What’s New

'Key to NYC' Requirements

By Executive Order, New York City's Key to NYC vaccination requirement program will take effect Tuesday, August 17. Formal enforcement will begin on Monday, September 13th. The policy requires people 12 and older to show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO for bars, fitness gyms, movie and stage theatres, museums and other indoor venues.

Get full program details >> NYC.gov/KeytoNYC

• Indoor dining includes:
• restaurants, catering halls, event spaces, hotel banquet rooms, bars, nightclubs, cafeterias, grocery stores with indoor dining, coffee shops and fast food or quick service with indoor dining
• Indoor fitness includes:
• gyms, fitness centers, fitness classes, pools, indoor studios and dance studios
• Indoor entertainment includes:
• movie theaters, music and concert venues, museums and galleries, aquariums and zoos, professional sports arenas, indoor stadiums, convention centers, exhibition halls, performing arts theaters, bowling alleys, arcades, pool and billiard halls, recreational game centers, adult entertainment and indoor play areas

What Businesses Need to Know:

• 'Key to NYC' Summary Flyer
• COVID-19 Vaccination Required Poster to print and display on your storefront
• Key to NYC - Frequently Asked Questions
  
• Guidance for Equitiable Implementation
• Businesses will be required to develop a written implementation plan that will be available for inspection. The plan should include how the vaccination status of staff and customers will be checked. Check out the City's written Implementation Protocol Template and a more detailed template.
• Watch "Key to NYC - Vaccination Mandate Conflict Resolution Training for Businesses" video. Click here.
• Accommodations for Employees & Customers and Proof of Identification
• Full program details: NYC.gov/KeytoNY

Business Webinars: The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will be hosting a series of Key to NYC webinars for businesses, beginning Wednesday, August 18. See all available webinars here. 

Other SBS Resources Include:

• Virtual Compliance Consultations
• Financial Assistance
• Commercial Lease Assistance
• Free Face Coverings + a PPE Supplier Directory
• Online Business Education Courses
• Employee Support

For proof of vaccination, patrons may show:

• NYC COVID Safe App: Android | iOS
• Excelsior Pass
• CDC Vaccination Card (or photo)
• NYC Vaccination Record
• An official immunization record from outside NYC or the U.S

For vaccinations that occured outside the U.S., patrons must have an official immunization record that includes:

• First name and last name
• Date of birth
• Vaccine product name (only vaccines authorized by the WHO are acceptable)
• Date(s) administered
• Site where the vaccine was administered, or name of the person who administered i

Find a COVID-19 vaccine site: FREE vaccines are available to all New York residents 12+ and those who work or study in NYS but live elsewhere are also eligible. Vaccine Finder | Data Tracker

NYC is offering $100 incentive for those receiving their first vaccine dose at a New York City-run vaccine location. Book here

Full program details can be found at:  NYC.gov/KeytoNYC

Join the Small Business Resource Network for Free Guidance & Recovery Resources

Calling all small businesses! In response to this time of crisis, various city partners, inluding the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce have launched the NYC Small Business Resource Network (SBRN), a network of New York City specialists offering free, personalized guidance and recovery resources for your business.

The SBRN is a unique, private-public partnership that leverages local relationships with the city’s corporate, financial, and professional service sectors. With support from universities, philanthropies and expert volunteers, the SBRN helps small business owners gain access to a range of programs and services.

Small Business Support Specialists offer guidance and next-step resources in these five fields:

• financial guidance
• marketing expertise
• technology support
• legal counseling
• business coaching

Some common concerns are proper outdoor dining setup (please note, if you're in our BID district boundaries we can assist with this directly), rent negotiation, and website marketing and management. Members of the network can also enjoy special offerings such as cash credit to rebuild your business' website.

Every business is eligible, even if you are not a Chamber of Commerce member. For more information, attend the free info session webinar for small business owners on January 12th, at 2pm, or submit your business profile to join today.

