Farmingdale Phase 2 Reopening Going 'Incredibly Well': Ekstrand

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale Village, along with the rest of Long Island, hit Phase 2 of the state's coronavirus reopening plan on June 10. Restaurants and bars were able to reopen for limited outdoor seating, as well as barbershops and other businesses.

One week after the fact, and Mayor Ralph Ekstrand said he feels the community's Phase 2 reopening has gone "incredibly well."

"The restaurants and other businesses are thrilled to be doing more business and seeing familiar customers again," Ekstrand told Patch in an email. "And you can see the smiles everywhere on those back on Main Street eating and in some cases; shopping! The great weather has played a good factor too and it’s very inspiring."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday sent a stern warning to the owners of restaurants and bars across the state after reports came in that people were ignoring social distancing and not wearing masks. The state has received 25,000 complaints of businesses violating the reopening plan, Cuomo said. Most complaints have come from Manhattan and The Hamptons. More violations could lead to the state seeing a "reverse" of course in the reopening, Cuomo said. Inspectors from the State Liquor Authority are out with a state task force of investigators, and Cuomo threatened that restaurants and bars could lose their liquor licenses for violations.

"We are not kidding around with this," Cuomo said. "You’re talking about jeopardizing peoples’ lives."

Ekstrand said he's sure Cuomo's statements are a "concern to everyone."

"And that’s why we are taking a proactive approach," he said.

Officials have met with Village merchants in an attempt to find solutions, ensure state guidelines are followed, posted signs encouraging social distancing and mask-wearing, as well as providing restaurants with more than 1,500 masks to hand out to patrons not wearing one, according to Ekstrand.

"We are encouraged by the positive reaction of the business community who intend to do everything possible to gain compliance; while simultaneously bringing back business in Farmingdale Village!," Ekstrand said.

The mayor also thanked front-line workers, healthcare workers and essential workers for their work during the coronavirus outbreak.