The Town of Huntington has set up a Business Reopening Resources page on its website to assist with the reopening process for businesses.
The page includes instructions, forms and information on waiving fees for outdoor dining permits and sidewalk sales, with more details to be posted before Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan, expected to take effect Wednesday.
“As Huntington reopens for business, the Town is here to help simplify and accelerate that process,” said Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci.
OUTDOOR DINING
The page lists instructions and forms for establishments for temporary outdoor dining on sidewalks of town and county roads to help accelerate the reopening process for food establishments.
The town is waiving the $200 permit application fee.
The Zoning Board of Appeals is simplifying the application process for establishments to offer temporary on-premises outdoor dining for private property not usually used for dining. Instructions will be published on the Reopening Resources page and announced before Phase 2 begins on June 10.
Different regulations govern temporary outdoor dining on sidewalks of state roads, such as Main Street/Route 25A and New York Avenue; information will be posted on the resources page once the state provides guidance.
OUTDOOR RETAIL/SIDEWALK SALES
The Town is working on a simplified process that will allow merchants to display merchandise and operate on a public sidewalk in front of their store.
The new, temporary process will require certification from the merchant that such activity will not obstruct the passage of at least two (2) individuals walking side-by-side along that sidewalk; instructions will be published on the Reopening Resources page and announced before Phase 2 begins.
OTHER RESOURCES
The resources page also includes guidance on construction permits affected by COVID-19 shutdowns, instructions on how to reserve metered municipal parking outside of storefronts in the Huntington Village Business District, as well as links to New York State Phase-by-Phase Reopening Guidance and Resources, and other information for businesses affected by the COVID-19.
HUNTINGTON SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC RECOVERY TASK FORCE
The Huntington Small Business Economic Recovery Task Force held its first meeting, using Zoom video conferencing software, on Thursday. The task force elected Andrea Bonilla of the Huntington Station BID to serve as Chairperson.
Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci provided an update on items the Town has been working on. The Task Force discussed potential methods of communication with the business community and plans for the next meeting next week.
The Huntington Small Business Economic Recovery Task Force, comprising local business leaders, is promoting collaboration between Town government and small businesses to develop ideas that will help accelerate our local economic recovery from the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis.
Members of the committee are: William “Chip” Ketcham, Beckman’s Florist; John Tunney, Tunnyvision Restaurant Development; Dominick Catoggio, The Paramount; Theresa Sullivan, Olivers Haircutters; Brian Yudewitz, Huntington Chamber of Commerce. From the Town of Huntington Economic Development Corporation (EDC): Leah M. Jefferson, executive director, and Melissa Naeder; from the Chambers of Commerce: Vita Scaturro, Huntington Chamber of Commerce; Loriann Pineo, East Northport Chamber of Commerce; David Gustin, Melville Chamber of Commerce; James Izzo, Northport Chamber of Commerce; from the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs): Jack Palladino, Huntington BID; Tom Hogan, Cold Spring Harbor BID; and Andrea Bonilla, Huntington Station BID, who was elected Chair.