This past Thursday, the City Council approved a bill that would make outdoor dining permanent, but, as the New York Times phrased it, “with caveats.”
One of the bigger caveats is that structures that extend onto the street will need to be removed every winter, then reconstructed in the spring. Many restaurateurs complain that the cost of dismantling the sheds, storing the parts, and reconstructing them will run into the tens of thousands of dollars. These costs are above and beyond those that were absorbed by restaurateurs during the initial construction of the sheds.
Another caveat is that under the law restaurants will be assessed fees based on their shed’s location and square footage, with higher fees imposed on lots in Manhattan south of 125th Street.
The bill fails to address altogether the complaints lodged by opponents to the sheds, which include their usurpation of parking spaces, access to sidewalks, and noise pollution.
Mayor Eric Adams, a supporter of outdoor dining, is expected to sign the bill into law once it reaches his desk.
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