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Throggs Neck BID Opposes Road Diet

On July 22, Community Board 10 held a public meeting (via internet) to discuss the NYC Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Road Diet plan.

The proposal would cut lanes on a portion of East Tremont Avenue from four lanes to three, and would would further reduce driving space through the development of a dedicated bike lane.

The Throggs Neck BID, joined by an overwhelming number of participants at the meeting, including Councilmember Mark Gjonaj, vigorously opposed the plan. It would intentionally make driving slower and unintentionally more dangerous, since drivers would be forced to pass double parked vehicles by pulling into oncoming traffic. In a commercial area, double-parking by trucks making deliveries is inevitable, since stores and restaurants must get deliveries to stay in business.

The timing of the plan, which DOT seeks to implement late this summer, is particularly poor, since businesses already hurt by the COVID shutdown would be further detrimentally impacted.

DOT claimed their proposal would help reduce traffic accidents by reducing speeding, ignoring the fact that poor lighting is a key factor in safety. BID Executive Director Bob Jaen noted that numerous requests had been made to DOT for improved lighting, which would address safety issues, but the requests remain unfulfilled.

It became apparent at the meeting that DOT had not bothered to gather all the facts, including the location of speed cameras, and the impact on attached traffic areas.

It was also pointed out by Jaen that citywide, only 0.65% actually use bikes for transportation, and inconveniencing the other 99.35% by installing a bike lane made no sense whatsoever.

Despite the opposition of the residents, businesses, the BID, and elected officials, DOT remained determined to move ahead with their proposal, in defiance of all the above.

The BID is determined to fight on.

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OBJECTIONS TO “ROAD DIET” PROPOSAL

REMINDER! THE COMMUNITY BOARD MEETING IS TONIGHT!

To listen-in, dial (646) 992-2010 and enter access key 1299536826 when prompted.

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) has a proposal that may have a negative impact on businesses, residents and shoppers within the Throggs Neck BID.

DOT is seeking to implement a “road diet” plan, which will reduce driving lanes on East Tremont Avenue from the Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road to Harding Avenue, and Harding Avenue from Emerson Avenue to Pennyfield Avenue, from four lanes to three. Drivable space will be even further reduced due to the development of a bike lane.

Community Board 10 had announced its opposition when a similar proposal was announced (and unfortunately implemented) on the portion of East Tremont Avenue from Bruckner to Westchester Square. Our neighboring community, Morris Park, successfully fought against a “road diet” plan that DOT attempted to implement in their area.

Some cities, such as Gainesville in Florida, adopted road diet proposals than subsequently abandoned them.

On 2015, Steve Lopez wrote in The Los Angeles Times

“Road diet’ is the operative term…everything you do — from commuting, to running errands, to taking the kids to school — will be affected for decades to come. As…David Zahniser wrote, ‘The goal is to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians while also luring more people out of their cars.’…Critics are crying about pollution from idling vehicles, potential emergency vehicle delays, accident risks and new headaches as motorists cut through residential streets to avoid road-diet backups. A Westside nonprofit called Fix the City has sued to overturn the plan, which won City Council approval in August by a 12-2 vote.”

The idea of discouraging vehicular traffic through road diet plans will not work well in a community such as ours. Those who frequent our shops and restaurants, overwhelmingly, use cars, and that is highly unlikely to change.

Community Board 10 has scheduled a CISCO WEBEX virtual meeting where you can listen-in. It will be on Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 P.M. To listen-in, dial (646) 992-2010 and enter access key 1299536826 when prompted. Since it is a conference call, you will be muted by the host so that the presentation can occur. It is a committee meeting where we may not be able to get each person’s question and/or comment.

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COVID Impact Study

The Bronx Chamber has been working on gathering data of the impact on Bronx businesses pre and post covid19.  They ask for your support to make sure their data is accurate.  This data will provide the information needed by all of us to secure funding, work with our elected officials, and also to determine where we can best serve the borough businesses as a whole.  The Chamber has received many request from City, State, and Federal agencies wanting to know this information. 

The Chamber is respectfully urging you to please make every effort possible to fill out the survey.  The survey is in various languages.  They understand there is some resistance from businesses as their time is focused on getting their businesses back up and running, but this data will eventually help your districts and businesses by bringing much needed resources to our neighborhood.    

The survey takes about 5-8 minutes. They have a team going to some businesses with their laptops to assist some merchants to complete the survey.  They look forward to your support.

