""For us, it doubles our footprint - we have an extra 40 seats outside versus the 40 seats inside, so it makes a significant impact on our business model," McCrea told ABC 7 Eyewitness News."
""The cost is very expensive," she said, adding that licensing fees, storage costs, and strict placement rules have pushed her to opt out."
""Outdoor dining was one of the few silver linings of a difficult chapter in our history," Flynn wrote. "With the right adjustments, it can remain a defining feature of the city's streetscape - helping small businesses flourish while creating vibrant public spaces that bring neighbors together.""
New York City's outdoor dining season has resumed with approximately 500 approved setups for 2026, a stark decline from over 8,000 during the pandemic. The program is limited to April 1 through November 29. Some restaurant owners, like Maire McCrea, find outdoor dining beneficial, significantly impacting their business. However, others, such as Carmen Ortiz, face challenges due to high costs and strict regulations. The city's transportation commissioner acknowledges the program's issues and aims to improve it for the future.
Read at 710 WOR
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