New rules to outdoor dining in Boston’s North End will cost restaurants wanting to participate thousands of dollars.In a meeting Thursday night, it was announced that North End restaurants will have to pay a $7,500 fee to opt into the outdoor dining program.”The city made some changes to the outdoor dining program in the North End based on feedback received from the community,” a statement from Mayor Michelle Wu’s office said. It’s set to start on May 1 — one month after other Boston neighborhoods and end Sept. 5, but that date may be pushed to Sept. 30, pending compliance, Wu’s office said.”A committee of community members and local elected officials will advise how those funds are spent to mitigate the impact of the program on the residents of the neighborhood,” Wu’s office said. In addition to the fee, the city said patio space that has taken over 130 resident parking spots will go away.According to the Boston Herald, a portion of Hanover Street will also become one-way, between Cross and Richmond streets during the outdoor dining period. All Boston restaurants, including those in the North End, can begin submitting applications to the city for participation in this year’s outdoor dining program. Those that participated last year will need to apply again.The program began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to shift more activities outdoors. In 2021, it lasted from early spring through the end of the year.Changes for the program this season include updates to barrier safety requirements, fire safety guidance and insurance requirements. Outdoor dining spaces will be required to have an evacuation plan and subject to new closing hours.”The North End is home to the densest concentration of restaurants anywhere in the state, and we are grateful to our restaurant owners’ vital role in our larger economy and community,” a statement from the city of Boston said. “This is also a neighborhood home to residents who deserve clean and safe streets. This program, proposed after significant community feedback, will help the city offer the delights of outdoor dining in support of businesses while also mitigating the unique impacts that outdoor dining has on this neighborhood.”
New rules to outdoor dining in Boston’s North End will cost restaurants wanting to participate thousands of dollars.
In a meeting Thursday night, it was announced that North End restaurants will have to pay a $7,500 fee to opt into the outdoor dining program.
“The city made some changes to the outdoor dining program in the North End based on feedback received from the community,” a statement from Mayor Michelle Wu’s office said.
It’s set to start on May 1 — one month after other Boston neighborhoods and end Sept. 5, but that date may be pushed to Sept. 30, pending compliance, Wu’s office said.
“A committee of community members and local elected officials will advise how those funds are spent to mitigate the impact of the program on the residents of the neighborhood,” Wu’s office said.
In addition to the fee, the city said patio space that has taken over 130 resident parking spots will go away.
According to the Boston Herald, a portion of Hanover Street will also become one-way, between Cross and Richmond streets during the outdoor dining period.
All Boston restaurants, including those in the North End, can begin submitting applications to the city for participation in this year’s outdoor dining program. Those that participated last year will need to apply again.
The program began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to shift more activities outdoors. In 2021, it lasted from early spring through the end of the year.
Changes for the program this season include updates to barrier safety requirements, fire safety guidance and insurance requirements. Outdoor dining spaces will be required to have an evacuation plan and subject to new closing hours.
“The North End is home to the densest concentration of restaurants anywhere in the state, and we are grateful to our restaurant owners’ vital role in our larger economy and community,” a statement from the city of Boston said. “This is also a neighborhood home to residents who deserve clean and safe streets. This program, proposed after significant community feedback, will help the city offer the delights of outdoor dining in support of businesses while also mitigating the unique impacts that outdoor dining has on this neighborhood.”