Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Apr 23, 2025
·
10:00 AM
3 hr 56 min
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Summary
A hearing on the Dining Out NYC permanent outdoor dining program, which replaced the temporary pandemic-era program.
Discussions focused on challenges in the program's rollout and implementation, including:
- Complex application processes
- Approval delays
- High costs for restaurants
- Restrictions on year-round roadway dining
- Clearance requirements
Features testimony from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Introduction to the joint legislative hearing on Dining Out NYC
Council Member Julie Menin opens the joint legislative hearing on the Dining Out NYC program and Intro 857. She introduces herself as the chair of the Committee on Consumer and …
0:01:09
•
33 sec
Establishment of the permanent outdoor dining program
Council Member Menin outlines the establishment of the permanent outdoor dining program through Local Law 121 of 2023. The program grants licenses and revocable consents for sidewalk and roadway cafes …
0:01:42
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52 sec
Concerns about DOT managing the outdoor dining program
Council Member Menin expresses her strong concerns about the Department of Transportation (DOT) managing the outdoor dining program instead of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). - Menin, …
0:02:35
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41 sec
Current status of outdoor dining application processing
Council Member Menin details the current status of outdoor dining application processing, highlighting significant delays and low approval rates. She emphasizes the uncertainty this creates for restaurants during peak season. …
0:03:16
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147 sec
Issues with the outdoor dining program rollout
Council Member Menin characterizes the rollout of the permanent outdoor dining program as 'disastrous,' highlighting DOT's unpreparedness to meet the needs of thousands of small businesses and their patrons. - …
0:05:43
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18 sec
Goals for the hearing on the outdoor dining program
Council Member Menin outlines the goals for the hearing, focusing on improving the outdoor dining program's application process and hearing from various stakeholders. - The council aims to learn how …
0:06:01
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28 sec
Introduction to the joint hearing on the Dining Out NYC program
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers opens the joint hearing of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection. She introduces the main focus of …
0:06:34
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38 sec
Background on NYC's outdoor dining programs before and during the pandemic
Council Member Brooks-Powers provides a brief history of outdoor dining programs in NYC, from pre-pandemic regulations to the temporary measures implemented during COVID-19. - Pre-pandemic sidewalk cafes were regulated by …
0:07:13
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72 sec
Implementation of the new permanent outdoor dining program
Council Member Brooks-Powers explains the establishment and key features of the new permanent outdoor dining program created by Local Law 121 of 2023. - The new program is managed by …
0:08:25
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67 sec
Concerns and challenges with the new outdoor dining program
Council Member Brooks-Powers outlines several issues that have arisen with the implementation of the new permanent outdoor dining program. - DOT has struggled to process applications in a timely manner, …
0:09:33
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116 sec
Goals for the hearing and closing remarks
Council Member Brooks-Powers outlines her objectives for the hearing and concludes her opening statement. - She wants to find out how DOT is ensuring the dining out program is effective, …
0:11:29
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43 sec
Council Member Julie Menin announces change in speaker order
Council Member Julie Menin briefly intervenes to announce a change in the order of speakers for the hearing. She states that advocate groups will speak before the administration to ensure …
0:12:13
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12 sec
Testimony by Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of New York City Hospitality Alliance, on Dining Out NYC Program
Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, testifies on the challenges and shortcomings of the Dining Out NYC program, highlighting the significant decrease in participation compared …
0:13:03
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5 min
Testimony by Rob Bookman, Counsel for New York City Hospitality Alliance, on NYC's Outdoor Dining Program
Rob Bookman, counsel for the New York City Hospitality Alliance, provided testimony on the challenges and shortcomings of the new permanent outdoor dining program in NYC. He emphasized that despite …
0:18:40
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8 min
Testimony by Max Bookman, Partner at Pesetsky & Bookman, on NYC Outdoor Dining Program
Max Bookman, a partner at Pesetsky & Bookman law firm, testifies about the challenges faced by restaurants and bars in navigating the NYC outdoor dining program application process. He emphasizes …
0:27:31
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143 sec
