City’s Restaurant Revitalization Program Awards $2.3 Million to Restaurants

The restaurants have committed to provide 87,000 free meals to impacted New Yorkers. On September 3, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio, First Lady Chirlane McCray, the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity, and One Fair Wage announced nearly 100 restaurants were awarded $2.3 million through the Restaurant Revitalization Program to support restaurant employees and to make meals accessible to New Yorkers impacted by COVID-19.


Mayor Directs DOT to Administer Open Restaurants Plan Ahead of Phase 2 Reopening

Today marks NYC’s official Phase 2 reopening. On June 22, 2020, New York City officially entered Phase 2 of the State’s COVID-19 reopening plan. In preparation for the reopening, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an executive order directing the Department of Transportation, with aid from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Small Business Services, to administer the “Open Restaurants” plan. The Open Restaurants plan will generally permit restaurants and bars … <Read More>




Mayor’s Office Announces Record Total Bike Lane Expansion for 2020

The addition of protected bike lanes comes as more people opt for cycling as a transportation option during the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 29, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that 28.6 miles of new protected bike lanes have been constructed across the five boroughs throughout 2020. The announcement brings New York City’s total bike lane network to 1,378 miles. Of that, 545 miles are protected bike lanes. 


New Heating Guidelines Released for Outdoor Dining During Colder Months

Three heating options were unveiled. On October 14, 2020, Mayor de Blasio on behalf of the Department of Buildings, Department of Transportation, and Fire Department of New York released guidelines for restaurants staying open for outdoor dining during the fall and winter. These new guidelines align with Mayor de Blasio’s recovery agenda to set New York City up to be the world’s capital for healthy outdoor living. This is not the first time New York … <Read More>