PLANNING FOR A PERMANENT OPEN RESTAURANTS PROGRAM

The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the restaurant industry in NYC when establishments were forced to close their doors to limit the spread of the virus. In June 2020, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) launched the Open Restaurants program allowing restaurants to take over curb space for outdoor dining. While this program provided a lifeline for nearly 12,000 restaurants, it also increased competition for curb access. As the program is scheduled to become permanent in 2023, DOT engaged a Capstone team to evaluate program impact and recommend improvements. Focusing on five corridors across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, the team used a combination of field data collection and time-lapse camera data to evaluate the program’s impact on traditional curb uses such as parking, passenger drop-off/pick-up, and deliveries. In its final report, the team detailed its findings and recommendations on modifying Open Restaurants regulations to inform long-term strategy and sustainability.