In an effort to address the negative impact of sidewalk sheds and scaffolding on businesses in Manhattan, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has released a new study. The study, conducted in cooperation with Mastercard, reveals that cardholders spend between nearly $4,000 and $9,500 less each month at businesses located in buildings with sidewalk sheds. Restaurants and bars are particularly affected, reporting a decrease of 3.5% to 9.7% in weekly transactions following shed construction.

The study highlights the significant reduction in sales experienced by businesses under sheds. Longer sheds have the most substantial impact on sales, with restaurants and bars being the hardest hit sectors. The findings underscore the need for a solution to reduce the number of unnecessary long-standing sidewalk sheds in New York City.

Last year, the Adams administration introduced the "Get Sheds Down" plan, which includes nine initiatives aimed at compelling building owners to make necessary repairs promptly. The plan aims to reduce the number of unsightly sidewalk sheds and scaffolding, improve the design of sheds to minimize their impact on the community, and ensure that repairs are completed efficiently.

Mayor Adams expressed concern over the impact of sheds on public safety, the city's economy, and businesses. He emphasized that sheds may have been erected for safety reasons, but their prolonged presence is often due to the cheaper cost of leaving them up rather than repairing buildings. The study's findings further emphasize the need for action to address this issue.

Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi highlighted the importance of addressing the negative impact of scaffolding on businesses. She stated that while scaffolding is crucial for safety purposes, its prolonged presence becomes detrimental when used as a temporary solution instead of a means to address building repairs. Joshi emphasized the administration's commitment to addressing long-standing scaffolding through enforcement, design improvements, and refining building inspection cycles.

The study's findings have prompted the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) to seek stronger enforcement tools to compel building owners to complete repairs promptly. Commissioner Jimmy Oddo emphasized the importance of reducing years-long scaffolding to improve the city's vibrancy and support small businesses. The department is partnering with the City Council to advance legislation that would tighten regulations on sheds.

The "Get Sheds Down" initiative, led by the Department of Small Business Services, aims to balance public safety with small business success. By incentivizing less obstructive building safety measures and requiring prompt building repairs, the initiative seeks to free New York City storefronts from the confines of years-long scaffolding.

The study's findings have also prompted the city to review the Façade Inspection and Safety Program (Local Law 11) in partnership with international engineering consulting firm Thornton Tomasetti. The review aims to consider regulatory changes that could reduce sidewalk sheds and scaffolding that are not protecting the public.

Since the launch of the "Get Sheds Down" plan, 173 miles of existing sidewalk sheds have been removed from New York City streets. The plan has also resulted in the removal of 259 long-standing sheds and the longest-standing permitted shed in the city.

New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal expressed support for the "Get Sheds Down" plan, emphasizing the importance of safe, clean, and welcoming sidewalks for pedestrians and businesses. He highlighted the negative impact of sheds on small businesses, with cardholders spending less due to the presence of sheds.

New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar emphasized the significance of reducing the negative impact of sheds on neighborhood quality of life and small businesses. She highlighted the potential economic benefits of implementing the "Get Sheds Down" plan.

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine stressed the importance of ensuring facade repairs are completed promptly to support small businesses that suffer financially due to the presence of sheds. He expressed the need for the city to do better to minimize the negative impact of sheds on the local economy.

New York City Councilmembers Keith Powers and Carlina Rivera expressed their commitment to scaffolding reform and supporting storefront businesses. They are working together with the administration to reduce the negative impact of sheds on neighborhoods.

Dan Biederman, president of the 34th Street Partnership, highlighted progress in removing nearly half the linear feet of sidewalk sheds in their district. He commended the mayor's efforts to address this issue.