Work continued on Friday morning ...
Though by the end of the day, the job's mission changed to a removal after neighbor complaints — two-story structures are not allowed — led an inspector from the Department of Transportation to the site, who nixed the double-decker.
Here's a look at the de-constructed second level and streeteatery yesterday...
Curbed, who first reported on this Friday, received a statement from Izakaya NYC owner Yudai Kanayama:
Kanayama said he wanted to add extra outdoor space as COVID cases are rising once again, but reiterated that he was taking down the upper level. "I thought the only potential to create more seating was this," he said. The plan had been to lay fake turf upstairs and make the area more like a park or lawn than a restaurant with tables and chairs. "I was basically looking for the best we could do under the restrictions by being more creative and ambitious."
The DOT said that an inspector will return this week to confirm that Izakaya NYC removed the in-progress second deck.
The ill-fated duplex also made the cover of the Post on Saturday, in which Steve Cuozzo excoriated al fresco dining structures.
