Open Restaurant Program Update: The Appellate Division unanimously dismissed a lawsuit challenging the outdoor dining program.  This ruling paves the way for legislation that will create a permanent and standardized outdoor dining program with updated guidelines that will support local businesses, employees, and countless others who love dining alfresco. 

Private-Sector Vaccine Requirement Optional Beginning November 1 — starting Tuesday, November 1, 2022, the requirement for employees in private businesses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 becomes optional. Businesses are encouraged to promote vaccines/boosters and put their own policies in place starting November 1. Learn more Learn more here.

Abandoned and Non-Compliant Outdoor Dining Sheds — on August 18th Mayor Adams announced a new multi-agency enforcement initiative focused on removing abandoned sheds in the Open Restaurants program. The new task force led by the Department of Transportation will also focus on removing sheds identified as egregious violators of the Open Restaurants program guidelines. Make sure your structure is in compliance. The NYC Department of Small Business Services offers no-cost compliance advice. Our compliance advisors do not issue violations or fines. Visit the NYC Restaurant Resource Guide page to learn more. Open Restaurants (nyc.gov) 

Avoid Common Violations on your Outdoor Dining Set-Up

We advise a review of your outdoor dining setups to ensure they comply with all current guidelines and to avoid violations and fines. Here are the Top-8 non-compliance issues inspectors are reporting: 

1. Blocking drainage – outdoor dining platforms shall not block rainwater drainage getting to the curb or flowing along the curb. 
2. Barrier extends onto the sidewalk – roadway structures may only be built up to or on the curb; no structures on the sidewalk can be located adjacent to the curb in the ‘amenity zone’. 
3. Barrier is hollow - all 18” roadway barriers must be completely filled with soil, sand, or water (for plastic barriers). 
4. Blocking Utility – roadway and sidewalk seating cannot block a subway grate, Siamese water connection, or utility cover/hardware. 
5. No ADA ramp or platform – restaurant must provide a ramp for ADA compliance, which can be made of non-permanent materials. 
6. Does not provide an 8-foot clear path – sidewalk seating areas must leave an 8-foot clear path for pedestrians.  
7. Too close to a fire hydrant – seating or barriers must not be placed within 15’ of a fire hydrant. 
8. Too close to a crosswalk – roadway and sidewalk structures must not be placed within 8 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, to provide for safe vehicle turns and avoid crowding. 

All siting requirements can be found here and a helpful FAQ with translations here.

Guidelines can be found here Open Restaurants (nyc.gov)

Helpful translations in other languages can be found here NYC DOT - Open Restaurants FAQ

Time is money. Save both with NYC BEST’s 1-on-1 help–at no cost!*

Through NYC BEST, you will be connected to a single point person to help you get licenses and permits faster and avoid/reduce fines and violations.

NYC BEST is your one-stop resource for working with the following:

· Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY)

· NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)

· NYC Department of Consumer & Worker Protection (DCWP)

· NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

· NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)

· NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)

· NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets

· NYS Department of Financial Services

· NYS Liquor Authority

· Con Edison

· National Grid

Connect with NYC BEST: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692) or by visiting nyc.gov/best.

*Services are available in multiple languages

Morris Park BID is so proud of the distinctions extended by the Bronx Borrough President Vanessa L. Gibson, to two outstanding representatives of the Morris Park community: Anna Agovino and Domenica Zallo.

At the MPBID nomination, Anna Agovino, owner of La Casa Del Caffe received a special distinction as an outstanding member of the Italian American community, for her dedication to the #MorrisPark neighborhood and to the #Bronx!

A 2nd special congratulations to Domenica Zallo, a student of @prestonhighschool on receiving the Youth Award from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. MPBID, along with your family our friends at @patsyspizzamorrispark are beyond proud of your accomplishments. Two incredible examples of excellence in the Bronx - thank you Borough President for recognizing them!

Italian American heritage and cultural contribution honored on Morris Park Avenue

Thanks to the #MorrisPark Community Association and to all elected representatives - The Office of The Bronx Borough President Marjorie Velazquez Michael Benedetto Nathalia Fernandez Bronx District Attorney's Office - coming out to celebrate the Italian American heritage and contribution to the #Bronx, at the #MorrisPark Avenue parade -a beautiful day!

Did you know that the Morris Park BID operates the largest beautification program of any commercial corridor in the Bronx, with 48 guarded tree pits planted, and 127 tree pits mulched and cleaned regularly? This week, fall planting started, with mums, kale and many other ornameantal plants. MPBID thanks to community members helping us keep the corridor and our beautiful tree pits clean - together for a clean, green and beautiful #Bronx!

Ever since our establishment, the #MorrisPark BID started a tradition of planting hundreds of daffodil bulbs each fall. The @NY4P #daffodilproject is a City-wide initiative honoring the memory of 9/11 VOLUNTEERS WELCOME to join us on Saturday October 29 at Matthew Muliner Playground and on Sunday November 6 at the @morrisparkcommunitygarden - to plant once again daffodil bulbs, and beauty our community in spring 2023!

Forthcoming community events in October