Yorktown Chamber of Commerce President's Column as published in the June 2020 Newsletter on May 1, 2020
Together we continue to confront COVID-19 and the day-to-day changes to our normal circumstances, I am reflecting on what truly matters most and common sense steps we can all do.
The answer to that question can be so many things, especially in times such as these. But what matters most, is support, camaraderie, and vision. Among our families, friends, colleagues, and business community these aspects of our shared experience are key to weathering any crisis.
Hopefully this scourge will be behind us and Yorktown’s business scene will once again be alive with possibilities. Our business community is resilient, and we will get through this.
The Chamber along with Town Government has been working hard to implement policies that will help speed the business community along. Please make sure to take advantage of the special use permitting process for, not only, outdoor dining that will help serve the eateries but also
for ANY retail establishment located with our 4 commercial zones. A retail establishment that applies for the special use permit can move part of their operation (the sales part perhaps) outside and be open in an extremely substantial way. The process is quick and simple, has been expedited, the fees have been waived and the timeline is for approval is 1 week. I encourage all businesses to take advantage of this opportunity and get your applications in immediately whether or not you decide to move forward with it.
Next, as you plan and prepare for your eventual reopening please consider the following suggestions:
- Implement a clearly-stated mask policy that must be followed by anyone in your place of business
- Install sneeze guards or a similar barrier
- Install hand-sanitizing stations(which could be nothing more than a simple pump-bottle of hand sanitizer)
- Require hand sanitation upon entry
- Designate easily-seen distance markers 6-9 feet apart; you can use blue painters’ tape to mark a simple X on the floor
- Set a maximum number of customers at a time allowed inside your premises, and designate a waiting area
- Recommend the wearing of gloves, and provide a glove disposal bin
- Sanitize counters and door knobs, and other frequently-used surfaces
- In clear weather, take advantage of the Outdoor Special Use Permit put in place by the Reboot Yorktown Task Force
- Space tables and chairs 6-9 feet apart
- Check your insurance carrier for risk responsibilities and possible risk mitigation (such as a posted disclaimer)
- Consider body-temperature checks for staff
- Consider having your staff tested; certain urgent care centers are offering businesses special group rates and times, which can be scheduled after-hours and at your location
As of today, it’s unsettling and unknown as to when this will all end, but it will end and we will prevail.
Stay safe, connected, and healthy, and continue to let us know how we can help.
Sergio Esposito, President
Yorktown Chamber of Commerce
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 632 Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Phone: (914) 245-4599
Email: info@yorktownchamber.org