Council Member Rivera Questions DOT on Vestibules and Winterizing Sidewalk Cafes
Council Member Carlina Rivera asks DOT if vestibules and winterizing enclosures are permitted under the permanent sidewalk cafe guidelines.
I mean, that's a that's a lot for business to take on.
So I know you've received a lot of feedback on that.
So we would love to work with you on figuring out how we can make things a little bit more sustainable.
Um in the winter time, sidewalk cafes have these awnings they'll enclose that which is called a vestibule.
Is that in line with the program?
Is that something that is included in the program?
Um it is not.
The vestibule is just a small enclosure that prevents like the wind and the cold air from getting in.
No, that is not part of the program.
Well, we just, you know, there are so many things that make the experience um that's important to the experience at at these businesses.
So I wanted to ask because a lot of uh operators are interested in that being considered.
This also has to do with uh I guess clearance.
You said 1,700 applications are pending, correct?
Um no.
Well, we have applications at different stages in the process.
Okay, so we have about 800 that are in um discussions with the restaurants to keep to finalize them and move them along.
I know you're you're speaking to some where their applications are are pending but they are operating, and they've been told that they must comply with the new clearances.