Eyes on the Street

Eyes on the Street: Early Spring Means Earlier “Street Seats”

Despite this weekend’s snow forecast, for a few days there it felt freakishly like spring. Yet another sign of winter’s demise is the reemergence of DOT’s “Street Seats.”

By David Meyer

4:18 PM EST on March 2, 2016

It's only March, but Laughing Man Coffee & Tea has already brought back its "Street Seats" that were outside the establishment from May to November of last year. Photo: Charles Komanoff — It’s only March, but Laughing Man Coffee & Tea has already brought back its “Street Seats” that were outside the establishment from May to November of last year. Photo: Charles Komanoff

Despite this weekend’s snow forecast, for a few days there it felt freakishly like spring. Yet another sign of winter’s demise is the reemergence of DOT’s “Street Seats.”

Charles Komanoff sent Streetsblog this picture of the temporary outdoor seating area being re-installed outside of Laughing Man Coffee and Tea on Duane Street in Tribeca. The corral was previously installed from May to November of last year.

The Street Seats program allows businesses to apply for and sponsor daytime seating areas in adjacent repurposed parking spots outside their storefronts. Last year DOT received 22 applications for Street Seats, of which 13 were approved.

David Meyer

David was Streetsblog's do-it-all New York City beat reporter from 2015 to 2019. He returned as an editor in 2023 after a three-year stint at the New York Post.

Eyes on the Street | Public Space

Comments Are Temporarily Disabled

Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.

Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cross Bronx Expressway

State Bill Would Stop Highway Expansions Near Vulnerable New Yorkers

Assembly Member Emerita Torres's Stop Highway Community Harm Act would ban the state from expanding highways within 200 feet of public housing or in ZIP codes with the highest asthma-related emergency room visits in the state.