An Upper East Side deli owner says he’s facing a $10,000 fine for placing tables and chairs in public space outside his business, sparking debate about community use versus regulatory compliance.
Why It Matters: The case highlights tensions between small businesses trying to create welcoming neighborhood spaces and city rules governing public use.
Driving the News: Yousef, owner of Heavenly Finest Deli at 1824 Second Avenue between 94th and 95th streets, received a Department of Buildings fine on July 14 for expanding onto public space with tables and foldable chairs, as reported by East Side Feed.
What They’re Saying: “I tried to make the place a good place to relax,” said Yousef, owner of Heavenly Finest Deli, per East Side Feed. “A lot of neighbors came to sit down—everyone was happy. The tables were for everyone, not just my customers.”
Catch Up Quick: The deli faces the privately-owned public space surrounding the Second Avenue subway entrance at 94th Street. These small plazas are common on the Upper East Side and typically accessible 24 hours a day, with rules about noise and loitering, East Side Feed notes.
State of Play: Yousef posted about the fine on Reddit Monday, titling it “We got ticket for 10k for making the neighbour [sic] looks better,” East Side Feed reports. The post drew mixed reactions – some users sympathized while others criticized the use of public space. One commenter wrote: “You’ve basically taken those public benches as your own seating area. I wouldn’t sit there if I walked by and would think it was only for customers.”
What’s Next: The fine stipulates a standard penalty of $5,000 and maximum of $10,000, details East Side Feed. Tables, chairs and umbrellas remained outside the deli Saturday morning as Yousef explores permit options.
