New York City officials are ordering the removal of some outdoor dining sheds following a rash of complaints but maintain that outdoor dining is here to stay in the city.
Deputy Mayor for Operations Mira Joshi says crews are taking down 24 abandoned or dangerous outdoor dining sheds.
“They are not serving there purpose and they are creating an environment that fosters illegal activity. They represent a dark spot on an otherwise popular successful program.”
Outdoor dining helped struggling restaurants during the pandemic but a number of people complain the sheds are an eyesore, attract rodents and take up parking spots. Mayor Eric Adams insists outdoor dining will remain but pledges to go hard after those violating rules.