The designated Chamber of Commerce Small Business Support Specialists for the Flatiron and NoMad area are:

Businesses in zipcodes 10003, 10010, and 10016:
Christopher Freire
cfreire [at] Manhattancc.org

Businesses in zipcodes 10001 and 10011: 
Sean Martin
smartin [at] manhattancc.org

Winterizing Guidelines Released

Updated Thursday, October 15, 11:45am

On October 14th, Mayor Bill de Blasio joined the Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) to release guidance for restaurants to install heating devices to serve patrons this fall and winter. The guidelines below support last month's announcement that NYC's outdoor dining program is extended year-round along with opportunities to expand seating to adjacent properties with neighbors' consent.

• Electric radiant heaters will be allowed in sidewalk and roadway seating setups. Click here for full guidance from DOB.
• Natural gas radiant heaters will be allowed on the sidewalk only, and must comply with the Fire Code. Click here for full guidance from DOB.
• Portable heaters powered by propane will be allowed on the sidewalk only. Propane heating will be regulated by FDNY. Click here for full guidance from FDNY.
• Establishments with private outdoor dining spaces may use heating devices subject to the applicable guidance from DOB and FDNY.

Adjacent Properties

• The City will allow restaurants to expand seating to the frontage of adjacent properties, as long as the adjacent property owners formally agree to the use of the space for a specified period of time and commit not to charge a fee for its use.
• The City will work with the State Liquor Authority on any requirements associated with extending alcohol service to the expanded seating in front of adjacent properties.
• In early October, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) will issue a template agreement and provide instructions on how to file the agreements. Adjacent properties may not be used prior to the release of official instructions and formal agreements. 

• Restaurants will also be permitted to use tent enclosures to keep diners warm. In partial tent enclosures, at least 50% of the tent’s side wall surface area must remain open and electrical heaters are allowed.
• In full tent enclosures, the tent’s side walls may be closed but occupancy limitations will be capped at 25% of capacity, and indoor dining guidelines must be followed; electrical heaters will also be allowed. 
• Enclosed structures, such as plastic domes, will be allowed for individual parties and must have adequate ventilation to allow for air circulation.

• As the program’s duration will now continue through the winter months, and winter weather creates potential for inclement weather to impact road conditions, the City will engage the restaurant industry and other stakeholders to develop additional safety features to further strengthen roadway barriers.
• To ensure timely implementation, the City will require restaurant owners to comply with new safety features by November 15, 2020. In addition, significant snow events may necessitate the temporary removal of some barriers from the roadway.

Open Streets: Restaurants blocks will be closed to thru-traffic and there is no parking seven days a week at the participating Flatiron & NoMad blocks below:

• Broadway: 25th Street to 26th Street
• West 22nd Street: Sixth Avenue east to Fifth Avenue
• East 20th Street: Broadway to Park Avenue South
• East 28th Street: Madison Avenue to Park Avenue South
• East 29th Street: Madison Avenue to Park Avenue South

Please be sure you're following all guidelines New York City Open Restaurants Program to ensure continued operation. The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) offers free virtual one-on-one compliance consultations to help business owners understand and comply with NYC Open Restaurants guidelines. Sign up for a virtual consultation here.

For more resources and updates pertaining to the pandemic, visit our COVID-19 Resources & Updates page. If you have questions or needs, please email the team directly: Covid19@FlatironDistrict.nyc 

Business Resources & Indoor/Outdoor Dining Info

Updated 4/13/21

NYC Indoor Dining: Restaurants in NYC can operate at 50% capacity as of March 19th.

Reopening New York City (NY State guidelines): New York Forward resources for the public and Phase One through Phase Four business reopenings.

NYC Health Department - Permits & Licenses: All NYC Health Department permits and licenses that expired after March 13, 2020, (or in the case of seasonal mobile food vending permits and licenses, on October 31, 2019) remain valid because of the COVID-19 public health emergency. When the governor lifts the state of emergency, permittees and licensees will have 45 days to renew. You may still renew now.

