Business brainstorm

Mayor de Blasio, who’s already made clear he doesn’t care if wealthy people who foot the bill for his government up and leave New York for good, pathetically threw up his hands Wednesday when asked what can be done to save small businesses, which accounted for 39% of the estimated 921,000 jobs lost to coronavirus.

De Blasio was right, of course, when he said the cash-strapped city can’t “do a major financial effort” to underwrite outstanding rent, payroll or utility costs. But less costly lifelines must be thrown, now, and it’s astonishing how few ideas are emanating from City Hall, beyond a few tapped out pennyante grant programs, and the provision of legal services.

One worthwhile idea: Controller Scott Stringer’s small business rescue plan calling for temporarily eliminating a 25% liquor license tax restaurants pay, giving businesses a 30-day grace period to address violations, and temporarily waiving permitting and inspection fees for businesses that take over vacant commercial spaces.

Another: Follow San Francisco’s lead by creating temporary outdoor permits for not just restaurants but other retailers.

Another: Assembly members Brian Kavanagh and Yuh-Line Niou’s “recovery leases” would give landlords tax breaks if they negotiate better lease terms for existing commercial tenants. Short term cost, long-term gain.

Another: New York State in March barred utilities shutting off service to residential customers unable to pay their bills, but commercial tenants have no such guarantee, unlike in Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia.

City Hall, where are you?