A new City Hall legislation required restaurants along Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria to either apply for permanent permits for their outdoor dining sheds or demolish them, with fines for non-compliance. Only a fraction of restaurants have applied for permits, with most applications coming in on the last day. The new program specifies design requirements and seasonal restrictions. The Open Restaurants program was crucial for many businesses during the pandemic, but some owners find the new rules and costs challenging. One owner has gathered signatures to keep his structure, citing its importance to his business and employees.
Outdoor dining sheds along Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria have been gradually disappearing, with only three remaining out of the original 18 that lined the streets since 2020. This removal is in response to new City Hall legislation that requires eateries to either apply for permits to make their outdoor dining structures legal or dismantle them. Failure to comply may result in hefty fines.
As the deadline for compliance passed, it was revealed that only a fraction of restaurants with pandemic-era outdoor seating have applied for the necessary permits. Out of over 12,000 restaurants that participated in the outdoor dining program, less than 25% have applied for permanent permits. The Department of Transportation received 2,592 applications for the new program, with a majority coming in on the last day.
Restaurants had the option to request curbside seating, sidewalk-only seating, or both. Sidewalk seating will be allowed year-round, while curbside seating will only be permitted from April to October. Non-compliance with the new regulations could result in fines starting at $500 and escalating for subsequent violations.
Amidst these changes, restaurant owners have taken different approaches. Some, like Tom Avallone of Nick’s Bistro in Forest Hills, have decided to keep their existing structures despite not meeting the new requirements. Avallone invested significantly in his outdoor shed and is unwilling to take it down, citing the actions of a few establishments that have caused issues like attracting rats and creating trash.
On the other hand, some restaurant owners, such as Antonia Joannides of Queen’s Room in Astoria, have opted to make adjustments to comply with the new regulations. Joannides found curbside seating impractical and has now applied for a sidewalk permit only. She believes this to be a reasonable compromise considering the changing circumstances post-COVID.
The Open Restaurants program, which was a lifeline for many establishments during the pandemic, allowed thousands of restaurants to expand their outdoor dining options. However, with the new regulations in place, the process of compliance and the associated costs have posed challenges for many restaurant owners. Andrew Rigie of the New York Hospitality Alliance suggests that the city should reevaluate the rules and extend deadlines to make the program more accessible and inclusive.
For owners like Avallone, the outdoor dining setup has become more than just a temporary solution but a vital part of their business. His outdoor seating arrangement has significantly boosted his restaurant’s popularity and provided additional employment opportunities. The potential impact of dismantling these structures goes beyond just regulatory compliance, with significant implications for businesses and their employees.
In conclusion, the changing landscape of outdoor dining in New York City reflects the ongoing adjustments that businesses are making in response to post-pandemic regulations. While some are embracing the changes, others are facing challenges in meeting the new requirements. Finding a balance between compliance and practicality will be crucial for the continued success of outdoor dining in the city.
Source: TheCity.NYC
