Though COVID-19 restrictions are still in place to help keep our community safe, Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town of Hempstead are taking proactive steps to plan for the future re-opening of America’s largest township. Joined by Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Councilman Christopher Carini, and Frank Borrelli of Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant in East Meadow, Clavin announced legislation that would authorize restaurants affected by COVID-19 to apply for temporary outdoor dining permits so that residents seeking to “dine-in” may do so in a more safe and effective manner. All fees are being waived for the permits, which are good through Dec. 30.
“Restaurants in the Town of Hempstead will eventually re-open, but there will likely be strict guidelines on how many people can be inside establishments,” Clavin said. “By loosening restrictions on outdoor dining, we are helping local eateries bring in needed business while allowing them to keep patrons and staff safe through social distancing.”
The goal of the legislation is to cut the red tape for business owners by expediting the process through the utilization of an online application service and by deploying inspectors to make swift evaluations and approvals to help the restaurants get back up and running as soon as possible. Business owners can easily apply online at hempsteadny.viewpointcloud.com. Their application will be reviewed online and, if approved, they will be issued a printable permit online so that restaurant owners never have to leave their businesses during the entire process.
The Town of Hempstead is home to thousands of restaurants, diners, coffee shops and cafés, as well as associated industries, businesses and suppliers that are impacted by the closures and limited service. Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant, a longtime family-owned eatery in East Meadow, is a popular spot for diners who venture to the neighboring NYCB Live at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum during the height of the New York Islanders season and entertainment.
Without the nearby attractions and the ability to serve diners due to restrictions, the restaurant is limited to take out and delivery only. As they await updated guidelines from the governor, restaurant owners like Frank Borrelli are working hard to operate in a safe and efficient manner for both customers and workers in the present and in the future.
“The restaurant industry here on Long Island has certainly taken a huge hit during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Borrelli said. “I thank Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., and Councilman Christopher Carini for their proactive and innovative plan to provide restaurant owners with additional options for once we are given the green light to expand our services once again.”
Borrelli’s has raised thousands of dollars and donated meals to hospitals and other essential workers across Nassau County.
“Town of Hempstead restaurants are more than just brick-and-mortar establishments,” Clavin said “They sponsor community organizations, donate to charitable causes and they have selflessly dedicated their own time and resources to help others during this COVID-19 pandemic. America’s largest township is proud to give back to our local restaurants and eateries, and we are confident that providing outdoor seating arrangements will be a win-win for both residents and the local economy.”