Testimony by Krizette Woods, Owner of Sylvia's Restaurant
Krizette Woods, second-generation owner of Sylvia's Restaurant in Harlem, testified about the challenges and potential benefits of the new outdoor dining program. She expressed gratitude for the Hospitality Alliance's assistance …
0:29:57
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93 sec
Testimony by Megan Rickerson, Owner of Someday Bar and Member of the Hospitality Alliance
Megan Rickerson, owner of Someday Bar in Brooklyn, testifies about the challenges and high costs associated with the new permanent outdoor dining program in New York City. She expresses disappointment …
0:31:35
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5 min
Testimony by Robert Guarino, Partner at Chef Driven Group, on NYC's Outdoor Dining Program
Robert Guarino, a partner in Chef Driven Group, testifies about the impact of changes to NYC's outdoor dining program on his restaurants, particularly Nitza in Hell's Kitchen. He emphasizes the …
0:36:51
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3 min
Economic impact of outdoor dining program rollout
Council Member Julie Menin inquires about the economic losses restaurants face due to the poor rollout of the outdoor dining program. Andrew Rigie and Rob Bookman from the New York …
0:40:36
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3 min
Equity concerns in outdoor dining program implementation
Council Member Julie Menin raises concerns about equity issues in the outdoor dining program implementation. Key points discussed include: - The original council bill aimed to ensure outdoor dining options …
0:44:31
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38 sec
Challenges in the outdoor dining application process
Panel members discuss various challenges restaurant owners face in the outdoor dining application process. Key issues highlighted include: - Language barriers due to limited language options for the application - …
0:45:09
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85 sec
Criticism of DOT managing the outdoor dining program
Council Member Julie Menin expresses strong criticism of the decision to have the Department of Transportation (DOT) manage the outdoor dining program. Key points include: - Menin argues that the …
0:46:35
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139 sec
Reasons for low number of fully approved outdoor dining applications
Rob Bookman explains why only 67 restaurants have completed the entire application process for outdoor dining. Key points include: - DOT's misinterpretation of when the application clock starts, leading to …
0:48:53
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119 sec
Support for year-round outdoor dining
Council Member Julie Menin expresses her strong support for year-round outdoor dining. Key points include: - Menin personally advocated for year-round outdoor dining - She argues it's unfair for restaurants …
0:50:52
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20 sec
Follow-up questions on costs and application process for outdoor dining
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks for clarification on the costs associated with the outdoor dining program, particularly focusing on architect fees and the frequency of payments. Business owners explain that some …
0:51:18
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81 sec
Economic impact and revenue projections for outdoor dining program
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the added revenue and financial benefits of the outdoor dining program. Business owners express uncertainty about the economic impact and whether the program will be …
0:52:39
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76 sec
Recommendations for improving the outdoor dining application process
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks for recommendations to improve the outdoor dining application process, particularly for businesses that may not be part of industry alliances. Industry representatives provide several suggestions for …
0:53:56
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3 min
Issues with clearance requirements and measurements for outdoor dining
Rob Bookman explains the complexities and challenges introduced by new clearance requirements and measurement methods for outdoor dining spaces. He contrasts the new system with the previous, simpler approach. - …
0:57:03
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104 sec
Challenges with roadway cafe regulations and interagency involvement
Industry representatives discuss various challenges with roadway cafe regulations and the involvement of multiple city agencies in the rulemaking process. They highlight issues with clearance requirements, seasonal restrictions, and the …
0:58:46
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109 sec
Council member Brewer inquires about simplifying the application process
Council Member Gale A. Brewer initiates a discussion on simplifying the paperwork and application process for outdoor dining permits. She asks about potential modifications to reduce problems for applicants and …
1:00:52
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153 sec
Discussion on floor plan requirements and clearance issues
The panel delves into specific challenges in the outdoor dining application process, focusing on floor plan requirements and clearance issues. Max Bookman explains the complexities applicants face in meeting clearance …
