Pol calls for more support for Astoria’s small businesses

Councilman Costa Constantinides is asking the Department of Small Business Services to meet with Astoria small business owners to provide more support and find creative relief solutions.

The request comes as bars and restaurants face permanent closure due to the challenges related to the pandemic. Even with outdoor dining and 25 percent indoor dining, restaurants are struggling to survive.

“Expanded outdoor dining has indeed helped cushion the financial blow, but as we enter the sixth month of the pandemic, these restaurants have been left out to dry,” Constantinides said.

Other local elected officials, like State Senator Mike Gianaris and State Senator Jessica Ramos, have also called for more help, including rent relief, grants and other resources.