Cafe Cluny seeks extended outdoor dining hours amid resident concerns

The Manhattan Community Board 2's SLA Committee convened on April 3, 2025, to discuss several key applications related to outdoor dining and liquor licenses, focusing on balancing community concerns with business interests.

The meeting began with a presentation from Steve Rammert, a partner at Cafe Cluny, who requested an extension of outdoor dining hours until 11:00 PM. Rammert explained that the current stipulation requiring outdoor seating to be cleared by 10:00 PM limits the restaurant's ability to serve customers effectively. He argued that allowing patrons to dine until 11:00 PM would not be unreasonable, given the restaurant's operational practices and the anticipated dining duration.

Committee members raised concerns about the residential zoning of the area, noting that outdoor dining had previously been restricted due to noise and disturbance complaints from local residents. One member emphasized that the 10:00 PM cutoff was a compromise to address these concerns, suggesting that the committee should monitor the situation before considering any changes.

Public comments highlighted the divided opinions within the community. Some residents expressed strong opposition to outdoor dining, citing noise and pedestrian congestion, while others supported the initiative, advocating for the vibrancy it brings to the neighborhood. A resident presented photographs illustrating the narrowness of the sidewalk where outdoor seating was proposed, arguing that it would impede pedestrian traffic.

The discussion then shifted to the White Horse Tavern's application for an alteration to extend liquor service into outdoor spaces. Joseph Levy, representing the applicant, indicated a willingness to comply with a 10:00 PM cutoff on the side street while maintaining an 11:00 PM service on Hudson Street, where a preexisting sidewalk cafe had operated. Residents voiced concerns about crowding and enforcement of existing regulations, urging the committee to ensure that any new licenses would not exacerbate these issues.

The committee acknowledged the need for further dialogue between the applicants and local residents to address concerns and find a workable solution. They proposed a follow-up meeting to facilitate these discussions, emphasizing the importance of balancing business interests with community well-being.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of integrating outdoor dining in residential areas, with committee members and residents alike advocating for a careful approach that considers both the needs of local businesses and the quality of life for residents. The committee plans to revisit these applications after further community engagement and discussions.