DOT testimony on Intro 894: seasonal enclosures for sidewalk cafes
Dean expresses support for the goals of Intro 894, noting sidewalk cafes can already use overhead coverings. He suggests including other winterization methods like vertical screenings and aligning timelines with ongoing discussions about roadway cafe winterization.
Next, intro 894 sponsored by Councilmember Brewer.
This bill would allow sidewalk cafes to include removable vertical screenings and overhead coverings from October 1st to March 31st.
We are thrilled with the significant interest in expanding the Dining Out NYC program, and we support the goals of this bill, as sidewalk cafes are already allowed to operate with overhead coverings and awnings pursuant to our rules, along with our sister agency's requirements in specific instances.
We have suggestions for how to include other winterization methods, like vertical screenings,
and may want to modify the timeline so the requirements are in alignment with existing discussions on winterization for roadway cafes.
We are happy to have more conversations with the council on how best to enhance the sidewalk cafe experience.