Jan. 23, 2013 Staff Report
The New York City Planning Department is expected to make a slight modification to its zoning maps that would permit restaurant owners between 46th and 47th on Skillman Ave. to establish large sidewalk cafes.
Presently, those businesses are only able to establish small sidewalk cafes. With small sidewalk cafes business are only able put out a single row of tables and chairs, which can be no more than 4 ½ feet from the front of the restaurant.
Under the change, these restaurants would be permitted to have a large dedicated space with tables, chairs, railings/fences/planters, and perhaps an awning.
“When Sunnyside was rezoned it should’ve been included, so we’re trying to correct that now,” said Joe Conley, chairman if Community Board 2.
Shekh Noman, the owner of Saffron Garden, which is located on the Skillman Avenue block subject to the change, was enthusiastic about the proposal. “I’m very interested. I’ve already talked with [Joe] Conley, [Jimmy] Van Bramer and my lawyer and we’re planning for it. It’ll be good for business.”
