New York City’s Reopening: What to Expect
There is positive news for those hoping to visit New York City as it plans to fully reopen on July 1. This is 16 months after it closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citing strong vaccination numbers in the city, Mayor Bill de Blasio told MSNBC’s Morning Joe show that the plan is to open stores, businesses, offices, and theaters at “full strength” on that date. Governor Andrew Cuomo has also revealed that seating in bars will be permitted again from May 3, while the 12am food and beverage service curfew will be lifted for outdoor dining areas from May 17 and indoor dining areas beginning May 31.
The city’s official destination and marketing organization, New York City & Company, revealed that it is reemerging with new outdoor dining spaces, chic new hotels, and revamped transportation services. A major push towards reopening has come in the form of a $30 million marketing campaign investment announced by de Blasio. The ‘NYC Reawakens’ initiative aims to show that New York City is a “fairer, better, and more vibrant city than ever before.”
There are new plans and initiatives focusing on sustainability, diversity, and spreading the wealth throughout all five boroughs. Moreover, there is an emphasis on taking the lessons learned from the shutdown and implementing them in innovative ways. One plan involves expanding outdoor dining into a full-fledged outdoor cafe scene reminiscent of those found on the streets of Paris or Milan.
Upon visitors’ arrival, they will notice several changes made to the New York City transportation system, including the newly-opened Moynihan Train Hall in the former Farley Post Office building on 8th Avenue – now a significant transportation hub. Another notable change is the redesign of Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, now featuring 35 new gates and nearly 50 shops and restaurants. Newark Liberty Airport is also nearing completion of recent renovations, while the NYC Ferry is adding new routes and additional stops to expand service into all five boroughs.
The hotel sector was devastated during the pandemic; however, it is gradually coming back to life with 116 new hotels under development this year. This includes a new Ritz-Carlton in the NoMad neighborhood of Manhattan and a Margaritaville Resort in Times Square. According to de Blasio, Broadway may take a bit longer to return. “It takes time because they have to mount full productions,” he noted. “You should expect Broadway to be at full strength in September, but I’d love to see some of the smaller shows up by July and August.”
Overall, the mayor and those involved in the city’s tourism sector are hopeful that the city will rebound over the next few months and safely welcome visitors to its bustling streets, exciting dining scene, and those bright lights once again.
This article was first published on April 22 and updated on April 30, 2021.
