpkins at home – try some new creative ideas and have a

            family contest.

• Play Halloween-themed games with members of your household or watch spooky movies.

• Trick-or-treat room to room in your home.

Outside trick-or-treating

• The New York State Department of Health recommends that if people decide to go out, wear a protective cloth mask of at least two layers of breathable fabric—not a costume mask. A Halloween mask should not be a substitute for a protective mask. 

• Trick-or-treat only with your household family group. Always stay socially distanced from those who are not living in your household.

• Do not pick out candy from a bowl or receive candy directly from someone’s hands. If there is crowding in front of a home, or if treats are directly taken from a bowl or directly

handed out from someone’s hands, skip that house and find a safer option. 

• If you hand out treats, consider sitting outside and lining up individually prepacked treat bags for families.

• Look for community events focused on safe ways to have fun. These may include programs offered by a park district, arboretum, zoo or other outdoorvenues in your area. 

• Wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before, during and after any Halloween activities. Consider carrying Halloween-themed or decorated hand sanitizer or leaving some out for your trick-or-treaters to use.

Activities

• In cities or apartment buildings, communities can come together to trick-or-treat around the block or other outdoor spaces so kids and families aren’t tempted to trick-or-treat inside –building residents and businesses can contribute treats that are individually wrapped and placed on a table(s) outside of the front door of the building, or in the other outdoor space for grab and go trick-or-treating.

• Avoid indoor events such as haunted houses. A local haunted forest or corn maze may be a better option, as long as you use a cloth face covering, practice physical distancing and proper steps are taken by the venue such as enforcing one-way walk paths. 

• If you think the haunted house or activity may illicit some screaming, leave extra distance between you and the next group to lower the risk of spreading the virus.

• If you go to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard, use hand sanitizerbefore and after touching what you pick.

• Trick-or-treating may be discouraged or cancelled in some areas this year. A family scavenger hunt for treats in your home or yard can be a fun alternative.

Costumes 

• See if you can incorporate your face covering into a costume, but remember, a face covering must always be made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face!

• Never wear protection mask under the costume mask because it can make breathing difficult especially for a child. If your child’s costume includes a face mask, better to forgo wearing it this year.  Instead, children should wear a protection mask.

• Look for fabrics labeled “flame resistant” such as nylon or polyester when purchasing costumes, beards, wigs and masks. Flame resistant fabrics are not flame proof but they will resist burning and can be extinguished quickly.

• Purchase or make costumes that are light colored, bright and clearly visible to motorists. Dark colored costumes are hard to see at night. 

Treats 

• If your child collects treats from a few, socially distanced neighbors, you may want to wipe the packages or let them sit for a couple days before giving them to your child.

• Examine any toys or small items for young children under three years of age that may pose a choking hazard or may separate while in use and present a choking hazard.

• Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. 

Drivers

• Slow down and take extra care when driving on Halloween, especially in neighborhoods and areas where there may be trick-or-treaters.

• Be careful when passing stopped vehicles. They may be stopping to let trick-or-treaters cross the road or unloading passengers. The visibility of trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians may be obstructed.

• Always look out for pedestrians, especially before turning at a green light or making a “right turn on red.” 

Decorations

• Use battery operated tea-lights, LED lights or glow sticks instead of an open flame candle for your Jack-o-Lanterns. Keep your decorated Jack-o-Lanterns away from curtains, decorations or other flammable objects that could be ignited. Do not leave an open flame candle unattended.

• Keep any candles or Jack-o-Lanterns away from landings or doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flames and place them on a sturdy table. 

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. For more consumer protection information, call the Consumer Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Consumer complaints can be filed anytime online at the Division website, www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. You can also request a presentation at, www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/informing/request_presentation.htm. Follow the Division on Twitter at @NYSConsumer or www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: Local Sales Tax Collections Down for Third Quarter 2020

 

Sales tax revenue for local governments in New York state dropped 9.5 percent in the third quarter compared to the same period last year, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Sales tax collections from July to September totaled $4.3 billion, or $452 million less than last year.

“The third quarter sales tax figures show a significant improvement from the 27.1 percent decline we saw during the second quarter of this year,” DiNapoli said. “Still, collections are down, especially in New York City, and local governments are facing serious fiscal challenges. The federal government must come up with a plan on how it is going to provide financial help to local governments during this difficult time. New York is resilient, but our local governments are hurting.”

New York City’s steep year-over-year decline of nearly 22 percent in sales tax revenue for the third quarter was the main driver behind the overall drop in local government collections. Nearly every other region of the state saw at least some increase over the third quarter of 2019, although these increases were not as strong as in the pre-COVID first quarter.

