Two-and-a-half hours into CB3’s SLA Committee hearing, they’ve already breezed through 10 out of 32 applications. The highlights so far:
Eddie Huang of Baohaus was not in the house as the committee scrutinized his proposal for Xiao Ye. His brother, however, agreed to withdraw the application for a Taiwanese spot at 198B Orchard, after CB3 members questioned why the owners didn’t reach out to the neighborhood block association. That will give them time to consult with residents. Committee Chair Alexandra Militano did not pass up the opportunity to needle brother Huang about the original business name, Crackhaus, which was rejected by the state. But he argued Xiao Ye will be a serious dining establishment, pointing out that Baohaus has won rave reviews from food critics.
William Tigertt, co-owner of Freemans, celebrated/vented/tweeted after the restaurant’s latest appearance before CB3 tonight: “Freemans got liquor license renewed at 4th commie board this year. Cb3 should do a scared straight program for would be restaurantuers.” In a repeat of February’s session, two residents came to protest noisy crowds walking down Freemans Alley. They said the noise problem had lessened somewhat since Freemans agreed to hire security guards to control crowd noise, but argued voices echoing in the alley were still keeping residents up at night and disturbing them during weekend brunch hours. The owners agreed to add more security but protested, “you’re basically asking us to be as quiet as a church mouse 24 hours a day.”
Also:
- The owners of Cafe Buon Gusto (76 Avenue B) withdrew their application for a sidewalk cafe after committee members pointed out the restaurant has not yet opened and does not have a liquor license.
- Westville Restaurant’s sidewalk cafe license was rejected on the grounds that Avenue A is already overburdened with bars and late night crowds.
- JC Hibachi at 198A Orchard was turned away, after committee members suggested the owners failed to demonstrate the “public benefit” of the restaurant, which is in a CB3 resolution area (a district in which the board has imposed a moratorium).
More later…