• DOH Permits & Licenses
• Renew online (preferred; otherwise request an in-person renewal here)

Responding to a Summons: If you receive a summons from the Health Department, you have the opportunity to contest the violations at the OATH Hearings Division. Your hearing date is printed on your summons.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information & Resources: 

• COVID-19 Vaccine: Adults over 16+ are eligible for the vaccine. People who live outside of the state but work or study in New York are also eligible to get vaccinated.
• Vaccine Finder - This portal helps you locate local providers and book appointments. Local options include:
• AdvantageCare Physicians (21 East 22nd Street) 
• Walgreens/Duane Reade (401 Park Avenue South)
• Walgreens/Duane Reade (777 Sixth Avenue)
• Walgreens/Duane Reade (465 2nd Avenue)
• NYC Health & Hospitals - Bellevue (462 First Avenue) 
• NYC Vaccine Command Center
• Phased Distributions 
• Vaccine Data Tracker 
• Find a COVID Testing Site: Cost-free testing is available to all New Yorkers. 
• COVID Alert NY: An exposure-notification app helps stop the spread

Open Storefronts: Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the Open Storefronts program, permitting storefront businesses to use a portion of their sidewalk to display merchandise, sell goods, complete transactions, and provide queuing areas.

• Siting Criteria for Sidewalks
• Operator FAQ
• Resources & Contact Info
• Applications now open

Gyms and Fitness Centers are premitted to reopen: Operators must submit a this Inspection Request and Attestation Form to the NYC Health Dept attesting to compliance with all COVID-19 reopening health and safety guidelines. 

• What operators need to know
• Summary of guidelines

NYC Open Restaurants Program (Outdoor Dining)

NYC’s Open Restaurants Program is an effort to expand outdoor seating options for restaurants and bars to promote open space, enhance social distancing, and help them rebound in these difficult economic times. This program is designed to assist existing restaurants and bars that have been authorized by the Governor to re-open under Phase Two and want to use outdoor areas on a temporary basis. This program is only for restaurants and bars seeking permission to place outdoor seating in front of their establishment on the sidewalk and/or curbside lane. Applications now open

Open Streets: Restaurants allows community based organizations, including Merchants Associations or a group of, at a minimum, three (3) food service establishments (a "Restaurant Group") on a full block may express interest in offering seating on an Open Street by submitting an application, including a site seating and safety plan, detailed run of show, management plan, and outreach plan, to NYC DOT. Open Streets: Restaurants seating is executed through full block, recurring street closures that are planned for nights and weekends through Labor Day. Applications now open

Adjacent Properties

• The City will allow restaurants to expand seating to the frontage of adjacent properties, as long as the adjacent property owners formally agree to the use of the space for a specified period of time and commit not to charge a fee for its use.
• The City will work with the State Liquor Authority on any requirements associated with extending alcohol service to the expanded seating in front of adjacent properties.
• In early October, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) will issue a template agreement and provide instructions on how to file the agreements. Adjacent properties may not be used prior to the release of official instructions and formal agreements.

• Electric radiant heaters will be allowed in sidewalk and roadway seating setups. Click here for full guidance from DOB.
• Natural gas radiant heaters will be allowed on the sidewalk only, and must comply with the Fire Code. Click here for full guidance from DOB.
• Portable heaters powered by propane will be allowed on the sidewalk only. Propane heating will be regulated by FDNY. Click here for full guidance from FDNY.
• Establishments with private outdoor dining spaces may use heating devices subject to the applicable guidance from DOB and FDNY
  
  

