An initiative led by Mayor Eric Adams with the intention to clear abandoned outdoor dining sheds has been launched. This initiative intends to remove dining sheds that are potentially active, but violate the policies of the Open Restaurant Guidelines.

The goal of this measure, according to nyc.gov, is to prevent abandoned dining sheds from cluttering neighborhood streets. Abandoned outdoor dining sheds can also potentially worsen and provide conditions that facilitate unsafe and illegal behavior.

Mayor Adams said, “These deserted dining sheds have become eyesores for neighbors and havens for rats, and we are going to tear them down.” The administration urges anyone who discovers a shed that has been abandoned to report it to 311 via text, email, phone call, or the 311 website.

According to CBS, by December 27, 2022, about 169 sheds had been removed to maintain a positive view of the street, as well as promote and add value to businesses that do adhere to the Open Restaurant Guidelines.

WJPS junior Vasiliki Kostakis stated, “I think removing those abandoned sheds can make our community more high quality and cleaner.” 

“I feel like removing these abandoned sheds can also help reduce rats and litter, which help improve cleanliness in NYC,” said WJPS freshman, Daniela Vicente. 

“14th St 9th Av Hudson St td (2022-02-07) 03 – Intersect by Lexus (412 West 14th Street)” by Tdorante10 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.