Community Review Panel Evaluates Sidewalk Cafe Applications and Site Plans

The Manhattan Community Board 2's Outdoor Dining Working Group convened on July 15, 2025, to discuss several sidewalk café applications, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian space and safety in the bustling neighborhood.

One of the key discussions centered around the sidewalk café application from Saint Jardim LLC at 183 West Tenth Street. Board members raised significant concerns regarding the updated site plan, questioning whether there is adequate space for both tables and a required three-foot service aisle. Leslie Clark, a board member, pointed out that the current sidewalk dimensions do not seem to accommodate the proposed number of tables, potentially obstructing pedestrian pathways. This sentiment was echoed by fellow member Nancy, who noted that the sidewalks are already narrow, making it challenging to fit additional tables without compromising safety.

The meeting also addressed other sidewalk café applications, including those from Pearl at 22 Greenwich Avenue and Plant Shed Cafe at 1 Prince Street. However, representatives from these establishments were not present to provide testimony, leading the board to defer discussions on their applications to a later business session.

The working group emphasized the importance of ensuring that outdoor dining does not impede pedestrian traffic, a concern that resonates with many residents who navigate these busy streets daily. As outdoor dining continues to be a popular option for local eateries, the board's commitment to maintaining safe and accessible sidewalks remains a priority.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue between local businesses and community safety, as the board seeks to balance the needs of outdoor dining with the essential requirement of clear pedestrian pathways. The next steps will involve further review of the applications and continued discussions on how to best serve both the community and local businesses.