You are reading

Mayor Extends Open Storefronts Program Through September 2021

The Mayor announced the extension of the Open Storefronts program Tuesday (Mayor’s Office)

Dec. 30, 2020 By Christian Murray

The mayor announced Tuesday that the city is extending a pilot program that allows storefront owners to sell goods on the sidewalk.

The initiative, dubbed the Open Storefronts program, was launched at the end of October and will now be in operation until Sept. 30, 2021. The program is modeled after the successful Open Restaurants program and allows business owners to sell and display their merchandise on a portion of the sidewalk.

The program requires participating businesses to keep an eight-foot clear path of sidewalk from the curb. Retailers cannot use the space of adjacent businesses.

The businesses must also bring all furniture and goods indoors when they are closed.

The initiative aims to help brick-and-mortar businesses, which have taken a hit due to COVID-19. The program was also established to increase public safety–by encouraging outdoor shopping and making social distancing easier.

“Open Storefronts has given business owners an easy way to maximize their space and keep customers safe as they shop,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We remain committed to giving small businesses more chances to thrive, and we’re excited to give them more opportunities to participate in this program throughout the winter and warmer months.”

The mayor has expanded the program, allowing businesses to sell pre-packaged food on sidewalks and to use sidewalks for take-out orders.

City officials hope that more businesses will take advantage of the program–particularly when the weather heats up. Since the program was launched, only a few hundred businesses out of the nearly 40,000 businesses that qualify have enrolled for the Open Storefronts program.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Unwind after hours at these cozy Queens cafes

Jul. 25, 2025 By Jessica Militello

Forget the bars and crowded clubs — Queens is brimming with charming cafes that keep their doors open well past sunset, offering a perfect alternative for those who want to meet up for a late-night hangout without the alcohol. From authentic Yemeni coffee houses to bakeries with outdoor garden patios, check out these Queens cafes for your next late-night catch-up with friends, or for a cozy date night plan.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.

A slice of legacy: Carlo’s Pizzeria keeps Sicilian tradition alive in Middle Village

Jul. 18, 2025 By Christy Hinko

On Metropolitan Avenue, between 74th and 75th streets in Middle Village, Carlo’s Pizzeria isn’t just a place to grab a slice — it’s a place where history is folded into every piece of dough, sauce and cheese. The beloved neighborhood pizzeria has been serving Queens for nearly 60 years, now led by third-generation owner Anthony Caruana, who proudly carries forward the dream his grandfather brought from Sicily.