FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 10, 2020
MEDIA CONTACTS: Gordon Tepper, Rebecca Cheng, Matthew Leonenko and Michael Anderson | (516) 869-7794

North Hempstead, NY -North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board have announced that the Town will begin a new “Lift Up Local” outdoor dining and retail initiative designed to help local restaurants, food service establishments, and retail stores expand their operations outdoors. As Long Island has officially entered Phase 4 of New York State’s reopening, establishments are beginning to see an increase in business. This program will give restaurants and retail stores the opportunity to close streets for outdoor dining and retail use, allowing them to expand their capacities to meet the rising demand.

“We hope that many of our local businesses will take advantage of the ‘Lift Up Local’ initiative. Its goal is to help our small business recovery while still adhering to social distancing guidelines,” said Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “This summer, we are encouraging our residents to shop small, dine local, and support our community businesses.”

This is being implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to reduced indoor capacity for many businesses. Local Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Districts or a majority of businesses on a given street can participate in the initiative which would temporarily close roads for outdoor dining and retail use. Applicants will need to fill out a permit application, which can be obtained by calling 311 or visiting http://www.northhempsteadny.gov or https://www.northhempsteadny.gov/content/16253/16898/31796.aspx. The permit is free and can be used for one or multiple days, limited to the hours of 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Applications are subject to approval and will be reviewed in an expedited manner.

The Town, working with the Supervisor’s internal Business Recovery Response Workgroup, developed the idea as another way to help businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. The Workgroup, which includes members of the Town Board, also implemented an outdoor dining program in Town parks and has worked collaboratively on ideas that are suggested by community organizations, businesses, and individual residents with the goal of improving the quality of life for everyone in North Hempstead.