00:00As the law currently stands, seasonal restrictions prohibit roadway cafe operation from November
00:0530th through March 31st.
00:07That means that small businesses who receive permits have to build structures that can
00:11cost tens of thousands of dollars and then have to tear them down just a few months later.
00:18Most restaurants or cafes do not have tens of thousands of dollars just lying around.
00:23This legislation will make it possible for small businesses to keep those structures
00:28up year-round, as well as allow the use of weatherproofing and winterizing materials needed to operate
00:34outdoor dining through the slush and chill of winter.
00:38And this November, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to vote on Ballot Proposition 1,
00:43making it even easier and more affordable for small businesses to open outdoor dining.
00:47Prop 1 would cut the eight-month application process down to two months and save small businesses
00:52up to $1,800.
00:54I want to thank City Council Member Lincoln Ressler for introducing this legislation and
01:00for shepherding it through the City Council.
01:02Today is only possible because of his leadership.
01:05Lincoln, I know you pride yourself on being accessible and open to your constituents.
01:14I just hope that you are now ready to answer questions about trash containerizations
01:18and affordable housing mid-mike.
01:21And I want to thank Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn
01:24for how tirelessly he has worked to help us arrive at this moment.
01:28Thank you, Commissioner.
01:31In just a moment, I will proudly sign this bill into law.
01:35I cannot help but think of all that it will deliver.
01:38The joy that it will spread across our city.
01:40The memories that will be made.
01:42Neighborhood favorites will stay in business for years longer.
01:45Families will be able to dine al fresco.
01:48New Yorkers will go on first dates beneath the stars.
01:51And friends will finally be able to ask one another,
01:53what's your Venmo under the light of the moon?
01:56Outdoor dining transformed our city once before.
01:59I'm so excited for it to do so once again.
02:02Thanks again.
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