Here's part of CB3's email from late last week:
The Executive Order allowing remote meetings has expired and the Governor is not renewing the order. The state Open Government law does not allow us to continue remote meetings after [June 25]. Meetings must be fully in-person; teleconferencing is not allowed. There cannot be "hybrid" meetings.There has been and will continue to be lobbying to have the state legislature pass legislation to allow hybrid meetings, but this will not happen soon. We are working on finding locations for in-person meetings starting with the first July meeting.
This last year, I've attended many CB and city government meetings because they were online and easily accessible. It's a shame this can't be continued as many of us are unable to attend in-person meetings. For once, I actually felt involved and informed and it was good.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Also, online meetings are more accessible for many disabled people. Let's get hybrid meetings authorized.
ReplyDeleteCan I bring up any topic at one of these meetings? I would like to complain about how outdoor dining has made life a living hell for those of us who live above and next to these spaces. I am sure there are others who would join me if they aren't already feeling defeated and like we have lost this fight.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the very same thing....this should most definitely be addressed in a big way with the community board. I think there are a tremendous amount of us who feel exactly like you, discouraged as Deblasio, Rivera and the like seem hell bent on making the sheds permanent. A forum of public opinion would be most welcome. So many of us feel powerless against the politicians who seem more interested in bowing to the strong restaurant lobby than hearing the pleas of desperate residents who have to live through this daily nightmare
DeleteTuesday July 13th, transportation committee has a presentation on zoning changes related to outdoor dining.
DeleteHybrid meetings are a great idea, therefore NYC won't allow them. Perfectly logical in de Blasio-land.
ReplyDeleteWell, I love the outdoor dining, honey. I hope it stays indefintely (as initially reported). Don't be such a fun hater.
ReplyDeleteOutdoor dining is fun if you don't live next to one of these outdoor sheds blasting music and don't have to try to help your neighbor who walks with a walker get through a sidewalk crowded with tables, waiters and people waiting for tables. Of course, the people who don't live next to these setups love them. They are not living with it all day and night. It's also shitty for the wait staffs. I haven't talked to one waiter in the neighborhood who is being paid more for all the additional work they are doing. That's why so many of them are quitting.
ReplyDelete@3:37 It's not up to NYC. It's the state's open government law that requires the in-person meetings. I know our State Senator (and possible Manhattan Borough President) Brad Hoylman has introduced legislation to allow for hybrid meetings. There's enough to blame DeBlasio for that is actually his fault.
ReplyDeleteI live above a restaurant that has busy outdoor dining. Whatever, I put in ear plugs, easy fix.
ReplyDeleteOutdoor dining is on this month's CB 3 Agenda. It is not clear if this will be a public discussion or a presentation. It is also not clear if this will be a hybrid or in person meeting. These sheds are a true disaster for anyone who lives near or above them. Why should we have to wear earplugs in our own apartments now that indoor dining is allowed. You want to let them stay up a bit longer to help these businesses fine, but permanently no way. By the way amplified music is illegal according to DOT, they just don't enforce it.
ReplyDeleteOutdoor dining is a fantastic addition to the neighborhood, both for the restaurants and for people enjoying the experience. Using our streets for the community as opposed to private parking is a much better, and higher impact, use. In addition, outdoor dining provides a more communal feel that makes our city more attractive. If people have issues with noise they should focus on targeted fixes instead of blanket abolition.
ReplyDeleteOutdoor dining is hell when there are ten soon to be 11 bar/restaurants on the block, all with music. Check out Second Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets on a weekend night. It is hell trying to walk into your own building. It is like being a living dodgeball between the waiters, bus staff and obnoxious, entitled patrons who block the sidewalk, much less the hoards of kids strolling by en masse. Noise cancelling headphones do not make much of a difference from Thursday through Sunday.
ReplyDeleteAgreed with the above about outdoor dining, it really sucks for quality of life around here. Not only the noise, the rats, the constant people in the sidewalk, loss of tons of parking for those who can't afford private garages, etc. and public space being used for a particular type of private business? Nahson.
ReplyDelete@7:22 it's not private parking, it's public parking. The restaurants are private.
ReplyDelete