LIC Restaurant Owners Complain That They Are Blocked From Offering Backyard Dining

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    Some Long Island City restaurant owners say that the city has prohibited them from offering backyard seating at their establishments, going so far as to say that there was a “moratorium” on new permits. Jeff Blath, the owner of Alobar, told The Daily News that he offered to install high fences, ban outdoor speakers and close at 10 PM but has been rejected by Community Board 2 twice in the last four years.

    Jonathan Sterling and Faye Hess, owners of 51st Bakery and Café were approved for a backyard dining area and say they spent $8,000 building out the garden. Then the city told them they couldn’t open after an anonymous complaint claimed that the business did not have the correct certificate of occupancy to open the garden.

    The community board is concerned about noise as more restaurants push to allow their customers to enjoy an al fresco dining experience. According to the Daily News, there are only four restaurants in Long Island City that have backyard seating.

    What do you think? Are restaurant gardens too loud and a nuisance for neighbors or a welcome addition to the growing dining scene?

    Long Island City Restauranteurs Hit Roadblocks in Bids for Backyard Seating [NY Daily News]

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