No. Hempstead Extends Outdoor Dining, Sidewalk Sales Through 2021

NORTH HEMPSTEAD, NY — North Hempstead officials have extended permitting for outdoor uses, such as dining al fresco and sidewalk sales so that they can continue through the end of the year as a way of helping the business community bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other outdoor uses such as public assemblies and the sales of other personal services can also continue operating under the same extension. A code provision limiting the number of sidewalk sale permits given over a 12-month period has also been temporarily suspended.

Businesses using outdoor space heaters and temporary tents must still comply with the state’s fire code, Nassau County’s fire ordinances, and the applicable permit provisions of the town code.

The extension of outdoor uses, unanimously approved by the town board on April 22, addresses the continued requirement for businesses to operate at reduced capacities under COVID-19 restrictions, town officials said.

North Hempstead is not the only town to offer aid to local restaurants and businesses recently. Oyster Bay waived the associated permit fees for outdoor dining back in March.

It is the latest initiative of the “Lift Up Local” campaign designed by the town’s Business Recovery Response Work Group, which aims to find ways to help businesses impacted by COVID-19. The work group, which includes members of the town board, has established dining in local parks, expanded outdoor dining, created a “parklet” dining program, and has organized street closures to help attract customers.

Supervisor Judi Bosworth said that with spring already here and summer on the horizon, town officials want to ensure local shops and restaurants “take advantage of the outdoors to keep their customers safe while increasing traffic to their storefronts.”

“It is our hope that these measures will encourage residents to continue supporting our local businesses which are the heart of our downtown communities,” she added.