Governor Cuomo addressing the COVID-19 Crisis Image Credit:
Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Governor Cuomo further encouraging New Yorkers to telecommute and stay home. On March 18, 2020,  the Empire State Development Corporation issued guidance for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order Number 202.6, which requires that to the maximum extent possible, all businesses and not-for profit entities throughout the state utilize work from home and telecommuting procedures. This executive order comes as an update to Executive Order 202, which, on March 7, 2020, declared a state of emergency over the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Mayor Bill de Blasio. Image Credit: NYC Mayor’s Office.

Small businesses will now receive free legal services for issues related to a business lease. On February 6, 2018, the de Blasio administration announced the launch of the new Commercial Lease Assistance Program, which will offer assistance to small business owners with lease negotiation, landlord issues, lease renewal, and eviction notices. Non-franchise businesses that meet an income requirements will be eligible for this program. (more…)

David Gruber, Chair of Manhattan Community Board 2.

It is time to start a real conversation about a small store retail rent stabilization program.

Many neighborhoods , not only in Manhattan,  but  also in other high use commercial districts in all the  boroughs are being shred apart as small Mom and Pop’s just cannot fight back the tide of the enormous  run up of  commercial retail rents in recent years. (more…)

One of the new campaign ads to support NYC bookstores this holiday season. Image Credit: NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

The pedestrian space around Rockefeller Center returns to help accommodate holiday crowds. On November 22, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced the City’s largest holiday season specific open street and the return of the pedestrianized area around Rockefeller Center for the holiday season, along with two new ad campaigns to support local and small businesses. Temporary pedestrian spaces ease crowding and enhance public safety as thousands of visitors and New Yorkers celebrate the holiday season.  For CityLand’s other coverage of holiday activities for 2022, click here.  (more…)

Mayor Eric Adams meets with Dasheeda Dawson, Founding Director of Cannabis NYC. Image Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

As the initiative’s founding director, Dawson will serve as the primary liaison between SBS, other city agencies, and key stakeholders. On October 12, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams and Small Business Commissioner Kevin Kim announced the appointment of Dasheeda Dawson as founding director of the City’s new Cannabis NYC initiative. For CityLand’s previous coverage of the Cannabis NYC initiative, click here. (more…)