Op-Ed: NYC’s Short-Term Rental Ban Hurts Latino Small Businesses

Small Businesses in NYC Seeking Relief from Short-Term Rental​ Restrictions

The heart and soul of New York City lies in its ⁣vibrant tapestry of small businesses, and​ the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DACC), deeply embedded in neighborhoods ‍across ⁣Upper Manhattan and⁤ the outer boroughs, is fighting to ​ensure their survival. The‍ Chamber, representing a diverse range of businesses, from beloved bodegas and eateries to beauty salons and barber shops, is witnessing the detrimental impact⁣ of restrictive ⁣short-term rental policies on their members. “The ​city’s short-term rental ‍restrictions ‍are ‌directly responsible for throwing many of these small businesses into a tailspin,” says a ⁢spokesperson for the DACC.”We’ve seen them ⁤deeply affected – grappling with the reduced foot traffic that is ⁣especially severe outside of Midtown.”⁤ The DACC is encouraged to see‍ the New York‌ City Council ⁤taking steps to ease these restrictions, recognizing the vital role ⁣tourism plays ⁣in supporting the ⁢local economy and ⁢the unique character of neighborhoods ⁤like Washington ​Heights, inwood, and ‍those throughout the ​Bronx and Brooklyn. “This ⁣loss doesn’t just impact business revenues; it disrupts ⁢the community ties and ‌cultural ‍exchanges that thrive when visitors explore and support our local establishments,” the spokesperson adds.‌ For many dominicans, Mexicans, Puerto ricans and other Latin americans, owning a business is a pathway to‌ prosperity, providing‌ livelihoods, supporting families, and keeping the⁣ city’s streets⁤ alive. The DACC emphasizes that ⁢tourism is more than ‌just an industry – it’s a​ bridge connecting families,cultures,and economic opportunities. It has transformed neighborhoods like ‍Washington Heights and Inwood into vibrant ⁣destinations,​ renowned​ for their‌ diverse culinary experiences and ‍exciting nightlife. “It’s clear the drop⁣ in tourism outside Midtown is hitting⁣ our businesses disproportionately hard,” the spokesperson continues. “We ⁤see ⁤it ⁢in the closures, ‍the scaled-down hours, and the struggles of shops⁤ and restaurants‍ that once‌ thrived ⁣on the ⁢steady ⁢foot traffic short-term rentals brought into our neighborhoods.” The Chamber hopes the City Council’s actions⁤ will help revitalize these businesses ⁤and ensure they ⁤can ‌continue to be the lifeblood of their ‍communities ​for years to ​come.

A Year Later: Short-Term Rental⁣ Restrictions Hurt New York Communities

A year ago, new regulations aimed at curbing short-term rentals like Airbnbs were implemented in New York City. ⁣while these ​regulations⁤ were intended to address concerns about housing ‌affordability, their unintended consequences ‌are now acutely felt by small ⁤businesses and communities, notably in neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan.​ For many visitors, especially⁤ families from‌ Latin America, ‍staying in‍ neighborhoods that feel like home⁢ is ​an essential⁣ part of the New York experience.They seek more than just a hotel stay; they want to immerse themselves in ⁤local culture ‍and be near loved ones.However, with short-term rentals now scarce, these visitors are ⁣finding it increasingly arduous⁢ to stay near relatives, leading to cancelled trips and fewer visits, ultimately impacting ⁤the revenue of local businesses. The ripple effect of these restrictions ⁤is evident in the struggles faced by local businesses. A ⁤prime ‍exmaple is a neighborhood supermarket that ‍previously consistently contributed to local food⁢ giveaways. Now, facing financial strain, they are struggling to retain‍ staff and were unable to support programs like their annual Thanksgiving Day ‍of Service. With less foot ⁤traffic due to the decline in tourism, revenue has dwindled, forcing them to make difficult ‍decisions about their charitable‍ giving. ⁢This hardship ​extends beyond a ‍single business – it weakens the entire community. Dominican​ and Latino communities, deeply invested in the city, are proud of the homes they have‍ built and the vibrant culture they have⁢ shared.While acknowledging the need to ⁢address housing affordability,​ they believe that a more ​balanced approach is needed. The current regulations have created⁤ a dichotomy, hindering ⁢the ability of these communities ⁤to ‍welcome visitors and support their⁤ local economies. “We need policies ⁣that support affordable‍ housing ​and also allow our communities to welcome visitors. It’s past time for the city‌ to ⁣reconsider its short-term rental law and⁢ allow neighborhoods to ⁣thrive alongside the visitors who help bring them to life,” says Ms. Khury, Chief Executive counsel at‍ the Dominican American Chamber ⁣of commerce and the CEO and President of ALTA Travel.

Photo: Thanksgiving Day of Service

As ‌New York City continues to evolve,finding ‌a enduring balance between housing affordability and the ‍economic vitality of ‍its neighborhoods is crucial. the current restrictions on short-term rentals ​inadvertently harm the ⁤very communities they aim to protect. Reconsidering these regulations and ‌exploring more inclusive solutions is essential for the long-term well-being of New ⁣York City and its residents.
## Interview: NYC’s Short-Term Rental Restrictions Impacting Small businesses



**Host:** Today we’re joined by [Spokesperson Name],spokesperson for the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DACC). Welcome to Archyde.



**Spokesperson:** Thanks for having me.



**Host:** The DACC represents a vibrant mix of small businesses across Upper Manhattan and the outer boroughs. We’ve heard concerns about the impact of the city’s new short-term rental restrictions. Can you shed some light on what you’re seeing?



**Spokesperson**: Absolutely. the DACC is deeply concerned about the unintended consequences these new regulations are having on our member businesses. from beloved bodegas and restaurants to barber shops and beauty salons,many are struggling as tourism declines due to limited short-term rental options,particularly outside of midtown.



**Host:** How are these restrictions specifically affecting your members?



**Spokesperson**: We’ve witnessed a stark decrease in foot traffic, particularly in neighborhoods like Washington Heights and Inwood. These areas, rich in Dominican culture and cuisine, used to benefit from visitors seeking an authentic New York experience. Now, with fewer short-term rentals available, these visitors are finding it harder to stay in these communities, impacting the revenue of our local businesses.



**Host:** it sounds like the loss goes beyond financial impact.



**Spokesperson**: You’re right. This isn’t just about bottom lines. Tourism fosters a sense of community, connects cultures, and fuels the unique character of these neighborhoods. Short-term rentals bring visitors who want to explore beyond typical tourist hotspots, interact with residents, and support local establishments. Their absence creates a void that threatens the vibrancy of our neighborhoods.



**Host:** I understand the city Council is considering easing these restrictions.What does the DACC hope will be the outcome?



**Spokesperson**: We are encouraged by the city Council’s willingness to address this issue. we hope they will implement changes that acknowledge the vital role tourism plays in supporting the local economy and the continued livelihood of our diverse businesses. We believe a balanced approach, addressing housing concerns while allowing for responsible short-term rentals, is crucial for the well-being of our communities.



**Host**: Thank you for sharing your insights on this crucial issue. we hope the conversation continues and leads to solutions that benefit both residents and the small businesses that make these neighborhoods so special.



**Spokesperson**: Thank you for having me. We at the DACC are committed to working with the City Council and all stakeholders to find a path forward that allows our communities to thrive.