As State College Borough explores ways to assist with long-term economic recovery, a survey is seeking input from local businesses about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey, which is being conducted by the State College Redevelopment Authority, is open through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, for business owners and managers who operate within the municipality.
‘In order to determine the best way to utilize scarce public resources, the RDA is surveying businesses, located within the State College Borough, to better understand their needs, both in stabilizing during the current crisis and preparing for long-term recovery,’ a borough news release said.
The survey includes questions about specific issues businesses have faced as a result of the pandemic, estimated revenue losses, preparedness for recovery and expected need for financial assistance, as well as evaluations of potential assistance funding and how it would be used.
‘Feedback from this survey is critical in the development of programs to assist local businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,’ the release said.
At least one business within the borough has permanently closed because of lack of business during the pandemic. Sadie’s Waffles, 118 S. Pugh St., announced on May 14 that it had gone out of business.
Brothers Pizza, 204 E. College Ave., appears to have closed but its owner has not yet confirmed whether the closure is permanent. The restaurant’s windows have been papered over and signage has been removed, it is no longer available on DoorDash or GrubHub, and its phone number forwards to an automated voicemail.
The restaurant leases the building from State College Downtown Properties, which could not confirm if Brothers has permanently closed.
‘As you have likely observed, COVID-19 has placed unprecedented burdens on our local economy,’ Charlene Friedman, chief financial officer for State College Downtown Properties, wrote in an email. ‘Many of our enterprises are currently closed due to the Governor’s mandates and must face challenging decisions about their future. I cannot confirm that Brothers Pizza is permanently closed.’
On Friday, Centre County will move to Pennsylvania’s ‘green phase’ of reopening, which will allow businesses that are currently closed to resume business. Bars and restaurants, which had been restricted to takeout or delivery, will be permitted to offer dine-in service at 50% occupancy.
Gyms, spas, salons, barbershops, theaters and shopping malls also can open at 50% occupancy, though hair salons and barbershops must be by appointment only. Other businesses that have been operating at 50% occupancy can increase to 75%. Restrictions remain on large recreational gatherings
All businesses will be required to follow building safety requirements and CDC and Department of Health guidelines.
