A statement from Kate Slevin, Executive Vice President of Regional Plan Association on behalf of the Alfresco Coalition:

Outdoor dining has been a crucial lifeline to small businesses during the pandemic, and we are very pleased to see the New York City Council move beyond the current emergency order and establish a long-term program that will work for both restauranteurs and residents. While it’s a compromise, the passage of today’s legislation will give businesses the certainty they need to establish cafes that work for their neighborhoods and patrons. Public spaces need to prioritize people over vehicles and it’s appropriate for NYC DOT to administer the program for the foreseeable future. Congratulations to Council Speaker Adams, Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu, and Mayor Adams on this major achievement.