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September 18, 2007
Uncommon Grounds Asking for Uncommon Seating Tonight
Other than a few spots on Montague Street, Brooklyn Heights ain't exactly overflowing with enticing al fresco dining options. A relatively recent newcomer to the northern stretch of Henry Street is looking to get in on the sidewalk action though: Uncommon Grounds, which closed in August for renovations (including the addition of a full kitchen), is looking to add seven small outdoor tables along Cranberry Street, and will be pitching the idea in a public hearing before Community Board 2 tonight. In general, we're big fans of sidewalk seating and can't see any reason why permission wouldn't be granted. Can you? GMAP
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Comments
I walk by that corner every day. While it would be nice to have outdoor seating, I think it's a bit narrow for tables. It's the wrong location for the concept.
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 10:49 AM
That sidewalk seems very narrow for even narrow tables (21"?) and this place pretty much sucked in its previous incarnation. Otherwise, I like some outdoor tables.
Here's my bigger issue: see all those terrible newspaper boxes? WHY WHY WHY. Why are those allowed to fill up every other corner? And can this restaurant just remove them as their plans indicate? They rent that space. I own my house. Can I remove the ones on my corner?
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 10:54 AM
Narrow? the plans show 8ft clear on Cranberry Street with no seating on Henry. 8 ft of sidewalk is a lot, you could easily fit even a double-wide stroller or 2 wheelchairs...
they might need to get those newspaper dispensers moved, though. sidewalk cafes are a good thing for any neighborhood...sense of life, vibrancy, community, safety...
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 10:59 AM
And then there are the folks who live nearby, who may be affected by the noise. But hey, this is New York. Or Brooklyn anyway . . . wondering if Bstoner would like this below his window?
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 11:06 AM
Sidewalk cafes are a good thing. Drawings show 8' clearance on Cranberry, which is the required amount. That being said: The newspaper boxes will never dissappear (or at least not for long). The cafe will creep out toward the street and you will not see 8' of clearance. But at least they are getting a permit, instead of just putting the tables out without a permit.
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 11:08 AM
you guys see those two big trees with proposed fencing taking up more than half that 8' clearance, right?
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 11:14 AM
"...wondering if Bstoner would like this below his window?"
If so, he would have bought a storefront 'stone. I don't see him complaining about the Tuscan spot on Gates.
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 11:15 AM
The stretch of Prospect Park West, around the corner from where I live in WT, has several restaurants with outdoor space... most folks I know, including myself, really love it... nice vibe... and one restaurant with outdoor space ( Elora's) is located very close to one of our co-op
buildings and we haven't had any noise issues at all.
Posted by: bren at September 18, 2007 11:22 AM
Finally! We really need more good eateries with outdoor space in the neighborhood. Hopefully they'll have heaters too...!
Posted by: amysahba at September 18, 2007 11:25 AM
Brooklyn Heights is so dull.
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 11:41 AM
Is the Apple Store really coming to Montague Street?
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 11:43 AM
It'll be tight for sure on Cranberry, but I'm for it. This is a great neighborhood, but it needs more dining/lounging options.
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 12:04 PM
worst. idea. ever.
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 12:13 PM
It's a great idea in theory but the sidewalks on both Henry and Cranberry are much too narrow. Doubt that it will fly. I just wish the place would reopen soon...
Posted by: punko at September 18, 2007 1:44 PM
I wish them luck...I've lived in the area for about five years and have seen countless restaurants try and fail on Henry. Some in this same space! Maybe a cafe/lounge/restaurant will work.
I think we can all agree if you open another bistro on Henry Street you're better off just throughing your life savings out the window. You just can't make it with Noodle Pudding and Henry's End as your competition.
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 1:44 PM
what a joke! This is too narrow and right across from the subway-- meaning foot traffic galore. love outdoor seating but that is a crappy place for it! also, this cafe (altho I was a patron) was very unpromising... very poor management and crappy food. I suspect a full kitchen will not fix it. the vbe is wrong.
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 1:58 PM
This is such a classic Brooklyn storefront, really nice. I think the plan looks very workable -so why not? On those rare NYC days when it is neither too hot or too cold, dining al fresco brings a touch of the "dolce vita" to our appointment-driven, workaholic society. I am all for it.
Posted by: sam at September 18, 2007 2:26 PM
The new Apple store should open on Montague Street. People would come from all over Brooklyn and lower Manhattan, the subway access can't be beat. Maybe in the old Brooklyn Union Gas building? They can do a retro 1950's thing. It could work!
Posted by: sam at September 18, 2007 2:31 PM
Look at the newspaper boxes and then look at the size of the proposed tables. Think there's enough room on them for anything bigger than a coffee cup, especially on the two-tops? Either someones playing down the scale in the drawing, or these will be incredibly cramped, stamp-sized tables. And I'm not sure they can actually put a table under the fire escape drop down ladder door, (3rd from top) which is curiously labelled as "currently blocked off". Sounds like a violation to me.
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 3:29 PM
"Is the Apple Store really coming to Montague Street?"
Nope.
Posted by: guest at September 18, 2007 5:29 PM
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