Community Board #13 Newsletter |
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Open Storefronts
Overview
The Open Storefronts program assists existing ground-floor storefront businesses who want to use outdoor areas on a temporary basis. The program allows eligible businesses to conduct activity on sidewalks, on roadways in the Open Streets: Restaurants program, or a combination of both. In addition to businesses engaged in retail trade, repair stores, personal care services, and dry-cleaning and laundry services are able to use outdoor space for seating, queuing, or display of dry goods. For a list of eligible retail activities, please visit Open Storefronts FAQ 2.
The Open Storefronts program is available October 30 to December 31, 2020.
Open Storefronts Siting Requirements
Siting Criteria for Sidewalks
- Objects placed on sidewalk must be up against the wall of the business or as close as possible
- Sidewalk objects and activities may not exceed business frontage
- Must leave an 8' clear path for pedestrians. Eligible businesses who can currently display merchandise as-of-right or with a stoopline stand license can continue to do so under existing regulations and do not need to certify under Open Storefronts for the existing eligible merchandise
- Must conduct eligible activities and place outdoor objects no more than 5’ from the property line (i.e. from external facing wall of the business)
- Outdoor objects must be at least 3' from the adjacent restaurants, or 1’ away from other businesses participating in the Open Storefronts program
- Outdoor objects and goods cannot block subway grates, fire hydrants, utility hardware, Siamese water connection, bus stop waiting areas, subway entrances, and fire exits. Vault entrances not exclusively accessible by the business can only be blocked in coordination with other tenants. Objects cannot block doors, including entry and exit doors to other spaces, and cannot block driveways or garage entrances unless they are used exclusively by the business participating in the Open Storefronts program
- For clear path purposes, parking meters, traffic signs and tree pits with flush gratings (without tree guards) are exempt. All other above-grade structures are considered obstructions
- Merchandise placed outside cannot exceed 5' in height above the level of the sidewalk
- Collapsible tents and umbrellas with weighted base must have at least two (2) sides open and must be installed per manufacturer’s instructions. A single area or area of combined / tied together tents and umbrellas should not exceed 400 square feet in size
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Tents and umbrellas should not be used during inclement weather such as high wind condition. Sign up for DOB’s Weather Advisory Subscription.
- Outdoor objects and goods, including tents and umbrellas, must be provided by applicant and must be removed from the sidewalk when a business is closed, excluding stoopline stands (in line with current regulation). Permanent structures cannot be built or placed on the sidewalk
- Hours of operation will be normal business hours
Siting Criteria for Eligible Businesses on Open Streets: Restaurants Corridors
- Applicant must provide emergency lane of 15’. Where this is not possible on a given roadway, organizations must get approval from NYC DOT and FDNY to ensure emergency access at all times
- Eligible businesses may conduct eligible activities on roadway up to the 15’ emergency lane for the duration of the temporary street closure
- Bike lanes may be included in the 15’ designated emergency lane
- Roadway objects must be sited at least 15’ from a hydrant and 8’ from a crosswalk
- Roadway objects may not be placed beyond width of business frontage
- Individual businesses must delineate their footprint with some type of barrier element, although these must be removed at the end of each day
- Outdoor objects and goods must be provided by applicant and must be removed from the expanded zone at the end of each day
- Merchandise placed outside cannot exceed 5' in height above the level of the sidewalk
- Hours of operation will be normal business hours unless they exceed Open Streets: Restaurants limitations, in which case those limitations will apply
- Collapsible tents and umbrellas with weighted base must have at least 2 sides open and must be installed per manufacturer’s instructions. A single area or area of combined / tied together tents or umbrellas should not exceed 400 square feet in size
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Tents and umbrellas should not be used during inclement weather such as high wind condition. Sign up for DOB’s Weather Advisory Subscription.
- Other than barriers, permanent structures cannot be built or placed on the roadway
Apply Online
NYC is allowing businesses to self-certify that they meet program requirements.
