Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Get Your Restaurant Off Our Sidewalk Space!
By
Jen Carlson
Published Oct 2, 2009
Modified Oct 2, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Oct 2, 2009
Modified Oct 2, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
First the Upper East Siders were ranting about sidewalk congestion, and now the Upper West Side is joining in on the complaint chorus. A writer for West Side Spirit has a bone to pick with enclosed sidewalk cafés; because what else are you going to get worked up about these days? La la la, there are really no other problems except dining establishments jutting out on to public property. Really, nothing.
Citizen Uptown declares that not only are abandoned outdoor cafés an eyesore (saying they "not only look messy and run down but some of them also appear downright gaudy"), but the papered up windows are even more so, and the illegal ads that cover those up are even more so. There's no solution! Will no one do anything about these "unused, enclosed structure that encroach on public property?" Council Member Gale Brewer's office says: “We are trying to find a balance in helping the building owner to find a new tenant to use that space for a restaurant. We don’t want them tearing them down and bringing them back up in four months. That doesn’t help anybody.”
As for the illegal ads being placed on the abandoned storefronts, this sort of thing has been happening all over the city. A spokesperson from the Department of Buildings said the advertising "is not permitted in this district and that the agency is investigating the illegal ads." Until action is taken and justice is served, you'll have to avert your eyes from (or shake your fist at) all of these unsightly sidewalk-encroaching messes when your just trying to enjoy a nice walk to the Chase bank and Duane Reade.
Tagged
abandoned
cafe
illegal advertisting
public
sidewalk
space
Upper West Side
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .