Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
AGENCY TESTIMONY
Transition to the permanent Dining Out NYC program
1:32:37
·
55 sec
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 both the pre-pandemic and pandemic-era programs, addressing concerns while encouraging wider participation.
- Highlights the goal of striking a balance between past programs and current needs
- Mentions lower fees compared to the pre-pandemic program
- Notes the removal of geographic restrictions through a zoning text amendment
- Emphasizes the program's aim to encourage wider participation while addressing quality of life concerns
Margaret Forgione
1:32:37
Thus, when planning the permanent outdoor dining program, DOT worked to implement a program built around lessons learned from both the DCWP sidewalk cafe program as well as the temporary open restaurants program.
1:32:49
The goal that we shared with the council was to strike a balance between the programs of the past, loosening requirements from the pre pandemic program as much as possible to encourage wider participation while updating regulations to address quality of life concerns.
1:33:05
The program has significantly lower fees than the pre pandemic sidewalk cafe program with rates varying by location and setup size.
1:33:13
Simultaneously, a zoning text amendment was also removed also removed the pre pandemic program's numerous geographic restrictions, allowing the restaurants to participate in areas of the city where outdoor dining was not allowed previously.
1:33:26
With the transition to the first year of Dining Out NYC, we are proud of the work the agency has done so far.