You are reading

City likely to overturn sidewalk cafe ban in LIC

(source: NYC)

(source: NYC)

Jan 23, 2013 By Bill Parry

Several Long Island City restaurants may soon be able to open sidewalk cafes.

The Department of City Planning is looking to amend the zoning rules to allow for the establishment of sidewalk cafes on Vernon Blvd, Jackson Ave, Court Square, 43rd Ave and Crescent St.  The aim is to change the rule by summer– and finally put an end to the ban.

Though some sidewalk cafes already exist on these streets — with proper city licenses — they are technically illegal under current zoning rules.

Even with the zoning change, restaurants would still have to apply for permits with the Department of Consumer Affairs. The sidewalk would need to be at least 15 feet wide before a restaurant would be permitted to open an outdoor cafe.

Queens Plaza North and Queens Plaza South are not part of the plan. Penny Lee, a representative of the NYC Department of Planning, said at a recent meeting: “There’s just too much heavy pedestrian traffic at those locations.”

Dana Frankel, a representative of the LIC Partnership, was excited about the news.

“I think it’s great to bring activity and vitality to the streets,” she said. “There’s so much room on the sidewalks that pedestrians shouldn’t be inconvenienced. It will bring life to the streets and only help businesses. Hopefully it’s approved as soon as possible.”

email the author: news@queenspost.com

2 Comments

Click for Comments 
Edgar

Sycamore, there should be no barriers. If I want to get drunk on the street, I should have that right. I’ll get my son drunk too, so he’s not so boisterous.

Reply
Sycamore

Having endured the horrid behavior of drunken people and their untended children for a whole summer when a restaurant across the street from me opened a sidewalk cafe–and would not respond to my appeals–I urge the use of barriers so patrons know exactly where their party ends an the public’s right to a peaceful public square begins. Kids would hardly have a soccer match right next to the table if this were true.

Today’s parents go way, way, way to far allowing their children to behave boisterously in public. Many of them seem to be unschooled in civil behavior. Not their fault, they need to be taught.

Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

May races in Queens: JFK Airport 5K, Forest Park trail classic and a Queensborough 5K

May. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The energy of May is on full display across Queens, with a lineup of local races that invite runners of all levels to hit the pavement and the trails. With mild temperatures and sunny skies setting the stage, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the spring weather before the summer heat sets in. From the Forest Park 4 Mile Road and Trail Classic to the festive Great Hawaiian Luau 5K at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, these events offer more than just a workout—they foster community spirit and personal growth. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before lacing up and heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, these May races offer a chance to challenge yourself and connect with others in motion.

Mayor Adams marks one year of ‘Padlock to Protect’ with pizza and progress in Queens

Mayor Eric Adams marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the city’s “Operation Padlock to Protect” initiative at a pizzeria on the Rego Park and Middle Village border on Wednesday and touted the significant progress in shutting down more than 1,400 illegal smoke shops across the five boroughs and seizing more than $95 million in illegal product since last May.

“The city was fed up. We heard it at every town hall. This time last year, there were thousands of illegal smoke shops plaguing our city with unlicensed cannabis endangering our children,” Adams said. “One year later, we are proud to announce that we have turned the tide. Thanks to the tireless efforts by our city’s law enforcement officers, we’ve padlocked thousands of illegal shops and created safer streets for children and families. But we’re not stopping there.”