New York Could Legalize Rapid Delivery Hubs

The “rapid grocery delivery hubs” that have been appearing around New York City could be legalized under Mayor Adams’ zoning reform proposal, reports Nick Garber in Crain’s New York Business. Operated by businesses that promise ultra-fast grocery delivery, usually under 15 minutes, the hubs were criticized for operating as warehouses in what would otherwise be public-facing storefronts, not accepting cash payment, and threatening to take business from local bodegas. 

“Since last year, the hubs have been governed by a bulletin issued by the Department of Buildings, which clarified that they could stay open in commercial districts rather than being relegated to industrial zones—so long as they stayed within a certain footprint, allowed the public to enter and kept their windows transparent.” The new zoning plan, dubbed the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity plan, would codify those rules citywide and add requirements such as clear windows in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

However, the entire issue could be moot, with many of the delivery companies already out of business. “Following the initial boom, the number of grocery delivery hubs has shrunk around the city, with multiple companies including Buyk, Jokr and Fridge No More shutting down their operations.”

According to Garber, “Other components of the administration’s Economic Opportunity plan would put casinos in line with the zoning code ahead of their expected approval in the city, allow small shops to open up in residential areas, and remove decades-old restrictions on dancing and live music.”