"The gardens along First, Second, Third and Fourth places date back to 1846 and, according to an obscure city law, are meant for "courtyard use" only. But that law has been selectively enforced, residents said.
Over the decades, some homeowners have even cut their curbs to use the courtyards as parking spaces -- which is also illegal. Some are still getting away with it, residents say.
"We take pride in our gardens and consider them assets," said local activist Buddy Scotto.
After being told by The Post of the restaurant's plans, the city investigated, determined the sidewalk cafe would be illegal and said a stop-work order on construction would be issued."
Just off the top of my head, the following are businesses that utilize the public gardens for outdoor seating: Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, PJ Hanleys, Giardini Pizza, Gowanus Yacht Club. In addition, Hannah Senesh, Ices/Prema Yoga and Yes Cleaners use theirs for commercial purposes, and the courtyards at the Capital One, Me and My Egg Roll and next to Abeline are all paved.
Although I clearly support the preservation of the gardens, why is this man being singled out, when there are dozens of violations up and down Court and Smith Streets in the exact same situation? Here's to equal enforcement and protection.
* It is interesting how the Post constructs their language to suit their viewpoint. When they like Buddy, he is the Mayor of Carroll Gardens. When they don't, he's an "activist". When they report on garden violators getting tickets, they are scofflaws, but now it is an "obscure" law. Not that we should be surprised.
** The real shame here is the loss of that Mary on the Half Shell.
I thought the Dunkin' Mary was still there! I'll have to check on the way home. I think the garden law (which is NOT obscure -- it's constantly being brought up locally) should be enforced across the board.
ReplyDeleteI was suffering to the Mary in the Google Street View photo (although it might be just the half shell, no Mary). To my knowledge, the one at Dunkin is still there.
ReplyDeleteThe difference between this one and the others that are using the courtyards for seating is that this building is part of the row that faces the residential Place Street. The others are part of the row that faces the commercial street. There are lots of other neighborhoods for you if you favor paving - Borough Park comes to mind. It used to have lots of green space. Now, not.
ReplyDeleteThat comment is so baffling, it is hard to comprehend, but I assume you're stating that the problem with this instance is that the cafe is next to residential yards. I guess you missed the fact that Dunkin, Gowanus Yacht and Giardini all abut residential yards?
ReplyDelete