Harrison REVIEW THE
February 12, 2021 | Vol. 9, Number 7 | www.harrisonreview.com
Cuomo reopens New York City indoor dining early
Back in business? There is still no guidance whether Playland Park will be allowed to open this summer. However, Westchester County is preparing in the event that it does open by hosting a virtual job fair. For more, see page 14.
County partners with Lightpath to boost Launch1000 program The Westchester County Department of Economic Development has partnered with Lightpath, the fiber-based bandwidth technology company, to provide 100 free data licenses to participants in the Launch1000 program. These free internet hookups, made possible by the generous support of Lightpath, will provide many entrepreneurs in Westchester with the connectivity needed to bring their business plans to life. “The Launch1000 program is a new idea aimed at supporting
the innovative minds in our own backyard,” County Executive George Latimer said. “Thanks to this support from Lightpath, participants in this program have another opportunity to succeed.” The Westchester County Office of Economic Development announced Launch1000, a new program for county residents who may want to create homebased income streams, or launch new businesses or nonprofits in October 2020. “As a longtime provider of connectivity in the Westchester
community, Lightpath is proud to partner with the County on this incredible initiative to bring the power of our advanced network to local entrepreneurs as part of the Launch1000 program, Lightpath CEO Chris Morley said. “We look forward to our continued partnership with Westchester and seeing the great business ideas that emerge as part of this initiative.” Launch1000 is an innovative, fully remote, self-paced program designed to turn concepts and ideas into business plans and startups. Born out of a global pan-
demic, the program offers 1000 Westchester County residents the opportunity to gain critical business knowledge, connect with mentors and help their idea gain traction. “Our office is always looking for ways to advance the interests of Westchester’s businesses—both established and prospective,” said Bridget Gibbons, county director of Economic Development. “This program, with support of Lightpath, is another tool we have to accomplish our goal.” (Submitted)
Gov. Andrew Cuomo today announced on Monday, Feb. 8 that New York City indoor dining can reopen at 25% capacity on Feb. 12, Lunar New Year Day. The reopening was previously scheduled for Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, but restaurants requested an earlier reopening date to allow staff to prepare and the request has been granted. The reopening is subject to strict state guidance. “We respond to the data, we respond to the facts,” Cuomo said. “And the numbers [of infections] are down now.” State officials believe that the post-holiday surge has not subsided as the infection rate continues to lessen. “We’re in a footrace with COVID, and the footrace is clear—it’s rate of vaccination versus rate of infection and we’re continuing to make progress on both fronts,” Cuomo said. “Not only have we administered more than two million doses of the vaccine, but the infection rate continues to decrease and New Yorkers should feel good about
that. After all, this was possible because of their actions, their discipline and their sacrifice. As we move forward, we›re continuing to respond to the facts and data every day, and when the enemy changes tactics, we change with the enemy.”
“Valentine’s Day should be a big restaurant day. So, we’ll start indoor dining on Friday at 25 percent so the restaurants can get ready.” –Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Cuomo had announced previously that indoor dining in New York City could resume at limited capacity, but changed course after restaurateurs pushed him to provide more leeway to prepare for the holiday. “Valentine’s Day should be a big restaurant day,” Cuomo said. “So, we’ll start indoor dining on Friday at 25 percent so the restaurants can get ready.” (Submitted)