“Huh?” you’re saying to yourself, “Hasn’t Starbucks on Montague had tables outside during the warm months for the last gosh-knows-how-many years? Don’t they have a permit?” Fact is, they don’t. So, since someone has now noticed, they need to jump through the proper hoops. There will be a hearing before the Community Board 2 land use committee tomorrow evening (Tuesday, May 18) starting at 6:15 p.m. at St Francis College, 180 Remsen Street. According to the CB2 press release: “This public hearing is to be held prior to a monthly meeting of the Transportation and Public Safety Committee, which may make a recommendation to Community Board 2.”
If you long to have your half-caf latte al fresco, or if, on the other hand, you’re one of those folks who reflexively opposes everything, you may want to show up.
“…or if, on the other hand, you’re one of those folks who reflexively opposes everything, you may want to show up.”
Astute understand of the BHB demographic, Mr. Scales!
*understanding
I’m against it.
I knew I could count on you.
I like sidewalk cafes. On the other hand, it would be nice to say screw you to Starbucks for thinking the rules don’t apply to them. Ultimately, I would support it because I don’t think the customers should suffer because of the bad behavior of the company.
Reflexive opposition: last summer, not only were pedestrians on busy Montague obliged to squeeze around Starbucks’ rather extensive *kaffe garten*, but the bottleneck was *increased* by some nit who put out the Starbucks’ sandwich board.
The jutting sandwich board was illegal, of course. I remember having to knock it over with my crutch to pass. (I was injured that week, and feeling ornery.)
the city should fine them. but they won’t, back taxes yes; a license? they should shut them down. the cost of a cafe that size is at least 5K. times how many years?
On the subject of sidewalk tables, does anyone know why there aren’t any sidewalk tables on Atlantic Ave? And, why none of the bars or restaurants on Atlantic Ave open their windows to the sidewalk?
I have thought the same with all that sidewalk space on Atlantic Ave. it would really be nice to have more outdoor areas to eat. What is the zoning on Atlantic?
I can’t even believe this is seriously a problem. People have too much time on their hands.
@CK & JK: Surely you’ve noticed that Atlantic Avenue is incredibly noisy, and has bad air to boot, due to all those lanes and the diesel traffic? Trucks accelerate powerfully in order to make the lights. If I wanted sidewalk dining, I’d go to another street.
@DoM
You’ve reminded me of this observational piece from Frank Bruni a few years ago:
http://tinyurl.com/26y3fcy