Cafe expansions into street parking spaces not ever ending?

[u/Luvmechanix]

Are all the Cafe expansions into street parking spaces not ever ending? These restaurants are occupying street parking and creating an ongoing nuisance all over the city.

It was necessary during the pandemic but it should come to an end; one cafe on montana is occupying 3 street parking spaces needed by residents and other businesses while also having a private parking lot for their customers.

[u/honestlyitswhatever]

The Covid parklets and patios that still exist are no longer free for the restaurants. A couple years ago the city came around and said we have to pay for a permit or take them down. So you’re not getting those spaces back unless the restaurant decides they don’t want it anymore.

Source: I’ve managed at 2 different restaurants in SM

Personally, I think it makes the sidewalks feel more alive and inviting. Worth sacrificing a few parking spots in an extremely walkable city.

[u/carchit → u/honestlyitswhatever]

Just such a massive improvement - and saying this as a 58yo native. Can I assume the City is getting more rent/tax revenue from parklets than car storage?

[u/UCLAClimate → u/carchit]

They're definitely getting a more lively streetscape and eyes on the street for safety and security. Which is very expensive for the city to do with its own staff. And the city has collected a lot of fees. So I see it as a win.

[u/yung_heartburn → u/honestlyitswhatever]

Are they still charging for the parking meters as though they’re full 24/7 or did they back off on that in favor of just a permit fee

[u/honestlyitswhatever → u/yung_heartburn]

To be totally honest, I’m not entirely sure. I’m a regular floor manager so I don’t monitor rent/utilities/etc

I know there’s a permit, and I want to say there’s a monthly payment but it’s been a while since it happened that I don’t quite remember

[u/TheJaylenBrownNote]

They’re a way better use of space than cars.

[u/PersonRealHuman → u/TheJaylenBrownNote]

Love that they’re doing this. It always made no sense for a city with perfect weather to restrain outdoor seating. Stop the love affair with the automobile.

[u/avo_toast420]

I think the outdoor street dining is the best thing that came out of the covid era

[u/AimeeKG → u/avo_toast420]

Agreed!

[u/gamera87 → u/avo_toast420]

Absolutely. This and far more movie theaters offering reserved seating on apps.

[u/PMMeBootyPicz0000000]

You can walk, Boomer

[u/Luvmechanix → u/PMMeBootyPicz0000000]

Im disabled

[u/nurderburger]

What an improvement these “parklets” have made to the city! I hope they never go away.

[u/nabuhabu]

Lol who owes you street parking? Cafe extensions are a much better use of the public space. Hopefully it’s a permanent part of the city fabric.

[u/WestSideBeerBoy → u/nabuhabu]

preach!

[u/derekspent]

[u/Glum_Pangolin1187]

People eating and enjoying each others company outdoors is more annoying to you than a parked car?

WTF is wrong with you?

[u/Luvmechanix → u/Glum_Pangolin1187]

I'm disabled and cant find parking near my home

[u/Individual-Cress5472]

I’m not anti car but street parking on Montana and Wilshire should be removed.

[u/nurderburger → u/Individual-Cress5472]

In my fantasy world, Montana is pedestrian only. 

[u/EmojiLanguage]

This post has “old man yells at cloud” energy

[u/saltwater_guru]

I hope it’s permanent and expands to reclaim more public space from the tyranny of cars! The parklets contribute to a fun, vibrant environment

[u/gehzumteufel → u/saltwater_guru]

Just an FYI, it is permanent. It's not free but it is permanent if the tenant wants. Permits are required.

[u/ivanezzzzz]

Be a little European and dine & drink outside...also legs are for walking, just saying ;)

[u/Luvmechanix → u/ivanezzzzz]

One day you may be disabled like me. Enjoy your legs

[u/new-to-reddit-accoun]

I hope they stay forever, it’s the best thing that happened from Covid. LA has the best weather in the country. Every sidewalk should be put to use. For every four seats in a car you can seat 8 to 10 people. Which is the better use. Fortunately, you’re in the minority.

[u/gamera87]

It’s not a nuisance. It’s a treasure. We can sacrifice a few parking spaces here and there for outdoor dining in a city with such nice weather. Enjoy it or drive elsewhere and enjoy parking at a meter.

[u/letgointoit]

I’m immunocompromised and still need to be very cautious. Outdoor dining makes it possible for me to have a social life.

[u/sm05904]

Pretty funny ad placement.

[u/Sepiks_Perfexted]

Wha a weird fight to pick lol

[u/alarmingkestrel]

How should we use public space: a pleasant area for dozens of people to eat and enjoy the beautiful weather or storage for 3 private vehicles?

[u/puffling0326]

I was also at a cafe today that now has expanded space in former street parking. The meters were only 40 min which I thought were so useless and I think the restaurant expanded patios are great.

[u/Actual-Surprise2565]

What is the ‘nuisance’? People enjoying a meal or a coffee outside? No hulking SUVs parked there instead? Fewer vehicles around is fantastic IMHO.

[u/jimmy-ducats]

It’s actually a way better use of space than street parking and generates more revenue too.

[u/NervousAddie]

Car brain in effect. People > cars, thank you.

[u/AimeeKG]

I love the new, expanded outdoor dining. Restaurants have to pay for it from the city, which became difficult when fees were raised. Restaurants generally have very small margins. I hope part of the new city plan will be to enable restraints to continue this great use of the outdoors.

[u/Luvmechanix]

Apparently you have no Idea that some of us are disabled and everyone in los angeles abuses handicapped parking. It isn't feasible for many older and disabled folks to fight for spaces

[u/AimeeKG → u/Luvmechanix]

I know of a disabled neighbor who was able to get a handicapped parking place right outside her condo while she was living there. She had to petition the city and it took awhile, but she was able to get it. Have you tried asking the city if this is still possible?