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Restaurant Owners Push Back Against New Outdoor Dining Rules
As new outdoor dining regulations took effect on April 1, the restaurant owners of East Village find themselves increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction. During an anticipated City Council hearing on April 23, many, including Kevin Mulligan, owner of The Laurels, are set to express their grievances regarding these restrictions that threaten their livelihoods.
The Impact of Enclosed Outdoor Sheds
One prominent complaint arises from the law's stipulation that dining sheds must be open-sided. Mulligan, who has racked up over $2,500 in fines for noncompliance due to his fully enclosed shed, highlights the financial burden posed by compliance. “It’s going to cost several thousand dollars to put it up, several thousand dollars to take it down and several thousand dollars to store it,” he laments. For many restaurants, the vision of outdoor dining, once seen as a seasonal advantage, now feels like an overwhelming struggle.
Concerns from Local Business Owners
Tiffany Collings, co-owner of a nearby taco establishment, echoes Mulligan's concerns, indicating that the new law jeopardizes her establishment's survival. “Right now the city has nothing for us,” she asserts, indicating a dire forecast for their future if conditions remain unchanged. Business leaders like Keith Powers, a city council member running for borough president, are also voicing their agreement for legislative attention, suggesting the law, while well intended, triggered unfortunate consequences for local businesses.
Need for Legislative Adjustments
As calls for legislative amendments gain traction, local restaurant owners are left hoping for tangible changes to the outdoor dining policy. Mulligan has taken the initiative of circulating a petition to garner support from the community and fellow restaurateurs. Their aim? To find a balanced solution that protects their cherished local businesses while still embracing the charm of outdoor dining that many patrons love.
In conclusion, the voices of local business owners are vital to shaping adaptive policies. Engaging and listening to their feedback could lead to solutions that ensure the survival of these vital community pillars.
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