New Historic Small Restaurant Grant and Small Business Recovery Resources


The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses has been devastating. To help small businesses get back on their feet, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) and National Trust for Historic Preservation have created recovery initiatives for restaurants and retail establishments in particular.

 

Business Recovery Program
Last June, the LPC launched a recovery initiative to aid owners of historic buildings and commercial tenants reopen and recover during the pandemic. The initiative aims to help businesses resume operations as quickly and effectively as possible with a newly created dedicated Recovery Team, hotline, and expedited permit process.

LPC hopes to speed the process of reopening and recovery by making the application process for permits easier and eliminating the need for a permit for some types of work. The new Recovery Team has staff dedicated to providing guidance regarding rules and policies and closely working with applicants to ensure the permitting process is smooth and as quick as possible.

To view a list of types of work that are eligible for expedited recovery review: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/lpc/downloads/pdf/Business-Recovery-Flyer.pdf

 

Backing Historic Small Restaurants
Beloved historic restaurants that are facing significant challenges from the pandemic maybe be eligible for a newly created grant program.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has partnered with American Express to create a Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant. $1 million in grants will be awarded to 25 historic and culturally significant restaurants to help them improve, upgrade, and preserve their exterior spaces and enhance their online presence. Small, independently owned restaurants that have been a part of their neighborhood for at least 25 years, are located in a historic building or neighborhood, and have suffered financial hardship due to the pandemic are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to restaurants owned by underrepresented groups disproportionally impacted by the pandemic.

The grants can be used for up to 25% general operating costs and the remaining 75% for exterior, public-facing improvements to historic buildings including (but not limited to) murals, awnings, lighting, signage upgrades, painting or cleaning of exterior facades, and/or the creation of outdoor seating areas.

The deadline for nominations is March 9, 2021.

 


Paul Grissett is head of RAND's Code & Zoning Compliance team.

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

* Copy This Password *

* Type Or Paste Password Here *

 
Signup for our Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter more information, tips, and updates.
Article Categories
Follow us on Twitter