All stories about "Community Boards"
Alright community boards, now you're gone to far. The Brooklyn Paper reports that a Bay Ridge CB has voted to ban all food vending on a stretch of 86th Street: "Members of Community Board 10 said the handful of hot dog and other food vendors between Fourth and Fifth avenues was a menace that attracts crowds and litter. 'It would be best to have no vending at all,' said the board’s District Manager..." [BP]
First Word: JoeDoe Greenlit After A Battle
Welcome to First Word, wherein Eater and its correspondents sit for hours at steamy community board meetings to bring back the first word of new establishments and what they're up to. Your reports from the field always encouraged to tips@eater.com.
Last night the full board of Community Board 3 met to, among other things, pass final judgment on many a restaurant's request for liquor license approval. Our report this week comes not from one of our trusty community board correspondents. Rather restaurateur Joe Dobias, owner of JoeDoe, a restaurant set to open on East 1st St., weighs in with his account. Unsurprisingly, we learn that even though the restaurant won approval, it was not smooth sailing for the team last night. Tell us how it went down Joe:
"Once again we were singled out as being malicious and untrustworthy...by one communtiy member. This woman was a vocal opposer of our transfer since the block association meeting we had almost two weeks ago. I am writing to say that we were singled out unfairly and were judged based upon the wrongs of other establishments. Let me clarify and say that we were approved to transfer our license at the meeting, but we are writing to express our deepest regret at the way this one community member went about her opposition. She spoke to 'friends; and simply told them to vote no because she said so, not based on facts.Joe's message to the community.>>
Community Board 1 rejected the liquor license for 'beca, the ground floor restaurant in the new Duane Hotel, citing their feud with the former owner, Sam 'destroyer of cities' Chang. While the new owners argued that they shouldn't be punished for the community's grievances with the former developer, the board wasn't having it: "'A beer and wine license remains a privilege, not a right,' said Jean Grillo, president of the Duane St. Block Association. To approve the license would reward the developer’s 'lousy community relations,' she said." [Downtown Express]
First Word: CB2 Is Good to the Hanson, Mercat, Viceroy and More!!
Team Dell'Anima wasn't the only group having a good time at last night's Community Board 2 Business meeting. The usually strict committee was a benevolent bunch and approved everybody that showed up with a complete application:
1) The Full Hanson himself was there to present his plan to actually reduce capacity at Vento. He wants to lose some seats to improve the overall experience, but the bulk of the change will be swapping out the bar.
2) Even though it's hotter than hell now, sun-stroked New Yorkers will have to wait a couple more summers to cool off in what will be the Viceroy Hotel's rooftop pool, going up at 330 Hudson Street. The committee narrowly approved the license for the adjacent rooftop bar, and the full board will vote later this month. Neither the committee nor the developer wants another "Hotel Gansevort situation" so Viceroy management is looking to use price point as a crowd control tool. $30 mojitos, anybody? But as the developer revealed, they cannot legally deny any schmo off the street access to the roof.
