NYC Open Storefronts Program

[JHMNY]

New initiative aimed at helping small businesses during the pandemic. According to the DOT website, this program launches Friday, October 30th, and will run through December 31, 2020.

NYC DOT -- Open Storefronts

Open Storefronts Program aims to help NYC small businesses amid pandemic

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a new initiative aimed to help New York City businesses struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Open Storefronts Program will begin on Friday, October 30.

Under the new program:
- Businesses can utilize the sidewalk directly in front of their storefront.
- Businesses on existing Open Streets: Restaurants can use curb lane directly in front of store.
- Businesses on the same street block can join together and apply for an Open Street.

One rule, there must be an 8-foot path for pedestrians to safely walk by.

For information on how to apply, visit nyc.gov/openstorefronts.

The mayor signed the executive order during his morning press conference on Wednesday. He said that it was important for him to get this initiative started ahead of the holidays.

"It's a crucial time for every small business," de Blasio said. "We can all make a difference by buying local."

[Chingwa]

RIP sidewalks.

[abcdefghijk]

Happy to sacrifice sidewalks in order for businesses to continue operating safely.

Also...it adds to the atmosphere.

It's cool. Kinda like Bedford Ave in W'Burg on weekends.

[dssjh]

Happy to sacrifice sidewalks in order for businesses to continue operating safely.

Also...it adds to the atmosphere.

It's cool. Kinda like Bedford Ave in W'Burg on weekends.

likewise! the people who talk about the "good old days" of New York need to remember that the sidewalks were always used by retailers and pushcarts/roving vendors back when "New York was great."