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COVID-19 Update - as of May 15

Dear Friends, I hope everyone is well and safe. We are still waiting for complete guidance from Governor Murphy on the reopening strategies and restrictions. There have been several elected officials who have been urging the Governor to announce his reopening plan. We can only hope that this will be announced shortly. This week’s newsletter will have info on: 1)    Reopening Strategies / Task Force 2)    PPP Updates / Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) 3)    Non-Essential Retail – Curbside Pickup 4)    Plexiglass Vendors 5)    Business Interruption Insurance 6)    Rental Relief 7)    Virtual Bingo 8)    Cut for a Cause 9)    Downtown Live 10) Wear Masks – Requirement 11) Zoom Meeting – Thursday 10 am

1)    Reopening Strategies / Task Force A reopening task force has been formed. A second virtual meeting was held where several ideas were formulated. Further logistics and information need to be established. Once the Governor reveals the reopening requirements these ideas may change. In no particular order here are some ideas: ·          Close streets to provide additional areas for social distancing. Discussion on whether certain spaces will work on reservation process. ·          Extend sidewalk space and create parklets ·          Review zoning / building code to create opportunities for streamlining approvals ·          Safety awareness marketing campaign ·          Promote balloon displays and art work that Cranford has reopened for business ·          Develop strategies for online fundraising opportunities to support our businesses

2) PPP Updates The SBA approved guidelines that PPP loans that are less than $ 2 million are declared necessity, and will not go through the stringent review process if your business was eligible for PPP loan. To my knowledge you still have to be in compliance for the loan to be fully forgiven. To be forgivable, at least 75% of funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.  If you received PPP funds you are not able to collect PUA. However, if you received Economic Injury Disaster Grant (EIDL) you are able to collect PUA.

3)    Non-Essential Retail – Curbside Pick Up  Non-essential retail stores are now permitted to provide curbside pickup . Customers are still not permitted in stores.

4) Plexiglass Vendors Plexiglass will most likely be required with new health regulations. Our local business TimberRidge Construction can provide 4x8 sheets that are ¼” thick and cost is $225 per sheet. Please email or call Lisa at [email protected] | O 908-276-4053.

5) Business Interruption Insurance  There is a push from lobbying groups that insurance companies should pay businesses for their business interruption claims. I suggest you formally apply to your insurance broker and get rejected. If the government then puts regulations that insurance companies must pay interruption insurance you will be already in the queue. Also, several law firms are contacting businesses about representing them to assist in their claims. It could be of interest to talk to these firms about any possibility.

6) Rental Relief  No landlord is permitted to evict you during this emergency . A business owner is also able to utilize their security deposit to pay rent.

7) Virtual Bingo Our office is promoting a virtual bingo game that runs through May 29. There will be 16 different activities that you are able to complete on the bingo card. To win you have to complete four tiles in a row.

8) Cut for a Cause  Keep on promoting Cut for a Cause to help our our Beauty/Spa businesses. All gift cards purchased will be donated to Cranford Family Care

9) Downtown Live We had our second Downtown Live class this week with Fire Me Up Studio. You can either post your live video and we can share it on our page or you can use your smartphone and go live on our FB page. If you are interested in having a Downtown Live segment please let us know.

10) Reminder: Wear your Masks If you are open as an essential business it is State law to wear face masks while working. Also, customers must wear masks upon entering. If you are not wearing your masks and preparing food, customers may hesitate purchasing food again.

11) Zoom Meeting We continue to have our weekly Zoom meeting every Thursday at 10 am. Be on the lookout for guest speakers.

Please reach out to us at any time if there is any way we can assist you during this time. Have a good weekend.  Best, Downtown Cranford Office