DOT testimony on Intro 918: quarterly fee payments for cafes
Dean explains DOT currently requires one-time upfront revocable consent payments and worries quarterly installments would create collection difficulties, staffing burdens, and application delays. He notes DOT charges less than DCWP did, making quarterly payments less relevant, but is open to further discussions.
Finally, in show 918, sponsored by Councilmember Thomas Henry.
This bill would give businesses the option to pay revocable consent fees in quarterly installments.
Along with addressing quality of life concerns, we are also working every day to help small businesses thrive through outdoor dining, a program that New Yorkers love and that restaurants depend on.
We strive to make participation as accessible and streamlined as possible.
Currently, restaurants must pay an initial revocable consent fee once their application is approved.
Across the board for DOT programs, we require a one-time upfront payment for all revocable consents.
Additionally, it has been DOT's experience that restaurants have a harder time meeting program requirements once they have been authorized to commence operations.
We worry that if this new payment method was authorized, DOT would struggle to collect after the initial payment.
This would not only leave DOT with a program deficit, but would result in new costs for the department and delays in application approval for the restaurant.
due to already limited staff capacity being shifted to chase down payments four times a year.
While quarterly payments perhaps were necessary in the DCWP program when fees were notably higher, DOT charges far less for the revocable consent, making a quarterly payment less relevant.
We share Council's goal to improve the application process and are happy to have more discussions with Council and stakeholders about adapting our program processes.
In conclusion, I'd like to thank the Council for the opportunity to testify before you today.
We would now be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you.
I'd like to acknowledge we've been joined by Councilmember Pierina Sanchez on Zoom, and I will turn it over to Councilmember Thomas Henry for the first set of questions.