City of Utica allows restaurants to use its sidewalks for outdoor dining

UTICA, N.Y. — The City of Utica on Wednesday announced that restaurants can apply to use city sidewalk space for outdoor dining now that the state allows it.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has given the go-ahead for eateries to offer outdoor dining in the regions that have already entered phase two of their reopening, effective Thursday, June 4. To help restaurants increase outdoor seating capacity, the City of Utica is offering the option of using public sidewalks as outdoor café areas.

Restaurants will not have to pay a fee to use sidewalks, but they must file an application with the City. As part of the application, dining establishments must have a copy of their certificate of insurance and name the City as additional insured.

The application is available on the city’s website: www.cityofutica.com.

Economic stimulus program

Local businesses, including restaurants, can still apply for Utica’s economic-stimulus loan program. Currently, 29 local businesses have obtained a loan through this initiative. If a business meets certain criteria, the loan offered by the City can convert to a grant. More information about the loan program can be found at www.cityofutica.com.

For any questions about the loan program, businesses can contact Jack Spaeth, Utica economic-development specialist, at (315) 792-0181 or email: jspaeth@cityofutica.com.

Mayor’s benefit gala

The Utica Mayor’s Benefit Gala, which was originally scheduled for April 25 and postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, will not be held until 2021. Utica will announce the date of the 2021 gala later this year. The nonprofit ICAN (Integrated Community Alternatives Network) will remain the beneficiary for next year’s gala.