Even during the COVID 19 period, the Throggs Neck BID office remains open. In-person Office Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9–4, and Friday 11-4. On Tuesdays and at all other times, including weekends and nights, we can be reached at 347-281-8323.
Category: Important Announcements
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BID Business Opportunity
Request for Proposals for Audit Services
The Throggs Neck BID is requesting proposals from CPA firms that have extensive experience in providing audit and tax services for not for profit organizations, particularly Local Development Corporations (LDCs) and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). We invite qualified CPA firms to submit a proposal to us for consideration by no later than October 26. A description of our organization, the services needed, and other pertinent information follows:
Background of The Throggs Neck BID.
The Throggs Neck BID is a New York not for profit District Management Association recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable, tax-exempt organization pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It began operations this year.
Our annual operating budget is approximately $338.000. We have one full-time employees and one part time in one location. Our main current source of revenue is from a special assessment.
The BID has a fiscal year July 1st to June 30th, with an audited statement due by November 15th of each year. The BID maintains all accounting records in-house.
Services to be Performed
Your proposal is expected to cover the following services for the BID
- Annual audit of the financial statements for the year ended and meetings with the Audit Committee and/or Board of Directors, as necessary.
- Management letter containing comments and recommendations with respect to accounting and administrative controls and efficiency.
- Preparation of federal and state information returns for the organization.
- Availability throughout the year to provide advice and guidance on reporting issues.
Proposal Content
In order to simplify the evaluation process and obtain maximum comparability, the BID requires that all responses to be organized in the following manner:
- Executive Summary
Describe your understanding of the work to be performed and your firm’s ability to perform the work within the time frame provided.
- Professional Experience
Describe the firm’s philosophy, size, structure, and qualifications with serving not for profit organizations with a similar size and operations. Describe your firm’s resources devoted to not for profit organizations and provide copies of newsletters or other resources materials addressing issues relevant to not for profit organizations.
- Team Qualifications
Identify the specific partners, managers, and in-charge staff who will be assigned to this engagement if you are successful in your bid.
- Audit Approach
Describe how your firm will approach the proposed services, including the use of affiliates or staff from other locations, areas that will receive primary emphasis, and the type of assistance that will be required from the BID. Also discuss the firm’s use of technology. Finally, discuss the communication process used by the firm to discuss issues with management and the Board.
- Fees and Terms
Please provide a firm estimate of fees for the services to be provided, including the review of prior year audit papers, and a statement on how the communication process for cost overruns will be handled. Our intent is to develop a long term relationship with the successful bidder, based on performance.
- Client References
Include a list of the relevant not for profit clients – including particularly BIDs and LDCs that manage BIDs – that the firm has served within the past three years and furnish the names and telephone numbers of any references whom we may contact.
Evaluation of Proposals
While price is a key factor, the BID will evaluate proposals on price and the following criteria:
- Prior experience auditing similar organizations
- Qualifications of staff to be assigned to the engagement
- CPA firm’s understanding of work to be performed
- References
- Completeness and timeliness of the proposal
Requests for additional information, should be coordinated through our associate, Frank Vernuccio, at frank@throggsneckbid.com. Please return the completed proposal to our attention as soon as possible and in any event, no later than October 26, 2020.
We would also appreciate a response if you decline to submit a proposal.
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Fall Planting
Over the weekend, fall planting was performed within the tree pits lining the BID. New plants and additional mulch were added. The BID will also provide holiday lights and other enhancements in the coming months.
16 pages of rules, and four hundred new hires of personnel to enforce them, are the response of New York’s government to demands to reopen restaurants for indoor dining, particularly now that the weather is turning cooler.
The Throggs Neck BID staff attended a meeting held at the 45 Precinct on September 22 that was convened by the police to inform local food service businesses about the rules that must be followed for indoor dining.
The NYPD did not make the rules and does not have primary responsibility for enforcement, but it will have a role in responding to violations.
To read the rules, click on this link: https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Indoor_and_Outdoor_Food_Services_Detailed_Guidelines.pdf
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Restaurants Under Attack
Eater, a restaurant industry publication, reports that from March 1 to September 1 about a thousand eating and drinking establishments have closed throughout the city, according to a New York Times report.
After reluctantly allowing indoor dining to resume after September 30, city and state authorities stated that they could only do so to an unaffordable 25% capacity. To make matters worse, City Hall is already threatening to end even that limited opening if COVID infections rise to 2%–without any evidence that any such potential increase would be the result of indoor dining.
Food service businesses are a vital part of the Throggs Neck BID. We continue to actively oppose these moves that could lead to massive economic dislocation and job loss.
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Save NYC’s Restaurants
The fierce determination of many New Yorkers, and a heavy dose of common sense, forced city and state authorities to slightly relent on their position to keep NYC restaurants closed to indoor dining. But only allowing 25% occupancy is economically unfeasible, and the effort to save this vital portion of the economy must continue.
