A few more details from last night’s CB3/liquor licensing hearing. The owners of “Preserve 24,” the bi-level, 24 hour Argentinian cafe/bar taking over 175-177 East Houston Street, made a return engagement. The community board approved this concept back in April, but the operators came back with a pitch to add “occasional live music” (a couple of times per month) in the basement portion of the space.
In the spring, the committee signed off on the proposal, in spite of objections from Mark Russ Federman, representing “Preserve 24’s” neighbor, Lower East Side institution Russ & Daughters. The Russ family owns 179 East Houston, where the legendary appetizing store is located. Four months ago, Federman said he was concerned that the new spot might use an interior courtyard, disturbing the residential tenants living above Russ & Daughters and in surrounding buildings.
Last night, Federman said he found it “off-putting” that “Preserve 24’s” owners hadn’t reached out to him. He suggested they should, at least, “establish their bona fides” in the neighborhood before making a request for live music in such a densely populated stretch of the Lower East Side. The committee agreed, rejecting the revised plan.
It should be noted, the applicant said he had no intention of using the courtyard and that the restaurant was investing in soundproofing. Incidentally, the owner of 175-177 East Houston, ubiquitous LES developer Serge Hoyda, touts the courtyard as a selling point for this commercial space. The listing also features a photo showing the iconic Russ & Daughters facade (presumably another selling point).
Other notes from last night:
- The committee approved an application from Antibes Bistro, 112 Suffolk Street, to upgrade from a beer/wine license to a full liquor permit.
- Hachi, the new Asian fusion restaurant seeking a beer/wine license, was a “no show.”
- Peels, 325 Bowery, got the okay to serve liquor from a food service counter in the back of the restaurant.