1:03:25
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53 sec
Challenges with community board involvement in outdoor dining applications
The discussion focuses on the challenges posed by community board involvement in the outdoor dining application process. Panel members express concerns about the complexity and time-consuming nature of community board …
1:04:18
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60 sec
Debate over revocable consent process for outdoor dining
The panel discusses the revocable consent process for outdoor dining permits and argues for its elimination. Rob Bookman provides a historical context and criticizes the current system as unnecessarily complex …
1:05:19
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129 sec
Council Member Narcisse discusses challenges of outdoor dining with business owners
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse engages in a Q&A session with restaurant owners and industry representatives about the challenges of the outdoor dining program in New York City. The discussion focuses …
1:07:40
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3 min
Council member's perspective on the outdoor dining program's implementation
Council Member Chi A. Ossé expresses his opinion that the administration's intention with the new outdoor dining bill was to effectively end the program. He criticizes the complex process that …
1:11:37
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46 sec
Restaurant owners address sanitation concerns in outdoor dining
Council Member Ossé asks restaurant owners to respond to criticisms about sanitation and rat issues related to outdoor dining. Multiple owners provide their perspectives on the matter. - Restaurant owners …
1:12:24
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143 sec
Restaurant owners discuss city agencies' responsiveness to program inquiries
Council Member Ossé inquires about the responsiveness of DCWP and DOT to restaurant owners' questions and concerns regarding the new outdoor dining program. Restaurant owners share their experiences. - Some …
1:14:48
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63 sec
Clarification on application process and liquor license alteration issues
Restaurant owners and industry representatives provide more detailed information about specific issues with the application process, particularly regarding liquor license alterations and communication between city and state agencies. - There …
1:15:50
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43 sec
Final remarks on program improvements and need for increased participation
Industry representatives provide final remarks on the improvements made to the outdoor dining program and emphasize the need for increased participation. They address previous concerns and highlight the positive changes …
1:16:34
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68 sec
Council Member Salamanca introduces bill to tow encumbering vehicles
Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. presents his bill, Intro 857-A, which requires the Department of Sanitation to tow vehicles that encumber city streets within 72 hours of NYPD notification. He …
1:18:05
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84 sec
Introduction and overview of testimony on outdoor dining program
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, introduces herself and her colleagues to testify on the city's outdoor dining program. She acknowledges the committee chairs and …
1:28:15
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29 sec
Evolution of outdoor dining programs in New York City
Forgione outlines the evolution of outdoor dining in New York City, from pre-pandemic sidewalk cafes to the emergency Open Restaurants program during COVID-19, and finally to the permanent Dining Out …
1:28:45
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3 min
Transition to the permanent Dining Out NYC program
Forgione explains the transition from the temporary Open Restaurants program to the permanent Dining Out NYC initiative. She emphasizes how the new program aims to balance the lessons learned from …
1:32:37
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55 sec
Application process, approvals, and current participation statistics
Forgione details the application process for Dining Out NYC, including outreach efforts, approval rates, and strategies to help restaurants participate. She provides statistics on applications received and emphasizes the DOT's …
1:33:33
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95 sec
Future plans, collaboration, and concluding remarks
Forgione concludes by expressing the DOT's commitment to improving the Dining Out NYC program through collaboration with the city council and stakeholders. She acknowledges that the program is in its …
1:35:08
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31 sec
Discussion on low approval rates for outdoor dining applications
Council Member Julie Menin questions DOT officials about the low number of fully approved outdoor dining applications. First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione explains that while only 67 businesses have full …
1:35:42
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48 sec
Explanation of conditional approvals and restaurant certainty
DOT officials explain the process of conditional approvals and how it provides certainty for restaurants in the outdoor dining program. Margaret Forgione details the breakdown of applications and the review …
