The visual aides were a cut above at last night’s CB3 bar brawl. That’s David Mulkins of the Bowery Alliance of Neighbors (pictured above), with a new weapon in the fight against noisy nightlife establishments: colorful posters blown up big enough for even the most jaded community board members to see!
Enemy #1 last night was the Lit Lounge, the 2nd Avenue rock club. The owners told members of the SLA Committee they hoped to transfer their full liquor license to a new venture under the name “93 Art LLC.” Even before any members of the audience chimed in, Committee Chair Alexandra Militano (who lives nearby) complained there are “anywhere between 30-50 people making noise” outside the bar on many nights. She also noted that Lit Lounge has gotten in trouble for “smoking law violations.”
One resident called the owners “a lawless group,” who don’t bother cleaning up broken glass on the sidewalk, refuse to control their customers and are unresponsive to complaints. A young guy who just moved in upstairs from the bar six months ago complained about loud music until at least 4 in the morning. Saying he would not renew his lease, he added “you are an unbelievably irresponsible business.” The owner responded, “we did not know you felt this strongly.” He pledged to take steps to appease his neighbors. The application was withdrawn to give the owners time to regroup. One CB3 member, Ariel Palitz (a bar owner herself) advised, “overwhelm us with how much you care.”
It was a similar story for the legendary Pyramid Club, “a temple of iniquity” on Avenue A. After listening to complaints from residents about lots of noise emanating from the club’s Monday night party, CB3 members directed the proprieters to “turn down your bass.” They voted to support the application for renewal, with stipulations.
The guys behind TPoutine, the 7-month old Canadian eatery on Ludlow Street, received another arctic reception from CB3. Their application for a beer/wine license was rejected last year. Back then, CB3 members noted the restaurant is in a so-called “resolution area,” a section of the neighborhood already overburdened with bars. The owners said they’re having a tough time making a go of it without a liquor license. In the face of continued opposition, they agreed to withdraw their application.
Some operators had a relatively easy time of it last night. The owners of Antibes Bistro on Suffolk Street had no trouble winning support for their expansion into the adjoining space.
Also, Zucco’s partner came before CB3 to ask for permission to serve wine outside. Last month, the owner of the beloved Orchard Street diner died of a heart attack. There’s just one table (four chairs) outside in front of the restaurant. The partner said having the ability to serve alcohol at that table will help him keep the place afloat. Chair Militano expressed alarm at the suggestion that, perhaps, the diner’s future was in doubt. The partner suggested he had every intention of keeping Zucco open. The committee voted to support the application.
