A Testament to New York Creativity: The Open Restaurants zoning amendment.

“The @NYCCouncil has approved the Open Restaurants zoning amendment, a giant step towards a permanent outdoor dining program that all NYC communities will be able to benefit from.

The Open Restaurants zoning text approved by @NYCCouncil today removes geographic restrictions on where sidewalk cafés can be located in NYC. It will only go into effect after the permanent program legislation and design guidelines are in place.”

⁃ text from @NYCPlanning twitter

I voted for and spoke in favor of this at yesterday’s New York City Council stated meeting. My statement in support:

I reject the inherent classism in the argument that these restaurants should be prevented from operating outdoor dining structures because a few elite members of the community find them to be eyesores. These structures allow us to support our restaurants and small businesses while still remaining cognizant of the lingering health and social distancing needs from the ongoing pandemic. With regards to sanitation concerns we should restore the sanitation budget so we feed the people and not the rats.

Outdoor dining structures are a testament to the creativity, perseverance, and ingenuity of New Yorkers, and I am proud to place my vote in favor.