Hello Business Owner,
With continued focus on the health metrics, the Mid-Hudson region which includes New Rochelle should begin Phase Two Re-Opening on or around Tuesday, June 9th. To prepare for this next phase, there are a number of steps businesses should complete. The information is evolving every day so always check the NY Forward website for the latest guidance.
ALL OPEN BUSINESSES - whether a business is just reopening in the Phased Reopening or is an Open Essential Business that has legally stayed open throughout the pandemic, you MUST have a written Safety Plan on the premises and complete the Industry Affirmation for your industry online.
Safety Plan: You may use the template created by NY State or create your own as long as it reflects the concerns and requirements contained in the NY State template. This plan should govern your actions in dealing with the safety, social distancing and cleaning requirements and shall be made available upon request for officials to review.
NY State Safety Plan Template
PLANTILLA DEL PLAN DE SEGURIDAD NY FORWARD
뉴욕 포워드 안전 계획 견본
Industry Affirmation: You are required to read the appropriate Industry Guidelines in the NY Forward Guidelines and complete the affirmation to NY State.
Complete Phase One Industry Guidelines
Complete Phase Two Industry Guidelines
Know your rights as a Business Owner: Masks are Required - On May 28, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order authorizing businesses to deny entry to individuals not wearing masks or face-coverings.
Metered parking regulations will return to New Rochelle city-wide on Monday, June 8
Industries reopening in Phase II include:
-Offices
-Real Estate
-Essential and In-store retail
-Vehicle sales, leases and rentals
-Retail rental, repair and cleaning
-Commercial building management
-Hair salons and barber shops
-Outdoor and take-out / delivery food services
Hair Salons & Barbershops can reopen in Phase 2 but this does NOT apply to nail salons, tattoo parlors, or any other non-haircutting-related personal care services or activities, including but not limited to: beard trimming, nose hair trimming, facials, manicures/pedicures, makeup application, threading, tweezing or waxing. The only services permitted at this time are hair cutting, coloring and styling.
In-store Retailwill be permitted in Phase 2 with mandatory and best practices for physical distancing including limitations on staff and customers occupying the store; requiring protective equipment including masks to be worn by all customers and staff; and increasing hygiene and cleansing efforts.
Read and affirm Retail Guidelines
Restaurants: With the latest announcement from the Governor, restaurants will be permitted to provide outdoor seating within set guidelines as part of Phase II reopening. New Rochelle city leadership has approved simplified guidelines for sidewalk café permits for this year and eliminated the application fee. We are also looking into other options to allow for additional outdoor seating to supplement the reduced indoor seating capacity required to comply with social distancing guidelines. We are interested to hear from the restaurant community about creative ways to expand seating capacity
All restaurants are REQUIRED to read the guidance and affirm on the NY State site in addition to maintaining a safety plan in the restaurant:
Read and Affirm Guidelines
Summary Guidance for Outdoor & Take-Out / Delivery Food Services
Additional helpful Restaurant Guidelines
National Restaurant Association Guidelines
New York Restaurant Association Safety Promise
Restaurants implementing Outdoor Dining must comply with state guidelines and must receive a permit (through a simplified process) from the City.
Examples of the State Guidelines for Outdoor Dining:
· Outdoor tables must be spaced six feet apart
· all staff must wear face coverings
· customers must also wear face coverings when not seated
The State Liquor Authority has also issued guidance on a streamlined process for the expansion of Licensed Premises for the service of alcoholic beverages in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. That guidance can be found here.
Sidewalk Cafe Permits must be obtained annually from the City of New Rochelle for all restaurants who want to offer seating on the sidewalk. NEW: Previous permit holders need only submit a revised drawing complying with the state guidelines, and evidence of current insurance listing the City of New Rochelle as additional insured to receive their permit for 2020. The fee is waived for this year. Returning permit holders can upload their documents to the online permit system or email them to Lisa Davis.
New applicants can apply here.
Outdoor dining on private property requires a permit from the Bureau of Buildings. Restaurants requesting a new outdoor dining permit should contact Lisa Davis for additional information.
REMEMBER - although the City is attempting to make it simpler for you, a permit is required before seating can be placed outside
The Coronavirus information for Businesses page is regularly updated with resources to help your business persist and succeed during these difficult times. Let me know if you need assistance or have great ideas to share with the New Rochelle business community.
#NewRoStrong