Diagram of what could be allowed through the Open Storefront Program. Image Credit: Mayor’s Office

The program provides expanded space for businesses to safely operate during the pandemic. On December 29, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the Open Storefronts Program would be extended through September 30, 2021. The Open Storefronts Program allows storefront businesses to use a portion of the sidewalk to display merchandise, complete transactions, sell goods and provide queuing areas to provide businesses with more space to expand and safely operate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will also be expanded to allow businesses to sell prepackaged food on sidewalks and allow restaurants to use sidewalks for take-out orders. 

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The BE NYC Cabinet meets to help develop solutions to support the City’s Black-owned businesses. Image Credit: BE NYC/Small Business Services

On August 19, 2020, Mayor de Blasio announced BE NYC, a new initiative that will increase the number of Black-owned businesses in high-growth industries Citywide. Additionally, the Department of Small Business Services has released the landmark Black entrepreneurship report and launched four new programs for Black business owners. (read more…)

Council Member Mark Gjonaj speaking at the May 13, 2020 virtual Stated Meeting Image Credit: City Council Livestream

Council Bills intended to support the restaurant industry and small business. On May 13, 2020 the New York City Council voted to approve two bills intended to restrict the amount of fees third-party delivery services can charge restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic and restaurant closures. Intro 1898-A, which essentially prevents fees to restaurants when no actual transaction results, was approved with 47 votes in the affirmative and three votes in the negative. Intro 1908-B, which restricts third-party food delivery service fees to a maximum 15 percent per order, was approved by a vote of 46 votes in the affirmative and 4 votes in the negative.

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Council Member Mark Gjonaj at the Joint Committee Hearing Image Credit: City Council

Committee hearing calls into question the amount of loans and protections for small businesses during COVID outbreak. On April 29, 2020, the City Council’s Committee on Small Business and Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing held a joint public hearing on the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses in New York City.  Of the thirteen proposed bills, three were specifically labeled as part of a COVID-19 Relief Package. The bills address personal liability for commercial tenants, commercial tenant harassment and fees for sidewalk café licenses. Each bill is discussed in further detail below:

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Council Member Rafael Espinal Jr./Image Credit: John McCarten and New York City Council

The law will help provide more opportunities for small businesses to remain in the City. On February 23, 2020, Introduction 1408-B was enacted into Local Law 35 of 2020. Introduction 1408-B requires developers to set aside affordable retail space for non-chain retailers within large City-funded affordable housing developments. The requirement will apply to certain affordable housing developments of at least 750,000 square feet that receive $15 million or more in City funds. The law, sponsored by Council Member Rafael Espinal, Jr., was proposed in response to the challenges local retailers face to remain in the City such as the recent increases in retail space rent and competition from chain stores.

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Image Credit: explorenewdorp.com

City Council votes to create the City’s latest Business Improvement District on Staten Island. On April 5, 2017, the City Council voted 50-0 to approve the Department of Small Business Services’ application to create the New Dorp Business Improvement District for Staten Island’s New Dorp neighborhood. The BID will consist of properties along New Dorp Lane and adjacent commercial streets between Hylan Boulevard and Richmond Road. The proposed BID contains 146 properties and 180 businesses, most of which are small and family-owned companies. (read more…)