MANHATTAN — As New York City looks forward to reopening, city officials have proposed to have streets openup for outdoor dining.
Manhattan Borough Pres. Gale Brewer spoke to PIX11 about how it could be done.
The plan proposes Broadway become a pedestrian plaza for restaurants to use as outdoor dining.
Brewer said she wants to make sure “those restaurants survive” as the city looks into plans of reopening.
When asked whether this plan could increase traffic on other streets, Brewer told PIX11 officials need to weigh out all plans and work to protect local businesses.
As for concerns over safety, she said officials on board with the proposal have a shared vision, adding that there does not need to be a cop on every corner. Businesses as well as agents in the Department of Environmental Protection would assist in ensuring safety on the outdoor services.
Brewer noted there are a lot of rules and regulations within the city and state that they would have to overcome as well as environmental factors such as heavy rain and heat, but it’s a work in progress.
