Reopening continues in Ticonderoga

TICONDEROGA | Ticonderoga businesses and government are continuing to open at a measured pace, as the economic shutdown slowly recedes and the region gets back to something more resembling normal. Last week administrative offices were permitted to reopen, as were restaurants with outside dining. If all goes according to plan, by the coming weekend restaurants will be able to open their doors to sit-down diners inside, although at reduced capacities. Matthew Courtright, president, and CEO of the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce said his organization has been partnering with other North Country groups to help businesses reopen and put people back to work. Unemployment in Essex County hit 16.8% in April, consistent with nationwide unemployment that spiked due to the coronavirus pandemic. "We're assisting any business that needs help," Courtright said. "A lot of business owners are still in good spirits, but some are really hurting economically." Unlike many other communities, Ticonderoga has not yet canceled some of its major summer events in hopes that they can proceed in some form. The last phase of reopening is scheduled to occur on June 26. In the town government, Supervisor Joe Giordano said things are slowly returning to normal. "As New York State carefully allows the business to return to normal operations under their various guidelines, our local town government has been preparing to meet these guidelines, so to provide a safe working environment for our staff and their interaction with the public," Giordano said in an email. Beginning on Monday, June 8, the Community Building will open back up to the public and resume normal departmental operations between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. While open to the public, access will be limited to ensure appropriate social distancing between the staff and visitors. Simple barriers will be installed to limit public movement to just those areas of the building where normal services are in operation. Anyone entering the community building will be required to wear a mask and exercise social distancing protocols. Routine cleaning and disinfecting measures will be conducted throughout the day, in coordination with custodians and office staff. The Black Watch Library and Armory (housing youth and senior programs) are still closed to the public but will reopen in the future in compliance with future phases of NY Forward. The senior bus will resume normal transportation services to area seniors beginning on June 8. Passengers will be limited to a maximum of three at any one time in order to provide appropriate social distancing. Masks will also be required. Drivers will be routinely disinfecting the bus throughout the day. At the Chamber, TACC continues to work with the Adirondack/North Country Region planning groups to serve businesses during the pandemic, through the reopening and phases, as well as the future in regards to business support, forward movement, the regional economy, and tourism. On Thursday, staff members provided free PPE Supplies, signage and guidance to chamber members at its downtown location, and will do so again on Thursday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The chamber also helps businesses write required reopening plans and offers other general and specific assistance. "We want them to know that they don't have to do this alone," Courtright said. A full list of Chamber services can be found on its website at https://ticonderogany.com. They include: — A COVID-19 Action plan in regard to day to day operations, services, programs, meetings, and events. This is a three-level action plan, serving as the Business and Visitor Center and Info Center (virtually). — General communication with members and businesses in regard to COVID-19 resources, assistance, regulations, and reopening guidelines. This will be ongoing as information changes, with updates from the North Country Chamber of Commerce. — Helping members and area businesses to identify and understand federal, regional, and local funding and financial resources available to them, and assistance applying for funding. — Daily email communication with businesses being affected by new state temporary regulations and reopening guidelines, etc. Ongoing communication with businesses being affected by new state temporary regulations every three days. Assisting businesses to evaluate changes in operation, what is working, what isn't working, make additional plan changes, etc. — Working with regional, state and federal partners and agencies (daily communication) to address all business concerns and issues, as well as identify business assistance and financial relief options, business resources, immediately and in the future from local, regional, state, and federal programs. This includes all TACC Partners, our representatives, and the Small Business Administration. — One-on-one business support and services daily with numerous TACC members and Ticonderoga Area businesses. Reaching out to all members individually to provide them with resources, to connect, and to see what their individual needs are. — Social media, email, and virtual campaigns discussing ways the community can support local businesses during this pandemic. This also includes digital marketing on how restaurants are operating (take-out and delivery), and retailers operating differently during this time, etc. This includes infographics and COVID-19 restaurant and retail guides.

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Reopening continues in Ticonderoga

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