1:36:30
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108 sec
DOT's efforts to assist non-responsive applicants
Margaret Forgione explains DOT's efforts to assist restaurants with incomplete or incorrect applications, and their attempts to reach out to non-responsive applicants. - DOT corrects errors in applications and sends …
1:38:18
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85 sec
Discussion on walk-in licensing centers versus DOT's current assistance methods
Council Member Julie Menin suggests setting up walk-in licensing centers in every borough, while DOT officials explain their current approach to assisting restaurants with applications. - DOT offers to visit …
1:39:43
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31 sec
Addressing the disconnect between DOT claims and restaurant complaints
Council Member Julie Menin highlights a disconnect between DOT's claims of responsiveness and complaints from restaurants and industry representatives. DOT officials defend their responsiveness and offer to address specific issues. …
1:40:15
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45 sec
Analysis of low application rates compared to the temporary program
DOT officials respond to concerns about the low number of applications for the permanent outdoor dining program compared to the temporary program during the pandemic. - DOT claims the current …
1:41:00
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87 sec
Clarification on language accessibility of the outdoor dining application
Council Member Julie Menin questions the language accessibility of the outdoor dining application, leading to a discussion about available translations and recent updates. - DOT officials clarify that the application …
1:42:28
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41 sec
Addressing complaints about the Dining Out NYC program
Council Member Julie Menin asks DOT officials about addressing various complaints regarding the Dining Out NYC program, including issues with revocable consent, fees, backlog, and architectural drawings. DOT officials acknowledge …
1:43:10
•
62 sec
DOT's efforts to streamline the outdoor dining application process
Michelle Craven, Associate Deputy Commissioner for Cityscape and Franchises at DOT, explains the department's efforts to streamline the outdoor dining application process. She details various measures taken to assist restaurants …
1:44:14
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132 sec
DOT's outreach efforts for the Dining Out NYC program
Council Member Julie Menin inquires about DOT's specific outreach efforts to restaurants about the Dining Out NYC program, particularly addressing equity issues across boroughs. DOT officials detail their extensive outreach …
1:46:27
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92 sec
Flexibility in sidewalk cafe clearances and scaffolding requirements
Council Member Julie Menin asks about potential flexibility in sidewalk cafe clearances and scaffolding requirements. DOT officials explain their approach to setting clearance requirements and the rationale behind them. - …
1:47:59
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169 sec
Staffing and application processing for outdoor dining program
Council Member Julie Menin inquires about staffing levels for processing outdoor dining applications and expresses concerns about backlogs and processing times. DOT officials explain their staffing situation and the reasons …
1:50:50
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139 sec
Request for examples of quickly processed outdoor dining applications
Council Member Julie Menin requests specific examples of restaurants whose outdoor dining applications were processed quickly, from start to finish. She expresses skepticism about DOT's claim of processing some applications …
1:53:09
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20 sec
Potential amendment for year-round outdoor dining program
Council Member Julie Menin inquires about DOT's openness to amending the Dining Out NYC program to allow for year-round operation instead of seasonal. She expresses her personal objection to the …
1:53:29
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30 sec
DOT's approval process for outdoor dining applications
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the DOT's approval process for outdoor dining applications. DOT officials provide a detailed explanation of the steps involved for both sidewalk and roadway cafe applications, …
1:54:10
•
3 min
Prioritization and common issues in outdoor dining application process
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the prioritization of pending applications and common issues faced by applicants. DOT officials explain their approach to handling applications and discuss challenges in the process. …
1:57:42
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71 sec
DCWP guidance and program rule changes for outdoor dining
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about guidance provided by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to DOT on managing the sidewalk cafe program. DOT officials discuss their interactions with …
1:58:56
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71 sec
Changes to clearance requirements for sidewalk cafes
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about changes to clearance requirements for sidewalk cafes and how DOT determined proper distances between cafes and other street elements. DOT officials explain their approach to …
