Contact: Colleen Roche/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958
Acting Commissioner Deborah R. Weeks said, "As a result of the scaffolding collapse the City realizes there has been a serious economic impact to businesses in the area, especially those small businesses not covered by insurance. In order to help these businesses, the City has set up this office to ensure that services are centralized in the neighborhood and staffed by DBS workers and insurance representatives."
Staff from DBS are working closely with personnel from the Mayor's Community Assistance Unit, who are offering services to residents who have been displaced. Representatives from Liberty Mutual will also be available to assist businesses in filing claims.
The Durst Organization has offered a one-time contribution to the New York City Business Assistance Corporation in the amount of $50,000 to be used for emergency grants up to $1,000 for small businesses in the area not covered by insurance. In addition, Sterling National Bank is making a $1 million loan pool available to aid local businesses. The loans will carry extended terms at below market interest rates.