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Hello Business Owner, August 25, 2020
Here are five things you need to know as we move toward business recovery...
1. Rebound New Rochelle grant applications still being accepted
To help position local businesses for success in the post-COVID economy, Rebound New Rochelle offers grants to cover business expenses and ways to get advice for improved decision-making. Apply Now
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2. County of Westchester IDA Loan and Grant Applications Go Live Monday, August 24th at 9:00 am
On Monday, August 24 at 9:00 am the County of Westchester Industrial Development Agency (IDA) officially launched a new program designed to ensure the short-term viability of both small businesses and not-for-profit corporations negatively impacted by COVID-19. The program allows the IDA to provide financial assistance through the State Disaster and Emergency Loan and Grant Program.
Under the program, the IDA is providing grants to small businesses and small not-for-profit corporations in an amount not to exceed $10,000. The proceeds must be used for the purpose of acquiring personal protective equipment or installing equipment necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The IDA is also offering loans through the administration of the State Disaster Emergency Loan Program to small businesses and small not-for-profit corporations in an amount up to $25,000. The loans are available at 0% interest.
More information about the IDA Loan and Grant Program can be found at:
IDA Loan and Grant Application
In preparation for applying for the grant or loan it is prudent to gather up the documentation that you will need to submit along with your application. The documents must be in electronic format (e.g., PDF, Word document, etc.) so that they can be uploaded into the application on the website. No paper applications or paper documentation will be accepted. Your application will not be reviewed unless all the required documentation is submitted online with the application.
Questions? email: IDAloangrant@westchestergov.com
3. Fire Safety Inspections: A message from our Fire Chief
Practicing Fire Safety – Being Prepared for Your Fire Safety Inspection
As the Fire Department moves forward with our Fire Safety Inspection program, there are a few items we would like property and business owners to be aware of. First and foremost: having been deeply impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the New Rochelle Fire Department is keenly aware of the need to maintain daily COVID-safety practices. Each and every day, whether in the firehouse or interacting with the public we serve, members are constantly mask-wearing, socially distancing, limiting contact as appropriate, and sanitizing.
That said, the low coronavirus infection numbers in NY State have allowed the mid-Hudson region (including New Rochelle) to enter into phase 4 of re-opening. Now consider, pandemic or no pandemic, the need for Fire Safety through Code Compliance has not changed. Fires everywhere, including New Rochelle, did not ‘take a break’ during the shutdown. Besides suppression and extinguishment, one of the Fire Department’s primary jobs is fire prevention. We owe it to the public to help them remain vigilant on not only COVID safety practices, but on Fire Safety practices as well.
Our Code Enforcement Division is seeking to take a more pro-active approach to Fire Safety inspections. Please look over the attached Fire Safety Inspection checklist. Attending to the items on this list will help ensure your property is operating at a high level of safety, and is in keeping with the New York State Fire Safety and Property Maintenance Codes. In addition, it will limit the time the Fire Department needs to be on scene during your Fire Safety Inspection.
We look forward to visiting you for your Fire Safety Inspection. We may be calling ahead to set up the best time for us to come by, so as not to impede on anyone’s occupancy limitations. You can also advise us of any building-specific COVID-safety protocols. Please feel free to contact Fire Headquarters (914) 645 - 2212 with questions, or stop by at 90 Beaufort Place (back left corner of City Hall). As always, it is our pleasure to serve you.
Yours in safety,
Fire Chief Andrew J. Sandor
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4. Gyms and fitness centers can start reopening on Aug. 24 with required safety precautions and inspections per NY State.
All Gyms & Fitness Centers Able to Open by Sept 2; Indoor Fitness Classes May Be Delayed Beyond September 2
Facilities Required to Operate at 33 Percent Capacity and Follow Rigorous Health and Safety Protocols, Including Masks at All Times
New York State is allowing gyms to reopen starting August 24, with mandatory mask use, recommended HVAC upgrades, and limiting usage to 33% of capacity. Additionally, the Governor’s current plan necessitates that County Department of Health inspect each gym before they can reopen.
Per current guidance, the County will also be able to determine whether small ‘class’-style practices may reopen. Local elected officials may choose to delay the reopening of gyms and fitness centers until September 2, and may also choose to delay the reopening of indoor fitness classes until a date beyond September 2. The County has asked the Governor’s office to clarify whether this determination is done on a case by case basis or as a blanket rule.
These guidelines apply to fitness activities and facilities, including, but not limited to: standalone, hotel, residential, and office gyms and fitness centers, gyms and fitness centers in higher education institutions, yoga/Pilates/barre studios, boxing/kickboxing gyms, fitness boot camps, CrossFit or other plyometric boxes, and other group fitness classes. Residential and hotel gyms and fitness centers must have staff available to ensure compliance with this guidance.
NOTE: It is MANDATORY that County Department of Health inspect each gym before, or within 14 days after, opening.
REQUIRED ACTIONS:
- Read and affirm the Gym & Fitness Center Guidelines
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In order to prepare for your inspection and reopening, complete a Business Safety plan and return it to Lisa Davis, Business Ambassador, plus keep a copy available on site. Ensure that it covers all the items listed in the NY State Guidance.
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Prepare for the required Westchester County Dept. of Health inspection - Details to follow on scheduling the required inspection To schedule an inspection, contact the Westchester County Dept. of Health 914-813-5000 or e-mail jhjj@westchestergov.com.
5. SBA is still accepting applications
Small businesses, private non-profits and agricultural businesses impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, can still apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation to health care benefits, rent, utilities and fixed debt payments.
Sincerely,
Lisa Davis
Ldavis@newrochelleny.com | 914-654-2189
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