In New York City, outdoor dining sheds are closing. New rules are making it hard for restaurants to keep them. These rules are about storage, trees, and fire hydrants. Many restaurant owners say it’s too costly.
What Are Outdoor Dining Sheds?
Outdoor dining sheds are small structures. They are built on the street or sidewalk. Restaurants use them to serve customers outdoors. They became very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. They help restaurants to serve more people safely.
Why Are They Closing?
New rules are causing many sheds to close. These rules are about where sheds can be built. They also cover how sheds should look and how safe they are. Here are the main reasons why sheds are closing:
- Storage Rules: Sheds need to store things like tables and chairs. New rules say sheds must have enough space for storage. This means some sheds need to be bigger. Bigger sheds cost more money to build and keep.
- Tree Rules: New rules say sheds cannot be too close to trees. Trees need space to grow. If a shed is too close, it must be moved or removed. Moving a shed costs money. Removing a shed means losing outdoor dining space.
- Fire Hydrant Rules: Sheds must not block fire hydrants. Firefighters need to use hydrants in emergencies. If a shed is blocking a hydrant, it must be moved. Moving a shed can be very costly.
Why Are the New Rules Important?
The new rules aim to make the city safer and more beautiful. Here are some reasons why the rules are important:
- Safety: Fire hydrants need to be easy to reach. In an emergency, every second counts. Trees also need space to grow. Big trees make the city cooler and cleaner.
- City Looks: The city wants to look nice for everyone. Too many sheds can make streets look crowded. The city wants to balance outdoor dining with open space.
How Are Restaurants Affected?
Many restaurants are struggling with the new rules. Here are some ways they are affected:
Issue | Effect |
---|---|
Cost | Building or moving sheds costs money. Some restaurants can’t afford it. |
Space | Some restaurants lose dining space. Fewer tables mean fewer customers. |
Time | Following the new rules takes time. This is time that could be spent serving customers. |
What Are Restaurant Owners Saying?
Many restaurant owners are unhappy. They say the new rules are too strict and costly. Here are some things they are saying:
- “We can’t afford to move our shed.”
- “We lose money if we lose tables.”
- “The rules are too complicated.”
What Can Be Done?
There are a few things that can help:
- Support: The city can offer support to restaurants. This can be in the form of grants or loans. This can help them afford the changes.
- Clear Rules: The city can make the rules easier to understand. Simple rules are easier to follow.
- Flexibility: The city can be flexible with the rules. This can help restaurants that are struggling.
Conclusion
New York City’s new rules are causing outdoor dining sheds to close. The rules are about storage, trees, and fire hydrants. Many restaurant owners say the changes are too costly. The city wants to make the streets safer and more beautiful. But, the changes are hard for many restaurants. Offering support and making rules clear can help. This way, restaurants can continue to serve customers outdoors.