fbpx
  • Subscribe & Support
  • Sign up for Free Newsletter
  • Print Edition
    • Get Home Delivery
    • Read ePaper Online
    • Newsstand Locations
  • HV1 Magazines
  • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Customer Support
    • Submit A News Tip
    • Where’s My Paper?
  • Manage HV1 Account
  • Free HV1 Trial
  • Movie Night Gift Subscription
Hudson Valley One
  • News
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Crime
    • Politics & Government
  • What’s Happening
    • Calendar Of Events
    • Featured Events
      • Art
      • Books
      • Kids
      • Lifestyle & Wellness
      • Food & Drink
      • Music
      • Nature
      • Stage & Screen
  • Opinions
    • Letters
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Local
    • Special Sections
    • Local History
  • Marketplace
    • All Classified Ads
    • Help Wanted
    • Post a Classified Ad
  • Obituaries
  • Podcast
  • Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Crime
    • Politics & Government
  • What’s Happening
    • Calendar Of Events
    • Featured Events
      • Art
      • Books
      • Kids
      • Lifestyle & Wellness
      • Food & Drink
      • Music
      • Nature
      • Stage & Screen
  • Opinions
    • Letters
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Local
    • Special Sections
    • Local History
  • Marketplace
    • All Classified Ads
    • Help Wanted
    • Post a Classified Ad
  • Obituaries
  • Podcast
  • Log In
No Result
View All Result
Hudson Valley One
No Result
View All Result

Outdoor dining could brighten bleak parking area in New Paltz

by Terence P. Ward
February 11, 2021
in Food & Drink, General News
0
Outdoor dining could brighten bleak parking area in New Paltz

The site which has been a laundromat and a smoke shop tucked away behind Main Street in New Paltz may next become something of an open-air cafe. (Photo by Lauren Thomas)

The site which has been a laundromat and a smoke shop tucked away behind Main Street in New Paltz may next become something of an open-air cafe. (Photo by Lauren Thomas)

The site which has been a laundromat and a smoke shop tucked away behind Main Street in New Paltz may next become something of an open-air cafe, if village planning board members and McGillicuddy’s owner Brian Keenan come to terms. Keenan, who has been the proprietor of McGillicuddy’s for some 25 years, met with board members for a pre-application review at their February 2 meeting. The restaurateur gathered feedback on the questions board members will want answered when an application is filed.

The building can be accessed through a parking area behind McGillicuddy’s and adjacent to both the village municipal lot and the one associated with 58 Main Street, and at the moment has all the character that a sea of asphalt brings to any location. Keenan has added seating for that existing restaurant as well, as authorized under pandemic-related rules, and as a consequence has had to pull dumpsters out from corners to make them more accessible to the drivers of refuse trucks. The proposal reviewed by board members would replace some of the parking with a seating area and landscaping, on the assumption that those customers who arrive in a car could instead pay to use the municipal lot.

In the same building, there are several apartments, meaning that it’s already approved as a mixed-use structure. However, there would be a special-use permit needed for this change and building inspector Cory Wirthmann advised that pinpointing the precise use would be necessary for that to move ahead. In reviewing the code, Wirthmann zeroed in on calling it a “restaurant with accessory outdoor seating,” because if it’s defined as an outdoor cafe, no one could eat inside at all. That reflects Keenan’s stated intent, to have the bulk of seating outside, with the kitchen and some portion of seating within. That guidance was offered, but board attorney Rick Golden encouraged letting the applicant decide how to frame the request.

Keenan explained to board members, “I see the future of the restaurant business being focused on outdoor dining,” which became a necessity during the present pandemic.

The six one-bedroom apartments would retain the required parking, but none would be provided for the restaurant itself. The rationale is that an ongoing shift toward a pedestrian-friendly village core means that potential patrons who drive to arrive would leave their car in a single location and partake of shopping, entertainment and other local amenities in addition to a meal under the sky. Board member Rachel Lagodka wondered about exactly how pedestrians might arrive, as the location is surrounded by parking lots, with no sidewalks or dedicated pedestrian paths from any direction. Engineer Andy Willingham acknowledged that this is a question which would have to be addressed in more detail.