News from Mercat and 9th Street.>>Apparently enough sneaky restaurateurs and bar owners have moved their doorways in order to be further than 200 feet from a house of worship or school that the neighbors are pissed. They are calling it a liquor license "loophole" and have taken their complaint all the way to Albany. [Brownstoner]
People just can't let things go, eh? Even though restaurateur Jim Mamary already won approval from Brooklyn's CB6 for a full liquor license for his restaurant Oyster Bar, the issue is up for debate yet again. His opponents are saying the last meeting was flawed, and they'll all rehash the issue tonight. [GL]
In a departure from the usual denials and rancorous debate, last night's Community Board 1 full meeting approved Osterio Casano, Ma Maria, Jerry's (a.k.a. YourAsian) for full liquor licenses and the Duane Hotel for a beer and wine license. Drink up, Tribeca. [EaterWire]
In a victory for bar owners, liquor license advocates, and lovers of Union Hall across the city, the beleaguered bar won approval from the full Community Board 6 last night at what can only be called an epic and emotional meeting. The board voted to overturn last week's rejection and to support Union Hall's May 31st license renewal. Gothamist was on the scene: "Union Hall's staff and a fair amount of its clientele showed up in force this time around: cheering loudly as they watched the tables turn in their favor, booing Sones...and finally staging a victory celebration on Borough Hall's steps after the vote with picket signs in hand..." [Gothamist]
Brooklyn's CB2 is considering flat out denying bars and restaurants seeking full liquor licenses in areas it deems "oversaturated": "The two 'over-saturation' examples Perris gave were Atlantic Avenue near Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights (Brazen Head, Floyd, Last Exit, Magnetic Field, Montero's, Waterfront Ale House) and the intersection of Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue in Fort Greene (Frank's Lounge, Moe's, Stonehome Wine Bar)." [Brownstoner]
The Union Hall v CB6 fight gets dirtier by the day. The Brooklyn Paper reports that one anti-Union Hall member is being called out for conflict of interest issues (he owns a competing bar) while another has been reported to the fire marshals for filing a false complaint and wasting community resources. This is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. [BP]
Eugene Mirman, comedian, Park Slope resident, and fan on Union Hall, speaks out about the circus of a CB6 meeting last night and mentions parts of it will make it into an upcoming documentary: "Many of the people who spoke at the meeting were rude, entitled, self-righteous and over dramatic...Two people claimed the noise was killing them — not figuratively — but literally. Maybe Brooklyn isn’t the best place for someone who has a life-threatening allergy to bar noise? [Gothamist]
The Drying of NYC: CB6 Drops Hammer on Union Hall
Looks like the press release submitted by some members of Park Slope's CB6 to make their case against bar and music venue Union Hall did the trick: last night the landmarks/land-use committee voted against allowing the venue to renew its liquor license, unless the owners meet serious stipulations. Brownstoner has the details:
"After a lengthy and often rancorous public hearing about renewing the Park Slope bar and venue's liquor license, the committee voted 6 to 2 in favor of a motion that denies Union Hall a renewal unless the business's owners sign a contract stipulating that they will take measures to ameliorate noise, such as stopping the sale of alcohol after midnight. Although the motion is ultimately only advisory, the committee member who introduced it—Lou Sones, who himself owns a bar, The Brazen Head on Atlantic Avenue—described it as the community board's 'nuclear weapon' in terms of being a powerful indication to the State Liquor Authority that Union Hall is disturbing the lives of nearby residents."The bar's merits, Eugene Mirman, and a whole lotta heckling, ahead.>>
The Drying of NYC: CB Has it In for Union Hall
Back when Bouley was having problems getting community approval for Brush Stroke, he sent a preemptive PR blitz to all CB1 members prior to the meeting. Following suit, there's some major lobbying going on ahead of the public hearing for Union Hall, the popular Park Slope music venue and bar up for a controversial liquor license renewal next week. This time, the press release comes from the community members who are up in arms about the so-called "public nuisance." It's up to you to decide whether or not these community leaders are bat-shit crazy or if they are simply aggravated neighbors with a worthy complaint. (You can guess which way we're leaning). Here's a snippet from the release, with most of the 1200 word treatment ahead:
"'Since Union Hall opened in June of 2006, those of us who live closest to the bar have found that rooms on the street side of our apartments are unlivable, from early in the evening until 4 and 5 a.m., seven nights a week,' says block resident Laura Jones. 'Beds have been moved away from windows into back kitchens, and young couples with infants are unable to make full use of their living rooms..."And it goes on...
