Assemblyman Goldfeder Urges the NYC Department of Small Business Service and Empire State Development Corporation for Comprehensive Outreach and Assistance in Southern Queens and the Rockaways

January 14, 2013

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway) recently sent a letter to the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner, Robert Walsh and Empire State Development Corporation President and CEO, Ken Adams urging immediate attention and outreach to local small businesses regarding available programs and particularly asking them to explore the idea of implementing a grant that would focus on storefront development and revitalization in areas of Southern Queens and Rockaway hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy.

“Small business owners have been working diligently trying to recover from the extensive damage that was caused by Hurricane Sandy so that they may quickly get their businesses up and running,” said Assemblyman Goldfeder. “It has been two months since the storm and small business owners are still struggling to identify appropriate programs to assist in their recovery.”

While the city and state agencies are providing many valuable programs and services to the affected areas in Southern Queens and the Rockaways, more still needs to be done to make people aware, noted Goldfeder. In his letter Goldfeder urges the SBS and ESDC to work with the Department of Consumer Affairs, Department of Buildings and other entities to ease regulations and devote every possible resource to assist small businesses in their recovery efforts, while considering new programs that will focus on rejuvenating badly damaged commercial areas.

“By changing the look and making a small investment in storefronts and commercial areas, you change the tone and direction of the recovery” said Assemblyman Goldfeder, “Small business is the backbone of our community and it is crucial that we continue to assist and allow them to flourish, which is paramount to our entire recovery.”

What's New