Yorktown Continues Outdoor-Permit-Fee Waivers
Yorktown will continue its waiver of fees for sidewalk sales and outdoor dining.
The Town Board voted Tuesday night to continue the policy as the pandemic persists.
“Our small businesses continue to need help because of all the disruptions caused by the pandemic,” said Supervisor Matt Slater. “The permit-fee waiver is one of several actions the business community has pointed to as a helping hand to get back on their feet.”
The permit-fee waiver began in 2020 as part of Yorktown’s effort to help local retailers during the pandemic.
“This is a common-sense policy that is easy for the Town to offer and helpful to many businesses,” said Councilman Sergio Esposito.
Yorktown’s other pandemic-responses have included expedited permit reviews by the building department and the Destination Y marketing campaign, which launched in mid-2020.
“Even though it’s cold, there are still some people who feel safer eating outdoors, so this waiver helps our residents feel more secure,” said Councilman Tom Diana.
Last month, Yorktown, the chamber and the YSBA launched a new shop-local promotion on Black Friday. Yorktown: Your Home Base for the Holidays is a multi-platform promotion that celebrated local shopping, dining, and entertainment.
“We will continue exploring new ways to promote our business hamlets. The fee waivers are just a small piece of our efforts,” said Councilman Ed Lachterman.
The hyper-local campaign ran from November 26 to December 31 on social media, digital and print platforms. The consumer targets are residents of Yorktown and surrounding communities in northern Westchester and Putnam counties. The social videos target different demographics, including millennials, families and empty-nesters.
“Many of us have enjoyed outdoor meals at local restaurants that have survived almost two years of disruption. I’m pleased that the Town will continue to offer the permit fee waiver,” said Councilwoman Luciana Haughwout.
Small businesses that would like to apply for or continue to have temporary outdoor sales or dining this year should contact the Building Department.
Small businesses looking to make outdoor seating or sidewalk sales a permanent fixture of their business model will need to go through a more thorough approval process including Planning Board review.
