Politics & Government

Sidewalk Bistro, Neighbors Tangle Over Hours

Piermont eatery to close later; lawmakers include stipulations

In the restaurant industry, an extra hour can make all the difference when it comes to profitability.

An hour can make all the difference when it comes to a restful night's sleep, too—and in Piermont, the two are at odds.

Sidewalk Bistro at 482 Piermont Avenue will be expanding the hours of operations in its outdoor dining area after village lawmakers granted permission at last week's village board meeting .

Find out what's happening in Nyack-Piermontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Prior, the eatery shut down at 10 p.m. on Sundays thru Thursdays, and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Now, the the eatery will remain open until 11 p.m. and 12 a.m., respectively. Owner Daout Celestin and the restaurant's legal representation were present when the decision was made.

Find out what's happening in Nyack-Piermontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It is a judgement that Susan and Fred Cohen, who live just behind the restaurant on Elm Street, find upsetting. They've lived in Piermont for several years and through many incarnations of Sidewalk Bistro.

"It would be nice to sleep in our own home," Fred Cohen said, noting chatter and dining from the bistro's backyard often keeps him awake. "It's not getting better by adding more hours, more tables, more food."

"When you're closing at midnight, it means 2 a.m. for the staff," Susan Cohen added.

Other neighbors, however, jumped to Celestin's defence.

"We live one street over, but don’t hear a thing," said Stacey Brady, a 15-year Piermont resident.

Michael Caraccio, who lives above the restaurant, agreed. "It's been extremely quiet as long as I've been there," he said. "I can sleep with the windows open."

Village trustees noted the situation was tricky; John Gallucci, Jr. noted he was "conflicted."

Ultimately, lawmakers granted Sidewalk Bistro's request, but with stipulations—the outdoor dining lot has to be empty, even of staff, 30 minutes after closing time.

"The agreement we're looking at now allows Sidewalk Bistro to serve later, but gives a definitive time for the back lot to be vacant," said Christopher Sanders, the village's mayor.

"Keep us posted on how this works out," Sanders added to the Cohens.


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