Lindenhurst To Restaurants: Take Outdoor Dining Areas Down

LINDENHURST, NY —The Village of Lindenhurst says it's time for the ad-hoc outdoor dining tents and other dining areas that made pandemic dining possible to come down.

The deadline for removing any structures, tents and other outdoor eating areas that don't have permanent building permits is mid-August for most local businesses, the Village stated in a recent announcement.

"While some changes that were made can safely be maintained throughout the rest of these summer months, such as some outdoor seating areas, most of the tents and structures cannot...We hope that is understood as the time now approaches for these temporary tents and structures to come down," a statement published on the Village's Facebook account said last week.

Some residents questioned the decision, citing their ongoing concerns with indoor dining amid the rise of cases and the Delta variant of COVID-19.

Jackie Heney lives in Lindenhurst Village and expressed concerns.

"This is a shame and will definitely damage our local businesses. The pandemic isn't over yet. I am not willing to do indoor dining and many I know aren't either."

"Even before COVID, I always wished there were more places with outdoor dining. Please reconsider this unfortunate decision. If you're concerned about temporary structures, set up inspections for safety, and let them be."

Karen Shanley agreed.

"Why? Cuomo extended outdoor capacities for another year. Let them ride it out another year. Gives them more dining space which allows them to generate more revenue and make up for what they lost at the height of the pandemic. Plus, Covid is not over yet. Cases rising everyday. What happens come fall, winter remains to be seen. Requiring them to take structures down only to have to rebuild them is extremely short sighted."

New York City was one municipality that decided to extend outdoor sidewalk dining for another year.

Will you miss the added outdoor dining options in Lindenhurst? Tell us in the comments.