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Soho Diner seeks diagram change to allow gate use for service and sidewalk cafe access; neighbors and committee press for clear circulation and host‑stand plan
Summary
An application from Soho Diner asked to remove an 'emergency use only' designation on a gate so staff could use it for service and patrons could access a proposed sidewalk café. The committee and neighbors pressed for clearer circulation rules, a host‑stand placement and assurances that patrons won't cross the public sidewalk to access interior dining.
The Soho Diner at 320 West Broadway asked the Manhattan City SLA committee for an alteration to a prior stipulation: the applicants want to change the license diagram to permit staff use of a gate and to allow patrons to access a proposed sidewalk cafe through the area, rather than treating the gate as "emergency use only." The change was framed as a necessary clarification should a separate, forthcoming sidewalk cafe be approved by DOT/CB2.
Committee members and neighbors expressed concern about pedestrian circulation and the potential for patrons to enter the licensed area from the sidewalk rather than being routed through an interior host. The applicant said the intention was to place a host stand inside the licensed area (not on the sidewalk) to direct patrons and to use the gate for service and controlled access; the committee asked for a follow‑up showing the sidewalk cafe design and a plan for host‑stand placement and service aisles.
The committee asked applicants to return with finalized sidewalk cafe diagrams and service‑aisle dimensions and to coordinate with DOT and CB2 before a final recommendation.
