The Business Forum Welcomed MBP Gale Brewer for a NYC Reopening Discussion
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
By: Business Forum Chairs
On July 8, the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association Business Forum held their first ever Zoom webinar, where Co-Chair Lilli Seidman Davis moderated a Q&A with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. We were honored that MBP Brewer, a great friend of the MHNA and supporter of our events, found time in her very demanding schedule to come and provide outreach, assistance and guidance as a supportive resource to our community.
MBP Brewer shared information about how other Manhattan districts and communities are reopening after the coronavirus stay-at-home period and how neighborhoods are developing networks and working together. She offered suggestions about how Murray Hill can participate in these networks. One thing we discussed was the NYC Open Streets program, which allows public streets to be shared by businesses, people, bikes, and cars. The new Open Restaurants program extends the areas restaurants can use for outdoor dining. Other topics were compliance with the new COVID reopening guidance, enforcement of the guidance rules, and what landlords are doing to support the re-opening of businesses in view of current financial challenges.
We also heard from a representative from the Business Solutions office of the NYC Department of Small Business Services who described numerous free services the agency provides to businesses, such as free PPE gear, free compliance and financial consultations, assistance with getting permits, training and more.
Owners of Murray Hill restaurants and retail stores were able to share their frustrations and offer insights that shed light on the issues associated with our new normal as well as how the city can facilitate keeping their businesses afloat.
The Chair also introduced the MHNA to the webinar participants and explained how the community’s businesses, individuals and families can utilize the Association. Two goals of the MHNA are to support our local businesses and promote activities for our community.
Thanks to all of the participants as well as our Borough President for sharing their time with us. We wish everyone prosperity and good health. These are unprecedented times, and it is comforting to know that we will fight this together and there are resources and people to help during this crisis. This year, our 60th anniversary, carries a message of Better Together, and this webinar was a real-life example of this.
If you missed the webinar you can view the recording on YouTube and the SBS power point presentation.
Murray Hill businesses and nonprofits are invited to join our next webinar. Look for emails with the details, or check our website calendar at murrayhillnyc.org.