Council Member Thomas-Henry opposes Cali Tajadas sidewalk café application
Chair Louis presents LU 141 and notes that Council Member Thomas-Henry does not support the Cali Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant sidewalk café application. Thomas-Henry cites unresolved quality-of-life concerns and lack of communication with the owner, arguing that use of shared public space requires responsibility to neighbors and other small businesses.
The first vote concerns LU-141, relating to an application by Tero de Esquina NYC Corp., formerly doing business as Cali Tejadas Bakery and Restaurant for a sidewalk application in Councilmember Thomas Henry's district.
Applicant is to place four tables and attached seating along the front of the restaurant, which is located in Corona, Queens.
Councilmember Thomas Henry does not support the application.
I now call on Councilmember Thomas Henry for remarks.
Good morning, and thank you, Chair Lewis, for the opportunity to speak today.
As chair of the Committee on Small Business, as the council member representing District 21, and as a former...
I'm a small business owner myself.
I believe deeply in supporting our local entrepreneurs.
Small businesses are the backbone of communities like Corona, and when they are ready to grow, we should be working alongside them to help them succeed.
But supporting small businesses also means protecting the integrity of the entrepreneurs who work hard every day to be responsible members of the communities they serve.
That's why I called up the Sidewalk Cafe application for Calais Tejadas Bakery and Restaurant.
Our office has received numerous quality of life concerns regarding this establishment.
Most importantly, despite repeated efforts by my office to engage directly with the business owner and find community-centered solutions, we were unable to establish the communication necessary to meaningfully address those concerns.
And that matters.
We cannot effectively address concerns when there is not sufficient communication.
My office intends to use this process to make it clear that given the unresolved quality of life concerns and the lack of meaningful engagement with our office and the surrounding community,
we do not believe this sidewalk cafe can operate in a manner that respects the residents and businesses who share this public space.
A sidewalk cafe is not simply an expansion of a private business.
It is permission to use our shared public space.
And with that opportunity comes a responsibility to the neighbors, families, and other small businesses who share that block.
A responsibility to grow with our community.
Thank you.