      Link to survey: https://manhattan.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8IKOjwelkgZn40Z

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Phase 3 information

Phase 3 information from NYC

From: NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

Get DCWP Alerts and Information During COVID-19 Crisis: For the latest information to all of our COVID-19 resources listed below and in additional languages, please visit: nyc.gov/DCWPAlerts

NYC Means Business: Reopen & Stay Safe at Work: Beginning Monday, July 6, 2020, as part of Phase 3, certain businesses can reopen in New York City. Learn more about important guidelines and requirements here:  www.nyc.gov/businesstoolbox

Sidewalk Cafes: Per the Mayor’s Executive Order, certain laws and rules relating to sidewalk cafés have been suspended to administer the Open Restaurants Program. Restaurants must seek permission through this program to place outdoor seating in front of their establishment on the sidewalk, including restaurants that have been licensed for unenclosed sidewalk cafés and small sidewalk cafés. Learn more at nyc.gov/openrestaurants.

DCWP Services Available Online: To help customers follow the City’s guidance to stay home as much as possible and practice social (physical) distancing to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will not accept in-person visits.  Learn more here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/media/DCWP-ServicesAvailableOnlineOnly.pdf

License extensions and renewals: A COVID-19 Relief Package, signed into law by the Mayor, extends the license expiration dates and renewal application deadlines covered by Emergency Executive Orders (EEO) 107 and 110. In general, the extension applies to licenses with expiration dates on or after March 12, 2020, when the Mayor first declared a state of emergency.

NEW Renewal Application Deadlines are calculated from when EEO 110 expires.  Learn more: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/businesses/Does-Your-Consumer-Affairs-License-Expire-February-through-June-2020.pdf

Price Gouging: Please be advised that effective June 26, DCWP has issued a permanent rule that makes price gouging illegal for any products or services essential to health, safety, and welfare during a declared state of emergency. Learn more: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/media/Face-Masks-in-Short-Supply-Due-to-COVID-19.page

Workplace Laws: NYC Workplace laws are still in effect.  Learn more about employee rights and employer responsibilities here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/workers/Complying-with-NYC-Workplace-Laws-During-COVID-19.pdf

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers: For the health and safety of our providers and clients, all Financial Counseling sessions will be conducted over the phone.

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U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Coronavirus Funding Options

On Friday, March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the CARES Act, which contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses.

Funding Options

In addition to traditional SBA funding programs, the CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance

This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.

n response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. Recipients do not have to be approved for a loan in order to receive the advance, but the amount of the loan advance will be deducted from total loan eligibility. SBA will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications on June 15 to qualified small businesses and U.S. agricultural businesses.

The new eligibility for U.S. agricultural businesses is made possible as a result of the latest round of funds appropriated by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL application through the streamlined application portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will process these applications without the need for re-applying.

Eligibility

On June 15, SBA will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications from qualified small businesses and U.S. agricultural businesses.

Small business owners and qualified agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Agricultural businesses are now eligible as a result of the latest round of funds appropriated by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Agricultural businesses includes those businesses engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)).
  • SBA is encouraging all eligible agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees wishing to apply to begin preparing their business financial information needed for their application.

APPLY HERE:  https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

SBA Express Bridge Loans

Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.

Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

Terms

  • Up to $25,000
  • Fast turnaround
  • Will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan

SBA Debt Relief

The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overview

As part of our coronavirus debt relief efforts, the SBA will pay 6 months of principal, interest, and any associated fees that borrowers owe for all current 7(a), 504, and Microloans in regular servicing status as well as new 7(a), 504, and Microloans disbursed prior to September 27, 2020. This relief is not available for Paycheck Protection Program loans or Economic Injury Disaster loans. Borrowers do not need to apply for this assistance. It will be automatically provided as follows:

  • For loans not on deferment, SBA will begin making payments with the next payment due on the loan and will make six monthly payments.
  • For loans currently on deferment, SBA will begin making payments with the next payment due after the deferment period has ended, and will make six monthly payments.
  • For loans made after March 27, 2020 and fully disbursed prior to September 27, 2020, SBA will begin making payments with the first payment due on the loan and will make six monthly payments.

SBA has notified 7(a), 504 and Microloan Lenders that it will pay these borrower loan payments. Lenders have been instructed to refrain from collecting loan payments from borrowers. If a borrower’s payment was collected after March 27, 2020, lenders were instructed to inform the borrower that they have the option of having the loan payment returned by the lender or applying the loan payment to further reduce the loan balance after SBA’s payment.

Borrowers should contact their lender if they have any questions regarding this payment relief.

Additional Debt Relief

For current SBA Serviced Disaster (Home and Business) Loans: If your disaster loan was in “regular servicing” status on March 1, 2020, the SBA is providing automatic deferments through December 31, 2020.