Submitting an application is an acknowledgement that the establishment understands and agrees to all applicable terms and conditions and all applicable laws and guidance. If an establishment is not compliant, the City may revoke or suspend its authorization at any time during the program period.
NYC DOT may immediately revise, terminate or suspend, for a period of time and without prior notice, the outdoor area usage based on valid complaints, lack of ADA access, need for repairs, or for any other reason.
*Groups of three (3) or more businesses on at least one single block, may join together to apply. Please visit Open Streets: Restaurants for more information and the group application.
For help completing the application or for translation assistance, please call the SBS Hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).
Next Steps
Businesses that self-certified will receive an email from the City authorizing outdoor retail on the City’s sidewalk and/or roadway in front of the establishment, in accordance with all applicable terms and conditions, laws and guidance. Businesses should print and prominently display their Open Storefronts email confirmation.
Resources
Contact
For help completing the application please call the SBS Hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692). NYC launched this small business hotline to answer the most pressing questions of small business owners as they prepare to re-open. Small Business Advocates and Compliance Advisors will monitor the hotline and have been equipped with the latest guidelines and regulations to share with business owners.
NYC will rely on each establishment's compliance with all of these terms and conditions and all applicable guidance. If you want to report an issue, concern or violation about an Open Storefronts, please contact NYC311.
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Dear Community Partner:
As you are aware, the City is currently responding to the novel coronavirus, and we want to make sure that you are provided with the most up-to-date information.
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection:
NYC is in Phase 4 of Reopening. Learn more about important guidelines and resources available to workers under Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4: www.nyc.gov/workers
Worker Protection Hotline: Call 311 and say “Worker Protection Hotline” if you have questions about reopening, health, and safety guidelines for the workplace, or to report an employer that is not following reopening requirements.
NYC Free Tax Prep: The tax filing deadline was July 15, 2020. However, you can still file your 2019 tax return for free at an NYC Free Tax Prep Site or online through October 15, if you meet income requirements. We urge eligible New Yorkers to use NYC Free Tax Prep services including, In-person Tax Prep, Drop-off Service, Virtual Tax Prep, and Assisted Self-Prep to file taxes for FREE.
- New Yorkers who earned $64,000 or less in 2019 are eligible for In-Person and Virtual Free Tax Preparation with a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) certified preparer.
- New Yorkers who earned $69,000 or less in 2019 are eligible for free Assisted Self-Preparation.
Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone and a stable internet connection for virtual free tax prep services. Learn more: www.nyc.gov/taxprep
NYC Financial Empowerment Centers: For the health and safety of our providers and clients, all Financial Counseling sessions will be conducted over the phone. Our counselors can help New Yorkers manage their bills amidst the coronavirus crisis, understand student loans, and more. Book an appointment at www.nyc.gov/talkmoney
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:
NYC Human Resources Administration:
Cash Assistance: You may be eligible for an emergency cash grant if it will meet certain special needs. For more information call HRA’s Infoline at 718-557-1399 or please visit: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/
Funeral and Burial Guidance and Assistance: HRA will provide financial assistance to individuals in need of assistance to meet qualifying funeral expenses. For more information e-mail burialservices@hra.nyc.gov
Food Resources:
The City has created the GetFoodNYC food delivery program to provide food for coronavirus (COVID-19)-vulnerable and food-insecure New Yorkers not currently served through existing food delivery programs. Find out more information here.
COVID-19 Testing:
Taxi and Limousine Commission:
TLC Food Delivery Program : TLC drivers can sign-up to deliver meals to elderly and high-risk people around the City. As of, Sunday, April 26, drivers will receive $53 per route, on all routes citywide, including $40 per route in base pay and $13 per route to cover gas and mileage. TLC drivers can also use non-TLC vehicles. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/drivers/tlc-driver-food-delivery.page
New York State requires all TLC drivers and passengers to wear face coverings while riding together. You can use a homemade mask, bandana, or a scarf to cover your mouth and nose.
