Village allows sidewalk seating for ‘upscale’ feel

Sidewalk seating at Valley Stream eateries is right around the corner, as restaurant owners apply for permits under the trial program, which began on May 17 and will last through Oct. 31.

The move is part of a larger effort to bring “a look that’s clean and upscale” to Valley Stream’s commercial areas, according to Vinny Ang, a consultant for the village. White Christmas lights have been wrapped around light poles on Rockaway Avenue for decoration after dark, and it is hoped that enough businesses will take advantage of the sidewalk seating program that a more inviting scene will develop on the street and in other locations where restaurants are clustered. “This is a big step in that direction,” Ang said.

He added that the program could encourage more restaurants to gravitate to Rockaway Avenue and similar locations, which could result in less busy storefronts like nail salons and real estate offices moving to side streets. The village expects to make the program permanent, the goal being to create commercial avenues that attract foot traffic.

“We recognize that people like to sit out during the warm weather months, and want to accommodate businesses in any manner possible to offer this option to their customers,” said Mayor Ed Fare. “We hope to see lots of restaurants and eateries taking advantage of this opportunity to showcase their establishments in a way that enhances their businesses and our village.”

There is no fee for the temporary program. Its conditions require that tables and chairs be outside only from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and that there be four feet of unobstructed sidewalk for pedestrians.

Pamela Grandt, owner of P.J. Harper’s on Rockaway Avenue, welcomed the news. “It’ll make this area a destination,” she said. “As people drive by and they see the places — cute places — it makes this strip attractive to diners and gives it a different type of identity.”