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Landmarks
Central Park Mineral Springs building, Le Pain Quotidien’s capital improvement project.
WHEREAS, Central Park is a NYC Scenic Landmark and the Belgian restaurant chain (23 in Manhattan), Le Pain Quotidien, as a result of a Parks Department RFP, has been designated as the operator of a cafe in the Mineral Springs building at the north end of the Sheep Meadow in Central Park, roughly between 69th and 70th Streets; and
WHEREAS, The cafe will occupy 1,600 sq. ft. of the 4,000 sq. ft. building, the remainder of the building continuing to be used by the Parks Department for maintenance purposes and public rest rooms; and
WHEREAS, The new occupant will require substantial improvements for its operation which replaces a snack bar, now closed, which modifications have been approved by the Parks Department and two other Community Boards adjacent to Central Park; and
WHEREAS, The principal changes to this building, which dates back to 1958-9 and is not considered historically important, include:
1. Removal of an exterior metal roll-up gate which was above a counter for serving hot dogs, etc. to be replaced by wooden accordion doors
2. Restoration of two windows on the side of the building which are in disrepair
3. Replacement of hollow metal door at the rear of the building with similar door
4. Placement of 20 tables and 40 chairs on the terrace, all removable for storage inside the cafe at night
5. New discreet signage with halo lighting; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 30% of the seats will be available for non-customers of the cafe; and
WHEREAS, The hours of operation will be 7 am to 7 pm; and
WHEREAS, The applicant intends to serve only beer and wine and agreed to come before CB 5's PSQL Committee for review if required; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the Le Pain Quotidien capital improvement project at Central Park Mineral Springs building.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 31 in favor; 0 opposed; 2 abstaining.