The “Open Storefronts” program, detailed on the New York City Department of Transportation website, will allow ground-floor storefront businesses to use outdoor areas on a temporary basis.
Eligible businesses will be allowed to take over a few feet of the sidewalks in front of their stores, or on roadways already emptied by the city’s Open Streets: Restaurants program.
To qualify, a business must be engaged in the sale of goods and/or services directly to the public.
“In addition to businesses engaged in retail trade, repair stores, personal care services, and dry-cleaning and laundry services are able to use outdoor space for seating, queuing or displaying of dry goods,” explains the city.
The DoT website outlines various limitations to prevent stores from completely blocking sidewalks from pedestrians.
This program begins Friday Oct. 30, and will run through Dec. 31, 2020, the mayor said Wednesday.
De Blasio, during a Wednesday press conference stressed the importance of getting this initiative off the ground before the holidays. “It’s a crucial time for every small business,” said the mayor. “We can all make a difference by buying local.”
Months of coronavirus restrictions have pushed many of New York City’s small businesses—restaurants and retail stores alike—to the edge. In August, the Partnership for New York City, an influential non-profit in the business community, predicted that by the end of the pandemic, roughly one-third (240,000) of New York City’s small businesses will not reopen. Mayor de Blasio touted the open air dining program as a savior to the hard-hit restaurant industry, which city officials say saved 90,000 restaurant jobs. The program was such a great success that de Blasio announced it will become a permanent fixture, regardless of the virus.