The ubiquitous 500 foot law, next.>>
NPR takes on the community boards and the 2am closings in today's "Morning Edition". In three minutes they interview MePa revelers, an aggravated community type, and a nightlife lawyer. One takeaway: "The community boards have wielded so much influence over the past few years that now less than 10% of liquor license applicants in Jones' neighborhood even ask to stay open past 2. To some people that makes the city feel less like New York." [NPR]
Last week the CEO of the State Liquor Authority, known for abiding by the interests of community boards, quietly and somewhat suddenly resigned. Now the question is, where will the next CEO's sympathies lie?: "The news of the sudden resignation stunned community groups. 'This is very troubling, very worrying,' said Susan Finley, co-founder of the Flatiron Alliance. 'He was behind the movement to clean up the SLA...' The SLA revoked 239 liquor licenses in 2007 and 203 in 2006. In 2003, only 88 licenses were pulled." [NYP via DBTH]
The community boards out in Queens are starting to sound like the good 'ol CBs 1, 2, and 3 in Lower Manhattan: "'There's a saturation of bars and restaurants; in Long Island City,' said Community Board 2 Chairman Joe Conley. 'People are saying enough is enough.'...Doocey, a communications consultant, added, 'We're not anti-business. We're not even anti-bar. But the next thing you know, Vernon Blvd. will become a mess like the lower East Side.'" [NYDN]
First Word: CB1 Lightens Up on Licenses
Welcome to First Word, wherein Eater and its correspondents sit for hours at steamy community board meetings to bring back the first word of new establishments and what they're up to. Your reports from the field always encouraged to tips@eater.com.
Last night's full Community Board 1 meeting went delightfully smoothly. Barely any bickering. Liquor licenses all around. But of course, it wouldn't be a CB1 meeting without at least one mention of their nemesis David Bouley. The full report:
1) It was a good night for suds slingers at last night's meeting. The board agreed not to oppose any of the liquor license applications/transfers that the individual committees approved (Regan's Pub/YourAsian/ Tokyo Bay/ Jour et Nuit/ a business at 40 Broad Street/ Vidhan Foods). But, Atomic Wings and Osteria Casano were denied and tabled, respectively, with no representatives from either to speak.
2) Guess who came up again?! That's right, Bouley was mentioned in the Adoption of the Minutes as the executive committee resolved to further research just exactly how that wily David got the names and email addresses of all of the board members. They also weren't too happy with his lawyer suggesting a board member recuse herself from the vote. Day late and a dollar short board, but maybe the story isn't completely over!
—Adam Haas
· First Word: Keep Those Hipsters Off the Sidewalk [~E~]
· First Word: CB1 Gives Go-Ahead to Smyth, Drops Hammer on Atomic Wings [~E~]
Gov't Intervention: Could NYC Follow in SF's Footsteps?
For all the restaurateurs and libertarians upset about the mandatory calorie postings in NYC chain restaurants, just be happy you aren't doing business in San Francisco. Same goes for you folks battling with the community boards. Due to a record high minimum wage, a mandatory 9 day sick leave for all employees, and the requirement to offer every worker health care, restaurants have begun adding 'Health Care' fees to their diners' checks. Eater SF has been covering the whole story— including the SF Restaurant Association's lawsuit against the city—but the Times ran a piece over the weekend that describes the degree to which San Francisco's Board of Supervisors have intervened in everyday life. To some, the city is setting examples for the rest of the country to follow, but for others these rules are anathema to healthy business. A breakdown of the most controversial laws and proposals:
· Business owners must offer health care, typically a rarity in the restaurant industry except for managers, to all employees.How the restaurants are dealing, next.>>
· Employers must offer 9 days sick leave to all employees.
· Chain restaurants must post nutritional information for all menu items.
· Minimum wage is $9.36 and will increase next year.
· Plastic bags are banned from supermarkets, Styrofoam containers banned at all "food outlets".
· The Board wants to fine stores and restaurants that sell items with high fructose corn syrup.
· The Board proposed to require permits and insurance for events including weddings, parties, and benefits.
· The Board proposed to fine office buildings that leave their lights on overnight.
· The Board proposed to make all lobbyists wear name tags when doing business.
First Word: CB1 Gives Go-Ahead to Smyth, Drops Hammer on Atomic Wings
Welcome to First Word, wherein Eater and its correspondents sit for hours at steamy community board meetings to bring back the first word of new establishments and what they're up to. Your reports from the field always encouraged to tips@eater.com.
