A Council subcommittee is studying the possibility of keeping open the open-air dining rooms that were put on the streets and sidewalks during the pandemic, in order to keep the restaurant industry afloat and provide options for its clientele.
According to Councilman Shaun Abréu: “There are many questions but we are optimistic that we can secure the plan. Because it’s a popular plan that has brought a lot of work to our communities.”
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Authorities from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Consumer Affairs also participated in the subcommittee hearing, which discussed the area of transit, pedestrian and bicycle access.
According to Abréu, the emergency plan put into effect during the pandemic saved about 100,000 jobs and helped more than 12,000 restaurants. If the law is passed they will have to endorse an application for a permanent license.
“We are not going to grant a license to restaurants that currently operate outside. If the law is passed, they will have to apply again, ” said Ydanis Rodriguez, commissioner of the Department of Transportation.
Restaurant service on the roads.
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For his part, Eduardo Rivera, owner of a restaurant in Astoria, hopes that the expansion will be permanent “I say it’s a good idea because they enjoy the fresh air. Summer is coming and for the business it would be perfect because it gives us more space.”
And in the opinion of some diners: “Yes, I would like because it is another option. Because for many reasons, many do not have the vaccine and so supports the restaurant so that people come.
However, some residents have expressed concern about the increase in garbage on the streets and the use of prohibited parking and noise from diners: “Parking here in Astoria is more difficult, I don’t like it,” complains another neighbor.
The proposal is in the hands of the Department of Consumer Affairs, to pass to the full City Council and is being expedited at the request of Mayor Adams.
“We know that the Mayor only has one month on the job and we want to give him time and Commissioner Rodriguez of the Department of Transportation to develop an effective plan,” explains Abréu.
The DOT is encouraged to pass the program which would generate high revenue to the city’s economy, thus supporting the more than 12,000 restaurants in existence.
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