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Board members report widespread sidewalk and park dining; staff coordinating with precincts and agencies
Summary
Board staff and members described widespread, largely unpermitted outdoor dining and gatherings in Soho and Greenwich Village, citing specific businesses and a large informal gathering near the Stonewall National Monument; staff said they are coordinating with the precinct and city agencies and will log complaints.
Community Board 2 staff and members reported multiple complaints about restaurants and bars expanding outdoor dining onto sidewalks and nearby parks, and said they have begun coordinating with police and city agencies to address violations.
Bob, the district manager, told the executive committee that he has received photos and calls about restaurants placing chairs and tables in unauthorized areas, and that one establishment, Lola Taverna on Prince Street, had moved seating into Father Fagan Park.
"They basically they moved the inside of their restaurant into Father Fagan Park," Bob said, describing the park takeover as "outrageous." He listed other businesses that generated complaints, including Cipriani, Sola, Laduree, Bistro L'Ami, Pesce Pasta and Suprema. Bob said he had spoken with the precinct and multiple city agencies about enforcement and that he maintains a list of complaints which he will place on a spreadsheet.
Members described crowded, mask‑sparse gatherings near the Stonewall National Monument and Christopher Street Park. "There must have been 200 [people] out there, most without masks, many with open containers," Bob said when describing what he observed while walking the neighborhood.
Committee members said they expect the mayor's or Council offices and DOT to announce temporary outdoor-dining measures soon. Carter said he had discussed the issue with the Speaker's office and that an "intro" (referenced as Intro 1957) and separate DOT guidance were expected by the end of the week; details were not finalized in the meeting.
The executive committee directed staff to log complaints, coordinate with the precinct and agencies, and prepare for forthcoming city guidance. No formal enforcement action or legal change was taken by the board; staff and local electeds were expected to follow up with city agencies.
The board discussed balancing neighborhood safety and support for struggling businesses, while noting public-safety and sidewalk‑access concerns. Carter said an equity working group would address institutional questions separately; staff emphasized the immediate need for regulatory clarity on outdoor commercial activity and the reuse of public space.
The issue is likely to evolve quickly as city agencies (DOT, the Speaker’s office and others) announce temporary frameworks for outdoor dining, and the executive committee asked staff to track complaints and share updates with the full board.