• New York State outdoor dining guidelines permit installing a temporary or fixed cover (e.g. awning, roof or tent) so long as it has at least two open sides for airflow. Of the two sides that need to be open, one must be parallel to the roadway. If at least the two sides are completely open, you may exceed 25% capacity as long as existing outdoor dining guidelines are followed, (e.g., 6' between tables, no more than 10 people seated at one table). If fewer than the two sides are completely open, the occupancy limit will be capped at 25% capacity, and all indoor dining guidelines must be followed.
• Enclosed structures, such as plastic domes, will be allowed for individual parties and must have adequate ventilation to allow for air circulation.
• For restaurants with roof structures, the city will be releasing tips and guidance on how to make them secure, as well as quick action to remove snow from roofs, awnings, and tents.
• Only electrical heaters are allowed within the roadway setups.

• Barriers must have a fully built interior wall and bottom to hold filler material.
• All 18-inch roadway barriers must be completely filled with soil or sand.
• Continuous reflector tape must be added along the top outside edges, and snow sticks must be added to the corners of the two barriers facing traffic.
• A plastic water-filled barrier in front of the roadway barrier facing oncoming traffic will be required for a majority of restaurants; “high priority" restaurants for whom a water-filled barrier will be required will be identified based on the street's crash rates and traffic volumes, as well as if it's a truck route. These restaurants will be contacted separately to confirm this requirement applies to them. For all other restaurants, similarly placed water-filled barriers are highly recommended.

Open Streets: Restaurants blocks will be closed to thru-traffic and there is no parking seven days a week at the participating Flatiron & NoMad blocks below:

• Broadway: 25th Street to 27th Street
• West 22nd Street: Sixth Avenue east to Fifth Avenue
• East 20th Street: Broadway to Park Avenue South
• East 28th Street: Madison Avenue to Park Avenue South
• Outdoor Dining Siting Criteria 
• State Liquor Authority (SLA) Guidance on Outdoor Expansion
• NYC Sidewalk Usage Guide (including signage regulations, etc.)

Please be sure you're following all guidelines New York City Open Restaurant Program to ensure continued operation. 

For more resources and updates pertaining to the pandemic, visit our COVID-19 Resources & Updates page. If you have questions or needs, please email the team directly: Covid19@FlatironDistrict.nyc 

Gym Reopenings

Gyms and fitness centers were allowed to start reopening as of September 2nd after submitting appropriate paperwork to the NYC Health Department. All gym services must exclude indoor pools and indoor fitness classes. Below is a list of gyms that have reopened for in-person visits. Stay tuned for additional reopenings. 

Equinox | 315 Park Avenue South | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
The Equinox Grammercy location offers spacious workout areas and top-notch equipment to strengthen both the body and mind.



Iconoclast Fitness | 210 Fifth Avenue | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
Iconoclast is a Black-owned fitness studio owned by Ngo Okafor who is famous for training drastic body transformations and receives praise from celebrity and model clients alike. Private training available. 



Jane DO | 24 West 23rd Street | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
The studio empowering women to reach new levels of strength and confidence has reopened for one-on-one personal training. Virtual live-stream classes are still available. 




New York Sports Club | 113 East 23rd Street | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
A membership at the NYSC Flatiron location translates to fully equipped facilities and certified fitness experts to assist you on your fitness journey. 

Tone House | 32 East 31st Street | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
Tone House is a strength and conditioning training facility aimed at training your inner athlete. Virtual classes and outdoor classes are also available.





Still working out at home? These neighborhood locations are offering virtual classes:

• exhale 
• Ballroom Hub
• Barry's Bootcamp
• BK Pilates
• bodē nyc also offering in-person private sessions
• Chaise Fitness 
• DanceBody also offering in-person private sessions
• Dharma Yoga
• FuncSoul
• Humming Puppy
• LL Studio by Laughing Lotus 
• Mendez Boxing Gym
• Mile High Run Club
• Pop Physique NYC
• Rumble 
• Sin Workouts
• TrainStationNYC
• Y7 studio

Reopened Museums in Flatiron & NoMad

 Center for Book Arts | Reserve FREE Tickets Here | Mon-Fri: 11 am - 4 pm | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

The Center for Book Arts has been supporting artists making books for over 45 years! Currently there are three free exibitions on view until March 27: New Book Art: 2019 Artists in Residence, Out of Sight, Beyond Touch, and Borders Are Meant to Be Crossed. Stay up to date with exhibitions here. Public programs surrounding each exhibit can be found here. Check out their book shop here.

Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for latests updates and announcements!

Fotografiska New York | Purchase Tickets Here | Wed-Sun: 11 am - 9 pm | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

Fotografiska New York aims to inspire a more conscious world through photography and a mix of world-class art, vibrant cultural programming, and curated retail. Right now there are three exibitions on view: Between These Folded Walls, Utopia until March 28, Brief & Drenching until April 18, and Death Row Exonerees until April 25. Currently there is one installation on view: Black Artists Fund x Fotografiska New York - Tracking Down Intimacy until May 2. Stay up to date with exhibitions and installations! For public programming talks and special events, check here. Shop their merchandise inspired by current exibitions here.

Follow on Facebook and Instagram for latest updates and announcements!

Museum of Sex | Purchase Tickets Here | Wed-Mon: 1 pm - 10 pm | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

The Museum of Sex mission is to preserve and present the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality through exhibitions, publications, and programs. There are four exhibitions currently on view: Superfunland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival, Cam Life, Bad: Betty A. Dodson & the Liberation of Masturbation, A Tribute, and Cabinet of Curiosities: Slections from Secret Collections.

Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and announcements!

Poster House | Purchase Tickets Here | Thur-Sun: 10 am - 6 pm | COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

The Poster House presents the historical and contemporary impact, culture, and design of posters. Currently on view are three shows: Vera List & The Poster of Lincoln Center, Julius Klinger: Posters for a Modern Age, and Freak Power. Stay up to date with current and upcoming exhibitions here.Check out their in-person and virtual public programming like tours and talks. Shop online for their merchandise, posters, apparel, and gifts.

Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and announcements!

Header Credit: Poster House by Kudos.NYC

Local Businesses Need You More Than Ever

The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership wanted to take a moment to acknowledge neighborhood businesses that have permanently closed as a result of the pandemic. We are saddened to say goodbye to several businesses that we've come to know and love over the years.

First and foremost, the Partnership wants to thank these businesses for their service and contribution to the neighborhood. Whether they provided lunch during the workweek, dinners shared with loved ones, or educational activities for children, these businesses helped give the Flatiron District a true community feeling. They will all be deeply missed. 

Secondly, the Partnership wants to raise awareness of the urgent issue of small business survival as a result of COVID-19. As a Business Improvement District, the Partnership has been a champion of economic development and community improvement for over 14 years. We are dedicated to supporting our district businesses both with supportive programs in-house and communication with our elected officials on legislation that offers relief for businesses and property owners. This is not an experience unique to Flatiron, as many other neighborhoods grapple with similar losses of small businesses. Without direct action and relief, this trend of business closures is likely to continue, especially as fall and winter approach.

We strongly encourage New Yorkers to seek out ways to support your local business communities: shop at your local hardware stores, groceries, and delis, grab a coffee/pastry from a close-by bakery, have a pre-made picnic in the park, order products from online stores of local businesses if you're remote, enjoy a virtual class, event, or experience, purchase at-home meal kits from restaurants, stop by outdoor dining set-ups, and order directly through business websites when possible (you might be surprised at how far a restaurant will deliver).

Lastly, contact your local, state, and federal officials and urge them to pass legislation that helps local businesses survive (find  contact information for your elected officials here). At the City level, we're calling for measures such as rent and mortgage relief, the expansion of the Open Restaurants program (outdoor dining) beyond a business's storefront, and sales tax exemptions to spur retail activity.

