Hell’s Kitchen’s long-running debate over roadway dining took another chaotic turn Wednesday night, when Manhattan Community Board 4’s full board meeting ran into overtime and ultimately failed to reach consensus on what the neighborhood actually wants.
Members of Manhattan Community Board 4 voted to move discussions on outdoor dining back to committee. Photo: Phil O’Brien
After hours of debate in committees — and with board members sharply divided — the board voted to send a letter to the City Council withdrawing its most recent position on proposed outdoor dining legislation and send the issue back to committee for further discussion. The move effectively resets the board’s stance just weeks before roadway dining is scheduled to return citywide on April 1. Adding to the uncertainty: Hell’s Kitchen currently has no representative at City Hall.
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Publisher & Editor Phil O’Brien is an entrepreneur and journalist. As an international photojournalist, he photographed Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Princess Diana and many others. He built a successful international sports photography agency, EMPICS, that was Getty Images’ major competitor in Europe when it sold. He founded a children’s charity in the UK that has helped young people through sport for over 15 years. Phil has lived in New York since 2012. He founded W42ST in 2014.