Morris Park Business Improvement District Monday, May 18, 2020 In this issue: PPP Continues; Blood Donations Needed; Masks by Mail; Census 2020 - Let's Do Better!

1) Financial support for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is still available, with improved rules likely forthcoming; Bronx BOEDC 0% loan still open for applicants. 2) MPBID "Masks by Mail" Program sends hundreds of masks to local residents 3) Community events from elected representatives 4) Census 2020 updates - let's do better!

Many Morris Park businesses were successful at obtaining financial assistance through the PPP program of the SBA, a loan with a forgivable part of eligible expenses over 8 weeks. If you still consider applying for financial assistance, a loan application must be submitted through commercial lenders. Find official SBA guidance here . Contact your accountant to apply directly with your banking institution! If too slow or unresponsive, PPP loans are also available through non-bank lenders including Square, PayPal and Quick Loans.

"Bronx Business Continuity Loan" by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and the Bronx Borough President is still OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: 0% interest loan for $25,000 - $100,000 over 2 years, with 90 days deferred payment. For more application information fill the form here Additional information: Fact Sheet , Application Form .

NYC Donated Blood Supplies Are at Alarmingly Low Levels! There is an urgent call for healthy blood donors as NYC blood supply drops to dangerously low levels. As regions prepare to reopen, the need for blood has rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels, but the blood supply is dangerously low. Convalescent COVID-19 plasma donations are also appreciated. Donors can call 1-800-933-2566 to schedule an appointment, or go online here .

Thank you to all essential working serving Morris Park and the Bronx! Thank you to Bronx Times for keeping the community continuously informed!

Morris Park BID "Masks by Mail" receives over 300 local requests in 1st week Upon noticing insufficient coverage of east Bronx in the NYC map of face coverings distribution sites, the MPBID started a "Masks by Mail" program for residents of zip codes 10461 and 10462. With support from CB11, Bronx Borough President's Office and NYC Mayor Community Affairs Unit we obtained masks that will be distributed to vulnerable community residents. In the first week of starting the program received over 300 requests from local residents! The masks are in the mail! If you were unable to find a surgical mask, have an elderly neighbor that may need it, or for the disabled veteran next door, the Morris Park BID will mail you 2 masks.  Send us your name and address at morrisparkbid@gmail.com.

Morris Park area community events supported by local elected officials

Featured local business: Fine Food Cuisine 671 Morris Park Avenue, 718-222-1991 The best kept food secret you didn't know about is right around the corner in the Van Nest section of Morris Park. 5* Chef Al’s fine dining has been acclaimed by a vast array of clientele from celebrities like R&B singer Mary J. Blige and Hip Hop artist Fabulous, and thousands of local residents. Training with celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Kerry Simon in New York and Las Vegas, and cooking in many famous establishments, Morris Park is lucky to have Chef Al now running his own kitchen, with classic American flavors with surprising and satisfying twists. We also thoroughly enjoy their social media presence...warning, it will make you instantly hungry! On Instagram @finefoodcuisine 21.9K followers

Rite Aid at 911 Morris Park Avenue has available sanitizers, 2 bottles/customer. Census 2020 response rates May 18, 2020: Morris Park zip 10461 - 49% Morris Park zip 10462 - 44% Van Nest zip 10462 - 36% Let's bring these numbers up and help the neighborhood and the Bronx!

If you have difficulties procuring food for your family, the City of New York may provide food deliveries at your home. You may apply for this program by calling 311 or online at nyc.gov/getfood.  Morris Park BID celebrated in April 1 year of independent operation serving the Morris Park Avenue commercial corridor! Thank you all businesses, community members, Morris Park elected officials, CB11 and individuals supporting our work to keep Morris Park clean, green, safe and thriving! Morris Park BID Team, May 18, 2020 Our district is among the most under-counted NYC districts! Did you know you can provide your informatIon safely, online, RIGHT NOW? You can fill your Census 2020 questionnaire HERE. Over the next decade, lawmakers, business owners, and many others will use 2020 Census data to make critical decisions. The results will show where communities need new schools, new clinics, new roads, and more services for families, older adults, and children. The results will also inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated to more than 100 programs, including Medicaid, Head Start, etc. -------------------------------------------------------------------- We encourage all businesses to actively use social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), to inform customers of operational updates.

Morris Park Business Improvement District morrisparkbid.org 966 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY  US  10462

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