Events, COVID updates & Message from Chairwoman

This devastating pandemic has resulted in so many lives lost, others negatively impacted, and businesses have taken a wallop. Landlords are struggling to fill spaces being left empty by businesses closing their doors. Each day yet another business announces that they are closing due to COVID-19.

Life will go on despite the terrible heartbreak, physical and emotional toll. New businesses will emerge and a “new” normal will emerge. However we have seen that to thrive post-COVID, there is a need to shift. Municipalities must rethink antiquated zoning codes that are designed for big box retail, in order to thrive and preserve vibrant main streets. Entrepreneurs are begging for small scale retail opportunities, residents desperately seek amenities. People want to play, shop, get quality health care, and find employment within close proximity of their home, in an affordable, accessible manner. It’s becoming increasingly clear that municipalities who can deliver the above are the ones who will enjoy a competitive edge as we emerge from the pandemic-induced economic crisis.

Mixed-use zoning is a viable solution for our hamlets. Kids once grew up in Carmel and walked around after school, visiting the variety of family-owned and operated stores and restaurants. What a magical time. I have even considered making an apartment in the 6000 square feet that my real estate company and my fiance’s law office occupy. A post-COVID world is inviting much contemplation of different models for life and work and many are retro in the ways of zoning.

On every “main street”, even if the proprietor doesn’t live in the residential space, having other dwellers in the commerce corridors supported by proper zoning enforcement (to ensure ample parking, etc.) creates a beneficial and affordable, mutually-supportive ethos. Why are we afraid of affordable housing? It’s not a symbol of class differences; it’s a lifestyle that many have adapted to, opting for travel or expensive hobbies instead of high housing costs.

Putnam County has so many corridors that are struggling because, with the exception of the villages of Cold Spring and Brewster, they do not have what Main Street needs to survive: residents with money to spend.

With so many businesses closing and job losses, wouldn’t homeowners have more opportunities for careers if they could start a business out of their home in a residential neighborhood? Wouldn’t encouraging this boost our own economy? When one starts considering commercial space into their budgets on top of housing costs, many just can’t afford to get started.

It’s time to rethink what needs to be regulated and what we can allow to organically grow in our beautiful county. I am not talking about allowing industrial use in residential areas, I am talking about low-impact, mom and pop, homeowner-driven businesses that could strengthen the social and economic fabric of our neighborhoods. Just food for thought. Please write to me, I’d love to hear your input!

New York’s independent COVID-19 Clinical Advisory Task Force unanimously approved the FDA vaccine panel’s decision to recommend the Pfizer vaccine. The Task Force, which is chaired by Nobel laureate Dr. Charles Rice, was able to review data on the vaccine concurrently with the FDA, allowing for a thorough review for New Yorkers.

This added level of approval should give New Yorkers additional confidence in the vaccine. As we prepare for the great task of administering the vaccine, we simultaneously continue to act to slow the spread of the virus and to ensure hospital capacity. We are constantly calibrating our strategy with the goal of maintaining as much economic activity as possible, while protecting public health. Today we took several new measures to that end.

Under these updated metrics, Red, Orange and Yellow Zones will now be determined as follows: A Red Zone will be implemented when a region reaches a critical hospital capacity—that is, when 90 percent of beds are full (after measures to increase capacity have been taken). An Orange Zone will be implemented if an area has a 4 percent positivity rate over the past 10 days (on a 7-day average) and is located in a region that has reached 85 percent hospital capacity. A Yellow Zone will be implemented if an area has a 3 percent positivity rate over the past 10 days (on a 7-day average) and is in the top 10 percent in the state for hospital admissions per capita over the past week and is experiencing week-over-week growth in daily admissions. It sounds complicated—but the basic idea behind these metrics is to ensure that hospital systems are not overloaded.

This is in response to the continued increase in positive cases and hospitalizations, in addition to recently issued CDC guidance emphasizing the high risk of indoor dining. Outdoor dining, delivery and takeout will remain in place. This suspension will continue to be re-evaluated based on updated data over the coming weeks.

Under the directive, hospitals must either add additional capacity, reduce elective surgeries, or a combination of both, in order to remain under 85 percent. This measure expands on the previously announced “Surge and Flex” protocol.

Starting Monday, December 14th, gyms, fitness centers, salons and barber shops—which are currently closed in Orange Zones—will be allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity. Employees must be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. This is good news for establishments in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, among other Orange Zone locations—and a testament to the success these industries have had across the state in keeping patrons safe.

This moratorium will provide support to small businesses and other tenants during these difficult times. These businesses need help now more than ever, and Congress must include support for bars and restaurants in the next stimulus package.

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting four webinars on the topic of PPP Loan Forgiveness.

They have asked that those interested in attending send an email to SBA representative Man – Li requesting one of the below dates to attend. (Registration link has been updated)

The webinars are FREE, but you must contact the SBA to pre-register.