Mayor De Blasio Reopens Outdoor Dining in All Five Boroughs at 6pm

By Yehudit Garmaise

   After announcing this morning that Manhattan could resume its Outdoor Dining, Mayor Bill de Blasio just announced that the other four boroughs can do so as well, tonight at 6pm.

   To ensure the safety of restaurant owners and employees, however, Mayor de Blasio asked that, without merely pushing snow into the roadway, all owners, lessees, tenants, and other occupants take responsibility for clearing the snow and ice from their sidewalks by 5pm today. 

  “Snow and ice may not be pushed into a street or crosswalk,” said the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), who said property owners who do not comply may be subject to fines of $100. “Snow may be piled at the curb line, against the building, or on private property. The snow is very heavy: please be careful and help neighbors in need, if possible.”

    Wherever possible, restauranteurs are asked to clear continuous four-foot paths on which people can safely walk without slipping. The mayor also asked owners and renters of corner properties to clear their pedestrian ramps and to make paths to their crosswalks.

   For New Yorkers’ safety and increased traction on slippery sidewalks, DSNY has increased its efforts to administer salt on the corridors used by Open Restaurants.

   The DSNY also asks drivers to use particular caution this evening, as the streets remain slippery, icy, and dangerous.

 “Photographer/Mayoral Photography Office