Gov. Cuomo’s Step 2 in his well-thought-out regional plan for getting New York back to work: “Identify industries that will bring people back to work and get the economy going while abiding by social distancing. Phase One includes construction and manufacturing. Must identify businesses for the second phase.”
Long Island is surrounded by water. Upstate New York is full of lakes and rivers. Water-based businesses are aplenty.
Properly executed using existing regulations, selected watercraft rentals and charter operations in New York state should be allowed to open in Phase One.
The state has already opened private marinas, giving boat owners water access. Do the same for the rental and charter businesses to give New York non-watercraft owners the same benefit.
This outlet can serve as a well-needed outlet for residents where spread of the virus can be substantially mitigated.
Allow sail, power boat, kayaks, paddle boat rental and charter businesses that can operate with social distancing to open in Phase One.
Saltwater or fresh, being on the water is a needed relaxing, stress-reducing avenue. It would serve both workers who rely on a seasonal business (started May 1) as well as the residents in desperate need of a safe outlet.
Bill Gordon
Long Island Boat Rentals, LLC
Port Washington