What does an “automatic deferral” mean to borrowers?

  • Interest will continue to accrue on the loan.
  • 1201 monthly payment notices will continue to be mailed out which will reflect the loan is deferred and no payment is due.
  • The deferment will NOT cancel any established Preauthorized Debit (PAD) or recurring payments on your loan.  Borrowers that have established a PAD through Pay.Gov or an OnLine Bill Pay Service are responsible for canceling these recurring payments.  Borrowers that had SBA establish a PAD through Pay.gov will have to contact their SBA servicing office to cancel the PAD.
  • Borrowers preferring to continue making regular payments during the deferment period may continue remitting payments during the deferment period. SBA will apply those payments normally as if there was no deferment.
  • After this automatic deferment period, borrowers will be required to resume making regular principal and interest payments.  Borrowers that cancelled recurring payments will need to reestablish the recurring payment.


If you have questions about your current loan and whether or not your loan is automatically deferred, please contact your Loan Servicing Office directly using the following information:

  • Birmingham Disaster Loan Servicing Center:
    • Phone: 800-736-6048
    • Email: BirminghamDLSC@sba.gov
  • El Paso Disaster Loan Servicing Center:
    • Phone: 800-487-6019
    • Email: ElPasoDLSC@sba.gov
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Throggs Neck Bid Distributes Facemasks

During the week of June 8, the Throggs Neck Bid has been going door-to-door throughout East Tremont Avenue distributing free facemasks to all open businesses.

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BID Officials Spend Saturday With You!

On Saturday, June 6, officials of the Throggs Neck Bid and several BID members spent the morning handing out information about the BID and meeting with local residents. Reusable shopping bags and information about COVID testing from Throggs Neck Urgent Medical Care were distributed.

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Meet Us!

On Saturday, June 6, meet the Throggs Neck Bid Staff in front of the Chase Bank at 3528 East Tremont Avenue at noon.

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CURFEW ANNOUNCED

GOVERNOR CUOMO AND MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCE CITYWIDE CURFEW IN NEW YORK CITY WILL TAKE EFFECT BEGINNING AT 8 PM TONIGHT

NYPD Will Double the Number of Officers in Areas Where There Has Been Violent Property Damage 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio today announced a citywide curfew in New York City will take effect beginning at 8 PM tonight and will be lifted at 5 AM tomorrow morning.

The Governor and the Mayor also announced that the New York City Police Department will double its police presence to help prevent violence and property damage. The additional officers will be deployed to areas where violence and property damage occurred during last night’s protests – specifically in lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.

The Governor and the Mayor also reminded New Yorkers participating in protests to take proper health precautions and wear face coverings while we continue to fight the COVID-19 virus.

“I stand behind the protestors and their message, but unfortunately there are people who are looking to distract and discredit this moment,” Governor Cuomo said. “The violence and the looting has been bad for the city, the state and this entire national movement, undermining and distracting from this righteous cause. While we encourage people to protest peacefully and make their voices heard, the safety of the general public is paramount and cannot be compromised. Tonight the Mayor and I are implementing a citywide curfew starting at 11 PM and doubling the NYPD presence across the city.”

“I support and protect peaceful protest in this city. The demonstrations we’ve seen have been generally peaceful. We can’t let violence undermine the message of this moment. It is too important and the message must be heard. Tonight, to protect against violence and property damage, the Governor and I have decided to implement a citywide curfew,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The Police Commissioner and I have spoken at length about the incidents we’ve all seen in recent days where officers didn’t uphold the values of this city or the NYPD. We agree on the need for swift action. He will speak later today on how officers will be held accountable.”

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New Law Could Hurt Restaurants

Restaurant owners are already having a tough time during the COVID crisis.  Now, a new piece of City Council legislation, which bills itself as helping eating establishments, may actually make things even harder. 

The proposed law was designed to allow more sidewalk dining for restaurants, to cope with the difficulties of making facilities more secure for patrons during the pandemic and its aftermath. 

The problem is, it places sidewalk food vendors on basically an equal footing with restaurants.

The legislation states: “a food vendor may vend in an open space approved by the department of transportation pursuant to this subdivision provided that such vendor adhere to any guidelines issued by the department of health and mental hygiene pursuant to this subdivision…No later than seven days following the effective date of this local law, the department of health and mental hygiene shall establish guidelines for food vending in open spacing, including, but not limited to, those relating to spacing of food vendors.”

This is a direct threat to the profitability and even survival of restaurants.  The legislation should be immediately amended.