Who Should Manage New York’s Outdoor Dining Program?

A proposal to shift responsibility away from the Department of Transportation has met staunch resistance from industry groups and advocates of the program.

2 minute read

October 24, 2022, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Writing in Streetsblog NYC, Kevin Duggan reports on the uncertain future of New York City’s outdoor dining program, which has been administered by the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) since its inception in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, the program became ten times bigger than a prior sidewalk dining program managed by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and, according to some, propped up the industry during the pandemic.

The 0.3-percent reduction in private car storage for Open Restaurants saved some 100,000 jobs during the coronavirus crisis, city officials estimate, and it is still driving Gotham’s slow comeback by helping restaurants make up for pandemic losses, according to the executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, which represents tens of thousands of restaurants.

A bill proposed in February would shift management of the program to the DCWP and bar restaurants from erecting outdoor dining structures in the winter months, “a non-starter, restaurateurs previously told Streetsblog because of the cost to build, dismantle and store sheds every year simply because of a winter ban.” Duggan notes that Streetsblog and restaurant industry groups have unsuccessfully tried to get answers from the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Marjorie Velázquez (D–Bronx).

Opponents of the proposal say it would “essentially kill” the outdoor dining program, and that “The $1.4-billion DOT is far better equipped to handle the mammoth initiative than the $70-million DCWP.” Restaurant owners say DOT has been a more collaborative partner, with one owner saying, “I think that [DOT] have their priorities right,” unlike DCWP, who are perceived as “punishers” rather than partners.

Thursday, October 20, 2022 in StreetsBlog NYC

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today