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INDOOR DINING
THERE ARE LATE REPORTS THAT NYC HAS APPROVED INDOOR DINING, AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, AT 25% CAPACITY.
There will be a rally tomorrow, September 10, at noon in front of the Community Board 10 office at 3165 East Tremont Avenue to urge the city and state to allow indoor dining.
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Gyms can Reopen
| NYC’s Small Business Services (SBS) has provided the following announcement: |
| We are excited to share that gyms are allowed to officially reopen tomorrow, September 2nd once the owner has submitted a Gym and Fitness Facility Inspection Request and Attestation Form to the NYC Health Department. By completing the form, a facility is affirming it has met COVID-19-related New York State requirements and is ready for inspection. Indoor pools and indoor fitness classes will remain closed in New York City until further notice. Health and safety remain the number one priority as the City reopens. You can find all guidance related to gym reopening using the buttons below. |
| Reopening Gyms and Fitness Facilities: What Operators Need to Know | Interim Guidance for Gyms and Fitness Centers During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency |
| Have questions? Our team is here to help and support you as you reopen your business and navigate new guidelines. Join us for a webinar on September 10 to learn more about reopening your gym. Learn more and RSVP. You can also visit us at nyc.gov/reopeningbusinesses or call our hotline at (888)SBS-4NYC. |
| Upcoming Reopening Webinars Reopening your business in NYC? We can help. Join us at one of our upcoming webinars designed to help you understand the requirements and best practices to reopen. |
| Are you a minority or woman business owner? Get certified The City spends up to $17 billion per year on goods and services. Getting certified as an M/WBE will help you compete for these opportunities and access exclusive programs to help your small business grow. Want to learn more? Join us for an upcoming webinar! |
| Make sure you’re prepared this hurricane season. From gas leaks and fires, to major hurricanes, flooding, and blackouts, NYC business owners face many challenges that can impact your operations and assets. The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is here to help guide you through the start of a business continuity plan. Join us for a webinar to learn how to: Stay in business: Identify your key business functions, employees, and documents Protect your investments: Understand how to protect your assets and navigate insurance processes Be ready for action: Create a business continuity plan for your business |
*NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS ON A ROLLING BASIS*
To help New York City’s small businesses experiencing financial distress due to the impact of COVID-19, Citizens Committee has launched Neighborhood Business Grants.
Small businesses, vital to the fabric of their neighborhoods, will receive grants of $5,000 – $10,000 to maintain payroll and operations. We will prioritize businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, and women. Proposals that focus on adapting businesses to the challenges of COVID-19 (i.e. delivering orders, fulfilling online requests for products, conducting training and classes online) will also be prioritized. Grants may be made to barber shops, restaurants, food carts, vegetable stands, and other small businesses. Unlike many financial opportunities currently available to small businesses, this program will provide grants rather than loans.
The application is intended to be accessible and short, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you have any questions, please email businessgrants@citizensnyc.org.
Access the online application by going to https://www.tfaforms.com/4842203
To view a sample of the application, please go to https://www.citizensnyc.org/sites/default/files/sample_-_small_business_neighborhood_grants_application.pdf
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License Renewal Update
From NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs:
Important Update about License Renewal 08/2020
Under NYC’s COVID-19 Relief Package, the license expiration dates and renewal application deadlines covered by Emergency Executive Orders (EEO) 107 and 110 are extended. In general, the extension applies to licenses with expiration dates ON OR AFTER March 12, 2020 when NYC declared a pandemic state of emergency.
Where to Find Your License Expiration Date: • License expiration date is on your license.
◦ For businesses, see “Expires” field on your license document.
◦ For individuals, see “Expiration Date” field on your license ID (card).
• You can also visit nyc.gov/BusinessToolbox and click “Renew” for the list of licenses and their expiration dates to see if the EEO covers your industry.
Exception Industries: • Employment Agency and Scrap Metal Processor licenses are not covered by EEO; these license expiration dates are set by State law: ◦ Employment Agency license expiration date was May 1, 2020. ◦ Scrap Metal Processor license expiration date was June 30, 2020.
• If your license is expired—that is, the expiration date is not extended—you may not operate until you get your renewed license. In addition to Employment Agency and Scrap Metal Processor, industries that may not operate without a renewed license are:
◦ Process Server Individual ◦ Process Serving Agency ◦ Scale Dealer Repairer • License expiration date for these industries was February 28, 2020. Stay Informed:
• Monitor nyc.gov or nyc.gov/dca for updates. Once the City issues a new Mayoral EEO with guidance for renewing your license, your extended license will expire 45 days from the date of the Mayoral EEO
For further information on Business licenses, go to: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/businesses/licensing_industries_list.pdf