The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has expressed its frustration regarding the outdoor dining permit process, countering claims made by the city comptroller's office. The DOT argues that the complexity of the approval system, which involves multiple layers of review, is responsible for delays in issuing permits. Meanwhile, restaurant owners face a looming deadline to prepare for the upcoming spring season.

Dispute Between DOT and Comptroller's Office

City officials are at odds over the efficiency of the outdoor dining permit process. According to the DOT, the City Council's stringent requirements have led to bottlenecks. On the other hand, the comptroller's office believes the DOT is not moving fast enough to approve applications.

In a letter to the comptroller, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez disputed the comptroller's assertion that the department was lagging behind on nearly 4,000 applications. He emphasized that the delay stems from the multi-step approval process mandated by the City Council. This process includes reviews by the DOT, neighborhood community boards, public hearings, and local council members. Once these steps are completed, the comptroller’s office reviews each application before it returns to the DOT for final approval. Rodriguez highlighted that this procedure, while cumbersome, must be followed as per city law. He also pointed out that the DOT has already processed two-thirds of roadway applications, with the remaining third needing additional information from applicants.

Impact on Restaurant Owners and Future of Outdoor Dining

The disagreement between city agencies has significant implications for restaurant owners preparing for the spring season. Time is of the essence as owners must comply with updated safety and cleanliness regulations for their outdoor structures. The DOT acknowledges the importance of outdoor dining as a symbol of economic recovery post-pandemic but stresses the need to adhere to legal procedures.

Rodriguez noted that the DOT has been instrumental in making outdoor dining a permanent feature of the city’s streetscape after the pandemic. He defended the agency's efforts to ensure the largest outdoor dining program in the nation operates smoothly. However, he urged community boards, city council members, and other stakeholders to expedite their parts of the process. The City Council has indicated that it will oversee the DOT’s implementation of the program to gain greater clarity. As the debate continues, restaurant owners eagerly await resolution to ensure they can open their outdoor spaces in time for the upcoming season.