Advocating on behalf of local restaurants, which are struggling under COVID-19 restrictions, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin joined Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, local businesses, mayors and other Long Island officials today to call on New York State to allow outdoor dining in “Phase 2” of Long Island’s re-opening plan. Officials were responding to mixed messages from state and Nassau County authorities regarding the legality of outdoor dining after the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office shut down several outdoor dining areas on May 29th. Supervisor Clavin was joined by his colleagues on the Hempstead Town Board, including Councilman Bruce Blakeman, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Councilman Tom Muscarella, Councilman Christopher Carini, Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll.
“Long Island’s restaurant owners have followed all of the rules and guidelines associated with flattening the curve and helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and they deserve clear, concise instructions from government on when and how they can re-open their businesses,” stated Supervisor Clavin. “Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino and I have confidence in our local restauranteurs to provide safe, outdoor dining services to the community, and we call on state officials to green-light this initiative as part of ‘Phase 2.’”
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “We achieved the goal of flattening the curve, made tremendous progress in battling COVID-19 and our residents have proven they know how to socially distance effectively. With the right safety protocols in place, steps can be taken now to immediately boost the economy and restore jobs. Outdoor dining should be included in Phase II of the Governor’s reopening plan – a milestone Nassau County will reach next week.”
This event comes on the heels of Supervisor Clavin’s recent announcement that all fees are waived and applications expedited for restaurant owners seeking outdoor dining permits. Indeed, the town’s building department has processed dozens of applications over the past several weeks. Business owners seeking to take advantage of this great program are encouraged to apply online at hempsteadny.viewpointcloud.com. Applications will be reviewed online and, if approved, applicants will be issued a printable permit so that they never have to leave their businesses during the entire process.
“We need to get our local restaurants back to work to help them, our residents and our economy,” said Councilman Blakeman.
“Town of Hempstead restaurants are the heart of our community, and we will do everything in our power to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Councilman D’Esposito. Added Councilman Dunne, “Local restaurants, eateries and cafés have been there for us during this difficult time, and now they need guidance and direction from New York State.”
“The Second Councilmanic District includes some of the finest dining establishments in all of Hempstead Town, and they need all the help they can get in the aftermath of the pandemic,” said Councilman Muscarella. Added Councilman Carini, “I am proud to partner with Supervisors Clavin and Saladino, as well as my colleagues on the Hempstead Town Board, to assist the Long Island restaurant business.”
“We simply cannot wait until Phase 3 … we need people to get back to work,” concluded Supervisor Clavin. “Our economy needs it, our downtowns need it and our families need it.”
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