Overview
- Comptroller Mark Levine, who sent a records request on Thursday, opened an investigation into how DOT and the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services handle permits and set a May 29 deadline for records.
- Levine’s office says DOT has forwarded 1,225 applications to the Comptroller, including 765 this year, while DOT earlier reported 2,390 in the pipeline, indicating many are stuck before final registration that the Comptroller says takes about eight days.
- DOT says the law forces a long sequence that includes agency review, community boards, public hearings, Council review, and then Comptroller registration, and it reports over 900 businesses still working through filings and more than 670 paused for missing documents.
- There are 1,119 setups with full approvals, down sharply from the 6,000 to 8,000 restaurants that joined the temporary pandemic program, which means fewer tables for small businesses during peak weather.
- City Hall welcomed the examination, Council leaders back changes such as a return to year‑round roadway dining, and officials say any overhaul will follow an environmental review.