PIZZA UNDER FIRE?
A recent proposal calls for NYC pizza restaurants to evaluate their wood-burning ovens in order to reduce emissions that cause air pollution.
CNN explained that the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) drafted new standards that would require restaurants with wood- or coal-fired ovens installed prior to May 2016 to consider adding devices that would reduce particulate emissions. Essentially, the proposed rule is trying to ensure that restaurants using older ovens are aligned with the regulations applied to newer ones.
While the city estimates that well under 100 restaurants would be impacted by the new rule, people who spend a lot of time around these types of emissions are at higher risk for health implications such as lung cancer. So, along with concern for the climate, reducing emissions would affect those who work in pizza restaurants, customers, and nearby neighbors who are in close proximity to the ovens.
The public comment window on the proposal runs through July 27; we expect to learn more about the structure of the regulations, inspections, and fines in the coming weeks. Read more of the CNN report here.
FIRST COURSE NYC
Staff up with well-trained culinary workers through a program of NYC Small Business Services. First Course NYC is a 14-week collaborative job training program to help meet industry demand for qualified entry-level restaurant cooks. Apprentices complete eight weeks of rigorous hands-on culinary skills and job preparedness training led by culinary and restaurant professionals, then are placed for six weeks of paid training on-the-job in the kitchens of partner restaurants. Any NYC restaurant can become a future program employer partner if it meets the participation criteria.
Learn more about future cohorts and employer requirements here.
MORE TRASH TALK:
NEW CONTAINERIZATION RULES
Earlier this spring, DSNY and the City rolled out new guidelines for trash that changed set out times in order to address the rat problem.
The war on vermin goes next level with a two-phased approach that includes a final rule mandating that all food-related businesses put their trash in secure containers. Second, the City administration is starting the rulemaking process on a new proposal to expand the containerization requirements to all chain businesses with five or more locations in New York City. Under these two rules, businesses will have substantial flexibility on the type and location of containers, provided they have a lid and secure sides that keep the rats out. Containers may be stored either inside or within three feet of the property line.
If you are one of the City’s 40,000 food-related businesses — including restaurants, caterers, grocery stores, delis, and bodegas — you must, by August 1, use secure containers for trash and compostable material instead of placing bags out on the sidewalk. The chain business containerization requirements will only affect a small percentage of businesses in our district; we will reach out to those businesses very soon with follow-up information.
**Update:
DSNY advises business owners to contact their carting companies to determine the type of containers that work for their business. Register for one of DSNY’s hour-long information sessions for food businesses below to learn more. Click the date interested to register: July 18, 11 AM, July 24, 2 PM, Aug. 3, 11:30 AM, Aug. 11, 2 PM, Aug. 15, 6 PM, Aug. 24, 4 PM, Aug. 28, 11:30 AM.
FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR SMALL BIZS
Join a Small Business Coalition Networking Event designed to share financial knowledge for both burgeoning entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners. Powered by Citi, the virtual workshop Addressing Your Business’ Financing Needs is set for Tuesday, July 11, from 6 to 7 pm. The workshop agenda includes:
👉 Stages of a Business / Financing Needs for Each Stage
👉 Assessing the Financial Health of Your Business
👉 Prepare to Meet with Lenders
👉 How Credit History Can Impact Your Borrowing Capacity
👉 Learn How to Gain Access to Financial Institutions
RSVP now for this FREE event, here.
MORNING MIXING, ITALIAN-STYLE!
We mixed up it like we were on the Mediterranean late last month at our Merchant Mixer! Although the morning was cloudy, the cheery bright yellow umbrellas on the patio at Forma Pasta Factory kept the droplets away and our spirits high, as attendees enjoyed a fabulous spread of authentic Italian favorites.
It’s a shame more FAB-area businesses and property owners have not taken advantage of these Merchant Mixer events; previous survey results indicated that regular get-togethers were wanted by many FAB merchants. A grant from NYC SBS made this year’s mixers possible, but the future of the program is questionable. We hope to offer more opportunities for merchants to commune and share information; stay tuned!
SUMMER ROLLS ON IN THE FAB FULTON DISTRICT!
The high heat of summer is upon us, so our schedule lightens up a bit, but there’s still fun programming on deck. Wanna sample or do a giveaway in conjunction with an event? Let us know! We’re also beginning to reach out to Clinton Hill-area businesses as we prepare for the next ART360 event in September, so if you’re interested in hosting a storefront artist, we want to hear from you!
Coming up this month:
- Community Fitness with The Shala (Fowler Square) – Sun., 7/9
- FAB Flicks: Turning Red (Jitu Weusi Plaza) – Thu., 7/13
ANNUAL MEETING REMINDER
It seems like a long way off, but it will be here before you know it. Please save the date for the FAB Fulton Annual Meeting, set for Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 11:00 am. We’re working on details now, but we are definitely planning for an in-person event. Registration details are coming soon; stay tuned.
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!