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs:
Public Charge: In New York City, healthcare is a human right. Use of health services related to COVID-19 will not be considered under the public charge rule and will not impact your ability to apply for a green card or citizenship. For more information visit: nyc.gov/publiccharge
Resources for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19:
Many city services are available to all New Yorkers no matter what your immigration status is and regardless of your ability to pay. View the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ (MOIA) resource guide for immigrant communities at nyc.gov/immigrants/coronavirus. Downloadable PDF translations of this resource guide are available online in multiple languages.
NYC Commission on Human Rights:
NYC Human Rights Law: Harassment and discrimination based on race, national origin, age, and disability (including having COVID-19 or another serious illness) is illegal. If you have faced harassment or discrimination in housing, at work, or in any public place, contact the Commission by filling out our online form or by calling 311 and asking for "human rights." Please visit: www.nyc.gov/cchr
NYC Department of Education:
NYC Care: NYC Care is a health care access program for people who are not eligible for or cannot afford health insurance. It is now available in every borough.
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Department of Sanitation
Now Hiring: Emergency Snow Laborers for Winter Season
Snow Laborers Crucial in Clearing Snow and Ice After Big Winter Storms;
New for this Season: Advance Online Registration Required
The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced that registration is now open for those interested in working as Emergency Snow Laborers for the upcoming winter season. Emergency Snow Laborers are per-diem workers who shovel snow and clear ice from bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants and step streets around the five boroughs after heavy snowfalls. Snow Laborers earn $15 per hour to start, and $22.50 per hour after 40 hours are worked in a week.
To better allow for social distancing and COVID-related protocols, those interested in becoming a Snow Laborer must register for a 15-minute application appointment at nyc.gov/snow. Registration appointments take place at the Department’s 59 garages.
Snow laborers must be at least 18 years of age, be eligible to work in the United States, and capable of performing heavy physical labor. All applicants must bring the following items at the time of registration:
- Two small photos (1 ½ square)
- Original and copy of two forms of identification
- Social Security card
To comply with COVID-related safety protocols, potential Snow Laborers should wear a mask or face covering while at the registration appointment. Applicants should not attend the appointment if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, if they recently traveled to a state with high rates of COVID-19 transmission, or if they recently had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
“When the City gets a big winter storm, our Snow Laborers are vital in helping the City get back up and running,” said Acting Commissioner Edward Grayson. “While our Sanitation Workers operate the salt spreaders and snow plows, the Snow Laborers concentrate their efforts on pedestrian areas such as bus stops, crosswalks and step streets. Clearing these pedestrian areas is important, and the work of Snow Laborers is one crucial way of getting that work done.”
While Snow Laborers work on some pedestrian areas, property owners are still responsible for keeping sidewalks abutting their clear and accessible. More information at nyc.gov/snow.
About the New York City Department of Sanitation
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) keeps New York City healthy, safe and clean by collecting, recycling and disposing of waste, cleaning streets and vacant lots, and clearing snow and ice. The Department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms and 705 salt/sand spreaders. The Department clears litter, snow and ice from approximately 6,500 miles of City streets and removes debris from vacant lots as well as abandoned vehicles from City streets.
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Early Guidance for Indoor Dining
Restaurants will be allowed to reopen for indoor dining beginning on September 30th.
They will be subject to rigorous inspection protocols and strict occupancy limits. Some requirements for restaurants include:
• Serve customers at a maximum of 25% capacity
• Conduct temperature checks at every front door
• Collect Test & Trace data from at least one customer at each table
• Close bar tops for seating
• Offer COVID-19 protections like PPE for employees
• Space tables six feet apart
If New York City hits 2% in COVID-19 positivity rates, the City will immediately reassess.
Once indoor dining begins, the public will be able to call 833-208-4160 to make a report or text VIOLATION to 855-904-5036.
Please continue to watch for emails from us as more information will be shared in the coming weeks leading up to September 30th.
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