Since the liquor license resolution for the new venue by the owners of Cain was stricken from the agenda due to community opposition, last night's CB1 Tribecca Committee meeting went relatively smoothly. Though continuous complaints were voiced about the "black cars" (i.e. livery cabs) plaguing the 'hood, the chair ran a tight ship, reminding members that it's too late to stop changes in the neighborhood. Highlights:
1) Following his success before the CB2 board Tuesday, restaurateur Frederick Lesort hit CB1's Tribeca Committee last night, requesting a liquor license for his new venture in the upcoming Smyth Hotel at 85 West Broadway. After LeSort agreed to limit bar hours until 2 a.m. on weekends instead of 4 a.m., the committee easily approved his application.
CB1 is on to Atomic Wings' tricks, next.>>First Word: Red Egg, LeDen Green Lit; Sohotel Must Wait
Welcome to First Word, wherein Eater and its correspondents sit for hours at steamy community board meetings to bring back the first word of new establishments and what they're up to. Your reports from the field always encouraged to tips@eater.com.
Lesson from last night's Community Board 2 Business Committee Meeting: Come prepared, or prepare for delay. Here are the highlights:
1) The committee passed a motion in support of a liquor license for a new Chinatown restaurant—Red Egg at 202 Centre Street. The owner touted it as "not your typical Chinese restaurant in Chinatown," featuring Chinese comfort food, dim sum, and, as the owner's Chinese mother lived in Peru, a Latin influence. The presentation to the committee included a scale model of the restaurant design, detailed copies of the floor plan, and a well-prepared explaination that wowed the committee. Even so committee members pushed the owner with seemingly inconsequential questions:
Board member: What hours will you serve dim sum?Red Egg hopes to open at the end of this month if possible, but their license still has to pass at the full board meeting before going to the SLA.
Owner: All day.
Board member: No, what hours?
Owner: All Day.
Board member: Until closing at 11 pm? Because to me, day is daylight and night is night so if you say all day, I think dim sum ends at 5.
LeDen and Sohotel's motions, next.>>
The Un-Drying of NYC: Bouley's Brush Stroke Victorious!
In a striking turn of events, Bouley got the green light from the full CB1 board for his three floor Japanese venture, Brush Stroke. The full board voted against their subcommittee's suggestion to reject his license, giving him the go-ahead to apply to the State Liquor Authority with community support. Perhaps his PR stunt yesterday worked. This is a huge victory for Bouley but keep in mind he still has a battle ahead of him at the SLA because of the Padavan Law, or the 500 foot rule, which Brush Stroke would be violating. But let's get to the full, juicy report on the show that was last night's meeting from our community board correspondent:
"The full board voted no on the opposition to granting the license. The numbers were not announced, but it was a landslide. Two resolutions were attached requiring that illegal parking, traffic, and sidewalk cleanliness issues are addressed.Wondering how he got all their emails and a comment on the 'blogs', next.>>About 10 'character witnesses' spoke during the public session in favor of Bouley (which one board member later pointed out were all recipients of food or donations from Bouley). He wasn't there (as you know) but had the letter he sent to the board members read. Also, a 31 page packet of 'Letters of Support' and his 'Charitable Contributions' was distributed, including letters from Drew and Tracy Nieporent, Ron Silver (president of Bubby's Pie Co, Inc), Susan and Steven Johnson (owners of Blue Bench), Michael Dorf (founder of the Knitting Factory), and Libby Turner (former Assistant Director of the Red Cross Disaster Relief Operation for 9/11 New York City)...
Sign up for our email newsletter.
About Eater
From the newest temples of haute cuisine to the oldest dive bars in New York, from Batali to McNally, Eater has you covered. More about Eater...
Tipping Is Customary
Know about a restaurant opening or closing in your neighborhood, or other NYC restaurant gossip? Do let us know.
Restaurant Search
Archives & Feeds
Full-Content FeedContact Us
Email Eater
|
EATER
Editor
Amanda Kludt
Eater Radar Editor
Kelly Dobkin
Photography
Will Femia
Noah Kalina
Daniel Krieger
Interns
Noah Adler
Caitlin Dube
Banner Design
Khoi Uong
Editors-in-Chief
Ben Leventhal
Lockhart Steele
