REMARKS
Council Member Riley presents final vote on Wings and Seafood Corporation sidewalk cafe application
0:35:00
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3 min
Council Member Kevin C. Riley presents the final vote, which recommends the disapproval of a petition from Wings and Seafood Corporation for a sidewalk cafe at 785 Fairview Avenue in Queens. Riley reads a statement from Council Member Holden explaining the reasons for opposing the application.
- The subcommittee held a public hearing on July 24, 2024, where concerns were raised about the proposed sidewalk cafe.
- Council Member Holden opposes the application due to underutilization, excessive occupation of public space, and unauthorized construction.
- The statement emphasizes the lack of community support and the establishment's disregard for pedestrian and vehicle needs in the heavily congested Ridgewood community.
Kevin C. Riley
0:35:00
The final vote for today is a to recommend the disapproval lu124, a petition for Wings And Seafood Corporation seeking a revocal consent for a sidewalk cafe located at 785 Fairview Avenue in Queens, and council member holdings this strict.
0:35:20
This sub committee held the public hearing on July 24 2024 at which serious concerns and quality of life issues concerning this proposed sidewalk cafe were raised by councilmember Holden in whose district this restaurant is located.
0:35:36
The council member hold council member holding has provided the following statement explaining why this this approval is warranted.
0:35:44
Which he had asked that I read into the record.
0:35:48
He thanked me.
0:35:49
He said thank you, chair Riley, and members of the subcommittee for the opportunity to address you regarding the application number d2450087057 SWQ.
0:36:02
Wings, and seafood, seeking a revocal consent to operate a sidewalk cafe at 785 Fairview Avenue in Ridgewood within Community District 5.
0:36:15
I'm I'm opposed this application for several reason.
0:36:19
1.
0:36:20
Under utilization and misuse, this outdoor diamond setup is rarely used and often repurposed for storage or decorative purposes.
0:36:29
Such misuse of public space is unacceptable.
0:36:33
2, excessive occupation of public space.
0:36:37
The combination of sidewalk cafe and outdoor dining is excessive.
0:36:41
The sidewalk is a critical public pathway located at the entrance exit of the Forest Avenue M train station.
0:36:48
It is across from the Greater Ridgewood youth council after school program building IS 93, the queen's library, Ridgewood branch, and Rosemary playground.
0:36:59
Private entities should not monopolize public spaces for profit, especially in such a heavily trafficked area.
0:37:09
3, unauthorized construction.
0:37:12
The application constructed the sidewalk cafe structure before obtaining approval.
0:37:18
Resulting in the Department of Building's violation for extending the building without permits.
0:37:24
This disregard of regulation is concerning During the July 24th sub committee hearing, the owner responses were insufficient and demonstrated a lack of understanding and sincerity about the violation and community concerns.
0:37:38
Additionally, we have received many complaints from residents and the owner failed to provide evidence of community support for both the roadway dine in and sidewalk cafe contraire to their claims.
0:37:51
The lack of community support for this establishment is clear indication of community strong opposition.
0:37:58
Ridgewood is a heavily congested community with many pedestrians utilizing sidewalks and cars being parked.
0:38:06
This establishment has shown disregard for both pedestrians and vehicle or needs.
0:38:11
Given these issues, I urge my colleagues to vote no of votes yes to disapproved on this sidewalk cafe application.
0:38:20
The establishment has shown a genuine commitment to work in has not shown a genuine commitment to working with the community and approving this application was set a concerned and precedent.
0:38:31
Thank you for consideration considering my position on this matter, That concludes the content and counsel member holding his remarks.