Moriches chamber, town push for reopening equity

The Town of Brookhaven formed a business recovery task force in order to help local businesses as the state follows through with Phase 1 of Reopen NY. Local officials and chambers are pushing for equity in reopening busi- nesses — the same rules regardless of the size of the business.

The Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches purchased advertisement space for its business members that wanted it. Arthur Gerhauser, the cham- ber’s vice president, is a member on the town’s task force and has been keeping the chamber’s general body up to date. Gerhauser said the task force has drafted a proposal to the town that would, among other things, allow for applicable businesses to operate using a service window.

“It is not just for restaurants. It allows any business to do a service window,” Gerhauser said. “Whether you are a pizzeria or a shoe store, you can do a service window.”

Additionally, the proposal outlines a relaxation for certain signage in order to promote business. Thirdly, the pro- posal discusses that when restaurants are able to seat customers that patios, parking lots, and other outdoor areas can be used in order to maximize capac- ity while abiding by social-distancing mandates.

The Town of Brookhaven is holding a press conference on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Bellport Firehouse on the corner of South Country Road and Woodruff Street to discuss reopen- ing equity, regardless of a given busi- ness’ size. The town board members as well as the task force will be pres- ent and encourage anyone attending to remain six feet apart, wear facemasks, and regularly sanitize high-touch sur- faces.