As the weather warms, who doesn’t like to be outdoors?  One of the true pleasures of urban life is walking city streets, sitting outdoors and watching life go by — as well as outdoor dining and sampling great local foods. 

One of the goals of the CC is to activate streets with pedestrian activity and enhanced curb appeal.  We think that fun, vibrant cities have great street life – with plenty of outdoor dining opportunities. That’s why we launched our Café Corridor mini-façade grant program – to encourage businesses and organizations along the Corridor to activate outdoor space for public use.

We were thrilled with the response to our solicitation last year.  This spring you’ll see festive red bistro sets (the same as those in Times Square and other great public spaces in NYC), appearing along Syracuse streets. Thanks to businesses who are participating in the program.  Go enjoy new bistro table seating at Café Corridor locations:  Café Kubal, Gannon’s, Crowne Plaza Syracuse (Redfields), Jolime, Sheraton Syracuse University, the Redhouse Café , Samir’s Imported Foods, 800 Café and bc Restaurant.  Eat outside and take in the street scene.  Watch for more to come, as well.

We were also pleased to fund a beautiful new al fresco patio seating area at the Everson Plaza where you can bring lunch and enjoy the outdoor sculpture garden – a truly beautiful setting to take a break and enjoy this gorgeous world class museum.  Take a walk and enjoy this wonderful spot to unwind.  The new patio opened last week for the season.  Be one of the first to enjoy it!

We’re interested in learning if more businesses would be interested in another round.  If so, here is a simple form indicating your interest.  If we get enough applicants, we’ll consider funding a second round.