This column brings you the latest from Albany, City Hall and relevant organizations that affect small businesses in New York City during the pandemic and beyond. We will update you frequently, and will also bring you news from the street describing the impact of government and organizational policies.
Open Storefronts: Will the new initiative make a difference to your bottom line?
NEW YORK CITY (October 28, 2020) – Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced an initiative, Open Storefronts, modeled on what he said was the “highly successful and popular” Open Streets and Open Restaurants programs. Aimed at helping small businesses (at least, those with a ground-floor storefront) thrive during the holiday season.
The program, said to impact 40,000 businesses/over 450,000 employees, begins October 30 and runs through December 31.
All the details can be found here.
Simply put, the program allows eligible retail businesses to conduct activity on sidewalks, on roadways in the Open Streets: Restaurants program, or a combination of both. Notably, personal care services cannot be conducted outdoors, but the space can be used for seating, lining up, or displaying dry goods.
On the positive side, it’s an option for certain businesses that are currently floundering. On the other hand, there are plenty of regulations to adhere to, be aware of, etc. Start digging into the FAQs now!
Will the new initiative eat into parking spots, walking space, etc.? Highly likely, despite the requirements to leave n 8’ path clear for pedestrians, and to not block doors, driveways, garage entrances, etc. Oh, and merchandize placed outside cannot be higher than 5’. Tents and umbrellas are permitted if they meet the required dimensions.
There’s lots more to learn, and businesses already participating in Open Restaurants/Streets are better positioned to participate in the new program than a business starting from scratch. That said, again, it is an opportunity, and we should know very soon if it is making a difference to small business owners and customers.
Stay tuned, or tell us your story by sending an email to marilynn@hotindienews.com.
