Small Village Deli off to a loud start with neighbors

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Residents who live near the new Small Village Deli — which opened last weekend on the NW corner of Avenue B and Fifth Street — say they're already dealing with quality-of-life issues tied to the 24/7 operation.

For starters, issues existed even before the market opened. Neighbors questioned the ultra-bright signage. According to a Department of Buildings summons posted to the door last month: "Observed illuminated sign approx 80 sq feet above premises, no permit on file, creating a safety hazard." 

The violation carries a $2,500 penalty.

Several neighbors have cited a new and loud exhaust system — described by one resident as sounding "like a jet engine" — along with persistent cooking odors entering nearby apartments.

"I was lying in bed, awake before 6 a.m., enjoying the wonderful silence. And then the fan went on at 5:59 a.m.," said Kim-Nora, who lives across the street. "The exhaust system noise seems well above ambient street-level noise at this time of day. This should be the quietest time of day right now … but that thing just sounds like a big truck idling at high RPMs. Difficult to hear the birds now." 

The space at 76 Avenue B has housed several businesses in the past 15 years — including restaurants (Oda House and Caffe Buon Gusto) and a deli (Zips) — though neighbors say the current setup is creating new issues.

Loyan Beausoleil, vice president of the 6 & B Garden next door, said she stopped in to raise concerns about the noise ahead of the garden's public reopening in April. 

"I told them how the fan was very loud in the garden, explaining that we are their neighbors and are hopeful they would make sure it was quiet before we open," she said. "[The owner] was very rude to me and yelled that we were just going to have to get used to it, adding that he was not going to change it."

Beausoleil said she left without arguing, but noted that several nearby delis have built better relationships with the community. (The owner asked EVG to leave on a recent visit.)

"Once the garden is open, I will encourage visitors to avoid Small Village and choose the other delis that act like good neighbors," Beausoleil said. 

Another longtime tenant in the building, who asked not to be named, said the fan ran overnight and was audible even with windows closed. 

"Sounds like a big Mack truck idling right outside your window. And that's with all the windows closed — and the weather is about to warm up, and we want our windows open — and I want to hear the birdsong starting at 4 a.m.," the resident said. "It's literally a nightmare." 

The tenant (and others) said they have contacted the landlord, spoken with the super and deli staff, and filed a 311 complaint, with plans to reach out to Community Board 3 and other local officials if the issue continues.

"Like I have time for this?" the resident added. "If it's killing my sleep, I guess so."