The zoning text amendment will allow the operation of sidewalk cafes in areas previously excluded under the zoning text. Image Credit: NYC DOT

City Council still needs to pass legislation establishing the program. On February 24, 2022, the City Council voted to approve the zoning text amendment that will remove geographical restrictions where sidewalk cafes can operate across the city. This vote completes the first step in the creation of a permanent open restaurant program.  (read more…)

Roadway dining, like at this restaurant in Bay Ridge, will look like this and move away from enclosed sheds under the proposed permanent open restaurant plan. Image Credit: NYC DOT

Many elected officials raised concerns about DOT’s ability to handle the scale and capacity of a citywide permanent open restaurants program. On February 8, 2022, the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises held a joint hearing with the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection on the proposed permanent open restaurant program. The proposed permanent open restaurant program will replace the temporary program and establish a new streamlined program for the creation, management and enforcement of sidewalk and roadway cafes operated by the Department of Transportation.  As of the writing of this article, 12,133 restaurants and cafes are participating in the temporary open restaurant program, which is set to expire at the end of 2022. For CityLand’s prior coverage of the permanent open restaurants program approval process, click here. (read more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.

On December 15, 2021, the City Council voted to provide the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) with tools and the enhanced ability to enforce affordable housing provisions. The bill, Int. 2411-A, was sponsored by Former Council Member and Former Chair of the Housing and Building Committee Robert Cornegy.  (read more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.

On January 20, 2022, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced the selections for the City Council’s various committees. 

For the land use related committees, the appointments are as follows:  (read more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.

In December 2021, the City Council voted to approve two applications proposed by the City to promote health, fitness and support small businesses. For CityLand’s prior coverage, click here.  (read more…)