Although it is not yet clear what is driving the growth in sales tax collections outside the city, national retail sales increased by 6.4 percent in the third quarter over the same period in 2019, with particularly strong growth in building material and garden centers, sporting goods and hobby stores, and non-store (internet-based) retail. 

New York City, however, was hit earliest and hardest by the pandemic, and has continued to have more restrictions on certain activities than other regions. Indoor dining, in particular, did not resume until Sept. 30, but with strict limitations. In addition, consumer spending continues to be weak and international tourism fell sharply over prior years.

For September, New York City saw a 43.9 percent decline in collections compared to the same month in 2019, while the rest of the state rose 19 percent. However, neither of these variations are likely indicative of a major change in September, as they may be the result of a quarterly reconciliation of distributions based on recent vendor payments. 

Statewide, local sales tax collections declined by 11.8 percent, or $225 million, for the single month of September 2020 compared to the same month in 2019. So far in 2020, year-to-date (January through September), collections declined 11 percent or $1.5 billion compared to the same period last year.

Table

Monthly and Quarterly Local Sales Tax Collections by Region

Report

Third Quarter 2020 Local Sales Tax Collections Down 9.5 Percent; New York City’s Decline Offsets Uptick in the Rest of State

Clergy Council 49th Precinct - “A PRAYER FOR PEACE IN OUR STREETS”

 

49th Precinct Community Council Meeting

 

As he opened the meeting 49th Precinct Community Council President Joe Thompson said that he hoped that he could continue with live meetings to inform the public about what was going on in the 49th Precinct.

Captain Natiw said that he was nearing the close of his second year as the commanding officer of the 49th Precinct. He went over the CompStat report for the previous twenty-eight days saying there was a total decrease in crime by over ten percent. He added that GLA (Grand Theft Auto) is higher than last year with a major cause being people are double parking to run into a store and leave their car running. A person will jump into the car to use it to go where they would have had to pay for a ride. 

Captain Natiw gave the Cop of the Month award to Police Officer Germaine Peart for his excellent work on a case involving a couple and a gun that was recovered, and found to be used in a robbery. The pair are now in jail. Crime Prevention Officer Tyrone Mederos spoke, warning of new scams that are targeting senior citizens. He said calls, text messages, or emails are being used to say a loved one is in jail, and thousands of dollars in cash cards need to be sent to a certain location or the pin numbers via text or email. He said no government agency will ask for cash cards in lieu of payment. 

After some community organization and elected official reports, having no more business the meeting was adjourned by President Thompson. The captain, and his community affairs officers remained to answer any private questions. 

Above - (L - R) 49th Pct. CC Treasurer Hazel Miura, P,O, Mederos, Captain Natiw, 49 PCT. CC President Joe Thompson, P.O. Graham, 49 Pct.CC Secretary Gene De Francis.

Below - Captain Natiw going over the CompStat report.

The Cop of the Month Award to P.O. Peart.

Governor Cuomo Announces Travel Advisory Requiring 14-Day Quarantine - OCTOBER 27, 2020

 

California Added to NY's COVID-19 Travel Advisory; No Areas Are Removed

Non-Essential Interstate Travel To And From Massachusetts Discouraged

Positive Testing Rate in All Focus Zone Areas is 3.65 Percent; New York State Positivity Outside All Focus Zone Areas is 1.53 Percent      

Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.78 Percent 

15 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that California has been added to New York State's COVID-19 travel advisory. No areas have been removed. The advisory requires individuals who have traveled to New York from areas with significant community spread to quarantine for 14 days. The quarantine applies to any person arriving from an area with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or an area with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.

Neighboring state Massachusetts now meets the criteria for the travel advisory, in addition to Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania - however, given the interconnected nature of the region and mode of transport between the states, a quarantine on these states is not practically viable. That said, New York State highly discourages, to the extent practical, non-essential travel between Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania while they meet the travel advisory criteria. 

"We know COVID is spreading at increased rates in other states and New York State is not in a hermetically sealed bubble. The numbers are a reminder that COVID is still here and continues to spread in communities across the state, particularly when people choose not to follow the safety protocols in place to control the virus. We continue to see outbreaks linked to mass gatherings at houses of worship, at weddings and funerals, and other events where the virus can quickly spread," Governor Cuomo said. "Now, 45 states and territories meet the requirements for our travel advisory. We cannot let our guard down and risk going backwards in New York. It's going to take the work of all of us to remain vigilant. Stay NY Smart - wear a mask, socially distance and follow the public health guidance. It's there to save lives."