Willingham also promised to save a very old tree from execution if possible, saying, “If it’s a good tree, we’ll do everything we can to save it.”

Members Denis Magee and Raquel Carrion praised Keenan for the concept, saying that it appeared to be an innovative way to address the needs of people who don’t like to cook while at the same time improving the aesthetics of a rather dreary spot in the center of the village. Keenan wants to make a “substantial investment” on that front, including a new retaining wall, roof, facade and other details to beautify the spot. It’s anticipated that the food will include “shareable appetizers,” such as tacos and tapas.

Tags: members
Join the family! Grab a free month of HV1 from the folks who have brought you substantive local news since 1972. We made it 50 years thanks to support from readers like you. Help us keep real journalism alive.
- Geddy Sveikauskas, Publisher
Previous Post

Ulster’s justice system has adapted to virus restrictions, but jury trials still on hold

Next Post

New Paltz police officer Robert Sisco shares his side of the story

Terence P. Ward

Terence P Ward resides in New Paltz, where he reports on local events, writes books about religious minorities, tends a wild garden and communes with cats.

Related Posts

Ranger John Rusher to the rescue
General News

Ranger John Rusher to the rescue

June 1, 2023
Kingston’s new tap room and beer garden was made for locals
Business

Kingston’s new tap room and beer garden was made for locals

May 26, 2023
Rooted in tradition: Popular Hudson Valley farmers market opens for season
Community

Rooted in tradition: Popular Hudson Valley farmers market opens for season

May 25, 2023
Over a million ain’t bad
General News

Over a million ain’t bad

May 23, 2023
Brookside bridge in New Paltz closed indefinitely
General News

Brookside bridge in New Paltz closed indefinitely

May 23, 2023
Ulster County Legislature okays purchase of armored vehicle 
General News

Ulster County Legislature okays purchase of armored vehicle 

May 23, 2023
Next Post
New Paltz police officer Robert Sisco shares his side of the story

New Paltz police officer Robert Sisco shares his side of the story

Trending News

  • Kingston’s new tap room and beer garden was made for locals 4.5k views
  • Victim’s mother was assured by Kingston school officials that her son would be safe, notice of claim now entered against the district 3.6k views
  • Who’s to blame for Kingston’s inadequate playing fields? Just ask the parents 838 views
  • Pride reaffirmed in New Paltz 723 views
  • Horsin’ around in Saugerties (photos) 574 views
  • At iPark 87, things do seem different this time 421 views

Weather

Kingston
◉
81°
Sunny
5:23 am8:24 pm EDT
Feels like: 82°F
Wind: 1mph WNW
Humidity: 45%
Pressure: 29.99"Hg
UV index: 0
FriSatSun
93/61°F
68/48°F
73/48°F
Weather forecast Kingston, New York ▸

Subscribe

Independent. Local. Substantive. Subscribe now.

×
You have free article(s) remaining. Subscribe for unlimited access.
View Subscription Offers Sign In
  • Subscribe & Support
  • Sign up for Free Newsletter
  • Print Edition
  • HV1 Magazines
  • Contact
  • Manage HV1 Account
  • Free HV1 Trial
  • Movie Night Gift Subscription

© 2022 Ulster Publishing

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Crime
    • Politics & Government
  • What’s Happening
    • Calendar Of Events
    • Featured Events
      • Art
      • Books
      • Kids
      • Lifestyle & Wellness
      • Food & Drink
      • Music
      • Nature
      • Stage & Screen
  • Opinions
    • Letters
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Local
    • Special Sections
    • Local History
  • Marketplace
    • All Classified Ads
    • Help Wanted
    • Post a Classified Ad
  • Obituaries
  • Podcast
  • Subscribe & Support
  • Contact Us
    • Customer Support
    • Advertise
    • Submit A News Tip
  • Print Edition
    • Read ePaper Online
    • Newsstand Locations
    • Where’s My Paper
  • HV1 Magazines
  • Manage HV1 Account
  • Log In
  • Free HV1 Trial

© 2022 Ulster Publishing