LI Lawmakers Seek COVID-19 Relief For Fraternal Organizations

ALBERTSON, NY — Nassau lawmakers are calling for a portion of the $400 million in American Rescue Act funding designated for the county to be set aside in a COVID-19 relief fund to help fraternal organizations like veterans of foreign wars posts which are ineligible to receive assistance, but are struggling to pay bills without revenue.

They propose a community organization COVID-19 relief fund which would reimburse the organizations for lost funds, as well as the implementation of ongoing grants until restrictions are fully lifted.

Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park) said the county must allocate relief to the veterans, fraternal and similar organizations, which have not been able to hold events for over a year, but still must pay tens of thousands of dollars in property taxes on the buildings they own.

“Unless we act, we are going to lose these facilities,” he said at a news conference outside VFW Post 5253 in Albertson on Monday, Vietnam War Veterans Day. “They are going to have to close their doors.”

The lawmakers were joined by representatives from other VFWs, the American Legion, and Elks Hall who spoke about how they are struggling to pay their rent, utilities and are facing having to make the decision to sell their buildings — some have even received offers to buy their buildings.

John Incremona, commander of VFW Post 5253, said that the fraternal organization community needs “help badly.” He went on to say that before the pandemic, the organization was making money and was able to afford the repairs needed for the building, such as the installation of a new air conditioning unit, but because it has been restricted from fully-opening, its members have been unable to recoup the money.

“We must light the lights and keep the heat on,” he said. “We welcome any help that we can get.”

Spokeswoman Justine DiGiglio-Cifarelli said County Executive Laura Curran will continue to support catering halls and all businesses “fighting for their safe reopening, increased capacity, increased hours and removing other restrictions that will allow more people to get back to work, safely.”

County officials have been working on expanding the successful Restaurant Recovery Grant Program, which has provided grants of up to $10,000 for over 200 restaurants, to include caterers and other venues that need assistance, she said, adding “We look forward to announcing details on expanded eligibility soon."