Norwood News reached out to a number of local businesses to obtain their take on the new program. Mike Darwish runs My Furniture, located at 2390 Grand Concourse in Fordham Heights. Darwish was unaware of the new program but welcomed the initiative, saying it was a great idea as he could display some of his big pieces outside. “Right now, we can’t because we can’t block the sidewalk, but if they’re allowing us, that’d be great because it would be safer, easier to sell products,” he said.

“With this epidemic, it’s pretty hard to actually get us even going. Yeah, that’s a great idea – I mean for our safety, the staff’s safety and for the customer.” Asked if it was difficult to maintain social distancing in the store among the customers and staff, he said, “It is a lot harder. We have to show a couple of products sometimes – to somebody who’s in a kiosk or we have a catalog [where] we have to stand next to a customer and show them what they have. It’s usually like a couple, or maybe a family of two or three. And then, we have like a whole bunch of those in a store.”

Under the program, an eight-foot clear path of sidewalk from the curb must be maintained. Retailers cannot use the space of adjacent businesses, and they must bring all furniture and goods indoors when closed. For existing Open Streets: Restaurants locations, the Open Storefronts program will also permit businesses to use the curb lane directly fronting their storefront to conduct business activities during operating hours.

Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of NYC Department of Small Business Services, was one of the drivers behind the program along with the Department of Transportation. “Our 240,000 small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we will continue to fight for their survival,” Doris said.

“The Open Restaurants and Open Streets: Restaurants programs have brought great success to our restaurant industry, and we are excited to now include our small retail shops. This innovative approach will help bring back customers, revive the character of our neighborhoods, and build a stronger NYC.”

The program has received broad support from Bronx local elected officials also. “As we prepare for the potential of a second wave in New York City, it is critical that we create innovative options for small businesses to safely continue operating and keep our local economies moving,” said State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. “The Open Storefronts program will be an important outlet for New Yorkers as we move into the holiday season, and I encourage Bronx businesses to apply.”

Meanwhile, Council Member Fernando Cabrera said, “The Bronx is a borough of small businesses. These retailers are a major part of our economy, serving the shopping needs of our communities and providing jobs for lots of people, many of whom are immigrants.” He added, “The Open Storefronts program is a move in the right direction- allowing store owners to stay in business and maintain jobs, while protecting health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Open Storefronts will help our communities to recover from the economic effects of COVID-19.”