2:00:10
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121 sec
Federal funding and DOT's marketplace directory for outdoor dining
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the status of federal funding for outdoor dining setups in New York's 6th district and asks for an update on DOT's marketplace directory. DOT officials …
2:02:12
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121 sec
Discussion on streamlining the outdoor dining application process
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about ways to shorten the lengthy application process for outdoor dining permits. DOT officials discuss the possibility of changing the revocable consent requirement and …
2:04:38
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100 sec
Interagency coordination for the outdoor dining program
Council Member Brewer inquires about how DOT coordinates with other city agencies for the outdoor dining program. DOT officials explain their collaboration with various departments and the nature of their …
2:06:18
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62 sec
Improving website information on outdoor dining legality
Council Member Brewer raises concerns about the lack of clear information on the legality of outdoor dining setups on the DOT website. She suggests improvements to help residents identify legal …
2:07:20
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84 sec
Street cleaning and maintenance for outdoor dining areas
Council Member Brewer raises concerns about street cleaning and maintenance around outdoor dining structures. DOT officials explain the responsibilities of restaurants and city agencies in keeping these areas clean and …
2:08:45
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61 sec
Fee structure for outdoor dining permits
Council Member Brewer inquires about the fee structure for outdoor dining permits, expressing concern about high costs for restaurant owners. DOT officials provide a detailed explanation of the fee system …
2:09:47
•
145 sec
Council Member Brewer's concerns about Upper West Side outdoor dining fees
Council Member Gale A. Brewer expresses concern about the fees charged for outdoor dining permits in the Upper West Side, suggesting they may be disproportionately high compared to other areas. …
2:12:12
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21 sec
Council Member Narcisse questions DOT officials on outdoor dining program details
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse engages in a Q&A session with DOT officials, primarily First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione, about various aspects of the outdoor dining program. The discussion covers topics …
2:12:36
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4 min
Council Member Restler questions DOT's assessment of outdoor dining program
Council Member Lincoln Restler challenges the Department of Transportation's positive assessment of the permanent outdoor dining program. He suggests the program might be failing and questions DOT's ability to manage …
2:17:18
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28 sec
Debate over reported numbers of outdoor dining participants
Council Member Restler and DOT officials engage in a heated debate over the reported numbers of restaurants participating in outdoor dining programs, both past and present. The discussion reveals discrepancies …
2:17:46
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3 min
Comparison of current outdoor dining participation to peak numbers
Council Member Restler and DOT officials debate the current participation rates in the outdoor dining program compared to peak numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion highlights a significant decrease …
2:21:10
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49 sec
Council Member Restler criticizes outdoor dining program and proposes new legislation
Council Member Lincoln Restler strongly criticizes the current outdoor dining program, arguing that it has failed to maintain the success of the previous temporary program. He announces his intention to …
2:22:00
•
39 sec
Council members discuss transferring outdoor dining program to DCWP
Council Members Julie Menin and Lincoln Restler discuss the possibility of transferring the outdoor dining program from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection …
2:22:40
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54 sec
DOT's outreach efforts to previous outdoor dining participants
Council Member Julie Menin questions DOT officials about their outreach efforts to restaurants that participated in the previous temporary outdoor dining program. The discussion reveals the extent of DOT's communication …
2:23:34
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56 sec
Council member Louis questions DOT on inter-agency coordination for outdoor dining program
Council Member Farah Louis inquires about the coordination between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other agencies, particularly the State Liquor Authority (SLA) and the Department of Health and Mental …
2:24:31
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3 min
Council Member Rivera questions DOT on outdoor dining program challenges
Council Member Carlina Rivera engages in a Q&A session with DOT officials, primarily First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione, about various aspects of the outdoor dining program. Rivera addresses concerns about …
