3/21/20 COVID-19: Update #14

[3.20.2020] Governor Cuomo Signed the ‘New York State on PAUSE’ Executive Order that includes 10-Point Policy that Assures Uniform Safety for Everyone

    • Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed;

    • Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time;

    • Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;

    • When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others;

    • Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;

    • Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;

    • Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;

    • Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health;

    • Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and

    • Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes.

[3.21.2020] Village of New Paltz Board of Trustees calls for Rent Flexibility During COVID-19 Crisis

The Village of New Paltz Board of Trustees is calling on New Paltz landlords to freeze all rent hikes for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. The Board further urges landlords to have considerable flexibility by allowing more time for tenants to pay their rents with modified payment schedules as well as the waiving of late fees for both residential and commercial tenants during this trying time.

The great majority of people in our community rent their homes. Furthermore, many of our local businesses rent their brick-and-mortar spaces. In light of the COVID-19 crisis’ negative impacts on all aspects of our local economy from individuals’ income to local businesses’ revenue — and the great uncertainties we as a community face for the unseeable future — the Village of New Paltz community urgently needs immediate relief in the form of a rent freeze and greater flexibility in landlord-tenant agreements and practices. That’s why the Village Board of Trustees is calling on all landlords to acknowledge this unprecedented situation by adopting measures to help our fellow community members and business owners who may have difficulty paying rent during this challenging time.

3/21/20 COVID-19: Update #14