The sidewalk tables in New York came to stay even after the pandemic

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New York City Council met to consider a plan to introduce sidewalk benches – first allowed in 2020 as a “temporary solution” to mitigate the financial impact on catering entrepreneurs – as part of the new regularity.

The plan to “fix” the benches outside restaurants and bars has the support of Mayor Eric Adams and the New York Catering Professionals Association.

On the other hand, critics say the measure has created unhealthy conditions, attracting more rats to sidewalks, raising complaints about noise pollution in some neighborhoods and reducing available parking spaces.

Firefighters also report problems, noting that sidewalk benches are slowing down their response to fires and preventing them from climbing stairs safely to windows.

The 51-member municipal council will be called to vote on the bill if it receives the “green light” from the competent committee.

Authorities initially allowed shopkeepers to remove temporary sidewalk benches as part of an initiative to compensate for the closure of indoor spaces due to pandemic measures. Later, strict restrictions were imposed on the number of eligible customers.

The shopkeepers rushed to make improvised constructions from plywood and plastic curtains, while later they installed radiators, suggesting that they hoped that the specific measure came to stay.

Local officials and catering professionals praised the initiative for rescuing thousands of stores that were in danger of being “locked up” and for preserving tens of thousands of jobs.

More than 12,000 restaurants and bars in New York, which was once the epicenter of the pandemic, are participating in the program and 360 roads have been closed to cars to expand the space available for placing benches.

Councilor Marjorie Velasquez, who has spoken out in favor of maintaining the measure, says it has saved more than 100,000 jobs in New York.

Some of her colleagues, however, do not hide their concern about how to ensure safety and cleanliness in the American big city.

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