Councilmember Keith Powers just this week unvieled an "Open for Business Report" in partnership with Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and the NYC Hospitality Alliance detailing the challenges facing small businesses in our city and action steps that can be taken to mitigate them. Read the full report here.

Businesses are struggling to survive and they need your help.

COVID-19 Related Business Closures in Flatiron:

apple seeds, 10 West 25th Street
After 13 years in the district, the children's amusement center offering fun and educational classes has closed its doors. apple seed's launched an online platform "Songs for Seeds" offering virtual singing and dancing classes. 

The Assemblage, 114 East 25th Street & 331 Park Avenue South 
The coworking company and creative community space closed their doors after 3 years in the neighborhood. 

Bo's Kitchen & Bar Room, 6 West 24th Street 
After serving up NOLA inspired food and drinks for the last seven years, Bo's is closed for the foreseeable future. 

Bouley At Home & Bouley Test Kitchen, 31 West 21st Street 
The all-in-one dining space that featured a bakery, restaurant, and cooking school from renowned chef David Bouley closed. 

Cleo Spa & Salon, 407 Park Avenue 
The local nail salon closed its doors. 

Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop, 174 Fifth Avenue
The historic Eisenburg location closed its doors after 91 years of business for the foreseeable future. The sandwich shop was known for its deli-style food, 30-foot long dining counter, and vintage charm. The shop hopes to return in the future 

Flats Fix, 14 East 23rd Street 
After 30+ years in the district, the owners of Flats Fix (formerly Live Bait), have made the difficult decision to close. Flats Fix's other location in Union Square at 16 East 28th Street remains open. 

Gasoline Alley Coffee, 24 East 23rd Street
The premium artisanal coffee shop closed its Flatiron location after 4 years in the district. You can still support their Noho and West Village locations. 

Le Tea, 1134 Broadway 
The chic tea boutique closed after opening last year. 

Le Pain Quotidien, 931 Broadway 
LPQ's Flatiron location closed after 8 years in the district. 

Mira Sushi, 46 West 22nd Street  
The hip Japanese eatery closed after serving the neighborhood for seven years. You can still support their Queens location. 

Quality Eats NoMad, 3 East 28th Street 
The modern steakhouse Quality Eats NoMad location has closed. You can support their Upper East Side and West Village locations, both offering patio dining, takeout, and delivery. 

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine, 28 East 23rd Street 
After 11 years in the neighborhood, the family-owned Cuban cuisine chain has closed the doors of its Flatiron location. You can support their other locations in NYC. 

Sony Square, 25 Madison Avenue 
Sony, a major office tenant in Flatiron, closed its experiential space Sony Square. The space opened in 2016 to provide a behind-the-scenes look for shows, movies, and electronics. 

Space Kiddets, 26 East 22nd Street
The children's clothing and toy store closed after 40 years in the neighborhood. The team behind Space Kiddets hopes to land a new location in the fall and launch online shopping. 

Sweaty Betty, 168 Fifth Avenue 
The activewear company empowering women through fitness closed after 5 years in the community. You can still support their Nordstrom NYC Flagship. 

Terri, 60 West 23rd Street
The sustainable, plant-based eatery closed after 10 years in Flatiron. 

Trattoria Italienne, 19 West 24th Street 
A restaurant rooted in Northern Italian and Southern French cuisine that was a go-to aperitivo spot for the neighborhood has closed. 

Wonder Photo Shop, 176 Fifth Avenue 
Fujifilm opened the creative space and camera store in 2016. The experiential shop has closed its doors. E-commerce will begin to roll out in October 2020. 


Learn more about what we're calling for and how you can help: NY Business Leaders' Call to Action for the Survival of Small Businesses

Read Councilmember Power's "Open for Business Report" in partnership with the NYC Hospitality Alliance and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

NY Business Leaders' Call to Action for the Survival of Small Businesses

Support the New York Urban League's COVID-19 Family Relief Fund