Since Guam and Puerto Rico are on the list the only six states that travel is not restricted from are Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

The Governor noted that the positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's Micro-Cluster strategy is 3.65 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 1.53 percent. Within the focus areas, 13,205 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 482 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 98,413 test results were reported, yielding 1,509 positives.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Patient Hospitalization - 1,083 (+24)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 110
• Hospital Counties - 47
• Number ICU - 233 (-4)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 120 (+2) 
• Total Discharges - 79,230 (+68)
• Deaths - 15 
• Total Deaths - 25,758

BETTER BUSES RESTART: NEW YORK CITY ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF HYLAN BOULEVARD BUS LANES TO PROVIDE FASTER, MORE RELIABLE SERVICE FOR STATEN ISLANDERS

 

Another ‘Better Buses Restart’ project completed this year already improving bus speeds and inter-borough connections for 33,000 daily riders

 

To date, 9.1 miles of bus priority projects completed in 2020

 Mayor de Blasio today announced the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has completed its extension of the Hylan Boulevard bus lanes, providing faster, more reliable bus service for 33,000 Staten Islanders every day and improving inter-borough connections between Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. This reallocated street space to buses permanently maintains and builds upon the faster bus speeds experienced during the COVID crisis, with speeds up 71% during the afternoon rush over the pre-COVID period. The bus lane is one of four ‘Better Buses Restart’ projects, totaling 9.1 miles, completed so far this year.

 

DOT installed 4.7 miles of new curbside bus lane, extending the northbound lane from Nelson Avenue to Lincoln Avenue, and the southbound bus lane from Lincoln Avenue to Guyon Avenue. The Hylan Boulevard corridor serves the S79 Select Bus Service, the S57 and S78 local routes, and eight express bus routes.

 

“Staten Island needs faster and more reliable buses, and these bus lane extensions mean easier commutes for tens of thousands of riders every day,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Rebuilding a fairer and better city means doubling down on public transportation, I look forward to continuing to improve car-free options in every borough.”

 

“Throughout this pandemic it’s become even more apparent how much of a critical role buses play in New York City and the extension of bus lanes on Hylan Boulevard benefits tens of thousands of Staten Islanders,” said Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin. “Every borough will continue to see further innovations and investments in public transportation, as that continues to remain the future of mobility for this City.”

 

“Buses have played a vital role during the COVID-19 crisis, keeping our frontline workers moving during the shutdown, and now helping more and more New Yorkers get around the five boroughs during recovery,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “We thank Mayor de Blasio for making the Hylan Boulevard project a key component of the Better Buses Restart, so we could move quickly to extend the bus lanes to cover what Staten Islanders know is the busiest part of the corridor.”

 

Average northbound bus speeds are now at 11.8 mph during the AM rush, a 28% increase over the pre-COVID-era speed of 9.2 mph, while southbound buses are now averaging 14.9 mph during the PM rush, up 71% from pre-COVID-era speeds of 8.7 mph for southbound buses during the PM rush.

 

DOT continues to deliver on the mayor’s record-setting Better Buses Restart plan, which aims to increase bus speeds and reliability along major corridors in all five boroughs. The agency has also continued implementing bus priority projects throughout the city, including the Jay Street Busway Pilot and Malcolm X Blvd in Brooklyn, 149th Street in the Bronx, and the 14th Street bus lane extension in Manhattan.

 

Hylan Boulevard Project Details:

• Northbound bus lane: Nelson Avenue to Lincoln Avenue Hours in effect: 6 AM – 9 AM, M-F
• Southbound bus lane: Lincoln Avenue to Guyon Avenue Hours in effect: 3 PM – 7 PM, M-F
• Emergency vehicles are permitted to access the bus lane, and vehicles may use the bus lane to make a right turn

 

NYC DOT created a Community Advisory Board (CAB) made up of bus riders, community members, and elected officials, who met to discuss and advise on the project. DOT will continue to provide feedback to the CAB in the coming months. All presentations to the CAB are available at http://nyc.gov/busprojects.

 

NYC DOT will monitor traffic and bus speeds to study the impacts of the new bus lanes and continue to provide public updates on progress.

 

“Dedicated bus lanes on Staten Island such as these are needed to speed up what is already one of the lengthiest commutes in the country, and to get people out of their cars government has to incentivize people to take mass transit. I hope to see the improved bus speeds experienced during the pandemic by our SIM Express Bus commuters, particularly along this Hylan Boulevard corridor, maintained as a result to this Better Buses Restart project,” said Borough President Jimmy Oddo.