Community Board 2 discusses outdoor dining framework, enforcement and sanitation as city reopens

Community Board 2Executive Committee members on a virtual June meeting discussed creating a single, temporary permitting framework for outdoor dining to move quickly once city rules allow expanded outdoor seating.

The committee chair (Carter) described a working-group proposal that would identify four types of outdoor seating areas and designate one city agency to coordinate temporary permitting and overlays such as health and liquor licensing. "The idea here ... is having a recommendation that there'd be 1 agency that's in charge of all outdoor seating on a temporary basis through the end of this year," Carter said.

Why it matters: committee members said an organized, single-permit approach could let restaurants expand safely and quickly as reopening proceeds while allowing other permits to be added on top. Members also warned the proposal raises equity and enforcement questions that could affect residents, schools and businesses across Greenwich Village, NoHo and SoHo.

Committee discussion and details

Carter summarized what the working group has identified as four categories of outdoor seating: spaces immediately adjacent to an establishment (sidewalk cafes), spaces in the roadway or very near but not adjacent, spaces more than a block away used temporarily by restaurants, and shared seating among groups of businesses. "There's a vast diversity of businesses," he said, and the goal is "creating a larger construct where it can all fit under" a single temporary permitting process.

Board members pressed on fairness and enforcement. Susanna warned that businesses with access to outdoor space would gain an advantage and those without such access could be upset. "There are huge fairness issues," she said. Carter and others said that is why the working group has been considering nonadjacent options.

Several members raised concerns about noise, late-night hours and alcohol outside of establishments. Chenault and others said some operators have effectively created bar-like outdoor set-ups that attract lingering unmasked groups. "We've gotten numerous complaints ... to the precinct, to 311, to our elected officials," Carter said. Members noted precincts and elected officials were aware of complaints but that enforcement capacity is uneven.

Sanitation and parks

Members also raised sanitation issues from increased outdoor eating. Michael said in Washington Square Park on a recent evening park trash receptacles were overflowing during and after outdoor dining hours. Carter said the board already has Washington Square Park on its June 3 agenda and would invite Parks and the Washington Square Park Conservancy to discuss cleanup and receptacle needs.

Schools and play streets

Janine introduced a related question from a parent: if schools resume in Phase 4, could adjacent street closures be used to expand outdoor time for students? Carter said existing processes for play streets exist but can be lengthy; the board could recommend streamlining if schools request it.

Agency coordination and next steps

Carter said the group is considering which city agency should lead (candidates discussed included DCA and DOT) and acknowledged capacity constraints at some agencies. He said the working group aims to finalize criteria and concerns, then move quickly when the city allows expanded outdoor operations.

No formal vote or policy adoption occurred in the meeting. The committee agreed to continue work, invite agency briefings and hear initial reports from streets that pilot open-street dining.