Mayor Eric Adams poses for a visual metaphor.
Photo: Pacific Press/LightRocket via Ge
Delays in Outdoor Dining Permit Approvals Spark Concerns in New York City
Brand Lander, New York City’s Comptroller, expresses growing concerns about the lagging outdoor dining permit approval process. Despite nearly 3,500 applications filed by restaurants for the new Dining Out NYC initiative as of January 30, Lander’s office has received only 40 approved permits from the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Lander’s primary worry revolves around the possibility that restaurants will struggle to meet the April 1 launch date due to these delays. Speaking to officials, he found that the bureaucratic hurdles were more significant than previously anticipated. This has led him to send a formal letter to Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi and Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez, outlining his “grave concerns.”
Together with Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the New York Hospitality Alliance, Lander released a public service announcement to raise awareness of the issue. Rigie highlights the stark contrast with figures from the pandemic’s high point, questioning whether the city’s iconic sidewalks will host as many dining spots post-pandemic.
The Role of the Department of Transportation
The DOT, however, counters that it has marked all received applications. According to their statement, one-third of the submitted applications were deemed incomplete and returned to their respective submitters, with the remaining two-thirds advanced to community boards or the Comptroller’s office for additional review.
Applications for sidewalk seating do not require community board approval, simplifying the process. For outdoor structures, a final step before approval resides with community boards. The discrepancy when comparing the number of approved applications remains unexplained.
Affected Operators Share Experiences
Restaurant owners are acutely aware of the delays. Dylan Dodd from Walter’s in Fort Greene reported receiving confirmation of DOT approval for a roadway design weeks prior. Following that, he was required to submit workers’ compensation information. Since then, the DOT has been non-responsive. Similar issues are reported by other business owners.
Alex Oropeza, co-owner of Bolivian Llama Party in Sunnyside, expressed frustration at the lack of approved applications. His venue’s license pending final community board review, he aspires to becoming the first to be granted approval.
Clarity on the Approval Process
The DOT’s website specifies that complete applications could face up to six months of processing time. Given the early submission of applications in August, Lander believes that the DOT failed to allocate sufficient resources to manage the high volume of requests.
Aware that timely approvals are crucial for staff deployments and financial planning, Lander advocates for stronger and clearer communication from the DOT regarding the status of each application.
Given the potential disruptions to outdoor dining in the city, it’s crucial for all parties involved to find a solution that prioritizes timely processing while adhering to regulatory standards. We encourage restaurant owners to persistently communicate with the DOT to receive updates on their applications and welcome any new developments from the city officials addressing this pressing issue.
If you’re a restaurant owner experiencing similar delays or have insights on this situation, we invite you to share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going to ensure that New York City’s cherished dining culture continues to thrive.
