Mayor's Budget Includes $12M For Open Streets And Outdoor Dining

Mayor de Blasio's $98 billion revised budget proposal includes a small chunk to continue the popular Open Streets and outdoor dining programs that started during the pandemic.

The mayor is proposing $4 million dollars for the Open Streets program, going towards new signs, barricades, and street furniture. He’ll give priority to 33 neighborhoods particularly affected by COVID, although critics say something more secure than barricades and volunteers is needed to ensure cars stay off the Open Streets.

He’s also including more than $8 million to better manage the outdoor dining program. That includes more inspections and making the application process smoother. The city council still needs to approve the budget.