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Chair Brooks-Powers Questions Panel on Projected Revenues and Break-Even Points

New York City Council · Apr 23, 2025 · starts 0:53:00 · 1 min 47 sec

Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers asks the panel about projected revenues under the new model and whether small businesses can realistically break even given the high costs and weather dependencies.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

How much added revenue have you seen now or project with this new model?

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Do you see yourself breaking even?

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Is it still an added benefit?

Member of the Public - Megan Rickerson

I think that's very much like remains to be seen.

Member of the Public - Megan Rickerson

Like when I said I felt duped, it's because I don't know if the juice is worth the squeeze, right?

Member of the Public - Megan Rickerson

Um, I don't know because I also didn't expect it to cost as much as it did.

Member of the Public - Megan Rickerson

So it's really gonna be I have to get through this season and see where we're at.

Member of the Public - Megan Rickerson

And you know, if next year I realize that I'm at a loss from operating, then I've just paid for four years up front, and I'm gonna use one of those because what's the point of operating at a loss and losing money on it?

Member of the Public - Megan Rickerson

So I think this year is going to be very telling on how that goes.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

And what are some of the recommendations from you know all anyone again can answer this for DOT to improve on the application process?

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

We've heard myself, um Chairman, and I know a number of my colleagues have heard that the application process has been very cumbersome and challenging.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

And the fact that you're connected to the hospitality alliance makes you a more informed um business owner than some that may be out there trying to do it themselves.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

And so, me representing a community out in Southeast Queens, I'm not sure how many members are necessarily a part of the alliance themselves, but I'm I'm trying to understand what some of the recommendations could be that can ensure that this is an a truly accessible program for other business owners as well.

Rob Bookman

Yeah, I I want to say that I want to reiterate that, and I'm sure you'll hear it from DOT that to a large extent they were given a statute to deal with, and the statute required certain rules and regulations.