NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the Open Storefronts program, permitting storefront businesses to use a portion of their sidewalk to display merchandise, sell goods, complete transactions, and provide queuing areas. The program will begin October 30th and run until December 31st. The mayor also announced the return of New York City’s popular winter markets in plazas throughout the city. Social distancing guidelines and other COVID-19 safety measures will be implemented at each market. Building on the success of the Open Restaurants and Open Streets programs, Open Storefronts will provide safe spaces for small businesses to rebound in challenging economic times. This program is a part of an effort to make New York City the world’s capital for healthy outdoor living and to advance the Mayor’s recovery agenda,which is centered on public health and social justice. “Rebuilding a fairer, better New York City means maximizing use of our outdoor space, helping businesses keep their employees, and giving New Yorkers more reasons than ever to shop local and enjoy their communities. Open Storefronts does all three,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This program builds on the successful legacy of our Open Streets and Open Restaurants programs, and I look forward to finding more ways than ever to reimagine our urban landscape.” “To recover from the economic consequences of the pandemic, we must be creative about how to use our outdoor public spaces,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. “Open Storefronts offers small businesses and their employees economic relief, while also making our neighborhoods safer, livelier, and more convenient for consumers.” An eight-foot clear path of sidewalk from the curb must be maintained for Open Storefronts to operate. Businesses can visit www.nyc.gov/openstorefronts to review eligibility requirements and to complete a brief online application. For existing Open Streets: Restaurants locations, the Open Storefronts program will also permit businesses to use the curb lane directly fronting their storefront to conduct business activities during operating hours. “Our 240,000 small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we will continue to fight for their survival,” said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of NYC Department of Small Business Services. “The Open Restaurants and Open Streets: Restaurants programs have brought great success to our restaurant industry, and we are excited to now include our small retail shops. This innovative approach will help bring back customers, revive the character of our neighborhoods, and build a stronger NYC.” “Our recovery presents an opportunity to re-imagine our city by leveraging its streetscapes and outdoor spaces to create a healthier, more vibrant place for all New Yorkers,” said James Patchett, president and CEO of New York City Economic Development Corporation. “The new Open Storefronts program is advancing this vision while providing a boost to our small businesses, retailers, and economy.” The program is anticipated to impact 40,000 businesses and support over 450,000 employees, while providing customers with an additional option to shop in-person and locally ahead of the holiday season. Business owners interested in participating in the Open Storefronts program should visitwww.NYC.Gov/OpenStorefronts to identify their eligibility and self-register through the online survey. Retailers cannot use the space of adjacent businesses, and they must bring all furniture and goods indoors when closed.
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