NYC’s roadway cafes must be dismantled by Nov. 29

November 22, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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CITYWIDE — ROADWAY CAFES IN NEW YORK CITY must be dismantled by Friday, Nov. 29, when the roadway dining season ends, according to the NYC Department of Transportation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 10,000 restaurants signed up for the outdoor cafe program in its initial three months, according to the Mayor’s Office. This year, however, far fewer eateries are participating after stricter design requirements and a $1,050 license fee for a four-year term — plus a grab bag of additional fees — came into effect. Licensed sidewalk cafes may be open year-round, while roadway cafes may only operate from April 1 through Nov. 29.

The outdoor cafes, initiated under former Mayor Bill de Blasio during the pandemic, saved more than 90,000 restaurant jobs within three months, the city said. But many residents complained about associated rats and accumulated trash.

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