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Queens leaders warn outdoor dining and sidewalk‑cafe approvals lagging ahead of World Cup season
Summary
Community leaders told the borough office that Department of Transportation approvals for outdoor dining and sidewalk cafes are delayed, with one official saying the office is averaging 30–32 new applications per month and that the backlog could leave restaurants unlicensed before next summer’s World Cup.
Queens community leaders told city officials they are concerned that a backlog in Department of Transportation approvals for sidewalk and street cafes could leave restaurants unlicensed when World Cup visitors arrive.
A borough official said the office is ‘‘averaging 30 to 32 a month coming in. We have the most in Queens, and they're not processing the paperwork.’’ The speaker said the borough’s food and hospitality businesses are likely to be a focus for visitors and asked DOT to accelerate processing for western Queens as well as eastern neighborhoods.
DOT previously noted other programs in the meeting, including the school open‑streets rollout, but did not provide a separate timeline for outdoor dining approvals at this session. Discussion only: community leaders asked DOT to prioritize outdoor dining applications to support local businesses ahead of major events.
Speakers included a deputy borough president (unnamed), community district managers and DOT staff present earlier in the meeting.
