Open Streets initiative has drawn a crowd, but restaurants and landlords still struggle

Since it began in May, the city’s Open Streets initiative has been a draw, helping restaurants and businesses along dozens of corridors that are closed to vehicle traffic on weekends.  But while Mayor Bill de Blasio has called it a “lifeline” for hard-hit restaurants by expanding outdoor dining options and encouraging pedestrian thoroughfares, real estate pros say Open Streets cannot replace indoor dining, which remains banned. Landlords continue to negotiate rent payments with struggling

source https://therealdeal.com/2020/09/09/open-streets-initiative-has-drawn-a-crowd-but-restaurants-and-landlords-still-struggle/