NYC Sidewalk Sheds: Businesses Lose Thousands Every Month, Mayor Adams Fights Back

Sidewalk Sheds: A Costly Eyesore for NYC Businesses

Scaffolding and sidewalk sheds are a common sight in New York City, but a new study reveals the significant financial impact they have on businesses. The study, conducted by New York City and Mastercard, found that businesses with sidewalk sheds experience a significant drop in revenue, with Mastercard holders spending $3,000 to $9,500 less each month at affected locations.

Restaurants and bars are particularly hard hit, with a 3.5 to 9.7% decrease in weekly transactions in the six months following shed construction.

Mayor Adams Takes Action

Mayor Eric Adams is taking a firm stance against the costly and unsightly sheds, stating that his administration and the City Council are working on legislation to improve oversight and expedite repairs. In the coming weeks, the city plans to file more criminal court cases against property owners who fail to make repairs and keep sheds in place for extended periods.

"We bring back the beautification that's associated with this great city, not only here in Manhattan, but throughout our entire city. This is a problem that we're facing, and we are focused on getting shut down," Adams said.

Real-Life Impact: Cassidy's Pub

The study's findings are echoed by Cassidy's Pub owner, Shamus McNulty, who endured eight years of scaffolding blocking his business. He reports a 20-25% drop in sales during that time, highlighting the significant impact on visibility and customer access.

"It really affected business, because your visibility from the street, just didn't have it," McNulty said. "We saw a 20-25% drop in sales after the scaffolding went up."

McNulty's experience highlights the urgent need for the city to address the problem of prolonged scaffolding and sidewalk sheds. With the scaffolding finally removed, his business is experiencing a revival.

"We're getting far more traffic from the side streets," McNulty said. "It's just going to improve business. You gotta clean it up."

The "Get Sheds Down" Program

The city's "Get Sheds Down" program has already made progress, with over 170 miles of sidewalk sheds removed since its launch. This initiative aims to expedite repairs and remove the unsightly structures quickly.

A Call for Change

The study underscores the significant economic impact of sidewalk sheds on New York City businesses. Mayor Adams' commitment to address the problem and the city's efforts through the "Get Sheds Down" program offer hope for a more aesthetically pleasing and economically vibrant city.