Mary Honcho Testimony: Resident Perspective

Our city is suffering, and as Andrew Ridgie stated at a community board meeting, New York City has an enforcement problem.

I agree with Andrew, and will add that in that enforcement problem pertains to outdoor dining as well.

I love the city and want to see it thrive, but let's be clear: no other private industry has been afforded this opportunity.

It is my opinion there are too many unanswered questions to decide this is a year-round program.

Let us first determine how well it works, how it can live up to expect expectations for both the industry and New Yorkers.

When doubling the size of an establishment, where is that garbage placed if setups extend full frontage?

It sits in front of adjacent businesses and residences, an issue that is still not being addressed on applications.

How does a restaurant double its size and continue to operate out of the same-size kitchen?

Is this realistic?

How does it double its customers and accommodate them with the same number of bathrooms?

I encourage the hospitality industry to be patient, realistic, and not greedy.

To communicate to applicants that they abide by guidelines and respect their neighbors.

This will be your pathway to success.

This is how we together will properly grow our city.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good afternoon.

My name is Augustine Hope.

I'm from the West Village Residents Association, a community that has been disproportionately impacted by this program.