The Department Of Transportation is launching a new initiative called the Pop-Up Cafe pilot program. Currently, some restaurants are prohibited from installing outdoor cafés because their sidewalks are too narrow. Under this program, DOT is seeking applications from restaurants who wish to install seasonal public seating in the parking lane of the street, along the curb (photo). This past summer one Pop-up Café was piloted on Pearl Street in Lower Manhattan; the sponsoring restaurants are thrilled to report an increase in business, and the new public space has been warmly welcomed by the community.
DOT is eager to expand the program to more locations in 2011. Please visit
www.nyc.gov/dot/popupcafe for more information on the program guidelines, as well as links to the Application, Design Guidelines, and photographs. Note that each application requires a supporting letter from the Community Board.
Check out the ArchPaper site for more photos of the floating wood floor cafes that take over parking lanes (on narrow sidewalk streets) to bring back a little cafe life to the neighborhood:
LINK
Great Idea !! Adds alittle Paris to NYC !! It increases the concept of knowing folks that live around you ! What a concept !
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ReplyDeletePretty! Would love to see more outdoor seating in Harlem! Since the sidewalks are usually rather broad people don't even have to sit right next to the cars up here....and more bike lanes I would like too!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I especially like the plantings.
ReplyDeleteDeadline has been extended until 12/31/2010.
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