2:27:37
•
4 min
Testimony by Valerie De La Rosa, Chair of Manhattan Community Board 2, on Dining Out NYC Program
Valerie De La Rosa, Chair of Manhattan Community Board 2, provided testimony on the implementation and challenges of the Dining Out NYC program in her district. She highlighted the high …
2:34:11
•
169 sec
Testimony by Lacey Tauber, Representative from Brooklyn Borough President's Office
Lacey Tauber, representing Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, testified on the challenges of the new permanent outdoor dining program in NYC. She highlighted the success of the original emergency program …
2:37:03
•
162 sec
Testimony by Jean Ryan, President of Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York, on Outdoor Dining Accessibility
Jean Ryan, President of Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York, testifies in favor of outdoor dining but emphasizes the critical need for accessibility in the new program. She highlights …
2:39:48
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3 min
Testimony by Kathleen Irwin, Representative of New York State Restaurant Association, on Dining Out NYC Program
Kathleen Irwin from the New York State Restaurant Association provided testimony on the rollout of the Dining Out NYC program, acknowledging some positive aspects while highlighting several challenges faced by …
2:43:55
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151 sec
Testimony by Cecil Brooks Jr., Senior Campaign Manager of Open Plans, on Outdoor Dining Program Improvements
Cecil Brooks Jr. from Open Plans presented research findings and recommendations for improving the outdoor dining program in NYC. He emphasized the need for year-round options, flexibility for smaller businesses, …
2:46:40
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124 sec
Testimony by Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director of Open Plans on NYC Outdoor Dining Program
Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director of Open Plans, expresses support for outdoor dining in NYC while highlighting concerns about the current program's implementation. She emphasizes the need for year-round dining options, …
2:48:46
•
127 sec
Council member Julie Menin asks about recommendations for the Dining Out NYC program
Council Member Julie Menin asks Kathleen Irwin from the New York State Restaurant Association to discuss their five recommendations for the Dining Out NYC program. Irwin provides a detailed response …
2:50:54
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96 sec
Testimony by Charlotta Janssen, Owner of Chez Oskar on NYC Outdoor Dining Program Challenges
Charlotta Janssen, owner of Chez Oskar in Bed Stuy, testifies about the challenges faced with the new outdoor dining program in NYC. She describes a complex and frustrating application process, …
2:53:11
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151 sec
Testimony by Kevin Mulligan, Owner of The Laurels
Kevin Mulligan, owner of The Laurels in the East Village, testifies about the flaws in the new outdoor dining rules, particularly the prohibition of enclosed sidewalk cafes. He argues that …
2:55:47
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142 sec
Testimony by Mary Avancio, Resident of New York City, on Outdoor Dining Program
Mary Avancio, a long-time resident of New York City, provides testimony on the outdoor dining program, expressing concerns about enforcement, fairness, and the program's impact on the city. She urges …
2:58:48
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117 sec
Testimony by Augustine Hope, Representative from West Village Residents Association on Outdoor Dining Program
Augustine Hope from the West Village Residents Association provided testimony on the outdoor dining program, focusing on the community's perspective and the challenges faced by residents. He emphasized the distinction …
3:00:49
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102 sec
Testimony by Leslie Clark, Representative of West Village Residents Association
Leslie Clark, representing the West Village Residents Association, presents testimony opposing certain suggestions made by the restaurant industry and some council members regarding the outdoor dining program. She emphasizes the …
3:02:35
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132 sec
Testimony by Isabelle, Street Vendor and Board Member of Street Vendors Project
Isabelle, a street vendor and board member of the Street Vendors Project, testifies about the outdoor dining program in New York City. She expresses support for the program and discusses …
3:06:31
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3 min
Testimony by Marlene, Board Member of Street Vendor Project on Outdoor Dining Program
Marlene, a street vendor and board member of the Street Vendor Project, testifies in support of the outdoor dining program in New York City. She calls for the continuation and …
3:11:38
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3 min
Testimony by Norma Cote, Member of the Public, on Outdoor Dining Program Concerns
Norma Cote, a member of the public, provides testimony expressing concerns about the outdoor dining program in New York City. She highlights issues with restaurant compliance, enforcement, and the impact …
3:15:48
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139 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown, Member of the Public
Sharon Brown testifies in support of expanding sidewalk cafes and outdoor dining options in New York City. She advocates for year-round outdoor dining and proposes a delivery option to address …
3:18:11
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112 sec
Testimony by Madison Pinckney, Legal Fellow of the Disability Program at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI)
Madison Pinckney from NYLPI discusses the importance of ensuring disability access in the Dining Out NYC program, emphasizing the need for clear sidewalks and robust enforcement of accessibility requirements. She …
3:20:24
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92 sec
Testimony by John Grimes, Resident of West Village
John Grimes, a 35-year resident of the West Village, testifies against the outdoor dining program, describing it as an "unmitigated disaster" that negatively impacts his quality of life. He opposes …
3:22:21
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127 sec
Testimony by Kiana from the Lower East Side on Outdoor Dining Accommodations
Kiana, a resident of the Lower East Side, testifies in favor of all outdoor dining accommodations, emphasizing their importance for immunocompromised and high-risk individuals during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She …
3:24:39
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121 sec
Testimony by Michelle Campo, Member of the Public
Michelle Campo, a member of the public, provided a brief testimony expressing frustration with the length of the hearing and the perceived imbalance in the committee. She opted to submit …
3:27:27
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25 sec
Testimony by Peter Davies, Representative of Broadway Residents Coalition on Outdoor Dining Program
Peter Davies, representing the Broadway Residents Coalition, testified about concerns regarding the new permanent outdoor dining program in New York City. He highlighted issues with the application process, potential conflicts …
3:28:10
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129 sec
Testimony by Sandy Rayburn, Member of the Public
Sandy Rayburn, a long-time New York City resident, strongly opposes the Hospitality Alliance's proposal to make outdoor dining permanent and year-round on public streets and sidewalks. She argues that this …
3:31:01
•
128 sec
Testimony by Elizabeth Adams, Deputy Executive Director for Public Affairs at Transportation Alternatives, on Dining Out NYC Program
Elizabeth Adams from Transportation Alternatives testified about the crisis in the Dining Out NYC program, highlighting low application and approval rates, and the program's shift from an equitable pandemic solution …
3:33:22
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130 sec
Discussion on the necessity of outdoor dining post-pandemic
Council Member Vickie Paladino questions Elizabeth Adams about the ongoing need for outdoor dining now that the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Adams defends the program, citing ongoing health concerns and …
3:35:41
•
29 sec
Council member's critique of outdoor dining's impact on city streets
Council Member Vickie Paladino strongly criticizes the continuation of outdoor dining structures, arguing they unnecessarily impede streets and parking spaces. She debates with Elizabeth Adams about the program's impact and …
3:36:10
•
3 min
Testimony by Michelle Kuppersmith Member of Manhattan Community Board 3
Michelle Kuppersmith, a Lower East Side resident and Manhattan Community Board 3 member, testifies in support of outdoor dining but criticizes the complexity and confusion surrounding the new permanent process. …
3:39:22
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130 sec
Testimony by Samir Lavingia, Member of Manhattan Community Board 5, on Outdoor Dining Program
Samir Lavingia, a member of Manhattan Community Board 5, expressed strong support for the outdoor dining program, highlighting its positive impact on quality of life and better use of public …
3:41:46
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97 sec
Testimony by Mary, Member of the Public, on Outdoor Dining Program
Mary, a member of the public, testifies against the outdoor dining program, citing concerns about safety, cleanliness, and sidewalk accessibility. She shares personal experiences and observations from living in the …
3:44:38
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147 sec
Testimony by Kathleen Collins, Disabled New Yorker, on Dining Out NYC Program Accessibility
Kathleen Collins, a disabled New Yorker using a wheelchair, testified in support of the Dining Out NYC program, emphasizing the need for accessibility for people with disabilities. She stressed that …
3:47:22
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115 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public, on Dining Out NYC
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in support of Dining Out NYC while raising concerns about lobbyist identification, homeless people using dining sheds, and the placement of outdoor dining structures. He suggests …
3:49:34
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132 sec
Testimony by Ned Shalanski, Licensed Landscape Architect, on Outdoor Dining Program
Ned Shalanski, a licensed landscape architect, presents critical testimony on the outdoor dining program, focusing on roadway dining. He expresses concerns about the program's impact on residents' quality of life …
3:52:01
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129 sec