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Public Testimony

Augustine Hope Testimony: West Village Residents Association

New York City Council · Apr 23, 2025 · starts 3:00:53 · 1 min 42 sec

Augustine Hope, representing the West Village Residents Association, testifies about the disproportionate negative impact of roadway dining setups on residential quality of life, citing noise and trash.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

I had prepared a long testimony, but most of the committee have left, so let me just address a couple of salient points.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

The hospitality industry has driven a truck through an illusion that they have made about this program.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

That it that the outdoor dining is what is a monolithic program.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

It isn't.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

With them.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

So perhaps we could have a hearing that doesn't focus on all the problems that the hospitality industry is having.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

And we're happy to consult with them on how to comply with the rules.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

They're not that complicated.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

We'll do it for free.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

We won't charge them anything.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

So perhaps we could have a hearing at some point where we discuss the issues that the community is having and some of the ways that they could actually be solved.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

They're not that complicated.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

I th I there's no time here now to discuss them, but let's talk about them.

Member of the Public - Augustine Hope

Thank you.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Thank you.