FAB Biz Blast – Nov 2022

TWO NEW LAWS TO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR NYC SMALL BUSINESSES 

Last week, Mayor Eric Adams signed into law two bills designed to help boost the revival of small businesses throughout the city.
 
One piece of legislation would require the NYC Department of Small Business Services (“SBS”) to create a “One-Stop Shop NYC Business Portal,” through which all applications, permits, licenses, and related information needed to open and operate a small business in the City would be available in a single, easily accessible, and easy-to-navigate location. The other amends the Commercial Property Vacancy Registry Law and requires the supplemental registration statements to be filed twice yearly, rather than a single filing on June 30th. This is intended to increase the frequency of reported data on commercial vacancies in this city.
 
Read more about this new legislation here.


SALARY TRANSPARENCY

Starting November 1, 2022, all employers with four or more employees (including the owners) in New York City must include a good faith salary range stating the minimum and maximum salary for every advertised job, promotion, or transfer opportunity. An “advertisement” is a written description of a job, promotion, or transfer opportunity that is publicized to a pool of potential applicants, regardless of the medium in which they are disseminated: internal bulletin boards, internet advertisements, printed flyers, and newspaper ads.
 
Employers and employment agencies who are found to have violated this salary provision of the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) may have to pay monetary damages to affected employees, amend advertisements and postings, create or update policies, conduct training, provide notices of rights to employees or applicants, and engage in other forms of affirmative relief. Learn more here about this important change that affects most businesses in NYC.


FAB ANNUAL MEETING: THU., NOV. 17 

Join us for our 2022 Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 17, at 11 am. This meeting will be a virtual online event, via Zoom.
 
If you are a property owner, commercial tenant, business, or resident within the boundaries of the FAB Alliance Business Improvement District, you’re already a member and this entitles you to vote at our Annual Meetings. You just need to make sure you’re registered. While the Annual Meeting is open to the public, only registered qualified Members of the FAB Alliance may vote at the meeting.
 
Wondering if you’re registered? If you recently opened in the district you will need to register. If you never filled out a business information card from FAB, you might need to register. You only have to register ONCE for voting privileges. REGISTER HERE before or by Mon., Nov. 7 if you are a property owner, business owner, or resident within FAB. All others interested in attending, REGISTER HERE. You will receive meeting details after registration and prior to the meeting.


NEW TRASH RULES COMING TO NYC 

The Mayor and DSNY officials recently introduced a new plan to limit the time trash bags sit on the sidewalks, cutting down on snack opportunities for rodents in our city.
 
Under the new proposed rules, slated to go into effect on April 1, 2023, commercial establishments that do not receive service from DSNY but rather from private waste haulers have options:
  • Place trash out after 8:00 PM if putting bags directly on the curb or
  • Place trash out one hour before closing in a secure container.
In addition to the new rules, DSNY is doing more of its collection on the midnight shift, further reducing the amount of time trash sits on the street. Read more about the new rules here.
 

The public comment period is now open; let your thoughts be heard about this plan by email, mail, or via the city’s website.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IS NOVEMBER 26 
Check out the free marketing resources available to entice and invite local residents and neighbors to Shop Small and Shop Local! Download digital social media templates to spread messages of special hours or sales; add your business to the Small Business Map, and print custom signage to welcome your customers. Get it all from American Express, here.

THE NYC MARATHON IS COMING TO #FABMILE8 

The fall classic returns to NYC on Sun., Nov. 6, and, as always, #FABMile8 will be alive with family, friends, and fans cheering on runners as they glide through the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill!
 

As a reminder, street closures and traffic re-routes will be plentiful, so plan accordingly. Check with the NYPD 88th precinct for closure updates, and we’ll post information as well, on our social media platforms. And, don’t forget to drop by Fowler Square, where we’ll have a collection box for coat donations for New York Cares! Bring a coat and we’ll see you there!

GATES PLAZA IMPLEMENTATION

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) began implementation of the new plaza at Gates Avenue in mid-October. There is no parking along Gates Avenue between Vanderbilt and Fulton, and barrels have been placed to block the entrance and exit to that street. DOT will continue to make safety improvements and create the designated pedestrian plaza (including a ground mural) throughout the month. See the updated plans here, and follow FAB’s social media for future announcements.

NYPD LAUNCHES “ASK THE PC”

New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell is launching “Ask the PC,” a landmark initiative for meaningful dialogue on matters of policing and public safety. Each week, beginning immediately, readers will submit questions for the commissioner on the NYPD’s Instagram page, @NYPD. The first woman to lead the nation’s largest police department looks forward to producing candid video responses to questions from community members. 
 

Over the arc of time, the collective give-and-take will unveil more about the 45th New York City Police Commissioner’s views on an array of important topical matters. “Ask the PC” will facilitate a continuing dialogue. It will also create a regular channel for thoughtful communications designed to deepen the understanding between the public and the police at a pivotal moment for New York City. 

SAY HELLO TO HELEN, FAB STREETSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER!

This month, Helen Cannavale joins FAB as the Streetscape Operations Manager, a new position at the BID. Helen will be responsible for the overall management of the outdoor conditions in the district. She will work with our City agencies, vendors, and contractors to maintain the BID’s plazas, parks, and public spaces.
 
Helen is a native Brooklynite who is passionate about her borough. After a fruitful career in publishing, she recently pivoted to the non-profit sector working with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. Discovering she had a knack for collaborating with business owners, Helen chose to focus her energies on supporting businesses in Brooklyn. An avid cook and gardener in her spare time, she feels confident that she has landed in the right neighborhood! You may see Helen out and about getting to know the area, so be sure to say hi!
 
 
CAN YOUR BUSINESS USE $10K?

Tell 1010WINS what you would do with $10K to re-engage, re-start, and re-energize your business! Now in its 7th year with this program, Dime Community Bank and 1010 WINS have already awarded $170,000 to small businesses across the New York Metro area and they’re ready to do so again. Tell your story at: 1010wins.com. Registrations are open until 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2022.

 

ABOUT FAB FULTON
The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB FULTON) is a non-profit organization that advocates for and collaborates with small businesses and property owners along Fulton Street in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming community while securing resources and partnerships for initiatives that enhance and promote the district.

This post contains links to the articles and information referenced in our latest FAB BIZ BLAST email communication. You can subscribe to future newsletters; sign up here for the FAB FULTON BIZ BLAST to get the latest information and resources for FAB FULTON Businesses!