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Parks & Public Spaces
Application from Bao by Kaya for a new small unenclosed sidewalk café at 570 Lexington Avenue (the G.E. Building) to consist of 9 tables and 22 chairs
WHEREAS, Bao by Kaya ("Applicant") has submitted an application seeking permission to install and operate a small seasonal unenclosed sidewalk café at 570 Lexington Avenue to consist of 9 tables and 22 chairs for seasonal seating, all located on 51st Street; and
WHEREAS, There are a large number of intrusions in the vicinity of the café, including a subway entrance, a Citibike station, a lamppost, a basement trap, and four large subway ventilation grates; and
WHEREAS, The distance between the ventilation grates and the tables is only three feet; and
WHEREAS, The proposed sidewalk café does therefore not meet a minimum of 8 feet of unobstructed sidewalk space for the entire length of the sidewalk, which Community Board Five finds objectionable at this location, even though DCA regulations technically make exceptions for these intrusions; and
WHEREAS, The building is an individual landmark with a very prominent façade, and the cafe would be a visual obstruction that would be detrimental to the historic building; and
WHEREAS, Applicant did not provide a pedestrian count for the block, but Community Board Five believes that the foot traffic is very high, especially during peak hours and considering the proximity of a busy subway entrance; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends denial of the application from Bao by Kaya, Inc. for a new small unenclosed sidewalk café at 570 Lexington Avenue (the G.E. Building) to consist of 9 tables and 22 chairs.