“Mask up, socially distance and help support local business” was the rallying cry on Friday as local, county and state officials gathered with the Lark Street small business community for a PPE distribution event to help keep doors open through the holiday amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Albany County Legislator Matthew Peter was joined by Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce, Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham, County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, Sheriff Craig Apple, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Assemblyman John McDonald, Sam Parker, a representative of the Governor’s Office and representatives of Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy’s Office to provide members of the Lark Street Business Improvement District hundreds of masks and bottles of hand sanitizer to distribute among the small businesses.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, we passed mission critical items in the Legislature and worked with the Sheriff’s Office to get PPE kits out to the public to keep everyone safe,” said Chairman Andrew Joyce. “Now we are in a new phase of the pandemic. What we do now and what we do together will have a ripple effect going forward. Wear a mask.”

“Now more than ever people need to mask up, socially distance and limit their social circles” said County Legislator Matthew Peter “Beyond this we must remember to support our small businesses through this pandemic and do everything we can including through grants.”

“As the Legislature continues its work along with the Mayor, along with the County Executive, we must continue to collaborate. Small businesses are the backbone of the City of Albany, they keep our community alive,” said Legislator Wanda Willingham. “We will continue to fight for our businesses and get them the resources they need.”

The number of COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise, including in Albany County which recently saw the closure of several restaurants along the Lark Street corridor. Officials are urging the public to continue following safety guidelines to reduce the spread and allow businesses to remain open.

“It is critical that we strike a balance between stopping the spread of COVID-19, while ensuring our businesses can remain open and operate safely. Customers and staff alike deserve to be protected when they go into a restaurant, which is why supplying these establishments with PPE and hand sanitizer continues to be a priority of ours,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “We’ve seen a record number of daily positive cases in the county this week, and with colder weather on the horizon forcing more people indoors, we need to support restaurants any way that we can.”

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said, “The retail food services industry has struggled throughout this pandemic. By following the guidance set forth by the state, the restaurant industry can ensure the safety and well-being of both employees and patrons alike.  We must stay vigilant to ensure that we keep this virus in check. Keep your distance, avoid large gatherings, wear your mask.”

As the State once again enforces restrictions that reduce hours on businesses and reduce events or activities that result in congregating groups, officials say the public can continue to support those businesses by utilizing to-go, curbside and online services available in many locations.

"The 90-plus Lark Street businesses are desperately counting on a successful holiday shopping season to make it through the winter. Without it, in addition to some type of financial federal aid, some businesses here simply won't survive,” said Lark Street BID Chair, Patrick Noonan.

“Our shops, services, bars and restaurants have gone to great lengths to pivot their business models and many are now offering online catalogues, private shopping appointments, digital gift cards, curbside and in-store pickup as safe and enjoyable experiences for customers, and we encourage guests to utilize these options.

With the number of cases on the rise again, it's critically important that people follow safety guidelines, wear their masks, and respect the safety protocols at every business, so our small business community can continue to thrive."

Since the shutdown earlier this year, small businesses have struggled to regain the business they lost and many fear another shutdown could be devastating. In Albany County, the Legislature has taken action this week by approving the creation of a new local development corporation and introducing two pieces of legislation for funding - $500,000 for start-up costs for the LDC and $300,000 to provide small business grants of up to $2,500 which can be used for bills, back rent and costs associated with COVID-19.