Town Board Adopts Local Laws To Help Small Businesses Healthcare CEOs, U.S. Surgeon General Convene At Northwell Health’s 4th Annual Gun Violence Prevention Forum

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board unanimously approved two local laws to assist small local businesses at a recent meeting held on Feb. 7.

experience for residents and visitors alike,” said Councilmember Dalimonte.

Since the start of the year, there have been over 70 mass shootings – more than one a day – and thousands of other firearm deaths. To mobilize efforts and prevent more senseless acts of gun violence, business executives, clinicians, researchers, policymakers and those affected by gun deaths came together to take part in Northwell Health’s fourth annual Gun Violence Prevention Forum on February 28 starting at 9 a.m. E.T. The hybrid event welcomed 100 leaders in person in New York City and online at PreventGunViolence.com.

Local Law Allowing Extended Temporary Outdoor Permits Including Sidewalk

Sales & Seating

The legislation amended Chapter 48 entitled “Sidewalks” and Chapter 70 entitled “Zoning” of the Town Code. One resolution extended the suspension of the Town Code provisions limiting the number of sidewalk sale permits that may be issued for any given location during a 12-month period and temporarily waive the fees for a sidewalk sale permit. Additionally, it was also approved to extend the timeframe to continue allowing temporary outdoor seating and other temporary outdoor uses. Both measures have been extended through Dec. 31, 2023 at which time it will be reevaluated.

“The implementation of these amendments to our local laws serve as a way to support our local business owners. Not only does it allow for businesses to expand their reach beyond the confines of their brick and mortar stores, but creates a new and inviting

Hosted by Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health, New York State’s largest health system, the day’s events featured panel conversations, oneon-one discussions and special breakout working sessions. To help frame gun violence as a public health crisis, an interview took place between Vivek Murthy, MD, the U.S. Surgeon General, and Chethan Sathya, MD, director of Northwell’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention.

“Gun violence is a public health crisis. The responsibility falls on the shoulders of the decision makers of our nation’s health systems and hospitals to change the narrative on gun safety and pursue solutions that will make a meaningful difference,” said Mr. Dowling. “Through collaborations like this Forum, the CEO Council, the Gun Violence Prevention Learning Collaborative for Hospitals & Health Systems and other joint efforts, we can create an actionable roadmap to reduce unintentional gun deaths and gun-related homicides and suicides.”

Local Law Allowing Extended Use Of Tents For Businesses

campaign, “Doesn’t kill to ask,” which has been supported by more than 1,000 hospitals, health systems and associations across the country. Since the start of the awareness campaign in September 2022, parents who have seen the ads are three times more likely to ask fellow parents if there is a gun in the home. To learn more, go to HospitalsUnited.com.

The other legislation temporarily suspends Section 2-9 N (7) of the Town Code with respect to tent permits. This temporary suspension allows businesses to apply for a tent permit and install a tent for up to six months, the maximum length allowed by state law.

“We at the Town want to enhance our partnership with our local business communities in whatever ways we can,” said Coun- cilmember Zuckerman. “Giving businesses more space through the use of tents means they have the ability to serve more patrons. We want our residents shopping local as frequently as they can, and we hope that this initiative proves beneficial for business owners.”

Businesses participating in these initiatives, as well as those using outdoor heaters and temporary tents, must do so in compliance with the New York State Fire Code, the Nassau County Fire Ordinance, and the applicable permit provisions of the Town Code.

Center in New Hyde Park, NY, and director of Northwell’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention. “It will take a collective effort to incorporate research, community outreach and new policies to spark change and curb gun access and violence that continues to be a danger to our youth.” initiative, which was designed by Supervisor Judi Bosworth’s internal Business Recovery Response Workgroup. The group’s goal is to find ways to help businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Workgroup, which includes members of the Town Board, has helped establish dining in local parks, expanded outdoor dining programs, created a “parklet” dining program, and facilitated street closures to help attract customers.

For more information about this year’s Gun Violence Prevention Forum program and speakers, visit www. PreventGunViolence.com.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Councilmember Veronica Lurvey, and the Town Board approved a local law to help promote the use and installation of electric charging stations at the Feb. 7 Town Board meeting. The legislation amends Chapter 2 of the Town Code by authorizing the expedited review for solar installations, electric vehicle charging stations, and

Guns are now the leading cause of death among children and adolescents. Addressing the power of community education, Ramon Soto, Northwell’s senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer, hosted a discussion featuring leaders of the Ad Council and Project Unloaded around the best practices and effectiveness of public awareness and education.

“In just the past few years, there has been a dire uptick in the number of children we’ve had to treat with gunshot wounds,” said Chethan Sathya, MD, a pediatric trauma surgeon at Cohen Children’s Medical

These efforts were initially part of the Town’s “Lift Up Local”

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

—Compiled by Northwell Health, via Business Wire; edited for length