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Public Testimony

Chris Woods Testimony: Sylvia's Restaurant

New York City Council · Apr 23, 2025 · starts 0:30:02 · 1 min 37 sec

Chris Woods, second-generation owner of Sylvia's Restaurant in Harlem, testifies about the confusion in the application process and the need for winterized setups to maintain employment and seating capacity.

Member of the Public - Chrisette Woods

And I do remember us when we got our first sidewalk license over maybe close to 30 years, over 20 years.

Member of the Public - Chrisette Woods

But I want to say that I want to thank the hospitality alliance for helping us as much as they can to navigate through these the changes through this application process, which has been, as they say repeatedly, it has been extremely confusing.

Member of the Public - Chrisette Woods

Communication has been good, I would say, but it has been the challenge of not being able to plan, you know, waiting for the approval, not being able to plan as we are in the season.

Member of the Public - Chrisette Woods

The other thing I would like to express is having something enclosed during the winter months will help us to continue the hours, continue to provide additional seating.

Member of the Public - Chrisette Woods

Our outdoor space can employ up to two to three people per shift per um five to seven days a week.

Member of the Public - Chrisette Woods

So having that throughout the winter months will be very helpful to an already challenging operation and business.

Member of the Public - Megan Rickerson

Hello, my name is Megan Rickerson.

Member of the Public - Megan Rickerson

I own um Sumday Bar in Borham Hill, Brooklyn.